Nathaya was writing quietly in what now became her room. As Kang's betrothed, she needed to establish her power in the Palace. Another reason is that guards could protect her more easily. Lady Annisha had secretly already moved all of her belongings into the rooms next to Kang's in the morning. Fortunately, her mother agreed with a loving kiss that her nurse Veyanis could come. It has been two days since she started studying with honorable monks and professors on the art of ruling and war.

Tonight there will be a gala in her honor. Or in Kang's betrothal's honor. She couldn't care less. But in her dressing room, she could hear Veyanis and all her old and new maids arguing on which dress and hairstyle she should have.

She rolled up her scroll and got up from her cushion. Suddenly the door to the dressing room burst open and a stream of maids came out, grabbed her and ushered to the room before she could protest. She let out a surprised gasp as they pushed her onto the walk-in wardrobe. Veyanis turned, her blond-gray hair tied in a ponytail.

"Your outfit needs to emanate power, kindness and some heavenly sensation. So we picked something for you." She stepped aside and Nathaya widened her eyes. "They were among the new dresses the Empress sent you. You now have access to the Imperial Tailor." She looked at the young woman with pride and fondness.

The flowing silk skirts were made of a light fabric, all golden, catching the light, making them shine like the sun. They rippled like water as she touched the hem of the dress. The skirts had crimson layers of silk too, embroidered with gold threads. Phoenixes and lilies danced in the fabric, with a deep purple brocade bodice and matching cape. Rubies, diamonds, emeralds and pearls adorned everything. At the collar gleamed a dragon with a ruby in its front claws, the mouth wide open in a fierce roar. Nathaya stared at her outfit and turned to her nurse.

"Maybe this is a bit too much. I have no need of those gems decorating the dr-"

"Tsk tsk," her nurse tutted. "This is necessary. As the future Crown Princess, your rank is now higher than all the rest of the princes and princesses. You'll be the fourth most important figure in this Empire, Mie wolvig. After the Emperor, the Empress, and your soon to-be husband, Crown Prince Kang."

They braided her hair into a complex bun, and curled the rest, which fell in flowing waves on her shoulders. A phoenix headdress with mighty golden wings shone on her forehead. Rubies and lilies adorned her hair, completing the difficult hairstyle.

Three hours later, when Nathaya emerged, she found Captain Liu waiting for her in the waiting chamber. The latter gasped and bowed deeply.

"You look absolutely stunning, Milady," she said fervently. "You look like the radiant sun."

Nathaya smiled ruefully.

"Well this dress is uncomfortable. The bodice is slightly too tight. But nevermind. I must bore you." Captain Liu shook her head. "Let's go then. Kang should meet us at the private Imperial Lounge. It is linked with the ballroom and the veranda."

"Yes, Milady." Captain Liu rose and together, they walked through the big oak doors.

•••

The Imperial Lounge was empty except for the tall figure standing in the middle, who was shifting from foot to foot. Prince Kang was in crimson and gold silk robes, rubies and diamonds sewn onto the fabric. A mighty crown-like dragon headdress sat atop his head, his raven colored curls framing his handsome face. When he heard the door click open, he turned and widened his golden eyes.

"Nat, you look...beautiful." He barked out a laugh. "You look so different. You and the huntress from the other day look completely different."

"You don't look so bad yourself, Kang." She gave a grin. "Also very different from the boy covered in dirt and mud I grew up with."

"Oh shut up."

He extended his arm and she grasped it firmly, mirth dancing in their eyes.

"This is going to be funny and boring at the same time. Let's annoy the courtiers."

"Kang." She chuckled.

"Do you think we'll still fit under the tables?" He whispered, a childish gleam in his eyes.

"Kang!" She laughed.

"Or what about-"

"Kang!" She tugged at his arm, still laughing. "No annoying anyone! You'll need to be on your best behavior!"

"Yes ma'am!"

Together, with the Captain trailing behind, they entered the ballroom where the gala took place. An eunuch announced their entrance in a loud booming voice.

"His Highness Crown Prince Kang, son of the Emperor, Khagan of Khagans, son of Heaven, the Dragon reborn, the vassal of Gods; and his betrothed, Lady Nathaya of Fu, daughter of Lord Sawan, Head Chief of the Fu territory, ward of Her Majesty the Empress, daughter of the late Emperor, daughter of Heaven..."

The names and titles went on and on and while the eunuch stood, listing all of the titles, Nathaya looked around. The ballroom was colossal, decorated with blooming lilies and roses; great silk banners with the Imperial Crest hung from the walls; long buffet tables covered with white silk tablecloth was laden with wonderful food such as steamed buns, roasted swans, sweet potatoes, etc. There was an empty space in the center: the dance floor, waiting for her and Kang to open the dance first.

The ladies were all in elegant dresses, fanning themselves with hand-embroidered fans; the lords were in suits or robes, drinking flutes of champagne. They eyes her curiously, some of them coldly, contempt gleaming in their eyes. Nathaya grimaced inwardly. She still had a lot to do, respect to earn.

The Emperor and the Empress sat on glittering gold thrones on a high marble dais, the princes, princesses, their husbands and wives stood with them, smiling at them.

"My son Prince Kang shall open the ball with his betrothed!" The baritone voice of the Emperor boomed across the ballroom. "Raise your glass for their happiness!"

Arm in arm, they walked through a path made by the courtiers to the dance floor. As they passed each person, they raised their glasses to salute, while bowing. Nathaya heard the whispers following them.

"Her dress is magnificent!"

"Look at her hair! It is red! Crimson! Is this a sign from the Seven Skies?"

"I still don't understand how she was chosen and not my daughter. Our family is much more of an advantageous match."

"I heard that her mother is the Empress's close friend. The girl herself is a childhood friend of the Crown Prince."

"She has no right to be Empress!"

"Impostor!"

Nathaya ignored all the comments, even though each felt like a blow to her. Once they arrived in the middle, Kang bowed and kissed her hand lightly. She shivered at the contact. He rose, flashed her a smile before leading her into the traditional Dragon Dance performed by all newly betrothed Imperial couples at the start of a ball. The orchestra played a sweet then thundering music.

She and Kang smiled through the whole dance, their bodies flowing, twirling. Once they finished, they stood, breathless, their faces close enough to touch. Nathaya grinned and Kang laughed.

"The newly betrothed couple have performed the Dragon Dance, binding their souls together for eternity. The Phoenix shines with fire, lighting up the majesty of the Dragon," Empress Julin proclaimed. "Their fates are now entwined forever, and they have accepted their union with love and joy. The ball can now commence!"

Couples came to the dance floor and danced; laughter bubbling up, lightening the atmosphere. Kang and Nathaya stood in the middle of all, surrounded by flowing skirts from all the other women. The prince knelt again, and looked up at his fiancée, smiling widely.

"Would you allow me another dance?" He inquired, his golden eyes shining, pupils dilated.

Nathaya studied him carefully. He seemed to have changed. His face was aglow, and his golden eyes...they glowed with unatural light, rendering the gold inside molten, perhaps showing the powerful dragon within. She herself felt different. Her body felt lighter, and she discovered that she shone. Her skirts and hair were much brighter, as if she could light up the world. Her back tingled as if she had wings. She felt herself burning with some inner fire, and her eysight more piercing. Her heart also felt different. Now she felt a pull each time she saw Kang. They were truly entwined now.

She grasped Kang's hands.

"Yes, Kang, my friend." She pulled him close. "Always."