After I took his hand... everything went black. I open my eyes. I can see what looks like a luxurious leather covered seat with cushions around it Infront of me, it's a small room too. A carriage perhaps, I can feel the room moving under my feet, the bumps and wheels... My hand twitch's, I feel something soft and I realise my head is resting on on something soft and slightly warm like a pillow.
"Are you awake now?"
A soft voice fills my ears, so similar to the one that gave me his hand...I look up to see a pair of teel blue eyes meet mine once again. I gaze at them for a moment trying to put the pieces together and figure out where I am and who this guy is.
"...you-...where-...?"
I manage to mumble, he smiles slightly and touches my forehead, examining it.
"U had been hit by my carriage and fell unconscious, I couldn't just leave u there."
My eyes widen, prince Li yin? he brought me to this luxury carriage like it's nothing? Me a servant girl he's never met? Are all the males in this era simply this naive?
"Pardon me"
I sit up from his lap and then look out the window. It's still the palace so we didn't leave. For some reason I'm bummed but also relieved. I kinda wanted to escape this place but at the same time I kinda don't have anywhere else to go...as the carriage hits a bump on a rock I jump slightly and stready myself. He laughs behind his sleeve and I shoot him a glare.
"Where is this carriage going?"
He composes himself.
"To the emperor's main chamber's, I'm there to say hello"
I pause, that's not too far away from the servants quarters by foot but...I really don't want to walk after still recovering from that hit.
"Pardon, but can I stay here until you get back and then perhaps you could drop me off to my area?"
He thinks, putting a finger to his chin.
"Well, it will be a long meeting, leaving you here for hours...I don't think- maybe instead you could come with me?"
I glare at him internally saying 'hell no'.
"Ah, well uh I suppose I can just get one of my subordinates to escort you back how does that sound?"
I nod super fast. He smiles awkwardly, still recovering from that glare.
"Alright then, you didn't have to be so intense"
"Apologies and thank you my prince"
I bow my head gratefully.
On the ride back, It's Hella awkward and the subordinate dude stares at me the whole ride with his arms crossed.
"A palace servant?"
"Yes sir"
I mutter silently.
"Hmm... you're the skinniest one I've seen. Guess there's no meat in you."
I feel like I've just been stabbed and my blood boils. This sad excuse for a man is judging my looks? He looks like if a bear and a donkey has a child!
"Yes sir"
I avoid eye contact.
"Guess all you have is decent hair"
"Yes sir"
"You're really boring too"
"...yes sir..."
Once we finally stop I stand up and hurry out. I then bow in respects before hurrying away. Xiao Ling who is carrying a basket of laundry notices me.
"Oh! Yue Mei there you are! You disappeared I got so worried!"
She sets the basket down and runs over to me.
"I hate men."
I state.
She blinks in confusion.
"You...hate men? Where did that come from all of a sudden?"
She paused before gasping and shaking me by the shoulders.
"Don't tell me you were attacked by one!! Are you hurt?! Did they sexually assault you or something?! Want me to tell the madame?!!!"
I choke on air and cough.
"What- no-! What are you talking about!"
She blinks in confusion and stops shaking me.
"Oh. Then what's wrong?"
I sigh.
"Some stupid bear-donkey-man insulting my appearance, don't worry about it"
She blinks in utter confusion.
"Bear...donkey...man? Huh? Are you okay? Did you hit your head or something, it isn't like you to say such things"
I pause the timing of that question is stupidly good. I did hit my head and she's right, this isn't usually how I act.
"Sorry, I'm just delusional. Anyway, do you have anything I could eat. I'm starving."
She sighs, still slightly worried and nods.
"I was recently able to get my hands on some red bean cake"
My mouth waters.
"Oo~ perfect!"
She starts walking back and picks the laundry basket up.
"I swear the only thing you take seriously is food or sleep"
I frown.
"That's not true."
I say in defence but she can tell I'm lying. I'm not...kinda.
"Okay maybe your half right, but that's not completelytrue!"
I protest but it isn't working on her.
"I'm serious!"
"Whatever, help me with this basket since I'm treating you to food"
I groan in defeat.
"Fineee"