17 Disfigured By Beauty (2/2)

Le-anne would have liked to see what was going on but lifting her head would warrant her death.

”Greetings and blessings to her Highness, the consort of our Great Nevoria!” They spoke in unison.

”Don't stand on ceremony,” the consort answered dismissively, but they continued to hold their posture. It was only after she passed them could they rise.

”Greetings and welcome to our humbled manor, your Highness.” Mistress Han spoke up nervously.

”You must be Mistress...”

”Mistress Han.”

Hah! She didn't even know the owner of the manor she had come to visit.

”Please, this way your Highness.” Mistress Han lead the way. The consort followed, her bright gold robes shining under the basking sun. Talk about making a statement. The pungent redolence of her rose perfume could also be smelled from a distance away.

”And who is that?” the consort said in disapproval. She was now facing the row in which Le-anne was situated, no longer following Mistress Han.

”She is the leading dancer, your Highness.” Mistress Han lowered her body.

”Why is she veiled? What's so special about her that she sees herself fit to hide her face in my presence?” she bellowed.

”Your Grace, forgive this undeserving servant, but I'm disfigured, and this servant figured it insulting to not cover my face in front of her Highness.” The princess spoke in a shaken voice, trying to sound vulnerable, but her heart was not beating one beat. The world could be against her and she still would not falter.

”Insolent wench! Who gave you permission to speak?” The consort admonished her. ”Since this manor is so incompetent to have beautiful flowers, have them moved to the afternoon slot.”

”Yes, your Highness.” The official behind her, who Le-anne figured to be the Minister of Rites, kowtowed behind the consort. Rage was pulsing in Le-anne's veins and it took all her willpower to control herself. The afternoon slot meant they would dance for the insignificant members of the royal family, for the emperor was to only attend the evening performances.

Consort Wang turned around and followed after Mistress Han as she was there to inspect their costumes, dance moves and everything she could get her ugly hands on. For the past few years, the dowager empress was the one who normally hosted palace events since becoming empress and she was one who never bothered attending inspections. She just sent the officials and entrusted them with everything. This year however, keys were handed over to the new consort and hell had broken loose.

That did not move the princess a bit. She was Princess Le-anne, Mistress Kei's prodigy, and for her there was always a way.

S.V