Ling scoffed at his reflection in the mirror, his great search for immortality had been abruptly cut off to something so miniscule. A royal party. Royal parties were held every year in Xing, clans gathered to the royal palace to dine, and more importantly, to find possible candidates to marry if ever succeeding the emperor.

He didn't see why it was necessary for him,couldn't he just marry that mechanic from Amestris?

Ling sighed as smoothed out his long silk jacket, adorned with detailed white dragons that danced in a sea of pale yellow. He had also made the decision to let his hair down for the evening,letting his dark locks tumble over his shoulders.

Tap, tap. Ling twitched his head, noticing the light knock at his door. He grinned, as he knew the person that had to suffer with him for the day had arrived. The event was crawling with clan assassins, hoping to knock off a heir or two during the celebration. He needed protection.

"Come in Lan." He called out. Lan fan poked her head out of the doorway, before letting herself fully in. She gave a respectful bow before speaking. "Young lord, we're going to be late if we don't leave now." Ling opened his eyes widely,realizing she wore the robe he got for here. "Lan! You wore it! You look so different!" He chirped.

Lan fan was apart of the lower class, not being able to afford the expensive attire the upper class wore. Luckily, Ling chipped in and managed to get her a beautiful peach hanfu that was only worn once. She wore her own hair in a tight bun, having hair decorations dangle and chime as she moved.

Lanfan redden as she fidgeted underneath the rich fabric. She was so used to her bodyguard clothing that she couldn't adjust to anything else. She felt exposed, losing her comforting white mask that hid her emotions. "W-We should go your highness." She mumbled, wanting to change the subject badly.

Ling lead himself and Lan out the door, gently placing his hand on her back. Lan Fan face continued to turn a bright crimson red, this was going to be a long night.