Chapter Fourteen: A Father & his Pride

Shang Xiang had shocked everyone by showing her now excellent skill at archery. Although Quan had apologised, Shang noticed that he wasn't as talkative to her as he used to be.

Sun Jian called Shang down the stairs and shook his head in exasperation as she slid down the banister and landed neatly in front of him.

"Could you wear that red dress with the gold band tonight? We have those important guests,"

Shang rolled her eyes and agreed, skipping up the stairs. It was a lovely warm day, and a small bubble of happiness was filling Shang Xiang inside. She laughed and spun around in a large circle, crashing into Huang Gai.

He grinned at her as she apologised and he ruffled her hair.

"No problems Princess," he said gruffly, chuckling at the mock-indignant face she pulled. He strolled away, slightly relieved that she had cheered up.

Shang Xiang sighed sitting on her bed. She was very bored and had nothing interesting to do. Her outfit for the ball was ready, including gloves, shoes and jewellery. Her room was, for once tidy, and she had practised her archery, hand-to-hand and practised with several weapons, including her own chakarams. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu were out riding with their wives, and it would be rude to intrude.

Even Gan Ning was out of the question – he was out cold in his room, after drinking his way through half of the wine stores. Yes, today was going to be boring. Her father was busy, so she couldn't even annoy him – a meeting about arranged marriages.

"Probably for me," she muttered, groaning internally. Not that many men would willingly marry her, outside of Wu. They didn't want a boisterous, clever woman who would fight – and say what she thought, instead of leaving it all to the men.

Shang Xiang changed into a simple brown shirt and trousers and went outside, shading her eyes form the sun. She walked over to the stables and stroked every horse, feeding them treats and brushing their manes.

"Good morning Your Royal Highness, Princess Sun Shang Xiang,"

Shang rolled her eyes and smiled at the stable hand – a young man named Tao Ying. He bowed and smiled slightly as she rolled her eyes again.

"Good morning Tao – how are they all today?"

Tao's face lit up – he loved working with horses. He had even looked after Shang Xiang's horse when it was alive.

"Well…"

Shang Xiang returned an hour later, sweaty but happy. She ran herself a cold bath, squealing when she got in.

She sighed with pleasure, sinking into the bubbles.

"Lady Sun Shang – the visitors are here, and the feats will be served in half an hour," her maid called through the door.

"Thanks Guo Jia!" Guo Jia was also her body-guard, using the crossbow.

Shang got out, drying herself hurriedly. She waited patiently as Guo Jia laced up her corset before getting into the dress. Guo Jia carefully fastened the golden band and handed Shang her jewellery, a pearl necklace and red earrings. She tucked the gloves into the band, as she only needed them for the ball. After checking her hair, she walked carefully down the stairs, the cool breeze brushing her bare shoulders.

When she saw the people at the bottom of the stairs, she as very surprised, especially as the last time one of them had seen her, she had been soaking wet.

"Ah here she is – Sun Shang Xiang, this is Lord Guan Yu, Lord Zhang Fei, and Lord Liu Bei of Shu,"

Shang Xiang reached the bottom of the stairs, and they all respectfully bowed, Shang doing a small curtsy, as she was higher in rank.

"It's a pleasure," she said, and smiled. The three brothers smiled back and they went into the dining hall, sitting down. Shang Xiang was opposite Liu Bei.

She sipped her wine, and cautiously looked around through it. She could feel someone staring at her. When she looked straight ahead she saw Liu Bei looked at her, in something close to disbelief.

Shang put the glass down and sighed with relief as everyone else from Wu, and a few officers from Shu sat down.

The feast had been amazing, with several courses. Shang had chatted amiably with many people from Shu, including Jiang Wei, Zhuge Liang's apprentice, and Zhao Yun.

The table was cleared away and the candles dimmed, making a dance floor as the music began to play. Shang Xiang pulled on her gloves and stood by the window, watching as couple swirled around the dance floor.

People rarely asked her – only the ones who where polite, or her friends, so she was surprised to look up and see Liu Bei.

"Good evening Lady Shang Xiang,"

She smiled and nodded, feeling slightly self-conscious.

"Lord Liu Bei,"

"May I just comment that you are looking exceedingly beautiful tonight?"

Shang blushed, and smiled as Liu Bei laughed.

"Are you going to ask me to dance, are we going to stand around doing nothing?" she asked, grinning cheekily at him.

"Of course – would you care to dance?"

Shang Xiang laughed, and allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor. To her luck and annoyance it was a slow song – lucky because it was easier to dance, unlucky because…it was a slow dance, and she was dancing with Liu Bei.

He's just a friend Shang – it's okay to dance with a friend! She thought crossly to herself.

Liu Bei was amazed by her graceful dancing – she was better than a lot of women, who pranced around in their margarine yellow poofy gowns. Shang Xiang however, was brilliant.

Sun Jian looked fondly at his daughter, watching who she was dancing with. He didn't want to annoy her with the truth, but maybe as they were friends it wouldn't bother her so much. Anyway, the pair were perfect, in dancing certainly.

Shang Xiang had taken a break from dancing – more than three consecutive dances with someone meant that you care deeply for them, and Shang Xiang didn't. So, as Liu Bei went and danced with a very beautiful woman wearing a lavender gown, Shang walked over to his brothers, wanting to ask a question.

"Lord Guan Yu – Lord Zhang Fei," she greeted warmly, and was relieved to see them grin warmly back – well Zhang Fei grinned. Guan Yu smiled, slightly.

"What a pleasure Lady Sun Shang Xiang," Guan Yu said formally, smiling properly now. Obviously Liu Bei had told them her objection to her full titled name. Although, her name with every title would be –

'Her Royal Princess of Wu, Daughter of our Most Gracious King, Lady Sun Shang Xiang'

Shang pulled a face at the very thought of it and grinned at the two brothers.

"Do you think that I'm too unlady-like? Do you think that all the fighting should be left to the men?"

Guan Yu answered first, probably because Zhang Fei was gulping down some wine.

"No, I think that you are truly your father's daughter. Women should fight as well – we men can't do everything!"

Zhang Fei nodded his agreement, and swallowed a great mouthful of wine.

"I fink that you are a Lady, Lady Sun Shang Xiang. It doesn't matter what you look like, or what ya do, you're a Lady in there – an on the outside I must say as well,"

Shang Xiang smiled her thanks, before quickly going outside before Liu Bei would find her again. She was so confused.

On the one hand I want to help my family and please my father, yet I don't want to marry anyone who doesn't love me for me.

She sat outside on a marble bench. It was late at night, and the only light came from the thousands of stars and the full moon, sitting in the sky. The lake was a few metres away, dark-black and mirror-smooth.

Why does Quan hate me so much? – We were good friends, brother and sister…

She suddenly became aware that her cheeks were wet with tears. She blinked and another fell.

"Lady Shang Xiang,"

Only one person ever called her that. She tried to hide the fact that she was upset, but must've failed since he came and sat next to her. He gently took her gloved hand in his own and allowed her to lean on him, watching with concern as she cried on his shoulder.

When she had finished she looked up and sighed apologetically at him.

"Sorry, I've got you wet!"

Liu Bei grinned.

"Not as wet as that day in the pool,"

They both laughed fondly at the memory.

When Liu Bei left, Shang Xiang watched him going, feeling slightly emptier every time he took another step.

Please, I don't want my heart to break once again. I don't want to feel this way about him now.

I don't want to ruin what friendship we already have.