Khan had been grumpy that morning as Mulan opened the stable doors. The sound had woken the black horse, and even for his experience in the army, he was not pleased with waking up so early.

"We have to get ready, you lazy horse!" scolded Mulan, "The Emperor has invited us for dinner. We'll be there for a few days, you know."

Khan whinnied and turned his back to her.

"Well, if I get hungry in the next few days and don't have anything to eat, don't blame me!"

There was no reply.

"Shame… he probably eats a forty-course meal every day! Of course, his horses must receive the best hay, too, don't you think? All those oats and carrots… Well, if you prefer to starve while we're gone, I'm sure that—"

Khan whinnied louder this time as he sat up, looking at her expectantly. Mulan laughed, holding out a carrot for him. The two other horses looked at the carrot enviously, but they quickly brightened as she produced two more carrots from behind her. Mulan just laughed even harder.

--

The horses were deeply perturbed at the thought of someone else mounting them. Mulan spent most the journey trying subtly to gaze out the carriage window. Her father caught her and tried to alleviate her boredom.

"Why do you think the Emperor has sent for us?"

"It's probably a banquet to thank me."

Fa Zhou shook his head.

"The Emperor is not a lazy man, Mulan. A banquet would have been prepared soon after you came home."

Mulan nodded. Her father had made another wise point.

"Will any courtiers be there?"

He replied, "I should not think so. Even if it is a feast for you, it is not wise to celebrate the victory of a woman warrior, no matter her bravery."

Mulan blushed crimson. She knew her father was greatly touched by her actions, and she knew how much everyone outside of her family scorned them. Was the approval of the Emperor really worth it?

"Well, courtiers or no courtiers, I hope that Captain of yours will be there!" said Grandma gleefully.

Mulan had to blush again, even as a chill traveled through her spine. She stood up straighter, feeling goosebumps run up and down her arms.

"Grandma, I--"

The elderly woman cut her off, babbling again—his features were divine, his soul quite virtuous… wealthy, chivalrous, brave, handsome, handsome, handsome!

"Perfect for my granddaughter!"

Mulan stiffened slightly, even if Grandma was only teasing. Marriage was certainly an inauspicious topic. The last time she had—

She shook herself out of reverie, and tried to drown out the sounds of Mama's gasps as Mama's eyebrows climbed higher and higher.Mulan had to admit she was attracted to Shang. That much was apparent. But as much as she was comfortable with him on the battlefield, society placed too many burdens on her to do anything but nod and smile. What would she say? The situation was too awkward.

Mulan heard Baba chuckle slightly, and she heard the end of a particularly racy comment.

Yes, this was going to be a long journey.

--

The journey was not as long as she though, and soon enough, Mulan and her family were ushered to the throne room. It was finely decorated, and besides that, Mulan could not find any other way to describe it. That night, they had entered through one of the guest chambers; Shang knew his way around, and they found their way without trouble.

But Mulan knew the palace just as well. It had been a long time ago, and the memories were vague, like a fairytale dream. But they were there, just the same.

She remembered a boy—dark hair with dark eyes—that rarely laughed. She remembered how he always wanted to laugh like her, but didn't anyone to see him. She was quite naïve then, more than she was now, and couldn't understand his reasoning. She remembered try to all sorts of tricks to please him, but every time, his dark eyes would brighten and sparkle—the only indication he was amused by her foolery.

As she approached the royal family, those blurry memories suddenly sharpened to vividly reveal a man with the same dark countenance. Mulan was startled, so she couldn't help staring. The man's eyes met hers. He visibly stiffened, eyes brightening with recognition.

The Fa family bowed. They chorused their greetings, all except for Mulan, who had skipped a beat. She was too lost in her thoughts, and by the time she had finished, the rest of the family was already silent. Mulan winced; everyone had heard her mistake.

"My loyal General Fa," the Emperor greeted, "how wonderful it is to see you."

Fa Zhou bowed.

"I apologize for summoning you and your family at such an inconvenient time. But I feel I needed to honor your daughter, as well as many other brave soldiers, appropriately."

Mulan felt the need to bow, as did the rest of the family. She sensed that the celebration was not the only reason for His Majesty's summon, but she decided not to press it; whatever it was, the Emperor would reveal it soon.

--
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Author's Note: A small birthday goody-bag from me to you. Since you can't buy any presents for me, I expect LOTS of reviews! This story may be a bit confusing right now, but I hope you'll get it soon. Anyone who wants to guess the missing link between the Prince and Mulan. I think it's quite obvious.