Everyone exited the kitchen and all walked to the staff quarters to change their outfits before the banquet started. I was super excited to see what the outfits were. I heard from countless people that the palace prepares special, handmade ones annually. Mrs. Moon remained in the kitchen with me. I kept myself occupied by placing a few more flowers in empty spaces.

"Sweetheart," she sighed. I thought I was in trouble for some odd reason, "I want you to do something for me."

"Anything, Mrs. Moon," I smiled without looking at her. One by one, I shoved a flower onto the white fondant covered cake.

"Go to the banquet."

"I believe I am."

"Not as a staff," she placed her wrinkly hand on mine. The other took hold of the flower in my grasp and placed it above my ear, to expose it from hiding behind my hair. "You are an absolutely breathtaking girl; it's not right for you to toil away like this."

"It's not fair for the others."

"I've already discussed this with everyone while you were running around looking for Damien. They all agreed on it."

"But..."

"Sweetheart. You know you deserve it. I know you deserve it. The entire kingdom knows that there is no one who works as hard as you to provide for your family."

"I don't have a dress." This was the first excuse that popped in my head.

"I have that covered," she grinned, "now no excuses! I am old but in no way am I stupid or less hardheaded then I was when I was your age. You will be going to that banquet, as a beauty from our kingdom."

"Okay," I couldn't help but smile. "I'll do it."

"Good, now just meet me in the staff quarters in a few minutes. Do it secretly though; guests are about to arrive."

I nodded at her directions before she scurried off through the back doors. Mrs. Moon was like the sweet grandmother whom you'd visit once a year for holidays. She'd treat you with immense kindness, especially acting as if she'd just seen you yesterday. Her warm and caring heart made her a different kind of person. I wonder if something happened in her past to make her be that way... or maybe it's just the way she is. But I do recall someone stating that she was once scheduled to be married.... I do wonder what ever happened.

A few minutes passed before I dashed into the main hallway. A figure wearing a white dress shirt and pink bowtie with black slacks stared at me. He was standing beside one of the windows, where the light dimly touched him. I was quite surprised by this figure. Taken aback, I stared from a distance to be honest. He turned to look at me, eventually scoffing and entering one of the rooms beside him. I didn't let it get in my head since I was about to be a part of my first banquet ever.

I hustled to the staff quarters, as discreet as possible; everyone had already gotten ready and was so beautiful and handsome looking in their special uniforms. Everyone was excited to have fresh clothes, just designed for the specific event. The girls wore a white and pink dress with a yellow apron. The boys wore all white suits with different colored ties according to the colors of the cake. I thought they were all so stunning.

Mrs. Moon pulled out a grand dress from her closet. It was a white strapless dress with an incredibly poofy bottom half. The torso was fitted by a corset, which was beaded by hand to grasp onto every light source and shine with every movement. I could not imagine myself wearing something as stunning as that.

"Mrs. Moon... I..." I muttered as she patted down the dress for me.

"No need for words," she laughed while disappearing into her closet and exiting with a pair of white heels in hand. "This is for you to enjoy remember! Have fun child! You definitely deserve it!"

She helped me get into the dress comfortably. As she tied the ribbons of the corset for me, someone slipped the shoes onto my feet. Another grabbed some wet towels for me to wipe myself from all the powder and sugar I had seemed to roll in while baking. I felt like a real princess in it. The curls in my hair remained from the day. I dare not look at my reflection. Mrs. Moon, in her old fashioned way, 'accidentally' pushed me to face the mirror eventually. I was absolutely stunned.

"Who... is that?" I asked wide eyed. "That... that cannot possibly be me."

"But it is!" Mrs. Moon clapped excitedly. "Not too shabby for dress that's almost forty years old right? This is magnificent! Now go out there and enjoy yourself. The kids and I have it from here."

 The tears were almost rushing down my face. I couldn't thank everyone enough for their hard work. But one thing couldn't escape my mind, why am I going to a party with people I detest? I will be surrounded by such fake people; who giggle and laugh at every sentence and flamboyantly flip their hair whenever they passed by a boy. Oh dear, what did I get myself into agreeing to this. I should have weighed in the pros and cons. But I dare not say no to Mrs. Moon; bless her heart but when she gets angry it's like all hell broke loose. Everyone needs to duck and hide from her wrath because she can and possibly will chew you to bits if you stand in her way. That image of her sent shivers down my spine.

I looked at my reflection once more. The gown fit me like a glove. It was as if it was made for me. The length and everything was perfect, even the shoes. Something about it makes it feel like it was made with love. I turned to look at Mrs. Moon; now that I think about it, she's always sewing away at something in her spare time. What if she made this dress forty years ago? But for what occasion...

"No time to dilly-dally!" she took a hold of my hand. "Time for you to steal the banquet!"

"Wait," I uttered, "Mrs. Moon... was this dress made for you?"

"I did make it," she lightly smiled, "I made it for a very special occasion. But... I've shrunk since then and my figure is nowhere near where it once was when I was your age. Just enjoy yourself sweetheart."

My heart felt like it was about to sink. The sadness she tried masking with happiness... it was breathtaking. I was in no position to ask her something she didn't want to talk about. But my curiosity was getting the best of me. The glitter in her eyes looking at me in the dress, it was as though she was so happy to see it being worn for once. I felt like I owed her immensely for her kindness and generosity.

She snuck me back into the palace and told me to just roam around for a few minutes before entering the party in the back yard. I nodded to show that I understood and she hastened to return to the party. The palace itself was so spectacular, perfect in every possible way. I couldn't bring myself to stop imagining... What if they gave money to the towns instead of spending it on perfecting an already stunning home? It would help families a great ton... But who am I kidding; it's them we are talking about.

My hands started to shake; I was nervous. Why be nervous though? I won't even talk to anyone, mostly just talking to all of my friends who will be working all around the event. I kept still and stared out of one of the windows. It looked like a grand party. Everyone seemed to be having fun, and when I say everyone, I mean everyone. There is even a live orchestra to play romantic songs for people to dance to. I had never experienced something like this before. It was a fairytale come to life for most girls.

Why the hell am I doing this? I repeated to myself. Eventually, I discreetly poked my head from behind the huge doors that lead to the banquet. Dancing. Laughter. Happiness. All around me. I saw Mrs. Moon turn to me and smile immensely. Every single staff member looked at me, prompting even the guests to turn their heads in my direction. I felt like I was about to throw up. You don't belong here. You have time! Time to run! Run! But I didn't. I couldn't.

Taking a deep breath in and exhaling after, I took a step towards the event. One step at a time. Murmurs began flooding the party. Every step down the stairs was a step closer to a different me. Will this even change me? Will it change my mind about them? Will it reverse their ways? Can I make a difference? I kept asking myself. My eyes darted from every pair staring at me; I dare not make eye contact with people. This will lead to them talking to me and then I'd have to make up a whole lie about myself.

I stood next to a bush in the shape of an elephant. I felt a stronger connection to that bush than to anyone. Over time, I was even about to start talking to that plant. Yes, if you are wondering, I was losing my mind.

"Wow," a familiar voice heaved.

I turned to look at the figure, it was Damien. He looked incredibly handsome in his uniform. I never noticed how good looking he was, how striking his hazel colored eyes were, how soft his hair looked—just the tiny things about him. "Wow what?" I asked.

"You look... breathtaking," he smiled brightly. His face looked like it was about as red as a tomato.

"Gee," I giggled. "Thank you."

"You really do. Trust me. A whole bunch of people are talking about you out there."

"I can imagine." What could they possibly say about me?

"But a question."

"Mhmm?"

"Why are you standing next to an elephant?"

Both of us looked at each other momentarily and started laughing simultaneously. He was a lighthearted person to be around, someone that was fun to be around at all times. His eyes stared into mine for a while.

"I don't believe I belong anywhere near those classy, rich people over there."

"True. In no way do you fit in with that crowd. You aren't turning your head to the obvious problems of the town, of our town."

"Yeah," I felt my cheeks burning. "Thanks Damien."

He lightly punched me on the arm like I do to him all the time. "Don't think that this means I can't bully you anymore."

"We wouldn't want that to stop," I punched him back.

I noticed the redheaded prince, Dongwoo, turn to look at me. The rest of them followed his action. I suddenly felt uncomfortable. Without uttering a word to Damien, I darted towards the garden as fast as I could. The dress was holding me back though, I must admit. Damn dress was heavier than I thought it would.

I eventually found my way to the entrance of the hedge maze. I thought I'd hideaway in there for the rest of the banquet, just to escape the stares and mutters of the aristocrats. It was pretty hard to find the middle of the maze itself, but it is worth the walk. There is a huge fountain covered with roses. The sound of the water itself was enough to calm me down greatly. I sat beside the fountain and massaged my legs as much as I could.

"Why did I agree to this?!" I yelled out into the world. I was pretty positive no one could hear me.

Yet again, I was wrong.

"Hello," a deep voice appeared from the hedges. He wore something similar to the figure I saw earlier in the palace but instead of pink, it was orange. He looked incredible handsome with a sharp jaw and shiny smile. His hands were in his pockets as he walked towards me.

I immediately stood up, as if I was on duty. "You scared me. I thought I was alone."

"Impossible to be alone at a party like this," he grinned, "trust me."

"Understandable," I nodded.

"I'm sorry to ask, but have we met before?" he asked.

"I'm sure we haven't."

"But I get this feeling we have."

"Is this your way of flirting with me?" I decided to have a little fun with this. It would make me feel more comfortable about being along with someone like this. It was a whole lot better than me lunging forward and attacking him for his position of power. That would be rude. And uncalled for. Well... in a way. I was positive I'd never met him, since I started working here, I have been avoiding every single royalty member in the house.

"No!" he exclaimed. "I just. I have this gut feeling."

"I'm sorry to leave so suddenly, but it's time for me to go," I curtsied as nicely as I could, like the rest of the girls did at the party and started to walk in the other direction.

"Wait!" he exclaimed while rushing after me. He grabbed a hold of my hand and stared into my eyes. "Who are you?"

"I'm not someone who matters," I replied. "You'll forget my name and face after today, I promise."

"You cannot possibly be able to predict that."

"Trust me, sir."

"Do you not know who I am?"

"I am not acquainted with you or your family. So truly, I do not know who you are."

He started laughing. I didn't understand what he thought was funny or amusing about our conversation. I sounded immensely rude and annoyed with him, yet here he was laughing about it. "You aren't afraid to speak your mind. That's refreshing to experience."

"Shouldn't you be angry? Appalled? Something?"

"I believe I should be; but in no way am I appalled by your words. You're honest and headstrong. It's different from what I am around on a daily basis. Like I said, refreshing. And for the record, I'm Woohyun Woo, a prince of this kingdom. Just tell me your name."

I smirked in agreement; I understood what he meant for some odd reason. Why was I even considering staying? He already let go of my hand. I was free to run off, hoping that he wouldn't come after me.

"Just my name," I took a step back from him. "That wouldn't be enough for you to bear to know about me, am I correct Prince Woohyun? What about my status in society? My worth? What I've done? None of that matters?"

"Then meet me here again, tomorrow. We can talk all about that," he pleaded.

I scoffed lightly. I couldn't even begin to believe what was happening in front of me. What does he want with me? He probably only noticed me because of how I looked. "Tomorrow then," I agreed.

"Lovely. At the strike of noon. Meet me here. Do you promise?" he smiled sweetly at me. He was a real charmer; I can see how so many girls are insane for him.

"I give you my word," I told him. "And for the record, I am Sophia."

I turned swiftly and disappeared back into the maze. He didn't come after me, which is a good thing for me. My heart was racing after that. What the hell just happened back there? Did he just... no. No way. I couldn't stop smiling. What had he done to me? Stop it Sophia! This is not someone you want to be around! Look at how they treat your family, your friends, your home town. Snap out of it!

No matter what I told myself, I couldn't stop. I was changing. This day has truly been hectic. And it isn't even over yet.

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WOOOT! New chapter again :D I'm on a rush and feel like I need to update one more time today. Omg ;w; is it good so far you guys?! I'm so excited to share this :3 

I have finally introduced another boy; well one that actually talked to her. The other one hasn't spoken a word, which I am sure all of you know who he is lol. oh so obvious ^o^

But the banquet isn't over! I wonder what's going to happen next oh ho ho ;D

@Coala17--i agree! I thought they'd make the most perfect princes after watching YOMA. lol. Awee thank you for taking the time to read what I've posted so far :3 The cake does look so delicious. I'm incredibly hungry now ;w;

@LeePeppers--Thank you for taking the time to read my story (: Sungyeol is so cute! lol. His cheeks got to me. So much happiness and cuteness shoved in those cheeks. :3 I'll update soon I promise :D