Yingtai woke up to the sound of intense screaming from a man. She looked out the window, where she saw a graphic execution taking place.
Why is my father burning those people at the stake? They are not food! I wouldn’t dare eat a human!
And then, Sadako entered the bedroom, with Yingtai’s new garments. Yingtai turned around, but didn’t say a word.
“Your majesty,” said Sadako, “Why are you looking at me this way? I am a maid, not a ghost.”
“I’m sorry,” said Yingtai, “I had never had maids or servants that would come and go. In China, the maids are called “ladies-in-waiting”. And they would always stay with you wherever you go. I found it rather uncomfortable.”
“I guess it was. I’m Sadako, by the way. Harriet had said to look after you. And I shall.”
Sadako began dressing Yingtai in the most fashionable gown of the century. After filling up the dress with a hoop skirt and a petticoat, Sadako then added a golden necklace and a ruby ring on her wedding finger.
“You are ready, your ladyship.” she said. Yingtai felt joy in her.
“I do hope I’ll marry the one I love.” she said to herself.
But Sadako heard her words and was surprised.
“He had not told you, had he?” Sadako asked.
“Tell me what?” asked Yingtai.
Sadako brought Yingtai to the throne room and saw her father with another man! Yingtai was in anger and in shock.
But why?! I am destined to be with Damian! Not another prince!
“You are betrothed!” said the voice of a young man. Yingtai turned around and there came Edward Tudor and the future Queen Mary Tudor.
“This is impossible,” Yingtai protested, “I am already in love. Shouldn’t I have the right to fall in love with someone?”
“Indeed you do,” said the King, “But Phillip of Spain wanted so badly to marry you, in order to keep the fortune of the country alive. It is vital.”
“Besides, how can a princess go and chase a lot of boys around when it is a King’s duty to arrange her marriage?”
Yingtai was heartbroken.