(Caption) The Lucky Princess

He woke to a gentle rocking motion. The ceiling above him was carved with intricate patterns that shimmered softly with a golden glow. The air was filled with the scent of roses and vanilla, and the bed beneath him was so soft it seemed ready to swallow him whole.

For a few seconds, he just stared blankly - then sat up with a start, only to freeze again. The soft pink lace panties clung to his skin, and a corset was tightly laced around his waist. His mind went blank. Just yesterday, he had been working the fields with a hoe - so how had he woken up like... this?

The door opened gently, and a few young women in maid uniforms entered in a line, smiling as they curtsied. "Your Highness, you're awake."

"Your Highness?" He pointed at himself, bewildered. "Me? I'm just a farmer!"

The head maid spoke softly, "From today onward, you are the princess chosen by the gods. You will represent the royal family and be betrothed to the prince of our neighboring kingdom."

"I... I'm a man!" he almost shouted.

The maids exchanged knowing smiles. Their tone remained gentle, but there was no room for refusal. "We know. The prince from the neighboring kingdom happens to be fond of this kind of special 'princess'."

He tried to speak again, but the maids had already surrounded him. One pressed him gently into a dressing chair, another brought out powder boxes, brushes, ribbons, and even breast forms.

"Don't move, Your Highness, you'll smudge the foundation."

"The corset should be a little tighter - it looks prettier that way."

"Your hair is so soft. It'll look gorgeous once it's curled."

Layer after layer of powder was brushed across his cheeks; a faint pink blush spread, softening his once rugged features. His eyelashes were lengthened and curled, his lips painted a tender cherry hue.

The reflection in the mirror was no longer a boy from the fields. Strange, unfamiliar - and yet, strangely beautiful.

Then a long golden wig was placed upon his shoulders, styled carefully into gentle waves. Each strand shimmered with a golden sheen, the ends brushing against his skin and sending tingles through his chest.

"Now, Your Highness, lift your arms."

Soft gloves slid over his fingers, and the corset traced out a slender waistline. A princess gown of pink and white satin was tied at the waist with a bow, its layered skirt blooming outward like flower petals. Sheer white stockings glided up his legs, making them appear long and graceful. Pink heels adorned his feet, turning every step into one of elegant poise. Finally, a lace headpiece was set upon his head, with a red rose blooming brightly against the golden hair.

"There. All done."

Everyone stepped back.

He - no, she now - stared into the mirror. Long hair, bright eyes, red lips, the soft blush of a gown - the very air around her seemed sweet with her breathing.

She raised a trembling hand to touch the glass. In her eyes flickered shyness and panic - but also a strange, captivating light.

The head maid smiled. "Your Highness, you are truly beautiful. The prince will surely fall in love with you."

Her lips parted, but the words caught in her throat - choked by those two words: truly beautiful.

Lowering her head, her fingers brushed the delicate folds of the skirt. The resistance in her chest slowly melted into a strange, fluttering warmth.

Perhaps... this was destiny.

Sunlight poured through the window, gilding her golden hair with a gentle glow. The "princess" in the mirror took a quiet breath - her heart beating faster than it ever had before.