Servants were lined up to welcome the second princess.
" Ella was supposed to arrive an hour ago. What if something happened to her?"
The Empress felt nervous. She kept on pacing back and forth in the living room. The Empress was wearing a maroon gown with a silver crown and silver and diamond earrings.
The Crown Prince, Max, and his father, the Emperor seem relaxed as they enjoy playing chess with each other.
" Nicholas! Your daughter is missing but you still look calm"
" Our daughter is a grown lady who knows what's right and what's wrong. Wherever she is right now, she is probably doing fine", The Emperor said.
The Empress sat down beside the Emperor and asked.
" Do you think that Ella will be upset with the arranged marriage?"
" I don't think that she will be upset. She grew up knowing that she had certain duties towards the people of Etroana. Besides, the second prince is most likely to be the Crown Prince and the Emperor later on. By then Ella would be the Empress of Gwacary", said the Emperor.
" If we send Ella to Gwacary, wouldn't it mean that Etroana is weaker?! Isn't it better to just wage war?"
The Empress whispered angrily.
" Jane, don't you know my ulterior motive by supporting the second prince of Gwacary?"
The Empress shook her head.
" The first prince was always the heir but recently, his mother and the Emperor of Gwacary have been on bad terms, and the first prince messed up during the visit to Vissuinao. Now the nobles of Gwacary are thinking of switching sides. The second prince is smart but you have known him too. He-"
" Your Majesty, Princess Gabriella is here", one of the servants informed the Emperor about the arrival of the princess.
" Escort her to her chambers to freshen up first", said the Emperor.
The servant nodded and bowed before leaving.
" As I was saying..."
----
Gabriella jumped into her bed after taking a shower. As she was about to fall asleep, there was a knock on the door. Gabriella took a deep breath and got up.
She opened the door to see maids bring in a rack filled with clothes. She asked one of the maids about the clothes.
" This is for the formal dinner with the esteemed guest from Gwacary", said the maid.
'Gwacary? Isn't Etroana on bad terms with Gwacary? '
Gabriella was curious about this esteemed guest so she quickly got dressed with the help of the maids.
----
Gabriella walked down the stairs wearing a silk maroon v-neck off-the-shoulder long-sleeved gown. Diamond earrings dangle from her ear. Her elbow-length red hair was curled and the front strands of her hair were clipped back. The slits in the dress showed off Gabriella's long fair legs as she walked.
When Gabriella entered the dining room, she saw what Beatrice, Riley, and Helena were wearing.
Beatrice wore a green puff sleeve gown with long sleeves and an around her neck emerald necklace. Her shoulder-length platinum blonde was straightened.
Helena wore a strapless ankle-length black dress with pearl stud earrings. Her black hair was done in a clean bun with strands of hair shaping her face.
Riley wore an orange floral knee-length dress with her curly hair straightened.
The three girls sat at the dining table having a pleasant conversation. Gabriella sat across Beatrice who sat with her fiance, Max who also happened to be Gabriella's brother, the Crown Prince.
" Who is this esteemed guest from Gwacary?", asked Gabriella.
" I don't know either", Riley said.
" According to the gossip, it's the second prince of Gwacary", Helena said.
" The who?"
" I didn't know that Gwacary had two princes"
Before Helena could say anything else a servant announced the arrival of the Emperor, the Empress, and the esteemed guest from Gwacary. All eyes were on the door. The Emperor and Empress arrived hand in hand. Behind them was a man with pale skin, dark monolid eyes, thin lips, a straight nose, and upwards eyebrows. His black hair was combed back and he was wearing a clean black suit.
' That's...the guy from the airport!!!'
Gabriella was internally screaming as she curtsied. The man bowed and then went on to sit beside Gabriella." So, Prince Myles, how was the flight", asked the Emperor with a smile on his face." It was fine"Soon the food was served. Everyone began to eat. Gabriella kept on glancing at the man. This did not escape the eyes of the Emperor. He smirked and ate his food happily.----After dinner." Where did this prince come from?", asked Riley." I don't know. Maybe Queen Camilla decided to adopt a child", Gabriella said as she took off her black high heels and put on a pair of pink slippers." But why would she adopt a boy? He will eventually compete with Prince Gaylen for the title of Crown Prince. She already has enough to worry about with Lady Daisy and her daughter, Princess Annie, living in the palace", said Beatrice." Maybe Prince Myles is one of the other consort's son", Helena stated." But giving a consort's son the status of a prince is forbidden. The King fought a lot with
Gabriella woke up early in the morning and got dressed. She wore a white dress with puffed sleeves under a black strapless knee-length dress. Her neck was adorned with a diamond choker and two silver rings on her fingers. She also wore black platform mary jane heels.She smiled in satisfaction as she looked at herself in the mirror before going to knock on the door of the room Prince Myles was staying in. When the door opened, Gabriella was greeted by the sight of Myles leaning against the door, looking at Gabriella.He was wearing a simple black turtle neck and black pants with a silver necklace hanging from his neck. He was looking at Gabriella with confusion written all over his face." Princess Gabriella, why are you here?", He asked." Um...I...This must be your first time in Etroana, right? Well, I volunteered to show you around. We can have breakfast at Lilac and Lavender's. That place is famous for their-"Prince Myles shut the door in Gabriella's face.' You little-'The door
Loralye looked awkward as she tried to find the proper words to explain herself. Her eyes wandered everywhere as she avoided looking into Gabriella's eyes." I just decided to come here and check the view from the-"" -The view of the construction site next door?", Gabriella asked." You know what? I just realized that my ring is missing. It's probably downstairs. Bye!", said Loralye before she left.Gabriella went back and sat down." What are we doing after this?", asked Myles." I thought that we can go look around Azgul Castle", said Gabriella." I always wanted to go there"" I thought that you wouldn't want to go there", said Gabriella." Why would you think that?"When Gabriella was about to reply, the waitress came with the food. After the waitress left, the two began eating.----In front of them stood Azgul Castle. It was a perfect example of Etroanian architecture. Each of the bricks used to build the castle was carved to be part of a huge mural. The mural told the tragic s
Gabriella looked around the garden as if it was her first time there. She went around looking at the flowers, getting lost in the maze, and almost smashing her head against a pillar.Eventually, she got tired and the two went back to the palace.When Gabriella arrived at the palace, as she was casually fanning herself with her white lace hand fan, she saw a woman standing in the garden, talking to her brother, Max.Max seemed extremely uncomfortable. When he saw Gabriella, the way he looked at her was as if he was looking at his life savior. He walks past the woman and greets Gabriella.Gabriella smiles and greets him. She pulls him in for a hug and whispers." Who is that?"" The witch of the Stafford family"" Which one? There are many witches in the Stafford family"" Lillian Stafford"Gabriella's smile froze. The warmth in her eyes disappeared. Her grip on Max's coat tightened and Max frowned in pain. Gabriella let of Max and walked towards Lillian. She opened the fan in an attemp
The ladies-in-waiting were standing with their heads lowered. Their faces filled with nervousness.Gabriella wore a white knee-length dress with elbow-length sleeves. A white cocktail hat paired with white lace gloves, rose gold teardrop earrings, peach-colored high heels, and a white designer bag was on her lap.She sat on a grey couch, looking at the ten ladies-in-waiting." If you confess right now, all of you will be pardoned", said Gabriella.No one spoke. Gabriella laughed coldly and slowly got up from the couch. She walked to the lady-in-waiting who stood at the back. Gabriella patted her shoulder, which made the lady tremble in fear." Is there something you want to confess, Lady Tera?", Gabriella asked.Lady Tera's eyes widened and she immediately fell to the floor. Her long brown hair hid her face. Her fingers' hold on her skirt tightened." I-I- I didn't steal the diadem! Lady Lilian came in and took the diadem! I couldn't stop her!", Lady Tera defended herself." She came
Lillian finally left and everyone let loose and began talking with each other without reservations.Myles leaned towards Gabriella and whispered." Is dinner here always this entertaining?"" Yes. I feel like I wasted five years of my life living abroad. I missed so much drama!", Gabriella replied, pouting.Myles laughed.-----The moonlight shone brighter than the stars in the dark night sky. A lovely melody rang through the room. A pair of slender hands moved across the keyboard of the white piano.Riley sat on the chair as she played the piano. Tears were streaming down her face as her mind wandered." Just a little more Darling. Just practice a little more. Then you will get your powers"" Why aren't you like your sister? Both of you are my daughters. Why are the two of you so different?"" Why are you bullying your sister?! She is just a timid and innocent girl! She isn't as scheming as you!"" Why are you always in the palace garden plucking the flowers and crying?"The music ab
Gabriella was out for a run in the large backyard of the palace where someone would get lost if they didn't know the place well enough. Some of the maids were already up and working. Other than a few maids, Gabriella didn't come across anyone.Gabriella tried to enjoy her quiet morning jog but she felt someone. She turned around and saw Myles who stood under the sun. The gentle rays of sunlight lay on his face. His blue eyes turned hazel under the sunlight." What are you doing here?", asked Gabriella." Just going for a morning jog", replied Myles"Oh.."------" Do you even know what you are talking about?!", Mr.Newton yelled at Riley after hearing what she said." Yes. I know what I'm saying. I know what I want. I want to annul the engagement between me and Sir Alexander. He doesn't love and I don't love him either. I'm no longer the naive child you could manipulate however you want. I know that he will never fall in love with me", said Riley.The whole room went silent but a few s
" Mom...I missed you...", said Riley." I missed you too Rae", said Nora, Riley's mother.------At the Stafford manor.Lillian has been in a bad mood since she came back from the palace. The servants in the manor felt like they are walking on thin ice every day.The one who suffered the most was Lillian's lady-in-waiting, Lady Jenna." Milady do you want to attend lady Natalia's tea--"Lillian, who was seated, turned to her left and glared at Lady Jenna who was standing beside her." Do I look like I want to attend that woman's tea party?!"" Milady, Lady Natalia will make a scene!"" Get away from me!!"Lady Jenna was almost in tears by the end of the day." I feel bad for Lady Jenna"" At first I was envious of her as she was the lady-in-waiting of Lady Lilian and it seemed like Lady Lillian would become the Crown Princess but now I just pity her"But Lady Jenna wasn't the only one suffering.Lillian has been sick since she got home. She has been blaming it on the food she ate at t
Gabriella and Helena were in Gabriella's room. Both of them were sitting on Gabriella's bed with the basket in between the two of them. No one said anything. They were still shocked by what they saw. They were speechless. They were disappointed and mad." So she has been cheating on him the whole time?", Gabriella broke the silence as she asked." Seems like it"" After all that he had done for her...how could she be so cruel towards him? How could she still face him with a smile, hug him, and talk to him as if she had never done anything? "" I told you. She was born an actress. What are we going to do now? He will be broken if he knew the truth. "" He deserves to know the truth. "" So we are taking her down?"" Of course. No one and I mean no one is allowed to deceive him. "" So what's the plan?"" I will tell you later. Right now, we need to pay Riley a visit. "" Let's get going then. We need to change our clothes. "---At the Dwyer manor.Riley ran to hug Helena and Gabriella
" Oh..."" I will be leaving now. Goodbye, I will see you soon!", said Gabriella as she walked out of the room.Myles felt a hint of disappointment.' She left so quickly...'---Gabriella walked out of the room in long and fast strides. Her heart was beating faster than usual. She thought that it was because she was basically jogging so she stopped for a moment and leaned against a wall.She placed her hand over her heart and took deep breaths.Gabriella saw Helena walking towards her carrying a basket of fruits and other various snacks. Helena was eating strawberries and grinning." Where did you get that?"" Someone sent it to me. I think it's a secret admirer. "" A secret admirer?"" Yeah, the lady who brought it to me said that it was from a secret admirer."" And you don't know who it is yet you are eating it?"" Yes. I checked for curses and poison. There is none of that in this basket. "Gabriella spotted a little clear box filled with muffins and held her hand out." I'm not
She flew to his side within seconds and knelt beside him. Everyone was extra quiet. You could hear the breathing of the hundreds of people present. The healers that were hiding earlier, slowly came out of their hiding spots to see why it was so quiet all of a sudden. When they saw Myles, they immediately rushed to his aid with their tools. They heard the quiet sobs of someone and as they went closer to Myles, the sobbing grew louder. They saw Gabriella sobbing. Her tears were...somehow gold in color and they stained the area of Myles's shirt where his heart was. The healers stepped back and watched in awe. ---- ( This part of the chapter is from Myles's POV) A ray of sunlight attacked my eyes as soon as I opened them and I immediately closed them and turned to my right and then opened them again. I saw a human sleeping on a chair while resting her face on my bed. It was Gabriella. Her flaming red hair was scattered across the bed. It covered parts of her face too. I swept her hai
Myles ran to the private hospital wing in the palace. Currently, it was the only place in the palace that hasn't been attacked by the creatures and Dragons that joined the fight letter on. The whole way there, he kept shaking her seemingly lifeless body and begging her to open her eyes. Crystal clear beads of water fell from his eyes and he cried in despair.When he got to the hospital wing, the whole place was empty. Not a single soul was to be seen. He fell to his knees and cried even harder. He was lost.Myles looked at Gabriella's still body. Her face was beautifully sculpted by god. She had naturally long lashes, and her eyebrows were perfectly shaped and didn't look like they could be cousins. Her plump lips were beginning to lose pigment and turned as pale as her skin.Just then, a gigantic claw of a dragon broke through the wall. The impact caused small pieces of bricks and dust to go everywhere. Luckily, Myles had turned around just in time so the pieces of bricks and dust di
The battle outside was getting heated and even Emperor Nicholas had joined in the battle alongside the other soldiers. While all of this was happening, Empress Jane was inside the study trying to contact the Grand Mage and her brother, the king of Laelux. Only the Grand Mage could handle this situation as she didn't even know what the creatures outside were much less how to defeat them.But obviously, she wasn't able to contact the Grand Mage so she frantically tried to contact her brother, Anthony Evans. She wanted to ask him to send reinforcements to Etroana, the soldiers from Etroana that were training in Laelux.Suddenly, one of the walls of the study was blown up. Empress Jane ended up on the floor from the impact of the explosion. One of the creatures came at Empress Jane. It wasn't flying or walking. It was like it was floating lifelessly in the air and being controlled by someone or something. It was like it was possessed.Empress Jane got up and began running for her life. Sh
The sky turned dark and clouds began forming. It quickly became windy. The wind was blowing in the direction of the west. Palace guards were lining up at each palace to search it. The thunder broke the quiet atmosphere.One of the palace guards looked above to see something, something that was huge, something that was moving towards them." Look at the sky!"Everyone stretched their necks to look at the sky. They were horrified by what they saw. Creatures clothed in long black capes that had tears that revealed their bone-like figures. They reached their black hands with long sharp nails in an attempt to attack everyone in sight.People were running around in an attempt to save themselves whereas Helena sneaked into the western palace where Gabriella was staying in. She felt someone around her so she hid inside a small closet. She heard footsteps and immediately covered her mouth so that she wouldn't make any noise.Suddenly, the doors of the closet were opened.Helena saw Max standin
" I didn't know that Helena was my daughter back then. I thought that Alexander was my child and Lady Rose was my wife back then. Why would I take an outsider's side instead of my son and wife's? Look at it from my perspective. It was not my fault", Sir James stated." It doesn't matter. Helena will decide for herself whether she wants to stay with me or if she wants to return to the Dalton family", said Lady Anne as she got up to leave Lilac's and Lavender's.She went outside the diner and tried to wipe her tears but the tears did not stop flowing. She was scared. She was scared that Helena will leave her to be with her real family. Helena was the child she raised for over twenty years. How could she bear to see her leave her one day?' But at the end of the day, it will be her decision and I will respect whatever decision she makes'Said Lady Anne in her head.As she slowly picked herself up, she got into the car where the driver was waiting for her. She wiped her tears with a tissu
" Indeed, you are not easy to fool", Sir James said. " Of course. Anyone with an IQ over 80 can guess your intentions", Lady Anne scoffed. " The real reason I wanted to meet you--", Sir James took out the files Edwin had given to him. He stared at Lady Anne for a few seconds before handing the files to her " The reason is to show you this", Sir James said. Lady Anne hesitated before she took the file. She glanced at Sir James and then looked inside the file. Her eyes widened as she began to flip through it faster and faster. While Lady Anne was reading the file, Sir James poured a cup of tea for himself. He was trying to cool down the tea when Lady Anne suddenly slammed the file against the table. " Sir James, are you lying to me?!", Lady Anne asked angrily. " I'm not lying", Sir James replied calmly. " How could she be your daughter?! She is my daughter!", Lady Anne yelled. " Just as the pictures show, Lady Rose switched your child with hers. She didn't stop there. She switche
" Oh", exclaimed Gabriella.Soon the food was served and everyone was eating. The dining hall was so quiet that you could hear the sound of the forks, knives, and spoons making contact with the plates and bowls." When is the Dalton family coming over to discuss the arrangements for the wedding?", asked Emperor Nicholas." They are coming over this weekend", Max replied." Mhm...how are the preparations coming along?", asked Emperor Nicholas." It is going great", Beatrice replied.' I can see that. Even a whole tube of concealer can't hide your dark circles'Gabriella thought." Good. As I have been saying, the wedding must be a grand affair. Everything must be perfect", said Emperor Nicholas." Of course, I will make sure that everything is perfect", said Beatrice with a smile.From the corner of her eyes, Gabriella saw Empress Jane rolling her eyes.' I know that mother doesn't like Beatrice. But couldn't she make it less obvious?'----Meanwhile, at Lilac's and Lavender's.Lady An