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Isabella cursed herself in her mind as she run downstairs, she had been woken up by loud bangs on her door, yelling to get her butt off the bed and go to the service room, where all the maids gather when the King has to make an announcement.

She quickly stood beside a girl as the King entered the room, looking surprisingly cheerful. She signed in relief and stared at the floor. Maximous cleared his throat," As you all may know, my son is finally home. My wife and I decided to throw a ball to celebrate his return. I want everything to be perfect, or else you're all fired. Do you understand me?" He spoke in a authoritative tone, looking at them disparaging.

They quickly nodded their heads, swallowing nervouslyafraid. They definitely didn't want to lose their job. The King nodded, satisfied before he exited the room, returning to his office where he found his son, Eric, waiting for him. His face formed in a frown, confused," Son, did something happen?" He questioned as he walked around the old wooden table to sit on his chair.

Eric swallowed, suddenly feeling all his confidence leave him. He always felt intimidated around his father. He looked up to his father. He wanted to be like him. He wanted people to fear him. He wanted to have power. That's why he left for a couple of years. He wanted to see and learn how other Kings run their kingdoms, how they trained their guards, how they treaded the service stuff and other people. When he felt like he learn what he wanted, he decided to return back, to his little mute maid.

He took an interest in Isabella from the day they found her, almost dead and took her in as their maid. He always treated her differently. There was something about her that made him and still do, want to claim her. He wanted to make her his queen either she likes it or not. He didn't care that she like him, he did and that was enough for him.

His father cleared his throat as he noticed his son had zoned off. Eric turned his gaze to his father, who was still looking at him perplexed. Eric kept his hands behind his back and started playing with his fingers anxiously. He tried to consitrate and find his voice but his father's stare didn't help at all. He breathed in," So, Father, yesterday you asked me if I decided who I wanted as my queen." He reminded. Maximous nodded cautiously but a small smile creeped on his lips.

Maximous had some close friends. A few of them were Kings and they were really powerful too. He had introduced his son to their daughters before he left. They both found the idea of uniting their kingdoms seemed fabulous. He had decided to let Eric take his time and choose one of the daughters with the hope he would make the right choice.

He took a deep breath before continuing," Well, I made my choice." He admitted looking at his father. A wide smile formed on his lips," That's amazing, son. So, tell me do I know her?Which princess is it? Does you mother know?" He asked smiling at his son.

Eric looked away,"Yes, you know her and no mother doesn't know." He replied, not telling him who she is because he knew his reaction wouldn't be nice. He father nodded and waited for him to continue, seeming excited to find out which princess it is.

Eric looked at his father again this time with a smirk," It's Isabella." He said confident. His father's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he tried to to remember if he knew a princess with this name. His smile fall, forming in a thin line. He blankly stared at him for a couple of seconds.

He shook his head, trying to get his thoughts together. He blinked a couple of times." I-Isabella? We dont know a princess named Isabella. ",He stated. Eric chuckled, findingthus situation entertaining," We do know a Isabella but she is not a princess." He smirked. Maximous almost groaned in frustration," Just tell me already, Eric." He scowled.

"I would let you think yourself but since I have thing to do and placed to be, I will tell you." He said his smirk even possible getting wider. His father glared at him," It's the maid, father." He exclaimed. He gasped in pure shock, falling back on his chair. Eric was getting bored with his reaction.

Their breaths were heard across the room. No words were spoken. Maximous was trying to overcome his shock," The mute? The orphan? This Isabella?", He asked to clarify, looking at him with hope, a hope for a negative answer. Eric nodded crossing his hands over his chest, looking amused.

He felt his blood boiling in his veins. He jumped up from his chair and slammed his hands on the table loudly," You can't marry her! She is a damn maid! What are people going to say, huh? Have you thought about that? No, I want allow to marry her. You will marry a princess like you are supposed to, do you understand me?" He yelled bitterly at him.

Erix was looking at him expressionless. He expected this kind of reaction and was prepared. He yanked, trying to seem like he was bored with what his father was telling, knowing very well that his behavior will anger him more.

He stared at his father's fuming face. He wasn't going to listen him, though. He wants Isabella as his queen and he will have her, whether they like it or not. He always takes what he wants.

" No." He replied coldly as he stand up. Maximous raised his eyebrow," No?" He repeated, doubting his ears. " No, I will marry Isabella whether you like it or not. I don't care what you say. So you better get it through your thick skull soon." With one last cold glare he turned around and walked out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

***

The girls, who were only four, Isabella included, gave a relieved sigh when the King left. They were terrified of the King as he is really powerful and dynamic man. They had seen how he treats his enemys or people who betrayed him. He kills them without a second thought and they don't want to upset him because they wouldn't like the consequences.

They got to work immediately. Two girls grabbed the mop and the broom while Isabella and the kind girl, who learned that, her name is Marzia, her family is poor and she is working as a maid to help her family economics.

They tushed to the ball room, Isabella opened the curtains and looked outside realizing that it was getting dark and the had to be more fast. In half an hour, they had moped and wiped the marble floor clean. Two girls had returned to the kitchen to prepare some snacks fro the people.

Isabella and Marzia had put the white tablecloth over the long table which was in front of the big window but not so close so people can walk by. After an hour the snacks were ready and the ball room was decorated, nice and elegantly.

People started arriving at the castle when the moon took the suns place. Women were looking gorgeous with their sparkling elegant dresses and perfectly styled hair. Their partners looked attractive un their lounge suits.

King and Queen made an appearance when the doors closed, with the room almost full. Everyone bowed to the them, a sign of respect before they clapped as the pair walked down the stairs, greeting everyone with their beautiful smiles.

Isabella was going to people with a tray with champagne, asking if they want a glass of champagne while Marzia was helping people with the food.

Time was passing by fast as the King and Queen were having a great time, they danced, in the middle of the room as the others were watching them with smiles. It was finally time for the Prince to show up, since it was his party of honor . The music stopped at the man beside the doord announce his arrive.

Claps were heard across the room as the Prince walked down the stairs. He was smiling at everyone, adoring all the the attention he received. He approached his parents, giving them a hug. No one seem to notice the tension between Father and son.

Prince Eric thanked them, saying how grateful he is to have such amazing people and parents, he thanked them for attending the ball and wished them a great time. People clapped as the prince approached Isabella. She bowed at him as he gave her a smirk, he grabbed a glass with champagne from her tray and winked as he turned to leave.

Isabella was uncomfortable at the way he acted. She would would be lying is she said she didn't feel flattered but that's it. Nothing more, nothing less. She shook her head as she plastered a fake smile on her face and continue her job.

***

It was past midnight night when it all happened. Everyone was enjoying themselves, couples were dancing in the middle of the room. The Queen was talking to her friends as her husband was talking with his brother. Prince Eric was dancing with a princess, she was one of his father's friend daughter. He didn't want to at the beginning but his Mother insisted and not wanting to hear more of his mother nagging, he accepted.

Isabella was looking at guests having a good time, she watched the couples kissing and hugging, she watched people joking and laughing with their friends. She sighed sadly to herself as she wished she had that. She would be happy if she had her family, she didn't care if she was poor, at least she would have her family.

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