Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 44645 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 179(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44645 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 179(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Standing still, I force myself to smile as she paints my face in a pale powder and coats my lips in a crimson rouge.
“Okay, you’re all set.” She spins me around to face my father. “This is the best I can do.”
“Much better.” He glances at his pocket watch and pushes me closer to the door. “Don’t keep him waiting when he’s close. Make a good impression and say all the right things.”
“All the right things” means utter silence in his book.
I stare through the glass as a sparkling gold carriage led by four grand, white horses makes its way down our winding road.
With every galloping step, I can’t help but wonder what life in the other kingdoms is like.
They can’t all be this way…
When the procession stops in front of our gate, two footmen step into the rain and roll out a royal blue carpet.
Another servant opens the back door and holds up a parasol while another ties the stallions to our fence.
The prince emerges in a white and blue coat, and I crane my neck to steal a glimpse of his face. I can make out a hard, chiseled jawline and intense green eyes, but my heart doesn’t skip a beat when I see all of his breathtaking features.
Not a single butterfly flutters in my chest, and I don’t feel the world stop under my feet.
I’m not attracted to him in the slightest…
He knocks on our door a few times, and I contemplate letting him stand there until he walks away.
“Open the door, Belle,” my father hisses. “Now.”
I let out a breath before pulling it open.
“Your Grace.” I offer a weak curtsy. “How may I help you?”
“I’m Prince Charming,” he says. “Son of King Aries II & Queen Arabella Windsor, victor from the War of Beasts, and heir to the throne of the Second Kingdom.”
“Please tell me that you don’t have to say all that every time you introduce yourself.”
“I do.” He smiles. “I’m looking for the eligible maiden of the house.”
His gaze ventures toward Izzie, and I can practically see him undressing her with his eyes like every man in town does.
“The eligible maiden is me.” I roll my eyes and usher him inside.
“Oh.” He looks Izzie over one last time before looking my way. “Please have a seat so that my men can determine if you’re my long-lost true love.”
“Can’t you already see that I’m not?” I ask. “I think we would both remember if we’d ever met.”
“Belle,” my father warns.
“Right over here.” Izzie guides me onto a chair, mouthing, “Stop it.”
Prince Charming’s footman clears his throat and reads from a long scroll.
I’m grateful that we can hardly hear his words over the heavy rainfall, and I’m holding out hope that a flood will wipe all of us away at any moment.
“And now, let the fitting begin!” The footman pulls a sparkling glass slipper from his satchel and slides it onto my right foot. “Please rise, Madam.”
I stand to my feet, hoping to show that the shoe is too small, but it fits perfectly.
What the…
“It’s you.” The prince pulls me into his arms and presses his lips against mine without warning, giving me the worst ‘first kiss’ in history.
It’s wet and sloppy, rhythmless and wild, and…It means nothing.
My heart doesn’t hope that his mouth will never leave mine, and every nerve in my body begs me to get the hell away from him.
“Our master has found his true love at last!” someone announces. “Prepare the carriage for a return to our kingdom with its future queen and king.”
As the prince pulls his mouth away from mine, my relief turns to dread. I’m forced to watch one of his men arranging payment with my father.
“I can’t wait to have you alone again, Belle,” the prince whispers. “I’ve searched for you for far too long, and I want us to pick up where we left off.”
“How do you not remember what the woman you fell in love with looks like, or notice that she’s not me?” I cross my arms. “Like, how is that even possible?”
“It was a dark night when you left me.” He clasps my hand. “I’m sorry I didn’t pay better attention.”
“No.” I yank my hand away. “I’m not the woman you’re looking for, and I’m not going anywhere.”
“Excuse me?”
“I’m not going with you. I’m staying here.”
“Can you not see the filthy life that you’re currently leading?” He narrows his eyes at me, still whispering, “You live in a poor, disgusting village where gossip is the main attraction.”
“Anything here is far more attractive than you.”
His gaze darkens, but he keeps his voice low. “Coming with me will benefit you and your family. You’re days away from marrying a man who is next in line for the throne.”
“Sounds like you’re willing to settle for any girl at your side.”