Chapter 15 - Bella- 14

After Miss Adedora entered my mother's room, I turned away and covered my face, hiding the smile that made its way onto my lips. Bo quickly ran up to me and bowed. I frowned at him.

" Where have you been all this time?" I asked. He bowed again.

"M-My apologize master! The girl's handmaid has been cleaned up and is now resting in her room." I nodded at him before signaling him to stand. Just then, I heard the door to my mother's room open and I quickly turned to Bo.

"Take her to her handmaid and show her where she will be staying before the.." I paused. Bo looking at me, waiting for me to finish.

"the wedding." I said after clearing my throat. I quickly began to walk away. Bo bowed to my retreating figure.

"Yes master."

"..."

"Wedding?"

*

By the time I had finished talking with the Queen, the 4th Prince had already left the courtyard.

'So fast? He did not even say goodbye…' I pouted. But before I could dwell, a timid looking man dressed in servants clothes came up to me and bowed.

"Hello Miss! I am the helper for the 4th Prince- I was instructed to bring you to where you will be staying." he explained. I nodded before introducing myself.

"pleasure to meet you, I am -"

"The Black Jade, correct? words about you have already spread throughout the kingdom!" he said proudly.

I wanted to cry...

'now the world knows about this weird talent of mine… Sigh, such is the life of the female lead..' I thought.

He bowed again and pointed to the exit of the Queen's Manor. "shall we, miss?" I nodded before following behind him.

It was a long day, the walk back was quiet and dark, I couldn't wait to finally take a warm bath and sleep. We arrived at a room with the lights on inside.

"oh? Is somebody inside already-"

"Miss!!!" the door opened, revealing Bella on the other side, staring at me with a smile. I gasped before running to hug her.

"Bella!!" I exclaimed while hugging her. She was okay! I took a step back and scanned her, looking for any injures.

"Are you alright?? Did they hurt you?" I asked worriedly. I grabbed her arm that was swollen. She smiled and shook her head.

"No miss, I am okay! My arm is fine now." She said while looking at me. I couldn't help but tear up.

' Bella had been stuck in that jail cell, all alone. While I had completely forgotten about her…'

I pulled her into another hug and rested my head on her. I felt guilty.

"Miss?" She said softly. Instead of answering, I hugged her tighter.

"I'm sorry Bella.." I said. I began to cry. "I'm so sorry Bella." She panicked and pulled me away, she quickly bowed.

"M-Miss! Please do not worry anymore! I am fine!" She said. Out of her pocket, she took out a handkerchief and handed it to me. Accepting it, I carefully wiped my tears.

"Miss, it has been almost a day since we last saw each other, I hope you can forgive me for the way I treated you in the prison." She said, bowing once more. I quickly waved my hands, signaling her to stand. I then realized how much had happened, and how little she probably knew.

"Bella, there were many things that happened since then, I have much to tell you!" I said. She nodded and carefully guided me to the bed to sit. I thoroughly explained the events of today, she remained silent throughout the story.

When I finished, I looked up at her. Met with a blank, unreadable expression. She stood up and began pacing the room.

"What's wrong?" I asked. She looked at me in disbelief.

"M-Miss, everything you said…" She paused. "Is true?" I scoffed and turned away.

"I would not lie about this! Of course, it is true-"

"Miss!! Do you not realize??! You have married the 3rd Prince's-"

I quickly ran up to her and covered her mouth.

"Be quiet!" I hushed her. She slowly pulled my hand away from her mouth.

"A-and, your this Black Jade as well?? You healed the Queen?? All just today?!?" She said. I scratched my neck awkwardly.

"Now that you say it out loud. But its the truth! I cannot make up such a lie." I stated. She sighed before pushing me back to sit down. I looked at her confused. "Why? Is it such a hard story to belief?" her eyes narrowed as she gave me a 'what-do-you-think?' face. But then, shook her head.

"Miss, if all of this is true, do you not realize how much danger you are in?? Are are going to be marrying… a… " She moved closer to me as she whispered. "A murderer!"

I shook my head and looked back at her. "Bella, ever since we have arrived here, So many things have confused me." I looked down. "First, we were suddenly jailed after I fainted, and then, I became the Black Jade. But I know one thing is certain." I said. She looked at me, a lost expression on her face.

"Which is…?" She said. I looked back up at her, a firm expression on my face.

"The 4th prince did not kill the 3rd Prince." I stated. She sighed and looked at me again.

"Miss, how can you be so sure??" She asked.

"Because!-" I quickly stopped. She stared at me, waiting more me to complete my sentence.

'I cannot tell her that this is only part of a show. How would she react?' I thought. Clearing my throat, I looked away from her.

"E-Either way Bella. I just know that it is not the 4th Prince. I just need the evidence to prove so." I said. The room was silent for a moment. Bella sighed again before nodding.

"Miss, I want to believe you, but…-"

"That's fine! I will find the proof that proves I am right! I won't allow the 4th Prince to continue living like this!" I said. She raised her bow, a small smile danced across her lips.

"Could it be, You are in love with the 4th Prince?"

(Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed.)