Elizabeth had indeed experienced a rather tumultuous day. She and Alice had discreetly embarked on a quest to locate her brother, Arthur. It seemed as if they were deliberately concealing his whereabouts from her.
An informant she encountered at the eastern palace had suggested that King Murdoch might have imprisoned him, subjecting poor Author to potentially severe torment. Elizabeth was horrified by the notion, but she couldn't bring herself to accept it, if only to preserve her sanity.
As evening descended, it was time for her to attend to the cleaning of Prince Nicholas's chambers. Memories from the previous night invaded her thoughts, causing her considerable distress. After being compelled to witness the intimate encounter between Nicholas and the lady, he had instructed her to tidy up afterward.
Elizabeth was incensed and held herself accountable. She vowed never to allow herself to fall in love again.
Following her evening bath, she cautiously made her way to Nicholas's chamber, her heart racing with apprehension about the distressing spectacle he might subject her to today.
Upon arriving at the chamber door and exchanging greetings with the guards stationed there, she reached for the door handle and entered. Along the way, she had encountered Arlene, who informed her that the Prince was absent, which brought her some relief.
Elizabeth promptly set about cleaning the room, hoping to finish before Nicholas returned and she had to face him again. She diligently mopped and dusted the floor and furnishings when, suddenly, the door swung open, causing her heart to leap. Was it Nicholas?
She turned swiftly, only to find a young lady with an alluring figure and average stature. The lady possessed long black hair, brown eyes, and a beautifully round face. Elizabeth couldn't help but wonder who she might be, surmising that she was likely one of
Nicholas's pillow friends, given the hostile look she directed toward her.
Arabella, as the lady was knownbapproached Elizabeth with measured steps, her expression conveying concern and disappointment as she observed the lady before her.
Earlier that morning, Arabella's father, General Richard, had informed her that her impending marriage to Prince Nicholas had been called off. She was overcome with dismay and devastation. She recalled the reason her father had given: King Murdoch's desire for his son to engage in further conquests and the expansion of their kingdom, which meant postponing the marriage.
Arabella seethed with anger. She loved Nicholas deeply and had yearned to become the next queen. Now, however, she understood the true cause of the engagement's cancellation – the presence of the girl standing before her.
Clutching her cotton dress with grace, Arabella fixed her gaze on Elizabeth. "So, you are the slave princess," she sneered with an eye roll, vexed that no one had mentioned the breathtaking beauty of the Vitalis princess. This revelation might explain why Nicholas had not objected to the cancellation of their engagement. "What brings you here?"
Elizabeth sighed before meeting Arabella's gaze. "Firstly, I am not accountable to you, and secondly, I was on my way out." She picked up her bucket and mop and began to depart, but Arabella yanked her by her golden hair, forcefully pulling her back.
A visible gasp escaped Elizabeth's lips as she was abruptly drawn back to face the furious Arabella.
"How dare you attempt to leave, you slave," Arabella spat angrily at Elizabeth, who was still taken aback by the lady's actions. "Do you wish to meet your demise?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about, but you were the one who came here and started mistreating me," Elizabeth retorted, dropping the mop and bucket to the floor. "If you think I will stand here and endure your bullying, think again. Farewell."
She bent down, preparing to lift the bucket, but Arabella forcefully thrust her backward, her lips contorting in disdain. "You shall not proceed, you wretched slave. So it is you, the one who ensnared Nicholas, you foolish woman."
Elizabeth scoffed in disbelief before regarding Arabella. "I have no inkling of what you are insinuating, but if you desire Nicholas, I am utterly indifferent. You may have him without reservation. Now, cease your nonsense complaints and step aside."
Arabella raised her hand and delivered a harsh slap to Elizabeth's cheek. "How dare you? How can a mere slave dare to insult me?"
Elizabeth touched her stinging cheek, feeling anger welling up within her. She would not succumb to Arabella's obvious attempt to provoke her; she would not grant her the satisfaction. Once more, she attempted to pass by Arabella, who roughly seized her arm. Fed up with the mistreatment, Elizabeth forcefully pulled away and shoved Arabella, causing her to tumble to the floor.
"You insolent wretch! How dare you?" Arabella berated Elizabeth. "You shall regret this."
"What is transpiring here?" It was Nicholas, entering the room, his brows furrowed in confusion as he surveyed the scene, shifting his gaze between Elizabeth and Arabella.
"Why are you on the floor?"
Arabella pointed an accusatory finger at Elizabeth, her lips forming a pout. "She pushed me!"
Elizabeth's eyes widened in surprise at how Arabella's demeanor had shifted from anger to petulance.
Nicholas strode over to Arabella, helping her to her feet swiftly, then turned his fiery gaze to Elizabeth. "How dare you? Do you know who she is?"
Elizabeth cared not about the lady's identity; she was an impolite woman who had attacked her. "She accosted me and initiated the altercation."
"Silence!" Nicholas exclaimed, kicking the bucket in anger, startling Elizabeth.
"It's alright, my Prince; I shall return home," Elizabeth began to raise her hand but let out a gasp, capturing Nicholas's attention away from Elizabeth. "However, my father will undoubtedly inquire about my well-being," she added with feigned innocence.
Elizabeth scoffed at Arabella's contrived pretense, prompting Nicholas to redirect his gaze toward her. "I can discern that you acted deliberately, and you exhibit no remorse. I promise to make you pay for laying your impudent hands upon her."
He took Arabella's hand and began to depart but turned back to face Elizabeth. "Kneel," he commanded, pointing to the floor, his tone cold and unyielding.
Elizabeth contemplated for a moment before sinking to her knees, for he appeared exceedingly incensed, and it was prudent not to further provoke his ire. "Very well, remain here and do not move until my return. I assure you, you shall regret this day."
Elizabeth's heart sank as she absorbed his threat; her fate seemed sealed.
He turned and left, and Elizabeth's gaze rose, catching Arabella's sly smile before returning her focus to the front and following Nicholas out of the room.
Elizabeth was humiliated and furious with herself; she should have exerted greater control over her anger. Dread coursed through her entire being as she recollected her prior punishment; she had no desire for a repetition and doubted her ability to endure it.
Bitter tears streamed down her cheeks as her trembling form awaited the Prince's return, dreading the impending consequences of her actions. She was doomed.