Duke Blackwood quickly rushed out to welcome the princess. "Your Highness, forgive me for the tardy welcome. I didn't expect you to grace our humble home with your presence."
The princess smiled shyly. "You don't have to be so formal, Duke. We will become family soon," she said, a beautiful smile blooming across her face. She turned to her lady-in-waiting. "Quickly, bring out the gifts I prepared for the Duke."
"You didn't have to bring anything, Your Highness," the Duke said, slightly flustered.
"I didn't want to come empty-handed," Princess Isabella replied.
"Thank you, Your Highness. Forgive my impertinence, I kept you standing. Let's head in," the Duke said, gesturing towards the mansion.
As they walked towards the grand entrance, the princess's lady-in-waiting hurriedly brought forward several beautifully wrapped packages. The Duke marveled at the thoughtfulness and generosity of the princess. He couldn't help but notice how her presence seemed to light up the surroundings, her every movement graceful and poised.
Inside the mansion, the staff had already begun to prepare for the unexpected visit. The grand hall was adorned with fresh flowers, and the finest china was set out for tea. Madam Sophia, having been informed of the princess's arrival, was waiting in the drawing room, her expression carefully composed.
"Your Highness, welcome to our home," Madam Sophia said, curtsying deeply. "It is an honor to have you with us."
"Thank you, Madam Sophia. Your home is truly beautiful," Princess Isabella replied, her eyes taking in the elegant surroundings.
"Please, have a seat," the Duke said, guiding the princess to a plush armchair. "Would you care for some tea?"
"That would be lovely," Princess Isabella said, settling into the chair with a serene smile.
As the servants poured the tea and presented an array of delicate pastries, the Duke and Madam Sophia engaged the princess in polite conversation. They discussed the upcoming engagement and the plans for the wedding, all the while maintaining an air of cordiality and respect.
Lara, who had been watching from a distance, couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. Princess Isabella was everything she was not—beautiful, poised, and of noble birth. She knew that her own position in the household was precarious, and the arrival of the princess only served to highlight her insecurities.
Mary, ever the opportunist, sidled up to Lara. "Isn't she just perfect?" she whispered, her tone dripping with false admiration. "I suppose the young master is quite lucky."
Lara forced a smile. "Yes, she is very beautiful."
Mary's eyes gleamed with a hint of malice. "Don't worry, Lara. I'm sure you'll find your place in all of this."
Lara nodded, though her heart was heavy with doubt. She knew that her future was uncertain, and the presence of Princess Isabella only complicated matters further.
Back in the drawing room, the conversation had turned to more personal matters. "Your Highness, how was your journey?" Madam Sophia asked, her voice warm and inviting.
"It was pleasant, thank you. The countryside is truly lovely this time of year," Princess Isabella replied. "I must say, I am looking forward to becoming a part of this family."
"We are delighted to have you," the Duke said, raising his teacup in a toast. "To the future."
"To the future," Princess Isabella echoed, her smile radiant.
As the evening wore on, the princess's gifts were unveiled. There were exquisite pieces of jewelry, fine silks, and rare spices from distant lands. Each item was more impressive than the last, and the Duke and Madam Sophia expressed their gratitude profusely.
"Your generosity is overwhelming, Your Highness," the Duke said, bowing slightly. "We are truly honored."
"It is my pleasure," Princess Isabella replied. "I wanted to show my appreciation for your hospitality."
Just then, Princess Isabella asked, "May I see Cedric? I would like to speak with him."
The Duke nodded and turned to Lara, who was standing nearby, lost in her thoughts. "Lara, please fetch the young master."
Lara, being in a daze, didn't hear the Duke until Mary used her elbow to signal her. "Yes, Duke. I'll get the young master right away," she said, snapping back to attention.
As Lara hurried off to find Cedric, the princess's lady-in-waiting whispered something in her ear, and Princess Isabella watched Lara with intrigue. There was something about the maid that piqued her curiosity, and she wondered what role Lara played in Cedric's life.
Lara found Cedric in his room, engrossed in a book. "Young master, the Duke requests your presence in the drawing room. Princess Isabella has arrived."
Cedric looked up, a mixture of surprise and apprehension on his face. "Thank you, Lara. I'll be there shortly."
Before he left, Cedric took Lara by the arm and pulled her in for a hug. "I hope you know I don't have the princess in my heart," he whispered, hugging her tighter. "You're the only one meant for me."
"I know that, young master, but I can't help but feel this way. I—" Lara was interrupted by an unexpected kiss that took her breath away and made her weak in the knees.
"Young master, we can't do this now," she managed to say, pulling away reluctantly.
Cedric sighed, his eyes filled with longing. "I know, but I needed you to understand how I feel."
Lara nodded, her heart aching with the weight of their situation. "I understand, Cedric. But we must be careful."
Cedric nodded, releasing her from his embrace. "You're right. Let's go."
As they walked back to the drawing room, Lara couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom. The arrival of Princess Isabella had set many wheels in motion, and she knew that the days ahead would be filled with challenges and uncertainties.
Back in the drawing room, the Duke and Madam Sophia were still engaged in conversation with Princess Isabella. When Cedric entered, all eyes turned to him.
"Ah, Cedric, there you are," the Duke said, a hint of relief in his voice. "Princess Isabella has been looking forward to meeting you."
Cedric bowed politely. "Your Highness, it is an honor to meet you."
"The honor is mine, Cedric," Princess Isabella replied, her smile warm and inviting. "I have heard much about you."
Cedric forced a smile, his mind still reeling from his encounter with Lara. "I hope I can live up to your expectations."
"I'm sure you will," Princess Isabella said, her eyes sparkling with interest.
The Duke and Madam Sophia exchanged a glance. "We will leave you two to get acquainted," the Duke said, standing up. "If you need anything, we will be just outside."
As the Duke and Madam Sophia excused themselves, Cedric found himself alone with Princess Isabella. The maids were excused to give Princess Isabella and Cedric privacy. Madam Sophia hated the thought of it, her eyes narrowing as she left the room. Lara, standing helplessly by the door, felt a pang of despair. She knew she was powerless to stop what was happening.
Cedric couldn't help but be taken away by the sight of the princess. She was even more beautiful than he had imagined, and he realized he shouldn't have believed the rumors that said she wasn't.
Princess Isabella smiled, noticing his reaction. "I hope I am not what you expected," she said softly.
Cedric shook his head, still in awe. "No, Your Highness. You are far more than I expected."
As they began to talk, Cedric found himself weighing his options. He saw Lara as a plaything, someone who provided him with comfort and distraction. But Princess Isabella was of nobility, beautiful, and had a body that captivated him, he had been trying not to stare at her chest for too long . Weighing the two options before him, he decided to go for the one that would benefit him the most.
As Cedric and Princess Isabella continued their conversation, he couldn't help but be drawn to her charm and grace. Despite his earlier words to Lara, he knew that aligning himself with Princess Isabella would secure his future and elevate his status. The decision was clear, and he resolved to pursue the princess, leaving Lara to grapple with the harsh reality of her position.
---As Cedric and Princess Isabella continued their conversation, she leaned in slightly, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "I heard you had a plaything among the maids?" she asked, her tone light but probing.
Cedric's expression remained calm. "Someone just to pass the time. Her beauty does not compare to yours, Your Highness," he said smoothly.
This put a smile on Princess Isabella's face. "It seems you just know the right things to say, young lord," she said, taking a sip of her tea.
Cedric smiled, feeling more confident in his decision. The princess was not only beautiful but also intelligent and charming. He knew that aligning himself with her would secure his future and elevate his status. As they continued their conversation, Cedric felt a sense of excitement ,He was confident she would be eating from his palm sooner than later. As they continued their