“Nothing. Nothing special at all.” He gently bowed and walked away.“Oh. Then what were you looking at?”“Nothing. Nothing special at all.” He gently bowed and walked away.When Bella came to his room, she put on her torn up dress and her makeup of bruises.Crown Prince sneered. “Too late. I already know your secret,” he thought. “You’re a beautiful woman, hiding behind some cheap makeup. You’re gorgeous that no one even come close to your beauty. You’re graceful that I have never seen before. Your body makes me yearn for you like I have never felt before. For that, I wouldn’t mind having you as my one and only woman.” Bella was shocked at his smile.“Come. What are you doing outside my door?”Bella nodded and entered his room.“Close the door.”Bella frowned.“You’re letting all the hot air out.”Bella nodded again. She got inside and gently closed the door.“Do you think he found out her real identity?” asked Cynthia.“No. I don’t think so,” answered Joseph. “Why do you say that?” a
Crown Prince chuckled. “Just because you’re my great-uncle’s wife I will let you get away with it. But remember that lying to the royal family is punishable by death.”“Yes, Crown Prince.”“You may leave.”Madam Cynthia gently bowed and closed the door.“Bella. Bella,” said Madam Cynthia looking around for her.Bella went running to her.“Did the Crown Prince see you?” questioned Madam Cynthia.“I don’t think so. Last night was rather dark.”“Are you sure?”“Yes. Why?”“Because he is questioning about your look.”“My look. Why?”“I don’t know. But whatever it is. You need to be careful.”Bella was taken back. Now she kind of knows why he all of sudden is taking interest in her. Frowning, she nodded her head.The next few days she avoided him as much as possible.Crown Prince was irritated that she hadn’t come to his room to tend to him. His uncle’s excuse was for her to take care of other chores that needed more of her attention. Since she was his apprentice, she knows more about handl
When his uncle and aunt left for the palace, Crown Prince took the advantage to seek Bella out. He have much to say to her.Bella was turning fifteen soon. It was only two weeks away. Madam Cynthia asked her what she wanted for her birthday present. Bella wanted some new paints and paper. She wanted to draw some of the mountain views in the spring. Master Joseph was also going for some business within the palace, and Madam Cynthia thought it was a good idea to take the time to go out and get Bella her gift.The Master and Madam have always treated her nicely and they always gifted her well on her birthday. She smiled as she couldn’t wait to receive her gifts.Bella made her way to the water. The hot spring looked inviting, so Bella took off her dress and dipped her body into the water. She sighed as her body took in the warmth of the pool.Crown Prince who found her that morning, had been spying on her. He saw her taking off her dress and dipping into the hot spring. He was admiring ho
A FEW MONTHS WENT BY “Bella, you’re a few days away from being sixteen,” said Madam Cynthia. “Yes. I know. I’m getting old now huh?” “What? You’re still young.” “That’s what I said a few months back and you said I was supposed to be married off already.” “I know how silly of me.” Bella chuckled. “So?” “So what?” asked Bella. “What do you want for birthday this year?” Bella smiled at her and said, “You and Master Joseph have been so nice and kind to me. This year, I don’t think I want anything.” “You sure?” Bella nodded. “Being with you two is enough.” “Oh, Bella,” said Madam Cynthia with tears in her eyes. “What are you two talking about?” asked Master Joseph. “We’re just talking about how beautiful she’s grown,” answered Madam Cynthia. Bella blushed at her words. “Bella, you are indeed growing up to be so beautiful.” “Thanks, Master Joseph,” said Bella. “If only your father and mother could see you.” “I miss them.” Master Joseph sighed. “It’s been nearly five year
Crown Prince smiled on the inside as they didn’t know that it was him that she would be staying with. While Grandmaster Shui will only be dropping by every now and then to teach her to read and write, he will personally get to spend more time with her.Bella was hesitating as she walked to her room to pack up her clothes.“What are you doing?” asked Crown Prince. He walked up to her.She frowned at him as to why he followed her to her room.“Don’t think about escaping.”Bella’s frown deepened.“So, you’re still not able to talk.”Bella was shocked as to why he had taken interest in her speech. Does he know she can talk? Did the Master and Madam say something to him when she left? No, they wouldn’t betray her like that. Trying not to give herself away, she continued on packing her clothes. Crown Prince grabbed her wrist and pulled her to him. He leans into her. “I will be watching you. Very closely.”Bella withdrew her wrist and looked away. “Humph. Go ahead act cold as you want, but
AT THE PALACE “Maybe she’s just dirty,” said Crown Prince.“Humph. That’s filthy mute!” shouted Princess Beth.“What do you want to do?” questioned Beth’s personal maid Sue Liang.“Throw some more water at her.”Crown Prince looked at Bella with a cold but almost delighted face.Bella was pushed by Beth’s maids, and she fell on the ground.Princess Sue grabbed a bucket of water and splashed it on Bella. She kept throwing water at her until she was completely drenched in water.Bella was covered from head to toe in cold water.“How dare she does not wash her face," said Sue. “Humph, this stupid mute. She needs to learn to keep herself clean," said Princess Beth. As the water dripped over face, her makeup was slowly being washed away.“So, the game begins,” thought Crown Prince.“I can’t believe you brought her back brother. What was your reasoning?” asked Princess Beth looking angrily at Bella.He didn’t answer his sister. Instead, he walked over to Bella. “Now, let’s see that beaut
YESTERDAY EVENING “This will be your room,” said Crown Prince walking her to her room. Bella frowns as to why she got her own courtyard and her own room. Why isn’t she with the other maids and servants? Crown Prince smiled at her confusion. “I’m keeping you here so you can be closer to me. You are my personal maid anyway.” Bella stared at him with confusion. “What? You don’t agree?” She shrugged at him. “If you’re not happy, I can always have you in a cell with the prisoners.” She tightened her hold on her bag and shook her head. “Good. I wouldn’t want to send you down there anyways.” She nodded her head in agreement. He reached out his hand to her face, but she backed away from him. He was irritated that she refused his touch. Controlling his feelings, he inhaled sharply and said, “Remember to come when I call for you.” She nodded her head again. Not wanting to be with him any longer she bowed and walked away from him. “Wait. Don’t you think that a bow is not enough for
MEETING WITH THE EMPEROR “So, I heard you brought your personal maid back here?” asked the Emperor. “Yes,” answered Crown Prince. “Why?” Crown Prince knew that if he let Bella stay with her great-uncle, the Emperor was planning to go experiment the marigold with her body. He didn’t want her to go through such pain and misery. So, he took the risk and brought her back here before the Emperor made his move. She was precious to him. He will secretly defend her for all he could. Only until she is seated as his crown princess is when he can relax. “Hmm.” Crown Prince clenches his fist tightly. CROWN PRINCE’S FLASHBACK “So, you want me to bring the personal maid you abused, back here as my apprentice.” Crown Prince gasped at his words. He didn’t think that the word “abused” would make his heart ache. He then said, “But Grandmaster Shui, didn’t you say that you wanted her as your last student?” Grandmaster Shui stroked his long white beard. “I did. I did say that. Yes, I recall sayi