Chapter 2

Deep in the charming town of Heatherdale, nestled within the picturesque countryside, stood a young woman named Isabella. With her long red hair gracefully cascading down her shoulders, she possessed a beauty that was simply enchanting. Her emerald green eyes sparkled with an unmistakable depth, hinting at the dreams and desires that swirled within her soul Isabella had just turned 23, and though she appeared delicate, her spirit was fierce, a legacy inherited from her late father. Ever since her father's untimely demise, Isabella had been living with her stepmother, Lady Annabelle, and her stepbrother, Henry Lady Annabelle was a woman with a heart of ice, her once vibrant spirit now clouded by bitterness and envy. On this particular day, as the sun bathed Heatherdale in a warm golden glow, Isabella found herself wandering in the fields just outside the town the scent of wildflowers filled the air, and a gentle breeze played with the tendrils of her red hair she treasured these moments of solitude, a respite from the constant demands and criticisms of her stepmother. As she immersed herself in the tranquility of nature, a carriage pulled by two majestic horses appeared in the distance Isabella's curiosity piqued as she watched it approach, wondering who could be arriving in Heatherdale. To her surprise, out stepped Lady Charlotte, a woman known for her connections with the noble families across the land. Isabella's heart skipped a beat as she realized the purpose of Lady Charlotte's visit. An overwhelming sense of frustration and anger began to well up within her Lady Charlotte, an elegant woman with silver streaks adorning her chestnut hair, approached Isabella with a warm smile "My dear Isabella," she greeted, her voice gentle and soothing "I bring you news from Thornwood" Isabella looked at her, her eyes flashing with defiance. "What news could you possibly bring from Thornwood? You've never brought any good news," Isabella said, crossing her hands over her chest Lady Charlotte's smile faltered for a brief moment, but she quickly composed herself. "I can see that you are brave I will deliver this message to your stepmother, Lady Annabelle. Is she inside?" Just as Isabella was about to speak, Annabelle appeared before her, her eyes glistening with surprise "Lady Charlotte, what have I done to deserve this honor?" Anabelle said as she gestured for Lady Charlotte to come in. "Please, "come in, Lady Charlotte. The house is yours," Anabelle said warmly. Bella, however, crossed her hands over her chest angrily and stuck out her tongue behind Lady Charlotte. Henry, noticing Bella's reaction, asked from behind her, "What is she doing here?" This startled Bella, causing her to jump and flinch "Henry, you scared me," Bella responded, taking a moment to compose herself "Ohh... Lady Charlotte from Thornwood," Henry said, recognizing Lady Charlotte "Yeah, the last time I followed her to buy stepmother's goods, I was almost bitten by this crazy woman at the market. It was like a thornwood of craziness," Bella ranted, causing Henry to burst into laughter "Are you still holding grudges against the town and taking your anger out on Lady Charlotte?" Henry teased "What? No!" Bella hissed and turned her face sideways "I could have been killed that day by that mad woman" she said, her voice filled with frustration Henry couldn't contain his laughter any longer "Well, you're here now, so clearly you're not dead" he chuckled, Bella crossed her arms, a hint of annoyance still present on her face. Suddenly, Anabelle's voice rang from inside, "Bella, prepare some tea for Lady Charlotte" she said Bella flinched at the command "You should go" Henry said and then left Bella inhaled sharply, entering the house to make the requested tea.

 Bella stepped into the kitchen and began making the tea. She carefully poured hot water into the teapot, savoring the aroma as the leaves steeped. Once the tea was ready, she picked up the tray and made her way into the living room. As Bella entered, she noticed Lady Charlotte and her stepmother, Anabelle, engaged in a serious discussion. Anabelle's greedy grin caught Bella's attention, making her wonder what they could be talking about. She approached them quietly and placed the tray of tea on the coffee table. Lady Charlotte looked up and greeted Bella with a warm smile "Thank you, Bella," Lady Charlotte said graciously. "Please have a seat and join us" Bella obliged, taking a seat opposite her stepmother. She couldn't help but notice the intensity of the conversation between Lady Charlotte and Anabelle. Their hushed voices carried an air of secrecy and anticipation, Curiosity got the best of Bella, and she couldn't resist slipping into the conversation "Forgive my intrusion, but may I inquire about the topic of discussion?" Bella asked, her eyes flickering between the two women Lady Charlotte exchanged a knowing glance with Anabelle before speaking, her voice tinged with concern "We were just discussing your marriage" Lady Charlotte said, breaking the news to Isabella "Crown Prince Alexander sent me to ask for your hand in marriage your stepmother agreed, and all we need is your agreement." Isabella's eyes widened in both surprise and confusion as she glanced at her stepmother. "My marriage without my consent?" she exclaimed. Lady Charlotte calmly sipped her tea, trying to explain "His Highness wants a decent lady, and I couldn't think of anyone else," she said. Bella's rage mixed with annoyance as she absorbed the information. She took a deep breath, trying to collect her thoughts before responding "I appreciate your concern, Lady Charlotte" she said, her tone firm yet respectful "But I am only 22, I don't know a thing about being married" Bella said hesitantly. 

"You don't have to worry about that" Lady Charlotte responded gently "Once you're married, you will become the crowned queen. You won't have to do chores or cook. Your main role will be to give birth to Thornwood's future king" Bella raised an eyebrow and scoffed, "Oh, so all you want is a pleasure seeker and a child producer for your ugly, bald crown prince?" Bella's frustration grew, and she couldn't help but throw a tantrum at Lady Charlotte, her words dripping with anger "Bella, you are completely out of line" Lady Charlotte said firmly, her voice filled with authority and disapproval "That's it!" Bella stood up in annoyance "I am not a chess piece to be played with, nor will I be a pleasure toy or a child producer for anyone or any kingdom, Tell your prince I am not ready for marriage. Goodbye" she said, and walked away "Bella! Isabella!" Anabelle called out angrily, but she was already gone. Anabelle then turned to Lady Charlotte and said, "I apologize. I will handle her" 

"It's fine. I love her courage but just know that this opportunity only lasts until tomorrow. I'm sure you want to be respected as a queen mother, so talk to her" Lady Charlotte said calmly as she stood up. Anabelle exhaled sharply and also stood up "I will be here until tomorrow, so let me know if she agrees" Lady Charlotte added. She walked towards the exit door as Anabelle watched her leave. Anabelle bit her lips angrily, contemplating what she could do to convince Bella to agree to the terms tonight.