Chapter 4

Isabella got dressed and headed downstairs, wearing a simple white gown and tying her red hair up in a bun, causing her striking green eyes to flicker with intensity. As she entered the sitting room, she noticed Lady Charlotte engaged in conversation with her stepmother, Annabelle. A slight frown crept across Isabella's face, knowing that her stepmother had likely disclosed her agreement to marry Alexander "Here comes the future Queen of Thornwood" Lady Charlotte said, standing up from her seat. "Good morning, Lady Charlotte" Isabella replied with a slight frown on her face Lady Charlotte acknowledged her greeting and continued, "Morning, dear Your mom informed me that you've had a change of heart" Isabella looked at her stepmother, her expression filled with sadness, and sighed "Yes" she reluctantly confessed "wonderful," she laughed, pleased "then what are we waiting for? Let's go to Thornwood to meet your future husband" Lady Charlotte said Annabelle stood up with a smile, while Isabella's lips trembled in surprise and confusion "Right away?" she asked "Yes, His Highness doesn't want to waste any more time" Lady Charlotte replied " "but..." Bella interrupted, "Shh..." Annabelle cut her off "We are leaving right away, and that's final," she said "Please, let me at least pack my clothes," Bella said, her voice filled with desperation. Lady Charlotte couldn't help but laugh softly at Bella's plea "No, dear, you won't be needing any of your clothes everything you need is already in Thornwood" she responded, her tone filled with certainty Bella let out a heavy sigh, her hopes of delaying her departure dashed" we could at least wait for a few more days" Bella suggested, hoping to appeal to Lady Charlotte's sense of compassion "his Highness will punish me if I stay even one more day" Lady Charlotte replied sternly, hinting at the disciplinary consequences that awaited her "well, then he must be a bad old man" Bella retorted, her frustration evident in her voice. Lady Charlotte raised an eyebrow with curiosity, taken aback by Bella's bold statement. "What?" Lady Charlotte asked, clearly intrigued by Bella's remark. However, she ultimately chose to ignore what Bella had said and continued with their preparations in silence. Horse hooves soon sounded outside, and Lady Charlotte flinched. "The carriage is here, let's go," Lady Charlotte said briskly and Bella's heart slammed against her chest. She had no idea what kind of life awaited her in Thornwood. "I'm ready," Annabelle said as she walked towards them "Me too" Henry chimed in with a smile, and Bella's lips formed an 'O' of surprise "You're coming too?" she asked, taken aback. "I will at least meet my sister's husband-to-be," he responded, winking playfully at Bella, She felt relieved and a little more confident with Henry by her side. They all walked towards the carriage and entered Bella glanced at her father's house for the last time, tears rolling down her cheeks as she knew she would never return here again all the memories of her mother seemed to vanish in that moment, with a mixture of trepidation and uncertainty, she was now embarking on a new chapter of her life with an older man, she thought to herself as the carriage began to move, Bella wiped away her tears, determined to focus on the future rather than dwell on the past. Henry noticed her sadness and gently took her hand in his, offering a comforting squeeze "Everything will be alright" he whispered and Bella nodded at him.

......

Bella mustered up the courage to break the silence in the carriage. "Lady Charlotte, I couldn't help but notice that the villages we have been passing by were completely deserted why is it that there was no one outside, even though it's daytime?" Lady Charlotte turned her gaze towards Bella, "Ah, the villagers of Thornwood rarely work during the day"Bella leaned in closer, intrigued by Lady Charlotte's response "But why don't they work during the day? It seems unusual for a village to stay indoors while the sun is still shining" she responded and lady Charlotte look at her "You are a very curious lady," Lady Charlotte responded, her tone laced with disapproval "why don't you focus on how to impress the crown prince and become a good wife and queen, rather than worrying about the villagers?" A slight frown appeared on Bella's forehead as she processed Lady Charlotte's words. "Right," she said, trying to sound firm, but she couldn't push aside the nagging thought of the empty village. Deep down, she knew that something was amiss.

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In Ravenhill, Alexander is in his magnificent room Prince, The room was spacious and adorned with intricate gold carvings and luxurious tapestries, exuding an air of royalty and regality. The walls were painted in rich, deep hues of burgundy and gold, further enhancing its majestic atmosphere standing tall in the center of the room was a majestic four-poster bed with ornate head and footboards, draped in rich velvet curtains that cascaded down to the plush carpeted floor. The bed was adorned with soft silk sheets embroidered with the royal crest, fit for a prince's slumber, to the left of the bed, a grand fireplace stood adorned with a mantelpiece of intricate marble carvings a crackling fire would often roar within, spreading warmth and a cozy ambiance throughout the room.

   On the right side of the room, a lavish sitting area was arranged with plush armchairs and sofas, upholstered in rich brocade fabrics, surrounded by a polished mahogany coffee table the room was homely and inviting, a place where he could entertain guests or retreat to relax and indulge in a good book from his extensive library. Illuminating the room were crystal chandeliers hanging from the intricately molded ceiling Their dazzling lights reflected off the polished marble floors, creating an enchanting and ethereal atmosphere, At the far end of the room, double doors led to a private balcony. From here, he could enjoy breathtaking views of the castle grounds and the serene countryside beyond while the balcony was furnished with elegant wrought-iron furniture, providing a peaceful haven.