Chapter 9

Bella made her way to the hallway, surprised to see servants bustling around the castle at night when there were none in the morning. Everyone had left after the wedding, leaving her unsure of where to go or what to do. As she looked around, tears streaming down her face, she realized that none of the maids even glanced at her. This realization caused her heart to tighten with the realization that this was only the beginning of her suffering soon, she spotted Elise and another servant in the hallway, walking towards her. She quickly wiped away her tears and tightly held the edge of her dress, running towards Elise with a sense of urgency. "Lady Elise," she said, her breath ragged and frustration evident in her voice. "I don't know what is going on here. Everyone has left after the wedding, and I don't know where to go. I want to return to my room, but I'm completely lost. Could you please help me find my way back?" Tears continued to stream down her face as she pleaded with Elise for assistance She is not the type to cry and let her emotions out in front of someone, but this time she is angry and frustrated Elise cocks her head slightly and looks at her. She stretches her hand to wipe her tears away and says, "Just call me Elise, Your Highness you are the crown prince's wife and the future queen. There's no need for you to respect me" Elise says coldly "I will prepare you to go to your husband's room. Let's go," she adds Bella's lips parted slightly as she tried to process Elise's words "excuse me?" she says, her voice filled with disbelief. Elise remains composed and repeats, "It's your wedding night, Your Highness. We must ensure that we prepare you for this auspicious occasion," Elise said, her voice brimming with anticipation. Bella's lips trembled as she had been worried about marrying a man she did not know. The realization that they would have to sleep together like a couple had never crossed her mind before. Taking a deep breath, she responded, "Ha... you're right," Bella replied, her voice filled with nervousness "we shouldn't keep His Highness waiting any longer, should we?" Elise responded, her tone slightly more serious Bella gathered herself, straightening her posture she just wanted to leave the hallway behind and face whatever awaited her inside.

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Bella was led into a dressing room, where the attendants helped her out of her wedding dress she then smoothly slid into a comfortable, short white silk nightgown, which had a long white jacket accompanying it on the other side, Elise sat while balancing a glass of red wine on her head, closely studying Bella and admiring her. Elise thought that Bella had a stunning smooth skin, and she believed that Alex wouldn't be able to resist it "That sex maniac," she whispered, placing her glass on the table beside her and shaking her head in disbelief. They removed the pin holding Bella's tied hair, causing her red locks to cascade over her shoulders. Then, they delicately applied lotion to her body. At that moment, she realized there was no turning back she was already married to him, and nothing could alter that fact It was time for her to accept her destiny with a deep breath, she closed her eyes, ready to face whatever lay ahead when they were done, Elise observed the maid as they all walked out of the room one after the other Elise stood up and approached her, offering her a herb tea Bella looked at the herb tea with curiosity. "Drink this before he begins. It will alleviate the pain. Alex might appear unstoppable, but trust me, he's exceptionally skilled," Elise explained Bella and Elise turned away from each other. "Sleeping with your best friend must be so enjoyable for you, but I don't need it," Bella responded, causing Elise to chuckle. "This is a castle, Your Highness. You know nothing about us here," Elise retorted. "Well, I may not know much, but I will soon find out," Bella responded confidently as she stood up. "Take me to my husband," she added, and Elise smirked at her newfound courage.

...

Elise led Bella to Alex's private room. Bella's heart pounded in her chest as Elise reached for the doorknob. Holding her breath, Bella watched in anticipation as Elise slowly opened the door. "Enter," Elise said, casting a wink at Bella before stepping away and leaving her alone. With hesitant steps, Bella cautiously entered the room. However, as soon as she stepped inside, the door swung closed behind her, causing her to gasp and turn back with a bewildered expression. She strained to find any traces of Elise, but she was nowhere in sight. Filled with a mix of curiosity and unease, Bella surveyed the opulent room before her. Despite her initial hesitations, she couldn't help but be enthralled by the extravagance surrounding her. The room was adorned with elegant furnishings, sparkling chandeliers, and intricate artwork that seemed to tell stories of their own. Bella found herself mesmerized by the grandeur, momentarily forgetting her uneasiness. However, her trance was abruptly interrupted by an unfamiliar voice that echoed through the room. Startled, Bella flinched and turned towards the direction of the voice. "Will you keep standing there?" the voice demanded, making her heart skip a beat, The room light suddenly turned on, and there sat Alex, Bella's new husband, on the bed his hair fell on his shoulder, and he had no clothes on, except for a book he was holding in his hand "will you just stand there?" he asked coldly, not taking his eyes off the book Bella's heart sank as she understood the implications of seeing him in nothing but trousers "I am... coming," she said, her voice barely audible Bella made her way towards the bed, standing in front of it, feeling a mix of confusion and apprehension "Sit," Alex commanded, his gaze still fixed on the book Bella hesitated for a moment before slowly sitting down on the edge of the bed, not knowing what to expect she could feel the tension in the room, weighing heavily on her shoulders "aren't you tired?" he asked, turning the book to the next page "I... I... I... am," Bella managed to respond, "then have some rest," Alex said "what?" Bella asked, her voice shaking "you said you are tired, and I said you should rest. Tired people rest, don't they?" Bella's eyes widened at his words. She knew it was their wedding night, as Elise had told her that he was a sex maniac. Or is he just saying this to test her? "Not really... Your Highness," she stammered, Alex shifted his gaze from the book and quickly scanned her appearance. "Next time, wear something that covers up," he said curtly, his eyes narrowed with disapproval Bella blinked at him, unsure if she should feel shy or embarrassed deciding it was best to sleep, she lay down on the bed, propping herself up on the pillow and pulling the sheet over her body to shield herself from his judgmental gaze. As she turned her back to him, she couldn't help but wonder if Elise had exaggerated things to frighten her. After all, Alex didn't seem like a sex maniac at all. She closed her eyes, trying to push away her doubts and focus on drifting off to sleep.