Chapter 9: I Will Be Fine
Princess Bella stood in shock; her father King Patrick had just shattered her dreams. "You have one month to prepare for your marriage to Prince Leo," he declared, his voice echoing in the vast court. "This alliance is crucial for our kingdom's future." Bella felt the world spin around her. "Father, please!" Her voice trembled with anxiety; each word laced with desperation. King Patrick's expression softened, but his resolve remained firm. "Bella, it's about our people and their safety. You must understand the weight of your duty."
Tears brimmed in Bella's eyes as she turned and fled to her chambers, the ornate door slamming shut behind her. Inside, she found Donna, her loyal handmaid and dear friend, waiting with a worried expression. "Princess Bella! What happened?" Donna rushed forward, concern etched on her face. "They're forcing me to marry Prince Leo in a month!" Bella cried, collapsing onto her bed. "I can't do this, Donna! I will be ruined!" Donna sat beside her, wrapping her arms around Bella. "Oh, Princess Bella, I'm so sorry. This is so sudden." "I feel lost," Bella whispered, her voice muffled against the fabric of her gown. "What do I do? I don't want to leave my home, my family, you."
Donna's heart ached for her friend. "If you have to go, then I'll go with you. You know that, right? My faith is your faith." Bella looked up, her eyes glistening with tears. "But what about your life here? Your family? You'll lose everything too." "I'd rather be with you Princess Bella, you are going into a strange land," Donna replied, her voice steady despite the sorrow in her heart. "You're my best friend, Princess Bella. We'll figure this out together." "Do you really think I can handle being Prince Leo's wife?" Bella asked, anxiety creeping back in. "I know nothing about the Eastern Kingdom. What if I fail?" "You're strong, Princess Bella. You've always been strong," Donna reassured her, brushing a strand of hair behind Bella's ear. "You'll learn, and you'll adapt. You have a kind heart, and that will win them over." "But what if I can't adapt?" Bella's voice cracked. "What if I lose myself in the process?" Donna squeezed her hand tightly. "You won't lose yourself. You'll take your heart with you. You'll make new memories, Princess Bella, and I'll be right there beside you, every step of the way." The two friends wept together, their tears mingling as they clung to each other. The reality of the situation loomed heavy over them, and the uncertainty of the future felt like a dark cloud. "I wish things were different," Bella said, her voice breaking. "I wish I could choose my own path." "So do I," Donna replied softly. "But we can't change what's been decided. We can only face it together." "Promise me you'll stay by my side, no matter what," Bella pleaded. "Always," Donna vowed, wiping her tears. "You'll never be alone. We'll face this new life as a team."
The next morning, Princess Bella stood outside Queen Rose's chambers, her heart racing. She took a deep breath and knocked softly. "Mother, may I come in?" "Of course, my dear," Queen Rose replied, her voice warm and inviting. As Bella entered, she noticed her mother sitting gracefully at her vanity, brushing her hair. "What troubles you, Bella?" Queen Rose asked, sensing her daughter's anxiety. "I need to speak with you about my marriage to Prince Leo," Bella said, her voice trembling slightly. "I want to decide who goes with me to the Eastern Kingdom." Queen Rose turned to face her, her expression shifting from curiosity to pride. "You are Princess Bella, the daughter of King Patrick. It is your privilege to decide who goes with you. You have my support." "Thank you, Mother!" Bella exclaimed, relief flooding through her. "I want Donna to come with me. She's my closest friend, and I can't imagine going without her." Queen Rose gave Bella a hug and reassured her.
As Bella hurried to find Donna, she felt a mix of affection and anxiety. She knew how close Donna was to her twin brother, Tim, and her older brother, Timothy. Leaving them would be devastating for her friend. "Donna!" Bella called, bursting into her chambers. "I have news!" Donna looked up from her sewing, her eyes wide with curiosity. "What is it, Princess Bella?" "I spoke with Queen Rose. I can choose who goes with me to the Eastern Kingdom, and I want you to come!" Bella announced, her face glowing with excitement. Donna's eyes filled with gratitude. "Oh, Bella, thank you! But what about Tim and Timothy? I wish they can come too." Bella hugged Donna, "They'll come too," Bella assured her quickly. "We'll all go together. I won't let you be separated from your family." Donna's face softened with relief. "You don't know how much that means to me. Thank you for thinking of us."
However, as the news of Bella's impending marriage spread throughout the kingdom, the atmosphere began to shift. Nobles whispered behind her back, their voices dripping with scorn. "She's marrying a foreigner," one noblewoman sneered. "She'll lose all her privileges!" Bella held her head high, refusing to let their words penetrate her resolve. She felt a pang of anger rising within her but kept her composure. Princess Victoria and Princess Clara were the worst of the lot, their laughter ringing cruelly in her ears. "Look at Bella, the foreign bride-to-be," Victoria mocked, her eyes glinting with jealousy. "How quaint that she thinks she'll still be a princess." Bella turned to face them, her expression steady. "I may be marrying Prince Leo, but I will never lose my identity. I will always be Princess Bella, daughter of King Patrick of the Central Kingdom."
Clara scoffed, crossing her arms. "You think your little speech will win you any favor? You're just a pawn in a larger game." Taking a breath, Bella replied, "I do not need your support or approval. I'm proud of my decision. I am choosing to support my kingdom, and that is worth more than you would ever do."
With every mocking laugh, Bella felt the weight of their disdain, but she also felt the warmth of her mother's support and the loyalty of Donna. She would not let them see her falter. As she walked away from the nobles, Bella felt a surge of trepidation wash over her. "They will never get the satisfaction of seeing me break." she whispered to herself. She would embrace her new life as a way to unite both kingdoms, and deal with whatever lay ahead.
When Bella returned to her chambers, she found Donna waiting, her eyes filled with tears. "Princess Bella, are you okay? I heard them mocking you and saying such awful things." "I'm fine," Bella replied, though her voice wavered slightly. "It's just noise. I won't let their words bring me down."
Princess Bella stood by her window, fear twisted in her stomach as she thought about her impending marriage to Prince Leo, but she didn't want Donna to sense her anxiety. Turning to her friend, she forced a smile, masking the turmoil within. "Isn't it beautiful outside?" she said brightly, hoping to distract them both from the uncertainty ahead. Inside, however, her heart raced, and she took a deep breath, determined to project strength. "I'll be fine," she whispered to herself, wishing with all her heart that she could believe it.