Chapter 1: Dear Mother
The kingdom of Montebello awoke under a sky streaked with the hues of dawn. The golden light spilled into the busy slums where Isabel lived. As she completed her daily household chores, the warm morning sun touched her pale skin and her icy blue eyes sparkled with every splash of water as she stomped on the fabrics soaking in the wooden basin. Despite her humble beginnings, Isabel embraced her life with gratitude, which was a fruition to the lessons her mother had imparted. Although Isabel was uneducated, she was wise enough to find joy in the simple things and never grumbled about their status in society’s hierarchy. Her appreciation for her mother's sacrifices was boundless that she often expressed it in songs of love and gratitude during times of scarcity. Her father was a subject shrouded in silence. A past her mother never spoke of, and Isabel never pressed. She understood enough to harbor a deep, personal hatred for the pain her existence had caused her mother. Yet, in her mother’s eyes, there was no hint of resentment but only endless love and devotion for her daughter. "Isabel, dear?" Teressa’s sweet voice broke through her thoughts, bringing a smile to her face. "Yes, Mother?" Isabel responded, looking up from her task. Teressa approached, holding a bundle of blankets. "I thought you were almost done. I need these washed as well. Winter is coming." Isabel nodded as her hands immediately moved efficiently. "I shall take care of it forthwith. Are you heading to work now?" "Yes, dear. The pub shall be busy today," Teressa replied. "Indeed? Is there a celebration of which I am unaware?" Isabel asked as her curiosity piqued. Teressa chuckled, patting her daughter’s shoulder. "One of the soldiers who frequents the pub is to be wed. The men are celebrating." "That is wonderful news," Isabel said with a smile, kneeling to pick up a clothespin. Teressa watched her daughter fondly. "One day, when you marry, your ceremony will be grander than all." Caught off guard, Isabel stumbled, earning a laugh from her mother. "Mother, please. I do not wish to marry. I desire only to remain by your side." "Goodness, Isabel. Life is lonely without a family of your own. You are my gift, the reason I rise no matter how many times I fall. Do the same when you are a mother," Teressa said, her voice filled with affection. Isabel nodded although her heart resisted the idea. All she desired was a peaceful life with her mother, to give her the happiness she deserved, even if it meant sacrificing her own. "Nevertheless, it is your life to decide," Teressa added playfully. "Though I do need someone to boss around." "Mother!" Isabel retorted with a laugh. "I shall be off then. Take care," Teressa said, kissing her daughter’s forehead before leaving. Isabel watched her mother go and took a deep breath before returning to her chores. The courtyard where she worked was alive with the sounds of the slums—children playing, vendors shouting, carts clattering on cobblestone streets. By mid-day, Isabel had finished the laundry and moved on to other tasks. She swept their small living space, tidied up the sparse furniture, and prepared a simple meal for her mother's return. As she mended a tear in one of Teressa’s old dresses, a knock at the door startled her. She immediately stood up and opened the door to find Mrs. Hawthorne, their kind elderly neighbor, holding a loaf of fresh bread. “Good afternoon, Isabel,” Mrs. Hawthorne greeted warmly. “I baked too much this morning and thought you might like some.” “Thank you, Mrs. Hawthorne,” Isabel replied gratefully, inviting her in. As Mrs. Hawthorne stepped inside, she glanced around the tidy room. “You have been busy. How fares your mother?” “She is at work, putting in extra hours,” Isabel explained, setting the bread on the table. Mrs. Hawthorne nodded with understanding in her eyes. “Your mother is a strong woman. And you, Isabel, are growing into a capable young lady.” Isabel blushed at the compliment. “I do what I can.” The afternoon wore on with Isabel and Mrs. Hawthorne conversing through various topics, from the latest news in the kingdom to tips on managing a household. The elderly woman’s presence was comforting which reminded Isabel that even in the midst of hardship, there were still moments of kindness and community. Eventually, Mrs. Hawthorne took her leave, and Isabel returned to her mending. The rhythm of the needle and thread was soothing and it allowed her mind to drift. She thought about her mother’s words earlier that day. The notion of marriage was foreign to her desires, yet the conviction in her mother’s voice made her wonder if there was more to life than the simple existence she cherished. As the sun began its descent and casted long shadows across the courtyard, Isabel rose to prepare for her mother’s return to ensure the small meal she had prepared was ready. Just then, the door creaked open and Teressa stepped inside with her face weary but lit with a smile at the sight of her daughter. "Welcome home, Mother," Isabel greeted warmly, taking her mother’s cloak and hanging it by the door. "Thank you, dear. The pub was indeed busy today," Teressa said, sinking into a chair with a sigh of relief. "I have prepared a meal for us," Isabel announced, bringing the simple fare to the table. The two ate together and shared stories of their day. As they finished their meal and made sure nothing was left on their plates, Isabel hesitated before speaking. "Mother, you spoke of marriage this morning. Do you truly wish for me to marry?" Teressa looked at her daughter thoughtfully. "Isabel, I wish for you to have a life full of love and companionship. Marriage is one path to that. However, what I desire most is your happiness. If remaining by my side brings you joy, then that is enough for me." Isabel nodded as her heart swelled with affection. "Your happiness is my greatest concern, Mother. I will think on your words."Chapter 2: A Daughter's HeartIsabel who was ever observant, notices the weariness etched in her mother's eyes."Did you manage any rest at work?" Isabel inquired, her voice laced with concern."Very little," Teressa admitted, "but I don’t mind. It is heartening to witness such joy and celebration."Isabel nodded and felt relieved that her mother found comfort to her hard work. "I finished the laundry and tidied up. Mrs. Hawthorne stopped by with fresh bread.""That was kind of her," Teressa said with her eyes brightening. "Mrs. Hawthorne always looks out for us.""Indeed," Isabel agreed. "She also gave me some advice on mending clothes. I believe I am improving."Teressa smiled, gently squeezing Isabel’s hand. "You are doing wonderfully, Isabel. I am immensely proud of you."Isabel blushed. "Thank you, Mother. I just want to ease your burdens.""You do more than enough," Teressa assured her. "I am grateful every day for you. How was your day, dear?""It was good. Busy, but I like to
Chapter 3: Mrs. Hawthorne the kind soulIsabel returned from another long day of searching for work, but nobody seemed willing to hire someone like her who is skilled only in household chores. Downhearted, she trudged home with the burdens of rejection slumped on her shoulders.As the late afternoon shadows began to lengthen, Isabel decided to visit the small clinic where her mother had been temporarily confined. She took a deep breath and smiled, hoping to bring some comfort and cheer to Teressa.Isabel entered her mother’s room quietly with the soft rustling of her skirts the only sound. Teressa stirred as her eyes opened slowly. She immediately shifted and smiled to the sight of her daughter.“Good evening, Mother,” Isabel whispered, leaning down to kiss Teressa’s forehead.Teressa spoke weakly. “Good evening, my dear. How did your day fare?”“I managed,” Isabel replied in her gentle voice. “How do you feel?”“A bit better,” Teressa said, her voice still frail. “But very tired.”Is
Chapter 4: Isabel's Journey to the PalaceIsabel's POVThe next morning, I woke early and dressed carefully. I chose my best attire and packed my few belongings into a small bundle. Today was the day I would travel to the palace, carrying the letter that could change mine and my mother’s lives.With my bundle in hand, I made my way to the small clinic where my mother was recovering. As I approached the room, I saw Mrs. Hawthorne already there, attending to mother with her usual kindness.Despite all the hardships we had faced, I couldn’t help but feel the overwhelming gratitude. Even in these dire circumstances, we were blessed to have people like Mrs. Hawthorne who cared about us and were willing to help.“Good morning,” I greeted softly, stepping inside.Mrs. Hawthorne looked up and smiled warmly. “Good morning, Isabel. You look ready for your journey.”“I am,” I replied, though my voice trembled slightly. I turned to my mother, who was sitting up in bed, looking stronger than befor
Chapter 5: Eliza, the head housekeeperIsabel's POVThen, as I finally arrived and stood in front of the palace gates, I was struck by the sight of a long line of maidens, each holding a letter identical to the one Mrs. Hawthorne had given me. My heart sank slightly as I realized that they, too, were here seeking work, each one probably with a story similar to mine—a family to support or dreams of a better life.The grandeur of the palace loomed before us, its tall gates and imposing walls were the very contrast to the humble homes we had left behind. I clutched my letter tightly, feeling a both nervous and determination. The other maidens in line looked just as apprehensive, their faces mirroring the same blend of hope and anxiety that I felt.I couldn't help but wonder about their stories. Were they also daughters of struggling families, sent here with the hope of securing a stable income? Did they also have loved ones depending on them, waiting anxiously for good news? The thought
Chapter 6: A Pair of Helping HandsIsabel's POVAs the first light of dawn filtered through the small window of my room, I immediately rose from my bed. The events of the previous day still fresh in my mind. Today marked the beginning of my journey in the palace. With determination, I dressed quickly and made my way to the communal area where the other maids were beginning to gather. The atmosphere was tense with anticipation, each of us eager to prove ourselves worthy of a place in the palace.Mrs. Eliza stood at the front of the room while her gaze swept over us with a steely resolve. "Welcome, ladies," she said, her voice cutting through the silence. "Today, you will begin your duties in earnest. Remember, the work you do here reflects not only on yourselves but on the entire household. Do not disappoint."Some of the other girls exchanged nervous glances, and I could sense the tension in the room. I glanced at the girl beside me, offering a reassuring smile. "We'll be fine," I wh
Chapter 7: His Majesty, The King Isabel's POV As we kept our heads down, suddenly, there was a deep, resonant sound of drums that echoed across the courtyard. The steady beat signaled the beginning of the Winter Welcoming Feast, a grand celebration marking the end of the harvest and the onset of the colder months. The drums finally ceased and a hush fell over the crowd. “His Majesty, the King!” announced the master of the banquet, his voice carrying across the courtyard. We immediately curtsied deeply and held our positions as the grand doors of the throne hall creaked open. All eyes turned toward the entrance where King Lucian Devereux emerged. His figure exuded regal majesty, commanding attention. His tall and powerful frame was draped in luxurious robes that shimmered in the twilight. The crown atop his head glinted with precious gems, but it was his face that drew a quiet gasp from my lips. King Lucian possessed a manly beauty that was both striking and captivating. His chisel
Chapter 8: Her Blue Eyes Isabel's POV "Your Majesty," I said, dropping into a deep curtsy, my voice barely above a whisper. "Rise," he commanded in a firm yet not unkind tone. I obeyed and stood before him with my head bowed, waiting for him to speak. "What is your name?" he asked, his voice carrying a note of curiosity. "Isabel, Your Majesty," I replied, surprised that he wanted to know. He studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Isabel," he repeated, as if testing the sound of it. "You are new to the palace, are you not?" "Yes, Your Majesty. This is my first day," I answered, my mind still reeling from the surrealness of the situation. He nodded thoughtfully. "I have heard good things about your diligence and demeanor. You have made an impression." I blinked, taken aback by his words. How could he hear good things about me when I have barely done anything yet? But still, I answered politely. "Thank you, Your Majesty," I managed to say, not entirely sure how to
Chapter 9: The King's Demand Isabel's POV The banquet had finally ended, and while some maids were busy cleaning up after the festivities, I found myself in the kitchen, helping the royal chef prepare the king's breakfast. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon had me almost hungry as Chef Henri worked his magic at the stove. I watched intently, absorbing every detail as he showed me how to plate the food with precision and care. "Remember, presentation is just as important as taste," Chef Henri said, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "The king deserves nothing less than perfection." I nodded and carefully arranged the delicate pastries on the golden tray, making sure each item was placed just so. The thought of serving the king, even in this way, made my heart race, but I was determined to do my best. As I was finishing the final touches, Chef Henri turned to me with a thoughtful expression. "Isabel, I have a special task for you today." I looked up, sur