Lady Tremaine: Bitter Heart

Chapter 21

Within the castle walls, Prince Julian had always felt a heavy weight on his shoulders. As the heir to the throne, he was burdened with responsibilities and expectations that seemed to grow with each passing day. The endless meetings, formal functions, and the constant babbling of his father, King Harold, about the duties of a future king had begun to wear on him.

One sunny morning, as the golden rays of the sun streamed through the castle windows, Prince Julian made a bold decision. He couldn't bear another day of endless royal duties and formalities. He longed for a taste of the world beyond the palace walls, for a chance to be free from the confines of his princely role.

Determined to escape the stifling atmosphere of the castle, he donned a simple disguise—a commoner's attire, complete with a cloak to conceal his identity. With a hood pulled low over his face, he slipped out of the castle and ventured into the bustling marketplace of the nearby town.

The market was a lively and colorful place, a stark contrast to the somber corridors of the palace. Merchants called out their wares, and the scent of fresh bread, exotic spices, and vibrant flowers filled the air. For the first time in a long while, Prince Julian felt a sense of freedom and anonymity.

He wandered through the market, his curiosity piqued by the vibrant tapestries, intricate jewelry, and fragrant spices on display. As he strolled through the bustling crowd, he couldn't help but notice a young woman who seemed out of place amid the market's chaos.

Ella, her face hidden by a simple bonnet, moved gracefully through the market, her steps light and carefree. She carried a small basket filled with fresh produce, her dark eyes bright with curiosity as she examined the various stalls.

Prince Julian was captivated by her presence. There was something about her that drew him in—an air of innocence and purity that stood out amidst the clamor of the marketplace. He watched as she interacted with the vendors, her smile lighting up their faces.

Intrigued, Prince Julian decided to approach her, curious to learn more about the enchanting young woman. As he drew closer, he couldn't help but overhear snippets of her conversation with a vendor.

Thank you, sir. Your apples are the finest in the kingdom. Ella said smiling at the vendor. The vendor grinning ear to ear

"Ah, thank you, miss. Always a pleasure to see you. Will you be attending the royal ball?"

"Oh, I could only dream of attending such an event. But alas, I am but a humble servant."

Prince Julian's heart ached at her words. He couldn't fathom why someone so radiant and kind would consider herself a humble servant. He knew he had to learn more about her, to uncover the mystery behind those captivating eyes and that sweet smile.

With his disguise intact, Prince Julian approached Ella, a simple yet meaningful encounter that would set the wheels of fate into motion. Little did he know that this chance meeting in the marketplace would change his life—and Ella's—in ways neither of them could have imagined.