Uncrowned Princess

2

The next morning, Isabella was jolted awake by Jenny shaking her shoulder.

"Rise and shine!" Jenny chirped. "Time for breakfast!"

Isabella groaned, turning to face the wall. "It's still early. What time is it?"

"Five AM," Jenny replied cheerfully.

Isabella's eyes flew open. "Five? You must be joking."

Without warning, Jenny yanked off Isabella's blanket. "No joke. Come on, we need to get ready."

As Jenny bustled around the room, getting dressed, Isabella sat up slowly, looking around. The sight of the small, shabby room confirmed that yesterday's events weren't just a bad dream.

Jenny tossed some clothes onto Isabella's bed. "Here's your uniform."

Isabella eyed the t-shirt and skirt with distaste. "I'm not wearing anything that someone else has touched before me. Who knows where these have been?"

"These are standard-issue clothes for all the staff," Jenny explained patiently. "They're clean, I promise."

Isabella crossed her arms stubbornly. "I don't care. I won't wear them."

Jenny sighed, exasperated. "Look, we have work to do. I'm not spending all day arguing with you. Put these on and get to the main hall to start dusting."

"Dusting?" Isabella asked incredulously, but Jenny was already out the door.

Left alone, Isabella threw herself back onto the bed, letting out a muffled scream into her pillow. After a moment, she sat up, eyeing the uniform warily. With a grimace, she picked up the shirt, holding it at arm's length.

"Her smell is still on it," she muttered, wrinkling her nose. Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself. "Let's just do what they say. In a month, I'll be back to my life. How difficult can it be?"

With reluctance, Isabella changed into the uniform. She stood in front of the small mirror, adjusting the unfamiliar clothes. Despite her discomfort, she straightened her back and raised her chin.

"You can do this, Isabella," she told her reflection. "It's just a month."

With a final deep breath, she strode out of the room, her head held high, ready to face whatever challenges this strange new world had in store for her.

Isabella found Jenny chatting with Dan at the reception desk.

"Good morning," Dan smiled warmly when he saw her.

Isabella nodded curtly. "To you too." She turned to Jenny, "I'm hungry. When is breakfast ready?"

Jenny laughed, grabbing Isabella's hand. "It's already done. Come on, we were waiting for you."

As Jenny dragged her along, Isabella found herself in a bustling kitchen. The room was modest but clean, with well-worn countertops and a large industrial stove. Pots and pans hung from a rack overhead, and the aroma of fresh coffee filled the air. To Isabella's surprise, there was a large table where the staff, including Ronald, were gathered for breakfast.

Isabella's eyes widened. "The staff eats together?"

Ronald looked up from his plate. "Good morning, Isabella. I hope you slept well." He stood, gathering his things. "Jenny will show you the ropes today. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask anyone here." With a nod, he headed out.

Jenny tugged Isabella towards the table. "Come on, sit down. Let me introduce you to everyone."

As Isabella tentatively took a seat, Jenny pointed around the table.