Uncrowned Princess

34

Isabella lay on her back, her fingers gently tracing the contours of the horse sculpture. She closed her eyes, imagining Ethan's smile when he would receive it. Turning to her side, memories of their time together washed over her - their shared laughter, his tender touch, the softness of his lips, the intoxicating scent of his cologne, and his whispered words that sent shivers down her spine.

A knock at the door pulled her from her reverie. "Come in," she called out.

Natalie entered, carrying a tray. "I've brought your lunch, miss," she announced.

Isabella directed her to place the tray on the table, then turned her attention back to the small gift. As the maid was about to leave, Isabella suddenly sat up and called her back. She jumped off the bed and approached the surprised maid.

"Could you please put this horse sculpture in a box and wrap it?" Isabella requested. "Then I need you to send it to an address I'll give you."

The maid nodded, carefully taking the sculpture. Before she left, Isabella handed her a slip of paper with the address. As Natalie exited the room, Isabella tucked her hair behind her ears, her stomach twisting with nervous anticipation. She couldn't help but wonder if her gift would please Ethan.

Isabella threw herself back onto her bed, drifting into a deep sleep. In her dreams, she saw Ethan's gentle smile as he rode a horse. His arm was wrapped around her waist, while his other hand gripped the reins. Isabella leaned back against his chest, feeling his chin on her shoulder as the breeze caressed her cheeks.

"Isabella," she heard his soft voice call out.

She opened her eyes, only to find Stephanie sitting at the edge of her bed. Disoriented, Isabella sat up, still groggy from sleep.

"Oh, Isabella," Stephanie said, settling herself on the bed. "I don't agree with Claudia. Please don't be upset with me because of her."

As sleep cleared from her mind, Isabella remembered her conflict with Claudia. "It's okay," she mumbled, "I won't blame you for her words."

Stephanie threw her arms around Isabella, hugging her tightly. "You're so kind. I'm happy to have you as a best friend. You know I never liked Claudia; she's always been jealous of you and talks behind your back. It's good you've distanced yourself from her. We can be best friends now."

Isabella got up from the bed, her hand on her forehead. "Okay, Stephanie. Take it easy. I just need to... wait, how did you get in here?"

"Through the door, of course. Sally let me in."

"Right," Isabella said, glancing at the door. "Would you mind waiting downstairs? I need to freshen up."

"And change your clothes," Stephanie added.

Isabella nodded. "Yeah, I'll put on something comfortable."

"Don't put on too much. Or better yet, don't put anything on at all. You don't need clothes where we're going," Stephanie said as she stood up from the bed.

"What do you mean?" Isabella asked, confused.

"There's a pool party at Bea's. Everyone's invited, and they're already missing their queen there."

Isabella shook her head. "I don't think—"

"You have to come," Stephanie interrupted. "There's no party without you."

"You've already had plenty without me," Isabella shot back.

"They were boring. Tonight, we need a real party."

Isabella looked at the ceiling and sighed. "Okay, I'll think about it."

Stephanie rushed to the door. Before leaving, she called back, "I'll see you there!"