The Key ♕

4

Sophie's Point of View

"This is your room for now. If the king and queen allow you to become the princess's lady in waiting, you will move to another room. I'll send someone with some clothes later. Feel free to use the restroom and take a bath. Don't go anywhere - I'll come find you when I get further information." Nathaniel explains.

I nod slowly, scrupulously taking note of all his instructions. I wave goodbye to him and immediately lie down on the bed, facing the ceiling. I trace over the fancy designs on the chandelier as I place a hand on my thundering heart. I just met a lord, princess, and prince. I may even become the princess's lady in waiting. I never expected my life to turn out this way. However, fate made these decisions and I'm can't be afraid to face them.

The princess is the kindest person I've ever met. I love her already. She treats me with respect despite my rugged appearance and poor background. By any chance if I really become her lady in waiting, I will work my hardest to fulfill my duties and repay her kindness.

Flashbacks of Prince Lucas's silhouette wander into my mind. I blush madly and cover my face with my hands. He looks... just like a painting. He has soulful blue eyes, silky blonde hair, a sharp jaw, and a proud demeanor. He's everything that I imagined my prince charming would be like... until I realized how self-absorbed and selfish he is. I know I'm just a mere commoner compared to him, but his arrogant attitude angers me a lot - that's not a way to treat anyone.

With the thought of him lingering in my brain, my heart returns to its irregular and rapid pace. I take a few deep breaths and force the flawless, yet ridiculously egotistical prince out of my head.

A maid delivers some dresses over to my room and I hang them up in the closet. All the dresses are blue, floor length, and extraordinarily gorgeous. I've never worn dresses this fancy before in my life. I take a long bath, scrubbing every inch of my body almost as if I want to scrub the horrid memories of today out of my mind. I take extra time combing my long blonde hair and just when I was about to tie it up into a bun, I decide to let it down. Aunt Caroline always told me that I look better with my hair down, not that I can compete with the beauty of anyone in the palace anyway.

I saunter back to the closet and choose a sleeveless dress with barely any detailing on it. It's simple - just like me. Surprisingly, it fits my petite body very well. I walk over to the mirror near the doorway and gasp as soon I see my reflection. The dress hugs my body perfectly, highlighting my curves. I spin around and a giggle escapes my throat. Maybe the palace won't be so bad after all.

The golden key around my neck hangs loosely around the neckline of the dress, further accentuating the deep aqua color. I never understood why I owned this gold pendant. Aunt Caroline and Uncle Bryan told me that my sick mother specifically told me to never take it off. Apparently, it is important for my family heritage. To be honest, I'm not interested in finding out my heritage; I am grateful for who I am now.

I twirl the pendant around with my fingers as I look around the room, searching for things to pass time with. I spy a pad of paper and ink on the desk, and I sit down to write a poem, one of my favorite pastimes. I spill all my overwhelming emotions onto the piece of paper.

I become so engaged in my writing that I almost don't hear the distinct knocking on my door. I hurriedly tuck the piece of paper away and run to open the door. I run smack into Nathaniel's awfully muscular chest, and I have to strain my neck to see his face. He smiles, and I take the time to scrutinize him. Nathaniel is different from Edward - both equally gorgeous, but he has a certain type of attractive ruggedness whereas the prince gives off a mysterious vibe.

"My lord," I greet him and curtsy.

"Hello, Sophie, please come with me. The king and queen requested to see you."