Royal Pain

1

Isabella's P.O.V

I woke up early today, like always, from nightmares that won't stop coming back. Ever since my father passed away, I've been getting nightmares. I sometimes don't know what they're actually about, but their is always that one person with a blurry face that dies right in front of me. It scares me to the point where I try to wake myself up before I die in my own dream. I pant in fear and cry when I do wake up, thinking it will never end.

I get out of bed and start my morning by dressing into one of my old dresses, and tie my hair up into a bun. I then brushed my teeth, and went to grab my old purse and basket for when I go to the market.

I do this every morning for newly baked pastries, and to visit the one person who truly understands me. He was one of my father's friends, who is very good with art. His son is just as good and teaches me how to paint. But only for a short hour, for I have to be home before my stepmother wakes up.

I buy the pastries and went to the art shop close by.

"Uncle Yaser! Good morning! Would you like some muffins? They're still hot." I greeted my uncle with a smile. He looked at me shocked and smiled, but it wasn't one of his genuine happy smiles. It looked more like a sad smile.

"Of course, young Ella. Even if I refused, you would still leave one for me on the counter." He replied. I just giggled but still notice his sad expression. "What's wrong uncle? Did something bad happen? Is it Zayn? I told him to clean his mess when he's done." I huffed.

He just started laughing and shakes his head. "No dear, It's not Zayn. And thank you for the muffin, I truly appreciate it." He turns away before saying, "Zayn is in the back chopping wood. I think you should talk to him, he's not himself today." He informs me before walking away. Confused, I walk to the back of the store where I saw Zayn chopping firewood. Even when his back is turned to me I can tell he is chopping the wood aggressively. I walk closer to him before placing a hand on his shoulder.

He jumps slightly before turning around with a shock expression. I giggled and raised the basket of pastries to show him I have them. He just stares at me with a stoic expression. I frowned at him before turning around to sit on the bench close by and started to eat the muffin. He sits by me letting out a sigh and stares ahead.

"What's the matter Zayn? I've never seen you so down before." I asked while eating the delicious muffin. "You haven't heard the news have you?" He replied. "What about?" I asked curiously.

"The Prince is going to get married," He stated. I look at him with a serious face and then bursting into a fit of giggles. "So? You won't have a chance with him, is that why your upset?" I asked. But then I noticed him not laughing.

"No Isabella. He is betrothed to a young maiden. In order for him to claim the throne, he must get married to the young maiden." He sighed.

"Okay, so why are you upset?" I asked. " Because Ella, the first born daughter of the Collins family is betrothed to the Prince. It was stated in the letter of the late King Graham." He looked at me to see my expression. "Well that's funny, because Collins is my last name and I'm an only child an-" I stop before I actually put the pieces together. I looked up to Zayn with tears in my eyes and he looked to me before giving me a hug.

"It's okay Isabella, you'll be okay. You'll finally be away from your stepmother and sister. You'll be able to eat a lot of different things, and get a better education, and hey! Maybe the prince will be kind and lovable. You'll be a great princess." He smiled warmly at me. I've always loved Zayn, but only as a big brother. He was six years older than me, and always protected me from harm.

"Does this mean I have to leave you too?"I sniffled looking up to him.

"No! Well, I can't live in the palace with you, but I bet you'll see me once in a while. Just not everyday like always." He smiled sadly. I nodded but then realized that I have to be home before stepmother wakes up.

"Come, I'll take you home. I'll stay even." He smiled grabbing my hand and leading me out the door and we walked to my house together.

We were getting closer to my house until I saw a fancy carriage and four white horses in front. Zayn looked down at me and smiled before we looked up and saw my stepmother and stepsister with a suitcase. Confused Zayn dragged me to the scene before speaking.

"What is going on here?" He asked a man who was dressed in the royal colors of our kingdom.

"We are here to pick up the daughter of Sir William Collins."He stated.

"But she's right here, why is her stepsister packing?" Zayn asked the now confused man.

"Stepsister? Are you saying that this young maiden here is the true blood relative of Sir Collins?" He asked looking at me.

"That is true sir, this is Isabella Collins, the only child, and blood relative of Sir William." Zayn stated.

"My apologies, Princess, your stepsister claimed she was the only blood relative left, please get in the carriage while I deal with your former family." He huffed and went inside the house to deal with the stepmonsters.

"Well this is it kiddo, I'll see you very soon. Don't forget about me." He smiled sadly.

"Wait! What about my clothes? And Uncle Yaser? I didn't get to say goodbye." I say.

"Don't worry. Your wearing your mother's locket and you can always write to us. I will explain to father about why you won't be able to say goodbye, besides, he already knew you were leaving." He said.

"Okay," I sniffled and look up to him before giving him a hug. The man from before came out of the house and by the carriage doors, opening it for me. I whispered an "I love you" to Zayn before getting in and waved goodbye as the carriage brings me to my next destination,

The man before was inside with me and smiled at me before saying

"You'll be home soon princess."