Chapter 3

Queen Eleanor's voice echoed through the private chamber, her anger and jealousy boiling over. "You've never praised any of my daughters like that, Your majesty! But that bastard child, Ocean, gets a smile and a proud pat on the back from you! It's an outrage, I tell you!"

King Henry's face darkened, his patience worn thin. "Enough, Eleanor! You will not speak ill of my late wife or our daughter Ocean!"

But the queen would not be silenced. "That woman, she was a foolish little girl who got herself killed! And now her daughter thinks she can just waltz in here and steal your attention?"

The king's voice thundered, his authority clear. "I said enough, Eleanor! You will not speak of my late wife in such a manner! She was the love of my life, and I will not have you tarnishing her memory! You will respect her and our daughter, or face my wrath!"

The queen's smile grew wider, her eyes glinting with malice. "Oh, Henry, you're so stuck in the past. I'm your present, your queen. Learn to love me instead."

The king's face turned red with anger, his voice echoing through the chamber. "I will not be spoken to in such a manner! You will respect me and my late wife's memory, or face the consequences! Now, leave my sight before I lose my temper completely!"

The queen's smile faltered for a moment before she turned and swept out of the room, her head held high. She made her way to the maids' quarters, her voice cold and cruel as she issued a warning. "No one is to help Ocean with anything. She's not a full princess anyway. Let her learn to do things on her own. She's not worthy of our help or sympathy."

With that, she disappeared into her private room, leaving the maids and servants to whisper among themselves, their eyes filled with worry for the young princess who had already faced so much hardship.

~ ~

Camilla and Isabella huddled in their room, plotting against their half-sister Ocean. "We need to frame her for theft," Camilla whispered, her eyes gleaming with malice. "That way, Father will finally see her for the imposter she is."

Isabella nodded, her face twisted in agreement. "Yes, and with her out of the way, we'll be the only true princesses left."

~ ~

Meanwhile, Ocean woke up to an empty room, no maid in sight. She shrugged and prepared a bath for herself, having watched her former maid do it many times before. She took her bath, then opened her closet and chose a stunning wine-colored dress with full sleeves and delicate white trimmings. She styled her hair herself, parting her blonde locks into two and tying them up, then applied a light pink gloss to her already pink lips.

Proud of her independence, she walked to the hall, expecting to see her meal waiting. But finding none, she frowned and returned to her room, only to be surprised by Michael with a grand tray of breakfast delights: fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, fresh fruit, and steaming hot chocolate.

"Good morrow, Princess," Michael said, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "You look enchanting today."

Ocean beamed with pride. "I got ready all by myself today, Michael! How do I look?"

Michael's smile grew wider. "You look stunning, Princess. The dress suits you perfectly."

She blushed, her eyes shifting to the meal. "Did you...make this?" she stammered.

Michael nodded, his smile growing wider. "I'd do anything for you, Princess."

She dug in hungrily, declaring it "amazing" and asking him to join her. He declined at first, but she pouted so irresistibly that he finally relented, sitting with her on the floor as they shared jokes and laughter.

"I heard the king's horse got lost in the forest," Ocean giggled.

Michael chuckled. "And I heard the queen's cat got stuck in a tree!"

Their laughter echoed through the room, a rare moment of joy in the palace's stifling atmosphere. As they finished their meal, Michael rose to his feet, bowing low. "I'll leave you now, Princess. But remember, I'm always here for you."

~ ~

Ocean was preparing for her afternoon fighting classes with Michael when Isabella burst into her room, her eyes scanning the space as if searching for something. Ocean's brow furrowed in annoyance, but she reminded herself that a princess must remain calm and composed.

Isabella rummaged through Ocean's belongings, her actions swift and deliberate. Ocean watched, confusion etched on her face, as Isabella finally departed without a word.

Michael entered the room, his expression concerned. "Are you well, Princess? Did Isabella trouble you?"

Ocean shook her head, her golden curls swaying gently. "No Michael. She merely searched for something. I don't know what."

Michael nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "Let us focus on our lesson, then. We have much to cover."

Ocean's face brightened, and together they walked to the training grounds. After a vigorous session, Ocean's blonde hair was damp with sweat, strands sticking to her flushed face. She and Michael played a game of rock-paper-scissors, their laughter echoing through the courtyard.

Michael threw down a rock, and Ocean countered with scissors. "Ha! I win!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

But their merriment was short-lived, as a guard approached, his expression solemn. "Princess Ocean, Lord Thomas has arrived to see you. Please prepare yourself."

Ocean's face fell, her heart sinking. She had no desire to meet with the man her stepmother was forcing upon her. Michael's eyes met hers, and she sensed his disapproval, but he was just a guard – what could he do to stop it?

With a sigh, Ocean departed for her room, her feet heavy with reluctance. She knew she must face Lord Thomas, but she dreaded the encounter with every fiber of her being.

~ ~

King Henry and Lord Thomas sat in the grand throne room, hammering out the details of the betrothal. "By the crown, Lord Thomas," the king declared, "our union will bring prosperity to both our lands! Your kingdom's military prowess and our own wealth will make us a formidable force!"

Lord Thomas nodded in agreement, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "Aye, Your Majesty, our marriage will be a wise move indeed. My soldiers will be at your beck and call, and together we'll conquer any foe that dares stand in our way!"

Just then, Queen Eleanor swept into the room, Ocean in tow. "Ah, Your Majesty," she said with a curtsy, "I've brought Ocean as requested. Let them get acquainted, my lord."

Ocean stepped forward, her gaze demurely cast down, and bobbed a curtsy. "Lord Thomas wishes to make your acquaintance, Ocean," the king said with a wave of his hand. "Be courteous and answer his questions."

Ocean nodded and approached Lord Thomas, her steps graceful. But when he began to query her, she remained stubbornly silent, her eyes fixed on the floor. Lord Thomas's face grew increasingly red with irritation, while Queen Eleanor looked on with a satisfied smirk, thinking her plan was working like clockwork.

Finally, Lord Thomas threw up his hands in disgust. "By the saints, Princess! You're as dull as a block of wood! I've no time for this. I'll return when you're more...enlightened." With that, he stormed out of the court, leaving Ocean looking relieved but also uneasy.