Chapter 2
They led me to a room where I found other girls present. One by one, they were called to a private corner, which was divided and concealed from the others in the room by a curtain. I couldn't help but wonder what was going on. To my surprise, all of us shared a striking resemblance - dark, thick hair, high cheekbones, and very fair complexions. We were about twelve in number, carefully selected for our beauty.
Each girl went into an inner room individually and returned with their clothes disheveled.
When it was my turn, Bella demanded, "Strip." Confused, I asked what was happening, but she snapped back, "Just do as instructed, no questions."
With reluctance, I stood bare in front of her as she closely examined my skin.
She poked at some places and then asked to see my teeth, which I complied with. After the examination, Bella declared, "She'll do. She's practically flawless, with soft skin too. Go get her ready." Two maids appeared and stood at either side of me, leading me out from the room.
Anxiety gripped me as I asked, "Wait, where are you taking me to?" The other girls had been released after their checkups, but I was being led elsewhere.
They guided me to a large, beautiful room, one fit for a princess. My clothes were taken off once again, and I received a thorough scrubbing and oiling - an experience unlike any other I had known.
Soon, I was all set, dressed, oiled, and perfumed. As I stared at my reflection, I could hardly recognize myself. I looked stunning, like a princess, not the serving maid I had always been. My unruly hair had been tamed into a beautiful style, adding to my regal appearance.
"The king will see you now," they informed me as they led me through a hall and then to a dining hall.
A young lady stood in the center of the hall, her back turned to me. After a long moment, she turned and approached me with slow, graceful, and purposeful strides, stopping just a few inches away.
"My name is Princess Olivia," she spoke in a calm and soothing voice.
I stared at her, unable to believe my eyes. "You're not the princess. I've been here for years and have seen the princess several times. You might look a bit like her, but I know what she looks like," I said in one breath.
She gave me a knowing smile and dismissed the guards, leaving us alone in the hall.
"Do you know why you're here? Why you were dressed, oiled, and pampered like royalty?" she asked.
I shook my head in confusion, trying to comprehend the purpose behind all of this.
"You're very beautiful. You actually look better than me in that dress. You look like royalty," she complimented. "For the next three weeks, you'll live with me. I will teach you the ways of the palace, how to eat, drink, and act like royalty because you will become the princess."
"What are you talking about?" I asked, my voice trembling with confusion and anxiety.
"Come," she instructed, leading me to the throne room. As we entered, I saw the king, King Edmund seated on his grand, majestic throne, emanating an aura of authority and intimidation.
"You're the daughter of Jerold," he spoke in a gruff voice, stating more than asking.
"Yes, I am," I replied, taking a step closer to the king. "But this lady here claims to be Princess Olivia, and I know for a fact that she isn't. While she may look similar, she is not the true princess we all know." I said bravely glancing in her direction, and she responded with a knowing smile.
"This is Olivia, the princess. My daughter," the king declared firmly.
"The young lady who had grown up and was revealed as the princess was a fake, a diversion. I found her and raised her as the princess to keep the real princess safe," he explained.
"I don't understand," I replied, trying to comprehend the intricate situation.
"For years, I knew it would get to our turn, that my daughter would be demanded. Nightfall had taken women from kingdoms almost every year for God knows what purpose, whether as a bride or a slave. To protect Olivia, I had Abigail brought in to take her place. When the time came, Abigail was to be sent in Olivia's stead," the king revealed.
Gradually, it all started making sense. The princess's life was in danger, and the king had known about it long before, choosing to conceal her true identity and raising another child in her place.
"That's terrible; it's like breeding her like livestock," I spat feeling deep sympathy for Abigail. She wasn't Olivia at all; her name was Abigail, and she had spent her entire life being used as a substitute for the princess. Exposed to danger, she must be very unhappy.
"What does any of this have to do with me?" I asked, trying to keep my emotions in check.
"Abigail passed away last night; she took her own life by poisoning herself," the king revealed, shocking me.
"Now, this is where you come in. Only few people know what the princess truly looks like; few in this kingdom and barely any outside my Kingdom," the king continued.
My nerves heightened as he said, "You have been chosen. With your natural beauty and polished demeanor, you already possess the appearance of royalty. Bella mentioned your flawless skin. You will do."
"Do for what, Your Majesty?" I asked, my voice quivering with curiosity.
"You will take my place as a replacement. Um... what is your name?" Princess Olivia inquired stepping forward.
"My name is Jasmine," I replied, trying to steady my nerves.
"As I mentioned earlier, you will undergo three weeks of intensive training to cultivate the manners and comportment fitting for a princess. It shouldn't be too difficult for you; you've spent enough time around the palace to be familiar with its ways," Princess Olivia explained.
"What happens after that?" I asked, a mixture of anxiety and curiosity swirling within me.
"After your training, you will be sent to Nightfall Kingdom as Princess Olivia of Ashford," the king declared.