Chapter 7

~Emily~ I flipped the first page and, in a very beautiful writing, it read, 'If you were not there for me, I would've been long gone. You taught me how to live, smile and love. I will love you forever and ever'. I was very touched, but the sudden knock on the door compelled me to hide the diary under my pillow. "Yes?" I asked, acting casual. The door opened and it revealed the same maid who brought me dinner. She was still wearing her uniform, looking middle-aged. "Pardon me, Miss, the Prince wants you downstairs at the dining room," she informed. "Well, I'm not in the mood, so tell him that I'll pass," I replied. "But Miss, you have to do what he says," she said, worried. "Well who is he to order me around? I'm not going," I said, adamant. "You have to," I heard Prince Nathan say. He walked into my room, looking annoyed. "No I won't! It's past midnight!" I complained. He walked closer to me and leaned close to me. His piercing blue eyes were very noticeable. "Listen here, either you acquiesce or suffer the painful consequences. Which do you choose?" he hissed venomously. That was harsh! But, I had no choice but to comply to the first option. He walked out of the room after I nodded, leaving me and the maid alone. The maid walked to the cupboard and took out a plain green dress. "You have to wear this, Miss," she said, placing the dress neatly on the bed. I just nodded, getting off of the bed. Taking the dress, I walked into the attached bathroom to change. After I put on the elegant green dress that was sleeveless and reached my knees, I braided my waist-length hair and slipped on simple black flats that the maid suggested I should wear. They were a perfect fit. When I entered the bedroom, Gertrude commented, "The dress is a perfect fit, Miss. As well as the shoes!" "Who owns this beautiful dress?" I asked, admiring the dress. "Lady Sertia," she replied in a monotone. "Really?" I asked in disbelief. She nodded. Well, maybe it was just a coincidence that our body size was similar. *** Tired, I was escorted to the dining room by the same maid. I learnt that her name was Gertrude. She opened a large wooden door and announced, "Your Majesty, she has arrived." Then, she left. I entered and saw Prince Nathan standing next to the unlit fireplace, looking at me with wide eyes as if he was surprised, embarrassing me. "Come," he ordered, walking to the balcony that was attached to the dining room. When I entered the balcony and walked to the railings, I was mesmerised by the beautiful view. It was dark since it was past midnight and the lights of the city were glittering. I was brought back to reality when Prince Nathan pulled my arm to the table that was slightly decorated with a candle and a small vase with blood-red coloured roses. He pulled the chair for me and I sat down silently. Then, he sat right opposite to me. "What would you like to eat?" he asked. I noticed that there was a glass which was filled with a red liquid on his side of the table. Blood. I instantly lost the appetite since I was nauseated. "I don't feel like eating anything," I answered, trying to keep my eyes away from him. He narrowed his blue eyes at me, glaring. "Don't be stubborn. Now, what do you want to eat?" he repeated.