Chapter 4

The black limo came to a stop. The driver left the car and before I could open the door, someone already did.

I mumbled thanks to the driver and stood upright on the sidewalk. In front of me was the famous Waverly Paege Castle.

It looked intimidating enough. Even though I was here yesterday night, it didn't give me the goosebumps until now.

'Shall we?' Leon offered his arm but I flinched.

We walked side by side towards the castle. A middle-aged man came forward to greet us.

'Good morning Prince. Miss?' The man looked as if he was expecting me.

'Morning, Alistair. This is Miss Isabelle. Isabelle, this is Alistair, my butler,' I held out my hand to shake hands.

'Nice to meet you.' I said softly.

Turning towards Leon, 'Shall I prepare the drawing room, Your Royal Highness? Or would you prefer the library?' Alistair asked politely.

'The library. Have Betty serve some refreshments for Miss Isabelle, will you?' Leon requested.

My eyes wandered around the castle. The exterior of the castle appeared to be old and stony but the interior was utterly magnificent.

It was a shame I didn't notice the little details yesterday.

The walls were plastered with cream and gold wallpapers. Big, shiny chandeliers hung above the high ceilings accentuating the rooms. The upholstered furnitures were covered with gold and a tint of red of which I deduced that those colours are the royal colours of Waverly Paege.

Whoever decorated this castle was an excellent designer, I silently complimented.

'Liked what you see, Isabelle? My mother, Queen Lilian, was the one who did the arrangements. Come, the library is on my left.' I gave a stern nod without answering him.

Alistair was already at the other side of the door, holding it steady for me to enter.

I blinked my eyes twice. The sight cast before me was a standout. As a lover of books, libraries have always been my second home.

The library in Leon's home was amazing. The flooring was covered in thick, lush cream carpet. The shelves were wall-mounted, bursting in books of all kinds. A large, arched double-glazed window was positioned at the far most corner of the room. What made it cozier was the presence of a window seat with the same coloured cushion.

I walked in further. A closed fireplace was centered in the middle of the room surrounding a 3-piece set of settee in the royal colours with a matching coffee table. I'm in love.

'I love it!' I whispered to myself only to be heard by a sharp intake of breath.

Big-mouth me.

'You love to read? Hmms. I was right.' Leon gave me a mischievous wink.

I gasped, my hand flew to cover my mouth. What were you thinking, Isabella Wyn Williams?!

Betty, the housekeeper, came in with a tray of goodies. She set it down and dismissed herself after she quietly said, 'Enjoy, Your Royal Highness, and Miss Isabelle.'

Not wasting any second longer, I asked, 'Don't beat around the bush, Your Royal Highness. What am I doing here? I want to go home.' I purposely hissed the part when I said 'Your Royal Highness'. I wanted to wrangle his neck!

'You knew me as Leon. So I will always be Leon to you. Understand?!' He scowled.

Leon was so different. He was so charming and nice yesterday. Now he seem to be as mean as an ogre! Guess there will always be two sides of a person.

'Yes, Leon.'

'Now, you know why the King, my father, held the masquerade ball yesterday?' I nod. Simple: He was looking for a bride.

He continued, 'Does that mean anything to you?'

'No! I don't see why it should be.'

'Okay, Isabelle. I make it short and sweet for you.' I gulped.

'I need a bride fast. My father is sick and he is dying. I want to relieve his pain by following his wishes. So you, my dear Isabelle, is my intended. My fiancée, my future wife from today onwards. No buts. No 'No's. I have no intention to look for others when I'm, in truth, physically drawn to you. So far, okay?' Leon was dead serious.

'I... I... Oh my God. You are so sure of this, aren't you? I don't have a say in this crazy scheme of yours?!' I was furious.

'Yes I am sure. For the record, it's not a scheme. Let's just say it's a way for me to fulfill my father's last wishes. Our royal wedding will be held here, with the whole of Waverly as our spectators. We have two weeks until our wedding. It will be held on a Saturday morning and last till 5 in the late evening.' Leon was laying out the plans like we have known each other for years.

'Woah, those are a lot to take in. What about my feelings? What about my sister? My school? My dreams?' I crossed my arms over my chest and lifted my chin defiantly.

'I have no care for your feelings. I like you enough. I hope you will too. As for Tasha, don't worry. She will be provided for. She will have her own house and car. You will still continue with your studies. Anyway, you have a year left right? Shouldn't be a problem. What are your dreams?' His face held no emotions.

Man, I'm going to be married to an handsome ogre who is not only possessive but emotionless. Yay me! My life is becoming more miserable by the second.

'Well, after graduation... I thought of opening a book cafe. Tasha likes to bake. So it'd be nice to have our own hobbies put together in a business.' I explained earnestly.

'We'll have this conversation again once you have graduated. Any more questions?'

'Okay, thank you at least for considering. Yes, I have a few. First, what about ... Sleeping arrangements? Second, I'm not from the royal family, my parents are out of reach.. I'm just a what-you-call-it commoner? Thirdly, what about producing heirs. I know how important it is to have heirs. Forth, how sure are you that the King and Queen are willing to except a commoner in the family?' I was running out of breath.

'Alright. Firstly, I'm not going to force you into consummating the marriage. You will sleep in your bedchamber as I will in mine. Secondly, you look respectable, decent and a smart lady. You are perfect to be the next lady on the throne. Next, we don't have to necessarily produce heirs. I will handle that, don't worry. Lastly, leave that to me. As much as I was 'forced' to find a bride, they will be willing to except you in the family.'

Leon reached over to where I was sitting and patted my arm.

There was the tingles again. Why oh why?

He smiled. At that exact moment, I wanted to faint.

I am a fiancée now. Not just any fiancée. A fiancée to the most reputable Prince Leon Byron Finlay.

Someone pinch me, please?



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