Secrects – OneRepublic

I dreaded opening my eyes today. I had to keep reassuring myself that the Prince would not find me. It was a weird mix of feelings. On one hand I wanted him to find me and take me away from here. On the other hand however, I wouldn't want to be stuck with him for the rest of my life or be arrested for throwing a shoe at his royal highness. Either way, it was a no win situation.

As I did my morning routine I went down the stairs to get some food. On the fridge, there was a touch screen that contained a list of groceries to buy and things to do around the house today. The list of chores, was once again, nearly endless. No words could describe how much I hated Isabel as I scrolled down the list. I had so much homework to catch up with as well, considering the fact that I miss school at least once a week to finish chores.

Now, the marriage to the prince didn't seem like a very bad idea. The servants, taking a pity, prepared the breakfast and served it before I could have the chance. I sat down, hoping to finish my meal before Natalie and Isabel woke up. Unfortunately, after my first bite of the cream cheese and salmon on toast, the door opened. Isabel looked like she just lost a battle and Natalie, ash faced, looked drained.

"Morning," I said meticulously, busying my mouth with another bite. The paranoia began to afflict me. I tried to act casually. They would not find out. They only caught a glimpse of me at the ball and then I left with the prince. If Ian, who danced with me hasn't recognized me, then those two surely didn't have a clue. Still, the thought of discovery sent chills down my spine.

Both Kabras ignored my greeting and sat down to eat. "God how many times I have to tell you, don't put scones on my plate, I'm on a diet! And what the hell is this?" Natalie acidly began to have a fit, criticizing her food and harassing the rickety maid.

"Have they found out who the girl is?" Isabel asked coolly. Jerome, our butler shook his head in response. Natalie gripped her spoon in anger.

"Probably the brat from the Trenevix family," she spat.

I swallowed my food as fast as possible and excused myself from the table. I was half expecting Ian to come to breakfast, but he didn't bother to come down.

I had a massive urge to see Ian. I walked past his room. The door was closed. I could almost see him through the door, sleeping peacefully. With a sigh I walked past, going to the storage area to grab some brooms.

My ears were soon going to bleed. The volume on my iPod was merciless as I listened to music. Usually loud music made any brooding thoughts go away and made the time fly faster. It also gave me the energy to work. I swept the floors the rhythm of the music. I caught the sight of Milla entering the room and paused the music. Everything suddenly became gravely silent and there was a high-pitched ring in my ears.

"Hey, what's up?" I asked slightly alarmed, looking at her wide eyes.

"The royal messenger, Andre Marceau is here! They are looking for the girl with the glass shoe!" she gushed. My heart halted and my lungs refused to suck in air. I stared back at her, wishing she had said that they looking for a girl to clean rooms instead.

"Wh-Are you sure? What did they say? Did they say my name?" I spluttering choked the broomstick with my bare hands. She faltered for moment before gently shaking her head, making her ponytail dance.

"Lady Natalie said it is her shoe," she confusedly replied. The heart that was currently reluctant to beat was now in pain and my head buzzed.

"O-Oh right…of course," I breathed out. I was so zoned out, imagining Natalie in her bridal dress and me forever enslaved in this house, that I haven't realized how Milla was dragging me to the main hall.

"They want all the ladies of the household," Milla whispered, tugging me desperately. Before I could resist I heard someone refer to me.

"Young lady! Come here," Andre exclaimed. He was somewhat of a celebrity, in charge of managing the Royal family. He seemed so much taller on TV. Natalie sat with her foot forcefully pushed inside the shoe. Through the clear shoes you could see her foot drain from color and her heel was poking out of the edge.

"She wasn't at the ball, Monsieur Marceau," Isabel said heftily, with a cold, fake smile.

"Madame, our records indicate that this shoe was registered directly to the Kabra family. After all, there are only ten pairs of these and only two pairs are in Europe. Since it cannot be Lady Natalie, surely it must be this young lady. I am ordered to let every available bachelorette to try it on."

"This shoe is freakishly small! No one would fit into this!" Natalie hissed, losing her cool. Andre looked at my feet.

"S-Sir I don't think I should-" I began.

"Louis! Bring the shoe over here, and bring her a stool," Andre said with a click of his finger. A young man immediately placed a stool behind me and took the shoe off Natalie 's foot carelessly and placed it back into its cushioned box. He brought it up to me on one knee as if he was proposing. My throat was dry and I seemed to lose my ability to speak. Natalie 's glare and Isabel's vicious eyes burned into me.

Still in a trance, I shakily lifted my foot and it glided smoothly into the shoe. There was chorus of gasps. The maids and servants surrounded the scene. Isabel's eyes lost any sign of human kindness and Natalie's lips tightened.

"Hallelujah! We found our girl! And it's not even 1 o'clock yet!" Andre exclaimed taking my hand and kissing gently the top of it. "Mademoiselle, as the fiancée of the Crown Prince you are immediately required to be taken to the castle. Your family can come after wedding arrangements have been confirmed."

"Wait! She never went to the ball! And eve if she did, she should have the other shoe right?" Natalie spat lividly. Andre thought about for a moment and rubbed his stubble.

"Perhaps. Child, do you have the other pair?"

My heart was beating. I did have the shoe, but would it be a good idea to bring it down here? Isabel and Natalie looked challengingly at me. I could practically see what they were thinking.

Don't even try to pretend you have it. And if you do, and you show it, we'll make you wish you were never born.

I knew I should be stronger that this. All I had to do was stand up and show them the other shoe. But years of being threatened by them, didn't allow me to get up from the place I was sitting in. I was scared. Natalie smirked in victory.

"You see? I told you she didn't have it."

Andre sighed in disappointment and rubbed his forehead, wondering what to do next. I licked my lips.

"I-I do have it. It's in my room, underneath my bed," I murmured avoiding their gaze. Andre sighed in relief and sent Louis, the young man, to go and fetch them.

"Oh there is no need to look for them, because you see, once again she's lying," Natalie said. "Because I happen to have the other pair."

My heart froze and I nearly cried out in disbelief. How could she take it? No she couldn't have! When did she look in my room? The panic on my face brought satisfaction to both ladies of the Kabra house. Natalie haughtily walked up to the china cabinet and taking out the key she opened the drawer and produced a shoebox.

With a smirk she proudly opened the box.

I stopped breathing.

Author's Note:

So… I've updated! I have decided to try and update once a week due to coming back to school and all. Note this: Try.

The song for this chapter is Secrets by OneRepublic because… well figure it out yourself Einstein. I hope you enjoyed the chapter!