17 years later:

"Princess Ella, your father sent me to get you ready for the day," the maid shouted from the other side of the door. She pushed it open and gasped. The bed was empty. It looks like no one slept in it all night. "That girl," she shook her head in disappointment. "His majesty will no be pleased when he finds out." The maid looked around the room once more then shook her head as she walked out.

I climbed through the window just as the maid shut the door. "That was close." I sighed out as I began to strip off my clothes. "I have to hurry before Maggie tells father, that I wasn't in my room." I took off the hat that had my long raven black hair hidden underneath. Next were the white shirt and chest bind I use to hide the fact I'm a girl. Last was the knee-high riding boots and tight trousers.

I made sure to put it all in my secret spot then headed to my washroom to take a bath. There was hot water already waiting for me. I got in and quickly washed up. When I was finished I dried off and walked back out into my bedroom. I walked over to the large wardrobe.

I picked out a black lace bra and pantie set and a red dress with a sweetheart neckline. It had sheer long sleeves, that ended looped around my middle fingers. The skirt was short in the front and it came to mid-thigh. The back was long and it went all the way to my ankles. I picked out a pair of black stilettos to set it off.

I grabbed all my things and made my way to the full-length mirror. While I was dressing my self I looked at myself in the mirror. I have long raven black hair, emerald green eyes with long full eyelashes. My skin pale and soft, with angelic facial features. Full pink lips. My breasts are c-cups, but perky. My ass is round and bubbly. I have long legs and my waist is an hourglass shape. I'm skinny but fit. As I finished putting my heels on my feet I looked at myself in the mirror again.

"I wonder if I'm as beautiful and she was." "No, love your beauty has far surpassed you're mother's." I jumped at the sudden intrusion, but I already knew who it was without turning to face him. I said nothing and just continued getting staring at my reflection. "Ella, why were you not in your bed last night?" I kept ignoring him.

He didn't like when I ignored him, something about being 'just like your mother'. He quickly walked over to me and grabbed my shoulder turning me to face him. "I asked you a question, I expect an answer." He was so beautiful with his chiseled face, unnaturally perfect hair, lean, toned body. And his mismatched eyes. One blue, one green. They are so beautiful. His eyes have a longing gaze as if he's searching or waiting for something or someone.

I forced myself from my thoughts as his grip tightened. "I get restless at nighttime so I sneak out and explore the labyrinth. Is that so wrong?" I said matter-of-factly. "Yes," he growled. "The labyrinth isn't a playground, it's a dangerous place full of equally dangerous creatures. Ella, mine I can't have you running the labyrinth all hours of the night, so I'm going to have to punish you."

"I looked at him in shock. "B-but father, that's not fair. You get to come and go however you please. All you allow me to do is girly things. I want to explore. I want to go on adventures. I hate wearing stupid dresses and being a proper lady. I wish I was a boy so you would treat me better, not like some fragile doll." Before I could continue to express my feelings I felt a slap hit my cheek.

"Enough! I will not tolerate your disobedience." I held my hand to my cheek in disbelief. "Strip!" he growled. "W-what?" I asked confused at his order. "I'm going to spank you as your punishment," he said with a smirk on his face. "No, way. I refuse that's embarrassing. I'm 18 years old today. I'm too old to be spanked." I said as I started backing away.

"Either you remove your clothes, or I will." I can't believe this. He can't be fucking serious. I tried to make a run for the door, but he caught me by my hair. I yelped in pain. Then he dragged me over to my bed kicking and screaming. My hands clawing at his.

He sat at the edge of the bed and stood me in front of him. Before I could try to move he ripped my dress from my body leaving me standing in my bra and panties. I tried to cover myself, but he pulled me facedown on his knees with my ass in the air. He placed his hand on my right ass cheek and rubbed it softly. I tried to struggle out of his grasp. He slapped my ass as a warning to stay still.

"Now, precious, I will spank you 8 times. For the 8 hours that you were supposed to be in bed instead of exploring." "You can't be fucking serious!" I cried. "Oh, trust me love I'm very fucking serious. Now, count them out. I want to explain something to you, precious. SMACK "ow" "count, start at one, now" he yelled.

Then he smacked my ass again. I winced. "One." I've watched you bloom into a beautiful young woman. SMACK "Two." Your beauty eclipses that of your late mother. SMACK "Three." I was going to wait until your 18th birthday party tonight... SMACK "Four." ...but I might as well ask you now so I can announce your acceptance instead."

I gave him a confused look, he continued. SMACK '"Five" "I get jealous at the men of court always asking me for your hand in marriage. SMACK "Six" You'll find I'm very possessive of what's mine. SMACK "Seven" So, I want to make you queen. SMACK "Eight" I want you to marry me"

I looked at him stunned. I didn't know what to say. He's my father is that normal. "I uh, I…" I couldn't say anything. "I know you think my request is odd, but it happens all the time between royalty in the Underground. But, seeing as you still don't understand that you don't have a choice in the matter I'll give you an hour to accept…" he paused "...don't defy me, love. If your smart you will not say no because you don't want to know what will happen if you do." he said in a sinister tone.

With that, he lifted me off his lap and sat me on my bed. As he turned his back to walk away he said without turning "I expect your acceptance to be my bride within the hour. I always get what I want, pet. Make no mistake you always have, and always will belong to me. Remember Ella do not defy me or you will not like the outcome."