Cordelia marvelled at her appearance in the mirror, hardly believing
it was her reflection she was looking at. A suspicious impulse
caused her to look behind her, to see if someone else was standing
at the mirror, and she was merely invisible. But no one was there,
and Cordelia was staring at herself. Which made it even more
unbelieveable.

She looked every inch royalty. Being the queen of school was not by
mere accident, or luck in fate. No, she royalty was truly in her
blood. She was wearing a long sleeved, red dress, that fell to the
ground. A wide neckline, and close fitting accentuated her chest.
She was wearing simple, black shoes, and gold jewelry. Her hair
was coiled, and twisted up, making her feel elegant. She truly felt
like a princess.

But that wasn't enough, she was going to have to act like one. She
had to impress Prince Edward, it was crucial to her family. She
smiled at her reflection, took a deep breath, and turned to leave and
find Farrel.

**

"You will help prepare the meal," Clyde was telling Xander. Xander
didn't even hear him explain what he needed to do. He was too worried
about Cordelia. Leaving Clyde talking about preparations, Xander
hastily took a peak outside, to see if the infamous prince had
arrived. He hoped that the prince liked Cordelia- but not too much,
because she would have to return to the 21st century with him.

"Did you hear a word I said?" Clyde accused Xander, staring at him
angrily, his hands on his hips. Xander didn't so much as blink.
"Xander!"

"Huh, what?" Xander finally snapped out of it and turned to Clyde.
"No need to shout man.." His voice trailed off as he watched a
horrible scene unfold in front of him. A man, not much older than
Xander himself, was being whipped by some Lord of a sort. "Who is
that?" Xander murmured to Clyde, keeping his voice low.

"That is Lord Gloucester- his serfs help out at the palace at times,
and he frequently visits King Philip. Keep away from him- he is a
horrid man, not an ounce of kindness or mercy within him." Clyde said,
while at the same time, praying Lord Gloucester didn't hear him. Poor
Xander looked horrified. Once upon a time, Clyde would've felt the
same way, but this was life for them. Some, like he, were more
privileged than others.

When Lord Gloucester finally finished punishing his servant, Xander
did the unthought of, and helped him up. "You okay man?" He asked
gently, wishing he had some bandages or something for the oppressed
man.

The man refused to look at Xander, and went back to preparing the
soup, without saying a word. That did not deter Xander.

"Dude, if I were you, I wouldn't take this. I'd quit, and sue that
jackass." Anger at the unfairness of the society had caused Xander
to forget the time frame that he was in. He genuinely wanted to help
them. Unfortunately the man could not comprehend what he was saying.

"Xander, your place is different than ours," Clyde told him, and
urgently whispered in his ear, "You are not here to make improvements
on our society, whether it needs it or not. You are not to change
the future to how you deem it fit." Xander frowned, for he wanted
to change the lives of these people. But Clyde was correct, if Xander
were to change the future, the world would be a very different place
that he would return to.

"They have arrived!" A serf burst in shouting. "The Prince is here!"

**

"Come, Isabella, let me introduce you to Prince Edward the Second,"
King Philip winked at Cordelia, so subtly, that none other than those
watching would have been able to recognize it. Cordelia smiled and
allowed King Philip escort her to who she presumed was Edward the
Second, his father, and some other man.

"Your Highness, allow me to introduce you to my daughter, Isabella,"
King Philip placed his hand on Cordelia's shoulder. Cordelia smiled
at the three men, and waited for their introductions to begin.

"Pleasure to meet you. This is your future husband, Edward," Edward
gestured to his son. "And this is his friend Piers Gaveston."
Cordelia could not help but notice the king's grimace when he
introduced Piers.

"Well, please, sit down. The food will arrive shortly," King Philip
smiled at the English royalty, and took his seat. Cordelia moved to
sit next to Prince Edward, but Piers had already taken her seat.
Sighing softly, she walked around the table to sit across from him.

"So, Edward, tell me, how do you like England?" Cordelia asked,
completely unsure of what she was supposed to talk about. She had no
knowledge of current affairs, had no idea what Edward was interested
in, and had no way to start an intelligent conversation.

"Aye, it's fine," Edward replied, and turned to Piers. "Piers, we
must go hunting after this. Game is redundant here in France."

"And carry the decomposing meat back with us on horse?" Piers laughed.
"Surely you must be mad!"

"We could eat it here, I'm sure King Philip wouldn't mind." Edward
replied excitedly. The two men continued in their conversation,
leaving Cordeila very anxious for the food to arrive. At least then
she would not have to feel so stupid, sitting here, and listen to
the friends chat with each other incessantly. They were worse than
her and Harmony in the girls bathroom!

Luckily, the food soon came, and Xander looked at her concerned,
wishing he could ask her what was wrong. Here it was, her first time
as a Princess, and she looked absolutely miserable.