After several minutes of Bella repeatedly asking if they were sure she was the person they were looking for, the weary guard convinced her to get into the car, and they drove off.

When she sat down on the shiny, black leather seats, Bella took in her surroundings. This was the first time she has ever been in a car, and she was already amazed.

It was a painful six hour drive to the palace, which mostly consisted of Bella asking millions of questions for which the poor guard had no answers to. There was too much on her mind for Bella to sleep, so she aimlessly looked out the window to admire the new scenery around her.

It was when she first caught sight of towering gates and beautiful gardens that Bella knew they were almost there. She looked at the streets filled with people laughing, talking, eating. Stores sat among the busy streets, inviting anyone inside.

It all passed in a blur as the car quickly made its way through the town, and continued up a stone path that led through a patch of woods and finally an entry gateway. The gates were filled with armed guards, prepared to defend.

Several minutes passed before the gates opened with a loud creaking sound, and the limo passed through. Bella had never seen the palace before, but had only heard stories about it.

A small gasped escaped her lips as she looked through the car windows. It was better than she could have ever imagined.

Gardens filled with beautiful flowers, stone statues, and perfectly trimmed bushes surrounded the building. Tall fountains were neatly placed around the courtyard, and birds flew in and out of the many trees.

The magnificent stone structure stood proud and strong up on a hill, watching over its subjects. Multiple tall towers made up the large building. Intricate designs covered the palace and made it seem even more regal. A steel fence protected the the main structure, with guards placed all around.

The car pulled into the main entrance, and stopped in front of the grand doors. A guard opened Bella's door, but she made no effort to get out. She wasn't even sure if she should get out. They had to be mistaken. They probably had the wrong person. This wasn't her life. It couldn't be.

Bella decided it would be better not to be too amazed, because she knew the instant she met her uncle, he would laugh disgustedly and say, "You must have grabbed the wrong girl. This filthy creature is not my niece."

Pushing those thoughts aside, Bella mustered all her courage and got out of the car. She was escorted by a young maid with red hair and pale skin. Her name tag read Clarissa.

The doors opened by themselves, and Bella gulped. Taking a small step forward, she entered the intimidating building.

She stood dumbstruck in the grand hall, trying to comprehend her surroundings.

Delicate glass chandeliers hung gracefully from the sky, two grand staircases with red velvet carpeting stood before her. Bella could hear her footsteps echo through the hall as she walked on the marble floors. Benches were scattered along the massive halls, and vases filled with flowers rested on every nearby table. Guards were stationed outside of each door.

Clarissa led her to a door at the end of the hall. Next to the wooden door was a plaque that read "#111, Bella Swan". She felt relief flood through her bones when Bella realized that they weren't mistaken. They had the right girl. As soon as Clarissa opened the door, the scent of vanilla and flowers overwhelmed Bella's nose.

A massive bed was positioned against the back wall, holding fluffy white pillows, a huge comforter, and gold blankets. Intricate velvety furniture sat in the corner in front of a marble fireplace. The room's white wallpaper had gold accents, and moonlight passed through the two huge windows.

Bella could see a door between the windows that led to a balcony overlooking the palace grounds. On the other side of the room was a large wooden wardrobe and glass vanity. Another door was opened and Bella could see the huge marbled bathroom that held spacious counter tops, an enormous bath, and every toiletry imaginable.

"I'll leave you to your room, Miss Bella. Please press the button," she pointed to a small button next to the bed, "if you need anything, and someone will be up within the minute." She curtsied and left, leaving Bella speechless.

She sat down on the large bed and her body began sinking into the mattress. Bella immediately sat up in surprise, not used to the feeling of such a cushioned mattress.

It was then when she noticed the small letter laying on her bed, labeled "Bella". Curious, she opened up the envelope to find a sheet of paper. Bella read the small print.

Dear Bella,

I know you must have many questions, and I would love to answer them.

Please meet me in my office on the third floor, room 220.

I am looking forward to meeting you, Bella.

Regards,

Henry Felt

Bella sighed in relief. Her uncle didn't seem so scary, but she was still a bundle of nervous.

Looking over at the clock, it read 10:00 pm. Bella yawned, and knew that the events of the day were catching up to her. She looked around. Bella wasn't sure if she should change her clothes, call the maids, or just lay down and sleep.

She decided to look through her wardrobe for clothes. After finally digging around the huge ball gowns and dress, she found a suitable pair of silk pajama bottoms, or what she thought were pajama bottoms, and a silk shirt.

After slipping them on, she neatly stacked her dirty clothes on the bathroom counter, not knowing what to do with them. The fabric felt alien on her skin, but in a good way.

Sliding under the thick covers, she expected sleep to come quickly. Bella was horribly wrong.

Her mind wanted her to sleep, but her body wouldn't let her. She kept tossing and turning, but no matter what position lay in, Bella wasn't comfortable. Not in the slightest.

With a huff, she got out of bed and stepped onto the cool terrace. The coldness of the floor beneath her feet scent shivers up her spine, but in a refreshing way.

She leaned on the ledge, the chilly night breeze ruffling her hair. Looking at the ground below her, she tried to find some sense of normalcy in anything she could see. But everything felt so strange, so different.

Looking the side, she spotted a stable barn. Bella remembers when her father used to take her to the stables to see the horses. He would say horses are the luckiest animals, for they are wild and free. Bella internally winced at the thought of her parents. She would do anything right now to be free from her complicated life.

Getting an idea, Bella went back to her room, grabbed a blanket, and headed out the doors.