The toll of the bell woke up Gabrielle. She was confused to a moment where she was, not feeling her familiar straw, until she remembered she was at the palace. She sleepily got up and dragged herself out of her closet. She saw Estelle, stirring in bed, as she sat up to rub her eyes.

"Good morning." Offered Gabrielle to her awakening stepsister. Estelle gave a yawn and stretch over her head.

"Good morning, to you." responded the brunette, as she climbed out of bed. Gabrielle went to make Estelle's bed, before heading over to the closet.

"What do you want to wear for your first day inside the palace?" She asked in a cheerful voice, trying to make Estelle feel better. She knew how bad she must feel away from Lisette.

"Black." She answered, deadpanned.

"Now, come on. Maybe this." Gabrielle pulled out a green dress with brown embroidery and ribbon around the middle of the waist. She knew it was one of her younger stepsister's favorites. Estelle gave a disinterred nod and Gabrielle helped her dress. When she was brushing Estelle's hair, there was a knock at the door. Gabrielle put down the hairbrush and went to answer it. At the door, was a palace maid with a cart full of breakfast plates and tea.

"I tried the other door, but I didn't get an answer." Explained the maid, as she handed the blonde a plate. Rosella slept in whenever she got the chance. Her stepmother was usually strict about waking up early. But she could not blame Rosella for wanting to sleep in. She use to love sleeping in, when her father was around. Gabrielle quickly put the plates on the table, along with the tea.

"Thank you, for your delivery." She told the maid. The maid gave a nod and then made a face.

"Oh, I just remembered." She reached under the covered tray to pull out a package. It was soft looking, but thick. "I was suppose to deliver this to you." The maid, explained further.

"Oh, thank you. I'll take that." Gabrielle held her hands out for the package.

"It's for Gabrielle." She said as she handed the blonde the package. Gabrielle's heart beat widely.

"What..." She said, in an almost whispered.

"Oh, and I was ordered to take back the dress she was wearing."

"Gabrielle is me." She spoke, softly. Oh, she knew a certain white haired prince was behind this. From the soft package to the maid's orders. She already had a good guess to what was in the package. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice Estelle had came next to her and was looking at the package, with curiosity. The most have been silent too long, because the maid gave a cough.

"I have other delivers to make." She reminded them.

"Oh, yes, of course." Gabrielle then slowly, opened the package. Inside was a yellow cloth, but it was the first of many colors. She pulled out the yellow cloth to reveal it was a yellow dress with lace trimmings around the collar and sleeves. The other clothes turned out to be dresses of different colors. Estelle most have been confused. These were not the clothing of a servant. While not fancy, enough to be worn at court, they looked like they could belong to a minor noblewoman (which she technically was) or the daughter of a merchant. She must have been starting to long, because again the maid reminded them.

"I have more deliverers to make and need what you are wearing." She could sense the maid was starting to get impatient.

"Sorry, I'll change, right away." She took the yellow dress and went back to her closet. She puled off her raggedy dress and put on the yellow one. It was so much softer than the rag dress. It felt a bit odd to wear something like this. It had been years since she was dressed close to anything of a noblewoman. She knew this was the prince's doing. She neatly folded her rag dress and stepped out of the closet. Estelle's eyes widened, and Gabrielle blushed. She handed the maid the dress.

"Will I get it back soon?"

"Don't know." She said, stuffing it back under her cart. With that she was off. Gabrielle closed the door and turned back to a grinning Estelle.

"You look lovely...but those don't look like palace servant's clothes." She observed. Again Gabrielle was tempted to reveal the truth about the prince, but before she could work up the courage, the door opened. There stood Rosella still in her pink nightgown. She must have been woken up by the smell of breakfast. She gave a yawn, then her sleepy eyes widened and she pointed toward Gabrielle.

"What are you doing dressed like that? If you have been stealing clothing from us, I will alert the palace authorities and have you thrown into the dungeon!" Before Gabrielle could respond, Estelle was standing before her.

"She is wearing them because it was ordered she wore them." Estelle explained, sternly. She then went on a brief tale of what had happened.

"But she isn't dressed as a servant. She almost looks like a noble." Stiffed Rosella.

"But, I am a noble woman." Gabrielle said, before she could even think about it. Rosella eyes widened for a moment. Gabrielle wondered if Rosella had forgotten that she was her late stepfather's daughter. Well, she wouldn't be surprised.

"Well, whatever." muttered Rosella, as she went to sit down and eat her breakfast. Estelle sat down as well, and gestured for Gabrielle to sit next to her. Gabrielle took her seat next to her younger stepsister, she heard a snort. Gabrielle turned to see Rosella giving a face that resembled Isodara's a bit too much for her liking.

"Since you can dress like us, now you think you can eat with us?" She sounded outraged. "Has being away from mother made you that arrogant." She accused Gabrielle. Before Gabrielle could think to say anything to her defense, Estelle was already on the attack.

"She is sitting here because I invited her too. Has being away from mother made you so arrogant to attack another person's guest."

"Hmpf," Scoffed Rosella, "Since when were you such good friends with her."

"You might know that answer if you didn't spend more time with your dresses than your family." Rosella gave a growl and soon both sister's were locked in a glaring contest. Gabrielle felt caught in the middle of it. She cleared her throat.

"If it bother Lady Rosella so much for me to eat with you, then I'll go away." Gabrielle started to get up, but Estelle caught her wrist and brought her back down.

"No, you are eating here." She turned a stern gaze to her sister. "She is my guest and you will honor it." Rosella held the stare for a few stubborn moments, before sighing.

"Okay, but don't think I'm not going to write to mother about this." The curly blonde said, before stuffing her mouth with porridge. Estelle rolled her eyes and went back to eating. Gabrielle had to be the most nervous one at the table. She knew that she would take the blunt of Isodara's anger. She swallowed heavily before she began to eat. She hoped by the time the letter had arrived and the time it was to leave the palace, that Isodara's wrath would calm down, by a bit.

After breakfast, Gabrielle finished brushing Estelle's hair and then went to help Rosella. Gabrielle never thought that Rosella could have been worse than she was on the night of that ball, but she was. Yet, that morning she was and Gabrielle swore she had pulled more dresses for Rosella than the girl had ever known. She finally decided on a pink dress that was embroidered by silver roses. Her hair was another thing. She wanted something to impress the court ladies, but Gabrielle had no knowledge of fashionable capitol styles, so she did the best she could manage. Rosella was not pleased, but she took what was offered to her, but not without complaints.

Finally, she could brush her own hair. She caught a site of herself in the mirror and couldn't get how different she looked. With her hair brushed and out of rags. Of, course she wasn't wearing any make-up, but the yellow of the dress seemed to bring out the brightness of her face. There was a knock at the door and Gabrielle went to answer it. At the door was a guard. Gabrielle immediately gave a curtsey and the guard tipped his hat to him.

"You all have been summoned for an audience with the king." Rosella gave a squeal of excitement. Gabrielle felt her cheeks turn red, slightly embarrassed at her sister acting like that in front of a guard.

"Well then, come with me ladies." They stepped out to follow him and Gabrielle remained a few steps behind her stepsister, proper for a servant. It was quite a long walk to to the throne room, giving Gabrielle a sense of how large this palace truly was. Then they came to large doors. They were swung opened and inside they walked to the throne room.

It was beautiful, with marble floors and columns. The walls were covered by the largest tapestries that Gabrielle had ever seen, showing many images of history and legend. Looking at the beautiful woven tapestries brought Gabrielle back to a time when she was young and her father would tell her them, on his lap. Of course, the grandest part of the throne room was well the thrones themselves. They were sculpted out of marble and covered with many jewels and such. On these thrones sat the King and Queen themselves. The girls immediately bowed to them.

"Rise." said the king, Gabrielle looked up to the king's face. Gabrielle could see where the prince had gotten his looks from. He was handsome for an older man, a good reflection of what Adrian would be like in the future. The queen sat dignified on the throne. Her gowns a deep purple and her graying hair, aging gracefully. The girls rose from their bowed positioned.

"I am so honored to have Isodara's daughters with us." He then gave a deep laugh, "All three of them." Gabrielle's mouth dropped a moment, did he say all three. Rosella spoke up,

"Excuse me, your majesty did you say all three."

"Why yes I did. I know of Lord Antonio's daughter and how she has been so reclusive after her father's death." He gave another deep laugh, "I can even spot which one of you is her." He then pointed to Gabrielle. "Come up here, Lady Gabrielle." He ordered, cheerfully. Gabrielle did so, giving another bow. When she rose, she caught a glance at the queen. She looked...nervous for reasons Gabrielle that she could not understand.

"Oh, you look so much like your mother." The king went on, "You are even wearing her signature color, yellow." He gave another jolly laugh. He seemed delighted by her presence, unlike the queen. Gabrielle felt herself blushing at the king's complements.

"I am sorry your room was not prepared last night, but we only got the letter from your stepmother that you had decided to join. However, your room will be ready by tonight, but it will not be next to your sister's. I hope that does not bother you."

"No, your majesty." This was all the prince's doing. She knew that. Isodara would have never sent that letter and there had to be a reason she was being separated form her stepsister's. However, she couldn't speak her suspicions in front of the king.

"Well then, it was nice meeting you girls, but I have boring business of the state to attend too. Enjoy your day. May I suggest you go to the gardens? Many young ladies spend their time there.

"That would be wonderful, your majesty." Stated, Rosella. They gave their final bows before leaving. When the throne room doors closed, Rosella turned to her, in full fury.

"You little snake! What have you done."

"I...I..I am just as surprised as you." She stuttered.

"I know you have something to do with this. You must have!"

"Rosella," said, Estelle in a firm tone. "If you don't calm down you are going to cause a scene." Rosella gave a huff.

"I am telling mother. You can be sure of that." With that she stomped off in front of them, but her walk was cut short by a guard, the one that had shown them to the throne room.

"I hope you young ladies enjoyed your time with the king. Now to the gardens?" Gabrielle saw Rosella give a nod.

"Then follow me." He said, with a grand gesture. Rosella said nothing more, as they were lead to a large garden. It was a lovely place full of benches, flowers, and fountains. The king was right, there were plenty of women here. The guard then wished them a good day and left. Gabrielle was not sure what to do, technically, she was free to do as she pleased. She decided to walk toward, Estelle came to her side. She looked around, maybe she could make some friends here? Then she heard the sounds of giggles. The sound startled her and she turned to see a small group of noblewoman looking at them and giggling. Where they laughing at them? Gabrielle's first instinct was to get away from them and find another spot in the garden, but her oldest stepsister had a different idea.

Rosella went right up to them. Gabrielle tried to stop her by putting an arm on her shoulder and saying "Wait." But she was ignored, the girls had stopped their giggling when Rosella approached. However, Gabrielle still saw they had smirks on their faces.

The blonde looked over to her younger stepsister. She couldn't tell what Estelle was thinking by her expression, but she wasn't making any move to go help her sister. In the group of girls, one came to the front. A tall brunette with an elaborate up-do and a red dress and a tight looking corset. Gabrielle had a strong suspicion that she was the leader of the group.

"What are you staring at?" Rosella demanded of them.

"Oh, we were staring?" said the leader, the other girls giggled, making Rosella more annoyed. Gabrielle was getting a bad feeling at the pit of her stomach about this.

"Yes, you were and giggling. What is so amusing to you?" Demanded Rosella. The tall brunette just looked more and more amused.

"Why at the new arrivals. It's rare we get a couple of country bumpkins to arrive at the palace."

Gabrielle then went to her younger stepsister's side, and touched her shoulder.

"Rosella, please let's leave then." She begged her. Rosella then turned her furious eyes on her and jerked away her shoulder.

"Don't talk to me like you are an equal...as soon as we get back home-" Whatever Rosella was planning to do was cut short by the sound of laughter.

"How adorable the country bumpkin is trying to help the other." The tall brunette made an aw sound, which the rest of the girls followed.

"I don't need her help." Announced Rosella stubbornly, "And just who do you think you are?"

"Who do I think I am?" The tall brunette fanned herself, "I am Annetta of the Rosesmith family. A favored council family to King Oswald and Prince Adrian." Gabrielle looked into Annetta's eyes and shivered. Her instincts told her no matter how rude or temperamental Rosella could get, that this girl was much worse. She had an intelligent gleam to her eyes. Not an intelligence in the arts or education, but court. She knew the in's and out's and all the techniques to court. This was not a woman they should be making enemies with.

She tried to tug Rosella away, but once again she was stubborn and jerked out of her grip. Gabrielle was sending frenzied prayers to Hestia, for Rosella to listen or for Estelle to interfere. Maybe both of them could drag Rosella away from Annetta. She looked back to Estelle and saw that she had the same expression as before. She guessed Estelle was interested in seeing how her sister would handle this. Back home, Rosella was on top of the social ladder, but here it was clearly not the case.

"Favored of the prince you say?" Rosella's eyes sparkled and she gave into a wide grinned, "You should know we were invited here on Prince Adrian's request. He in fact came to my home and we had a good tea with him and a wonderful walk in the garden, when he took my arm."

If Annetta was impressed or humiliated, she gave no sign of it.

"Oh, really now. The prince is interested in a country bumpkin, like you?" She pointed her fan toward the curly blonde.

"Why, yes he certainly is." Rosella answered, with pride. Annetta then smirked and brought up the closed fan to her chin and tapped it.

"Then you certainly must have showed him a good time." Annetta waved the fan, "Didn't she girls?" Her group then started giggling. Gabrielle felt her face blush hot, knowing what Annetta was implying. How could she speak or imply such things in daylight.

"Why, yes I did." Rosella spoke, with too much pride. In the background, she heard Estelle slapping her forehead. Estelle understood what Annetta meant and she also understood that Rosella was digging herself deeper into court drama on their first day. Annetta and her girls erupted into howling laughter. Rosella seemed startled by this, not understanding why they were laughing. At this Gabrielle had to do something.

Gabrielle stepped between her older stepsister and Annetta. She looked up at the tall brunette and swallowed.

"I plead with you Lady Annetta. You are a daughter of a grand and noble house. You were raised well and taught the arts of good taste and decorum. You heard the stories of great noble women like Lady Eserila, and her kindness. Lady Adriana, and her wit. Lady Arya, and her strength. Think of those women and the stories you grew up with and the courtly manners you were taught. Would those ladies or those who raised you approved of this behavior?"

Rosella made a move to say something, but Estelle pulled her away and whispered something in her ear. Lady Annetta stared at Gabrielle, her fan covering her lips. The blonde's heart beat fast, wondering if she had gotten through to her. Then Annetta's face broke into a wide smirk. She then took her hand and placed it on Gabrielle's shoulder and pulled her toward her. Gabrielle was too stunned to say anything back.

"Oh, my dear girl. You are absolutely precious." Annetta then patted her head, "You must have grown up hearing stories of the capitol court, of their noble ladies and chivalrous knights." Gabrielle could only manage a weak nod, it was true.

"Since you addressed me with respect, unlike your sister there, I will give you some advice. The court is a pit of vipers. It always has and always will be. The strong kill and the weak get eaten. So take my advice and be the strong one." Annetta then let her go. Gabrielle stumbled back to her stepsisters.

Then Annetta's gaze turned, "Speaking of what else doesn't belong here." Gabrielle followed her gaze and there she saw a woman with the darkest skin she had ever seen. Gabrielle had never seen a black person before, only pictures in books. But here was one dressed in a green dress. This seemed to take Annetta's attention off them.

Estelle took her arm, "Let's go now." Gabrielle nodded. Estelle had an angry looking Rosella in the other arm and together they left the garden. When they were back inside, Rosella pulled away.

"That little...how dare...she suggest such a thing!" Gabrielle took it that Estelle had told Rosella exactly what Lady Annetta had been implying about her and the prince. In a way, Gabrielle felt guilty. Rosella was not the reason they were here. It was her, she had lead her family into a pit of vipers. Also who was that dark-skinned woman? Rosella went on a long rant, but Gabrielle was too lost in her own thoughts to hear her.

Annetta's words repeated in her mind, a den of vipers. The girl might have been cruel, but the blonde did not think she was lying. She had seen first hand the manipulative nature of the prince himself. In all the stories she read, princes were suppose to be the noblest of all. She must have seemed like a naive country bumpkin to them about her speech on ladies and nobility.

"You owe Gabrielle a thank you." Said, Estelle, loud enough to cut through Rosella's rantings.

"Why should I?"

"Because she actually stood up for you against that girl. Something I wasn't doing." Rosella just gave a

"Hmpf."

"It's...fine, she doesn't have to thank me. I didn't do much." Admitted Gabrielle.

"See even she knows it!" said, Rosella. Gabrielle walked a bit away,

"If you two don't mind...I would like to be by myself for a bit." Estelle gave her a concerned look, that Rosella didn't share.

"I certainly don't."

"Are you sure you'll be okay."

"I am sure. I will see you later." Gabrielle said, before she started walking aimlessly through the palace, unsure of where to go, exactly. She thought about the court, the prince, and everything. She had to admit the palace was beautiful, but underneath it was a complex trial of manipulations, backstabbing, and intrigue.

"Hello, again. I see you are not with your sisters." She turned to see the guard from earlier.

"I am just walking..." She wasn't sure what else to say.

"Anywhere I can show you?" He offered. She thought for a moment, and then her eyes widened.

"Does this palace have a library?" Th guard laughed.

"Of course, it does, my lady, but it is not usually the interests of young ladies."

"I want to see it." The guard laughed and went ahead of her, gesturing her to follow. They came to a pair of big doors, not as big as the throne room doors, but still quite large. He opened the doors for her and Gabrielle gasped. She had never seen so many books in her life. There were shelves stacked with books as far as the eye could see. She took a cautious step in, almost as if it was an illusion that would fade away if she wasn't careful.

"I'll leave you now, my lady." He said, shutting the doors behind him, as he left, leaving the stunned blonde in the room of books. She then broke into a wide smile, forgetting her troubles and started to explore the room. She was not sure where to start, having never navigated a true library. Her father had wanted to build one for the village, but died before he could get the funds raised. Of course, Isodara had no interest in libraries at all.

She read the titles, going over books of information, till she finally entered a fiction section. She climbed onto one of the ladders. She started exploring the books, till she came unto one that read Beauty. Curiously, she took the book out and began to read it, on the ladder. She was into when she heard a masculine voice say,

"Now, that's something you don't see everyday." She was startled for a moment, before she looked down and for a moment she thought she was seeing a child, but then she realized it was a dwarf.

"Um...hello." She managed to get out.

"Hello, sorry if I startled you." He apologized, "It's just you don't see many girls in here coming to read. Most are out in the gardens gossiping or trying to land a husband. I take it they don't want to seem too smart or it might turn off some half—brain spoiled noble boy." He scoffed at the last part.

"I like to read." She said, shyly, "But I really don't get the opportunity to read much at home."

"I see." Said the dwarf, "What is your name?"

"Gabrielle." The dwarf's eyes widened at that name. He seemed surprised.

"Is something wrong?" The dwarf shook his head.

"No, nothing is wrong, Lady Gabrielle."

"What is your name?" She asked, politely.

"Peter. I am the son of a minor capitol noble family and I am mostly an adviser."

"Oh, so I take it you spend much time in the library?" She inquired.

"When I am not doing my job, yes I am." He shook his head, "I shouldn't bother you when you're reading. Good day, my lady."

"Good day, Lord Peter." She gave a bow of her head, and he gave her one in turn. Peter then left Gabrielle to her reading. She would soon move to a more comfortable positioned to work more. She likely stayed in that place for a few hours, until she heard footsteps behind her. She ignored them thinking it was Peter, or some other noble.

"I see you have found your place here." Came a familiar voice. She gave a gasp, as she looked up to see the white haired prince. She immediately got to her feet and curtsied. Her heart was hammering in her chest. How had he found her...the only people who knew she was here were Peter and that guard. Could one of them had been a spy for the prince? Peter did seemed surprised when he heard her name.

"Hello, Lady Gabrielle. Have you gotten use to being called lady, yet?" Gabrielle nervously shook her head,

"No, your highness I have not." She admitted, she certainly didn't feel like a lady after being a servant for so many years. "Though I take it you had a hand in getting me recognized as lady." Adrian gave a wide grin.

"Why, yes I did. I would have loved to see your curly haired stepsister's face when my father addressed you as a noble."

"That makes one of us. She is going to right back to her mother about this and I know I am going to catch it when I go home."

"I don't think Isodara is something you have to worry about anymore." The prince, gave a tiny smirk at saying that.

"What do you mean?" She said, wondering what other scheme the prince was planning.

"You will seen sure enough, for now enjoy being the noble, not the slave." He walked up to her, his pale blue eyes so clear to her. "Good job with that bitch, Annetta though." Gabrielle was surprised.

"You heard about that?" She gasped,

"Why the whole palace has heard about it, beautiful." Gabrielle couldn't help, but blush when he called her beautiful.

"I am not beautiful."

"Then you are blind." He responded. There was silence for a moment.

"What is the palace saying?"

"Oh, just about the adorable country girl with romantic ideas about court and nobility."

"I must look like a fool."

"No, some actually think it was needed to be said, mostly those who believe in reform though."

"Well, what do you think?" She asked the prince, not sure why she was caring so much for his thoughts.

"I think it shows how interesting you are. You of all people, should know the dark and cruel nature of the nobles, and yet you have hope that noble nature will win out."

"I don't think nobility has anything to do with blood." Gabrielle suddenly, stated. The prince gave her a curious look. Something told her to continue on.

"Nobility can exist in kings and beggars. It is something deep inside you, that tells you do the right thing and defend the helpless." He looked at her, and then laughed.

"I have no idea to call you brilliant or naive." He gave a smile, "Perhaps a bit of both."

"Think of me, as you wish." Gabrielle stated, simply.

"Well, anyway I came to direct you to your new room."

"Shouldn't that be for a guard or something?" She questioned him, but the prince shook his head.

"I decided to do it myself, since it is down from my room." Gabrielle gave the prince a look, but he just gave an innocent smile.

"I should get my things first."

"Your clothing and books have already been moved from that closet. Sorry, you had to sleep there, but I couldn't let Isodara know I planned to have you treated as a noble."

"I have no complaints. That cot was an improvement over my bed." She decided not to mention it was a pile of straw.

"Then come." He offered her his arm. Gabrielle thought for a moment before taking it. He lead her up the stairs into some of the more richly decorated halls of the palace. She could tell now she was entering the royal halls. Great, now how was she going to explain to her stepsisters why she was sleeping in a royal hall. They came to a set of richly decorated doors. The prince untwined his arm from her. Then he took her hand and kissed it.

"I leave you now, my lovely lady." Gabrielle once again felt herself give another unwanted blush. Curse this prince and making her so confused about how she felt. The prince then took his leave, leaving her alone. She sighed and opened the doors to her new chamber. She gasped when she saw the inside. It was defiantly a royal chamber.

It was beautiful with fine furnishings. It had a rose theme to it and roses seem to decorate every corner of the room. However, it was not the only room. It had several, including a washroom. This meant she was staying in a royal suite.

She didn't want to imagine what Rosella would write to her mother about this.