King Ricardo
"Where did you go? Tell me now!" I exclaimed as I held Rosalie crying.
I knew very well she wanted me to stop, but I couldn't. This child was getting on my last nerve.
"You don't want to tell me? Fine, guess you'll have to answer to my fists!" I exclaimed as I began to hit her.
She tried to cover, but she knew very well if she did that or screamed, it would be worse for her.
I gave her one more slap, making her fall to the ground as I raised my eyebrow and looked at her with disgust.
I lowered myself down to her level as she lifted herself from the floor with her hair covering her bruised face.
It was then I grabbed her chin with force, making her look at me; it was then I could see her busted lip and bruises on her face.
"If you ever try to sneak out again, I will kill you! Understand?" I said as she nodded with tears in her eyes.
I let her go and began to walk away. Once I was out of her room, I turned to see a guard and Celeste standing outside.
"Watch her like a hawk!" I said as they nodded.
"Yes, Your Majesty," they said quickly as I frowned and left.
I had heard from one of my personal guards that, apparently, my daughter seemed to be around the stables late at night.
What could she possibly be doing at the stables late at night? I knew very well that she had inherited a horse from her Mother.
However, she was forbidden to see that horse and to walk around late at night. Besides, she didn't even know how to ride a horse.
Either way, that was rebellion she was showing, and that is something I will not tolerate.
I already did enough by recognizing her as my daughter; I gave her an educated life, and she always had shelter and food.
"Your majesty, supper is ready," said my steward as I nodded.
"Have them bring it to my study," I said as he nodded.
If I'm being honest, I didn't want Rosalie to have supper as a punishment for trying to sneak out at night.
However, I am waiting on a reply from King Hugo, and I need this bitch to be in good condition to trade her off.
Many of my friends have offered to take her off my plate, but I haven't budged simply because I need her for my plan.
She is to be queen of a nation, to help me grow and expand my kingdom in order to get revenge on those idiots who did me wrong those years.
If not, I would have married her off years ago. She is really of no use to me except as a trade business.
Many have thought I was an overprotective Father, caring for my daughter's future and well-being, when, in fact, it's the opposite.
Ever since she was born, I have always hated her because of her. My wife died while giving birth to her.
Even worse, she looks just like her, which is a constant reminder of what I once had and lost yet again.
Now, at least, she will be able to help me take revenge on those who deserve it and receive a punishment herself for killing her Mother.
Once I arrived at my office, I quickly walked in and sat down to review the mail I had received that day.
It was all junk, and I was losing hope of getting an answer until I saw a letter from the person who I was eager to hear from.
'King Hugo.' I thought, smiling as I opened the envelope and read the letter.
Dear King Ricardo,
After careful consideration and discussion with my wife and son, we have agreed to accept your proposal.
Our children will betrothed to each other in hopes of uniting our kingdom. Since my son is heir to the throne, I will announce that as soon as possible.
Furthermore, my wife has suggested we have an engagement ball to celebrate and let the kingdoms know about this marriage. I propose we set a dinner for our children to meet and make arrangements for the ball and wedding.
Sincerely, King Hugo.
I looked at the letter and couldn't help but smile joyfully; this was indeed excellent news.
"Step one of the plan is complete; now I must move on with phase two," I said as I heard a knock at the door.
I looked up to see the steward coming in with my food tray. He sat it down on the table as I looked up at him.
"Make sure the princess receives a good meal and finishes it all," I said as he nodded.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Will there be anything else?" He asked as I smiled.
"Yes, bring me a bottle of Champaign; it's time for me to celebrate," I said, smirking as he nodded.
"Right away, Your Majesty," he said as he bowed and left the door as I sat down to eat my food.
As I took a bite of my food, I couldn't help but smile. Everything was coming to plan, and it was time to celebrate.
Even though people say that it's not good to celebrate early until you win the battle, this was a celebration of triumph.
Step one was in progress, and now I needed to proceed to the next step, which meant I needed to make sure Rosalie played her part.
As I finished my food, I quickly got up and went over to Rosalie's room to tell her the wonderful news.
Once I arrived, I saw her sitting at her table with the food tray, but she wasn't eating.
I couldn't help but smile at the sight of this, remembering the one time I tricked her. I said no food and purposely brought her food to see her reaction.
As I had hoped, she began eating quickly until I took it away and slammed her for eating when I told her not to.
Of course, it was meant to show restraint and provide me with some entertainment. After that, she wouldn't take a bite if I said no to food.
However, this was a different occasion, a celebration of her not being my problem soon enough.
"She won't eat your majesty," said a maid as she made her way towards me as I smiled and began to walk towards Rosalie.
"What's wrong, my dear Rosalie?" I asked, smiling down at her as she sat straight, not looking at me.
"I know this seems a bit familiar, but this time, I really do need you to eat," I said, smiling as she avoided my eyes.
"You see, we have some big news to celebrate, and I need you healthy," I said, patting her head as she frowned, confused.
"You finally stop being a burden for me," I whispered near her ear as her eyes widened and she looked at me.
"That's right, I have found you a husband. I need you presentable and healthy, or else it might fail. We wouldn't want that now, would we?" I asked as she shook her head.
"See now, that's a good girl because if this fails, I will make sure you suffer for the rest of your life," I said, gripping her shoulders.
"Now be a good girl and eat your supper," I said as she nodded and began to eat her supper slowly.
"For this next week, I need you to eat all your meals completely, or else we need to have you ready for your engagement dinner in a week," I said as her eyes widened.
I looked at the maids and smiled before leaving her room and making my way back to my office.
As I walked into my office, I noticed my steward setting the bottle of Champaign and glass on the table as I smiled.
"I'll take it from here. You can leave now," I said as he nodded and bowed before leaving.
I went over and opened the bottle before pouring myself a glass of Champaign as I sat with a smile.
'Yes, everything is coming my way, and soon I will get my revenge,' I thought, smiling as I looked at my glass.
"You're going to regret messing with me, Sofia. Not only will I take you down, but I'll make sure to sink your son in front of your own eyes," I said, smirking as I continued to drink my glass.
Rosalie
"Where did you go? Tell me now!" he exclaimed, holding tight onto me as I couldn't help but cry.
I wanted this to stop, but I knew very well my Father wouldn't stop until I received the punishment he thought I deserved.
At this precise moment how, I wished I was truly dead, not emotionally but physically, not to hear his torments.
"You don't want to tell me? Fine, guess you'll have to answer to my fists!" He exclaimed as he began to hit me.
I tried to cover but stopped quickly since I knew very well that if I did that or screamed, it would be worse.
It was then my Father slapped me on the face so hard, making me fall to the ground. I wanted to stand, but I couldn't.
It was then I felt my Father lowering me down to my level as I tried to lift myself up from the floor with my hair covering my bruised face.
It was then he grabbed my chin with force, making me look at him and his dead green eyes.
"If you ever try to sneak out again, I will kill you! Understand?" He said as I nodded with tears in my eyes.
He let me go and began to walk away. I looked away and tried to get a grip on myself, but I couldn't.
I was pushing myself to stand up, but my whole body was numb, just like most of my emotions that didn't include fear.
"Watch her like a hawk!" He said as I knew very well that my maids nodded.
"Yes, Your Majesty," they said quickly as I heard his footsteps vanish slowly until I heard the door close.
It was then I knew I was alone in my room, even though my maids and nana were with me; I always felt alone.
No one talked to me except for my nana, by order of my Father, and no one dared to disobey him.
They all feared him just like me; the only difference was that I was his personal punching bag.
It's upsetting that from a young age, instead of feeling love for my Father, I felt fear. He was supposed to be there for me, help, and guide me.
However, he did the opposite, causing me to lose hope, faith, and even happiness with him.
Yesterday was a night to remember, not because of the fear I experienced but because of what happened at the ball.
Even though I was a bit afraid, when William found me, I was happy to attend the ball and see something new.
I rarely got to go to balls; I mostly attended boring meetings or sports meetings, but it was never balls.
If I'm being honest, I found it odd, but then again, this is my Father we're talking about; he's different.
He rarely attends any balls or gatherings unless he hosts himself or there is a benefit he gains from it.
Last night, after going to sleep, I had a dream, but it wasn't just any dream. Rather than my usual nightmares, this one was different.
It was weird in a way; I saw a familiar pair of green eyes, and then, slowly, William started to appear in my dreams.
I woke up peaceful but confused because once I realized it was William in my dreams, I guess I woke up surprised.
I think I was in a bit of shock because I couldn't stop thinking about it. I noticed it was around 3-4 a.m. and decided to visit Lily.
However, if I had known that it was going to cause trouble, I would never have left around that time.
When I usually go for a ride with Lily, I leave around 11:30 at night and return around one because the guards on that turn are more accessible to sneak by than the others.
But I needed to feel less lonely, so I decided to visit her and figure out why I dreamed of William.
However, when I was returning a guard found me and wasted no time telling my Father, resulting in me getting my punishment.
I guess it's my fault for not being more aware. I let myself get caught by being very distracted, but I couldn't help it.
"Are you alright, Princess Rosalie?" Asked a maid kneeling next to me as I nodded and stood up.
I didn't bother to look in the mirror because I already knew how I was going to look, like always, a mess.
I looked at my maid, feeling emotionless, and then at my surroundings and found that my Nanny Celeste was in my closet.
I frowned, confused at the thought of this, as I began to walk towards the closet.
'What is she doing?' I thought as I walked into the closet and saw she was nowhere.
"Celeste?" I asked slightly low, looking around my closet.
"To the left, my darling," she said as I walked into my closet and turned right to see her looking in my drawers.
"What are you?" I asked, but she cut me off, pulling a purple comfy long-sleeved dress.
"Here, this will do nicely," she said as I frowned at her, confused.
"Let's get you cleaned up," she said as I nodded.
We headed to my bathroom, and she began to draw the water with minerals and bubbles for me.
If I'm being honest, this was exactly what I needed to relax and forget this terrible afternoon.
Even though I have tried many times to forget, I know that what I live through is not normal and will not be easy to forget.
The chances of that happening are very low, especially since my Father refuses to see me happy or marry me off to someone.
If I am to be married, I want it to be for love, not by my Father's choosing. The reason for this is that I know him, and usually, there would be a benefit for him.
If not, he won't arrange my marriage, hint, which is why I haven't been betrothed yet. But then again, I think it would be better this way.
I mean, who would want a loser bride like me? I couldn't possibly be queen as my Father wanted; if I can barely be a princess, who's to say I won't suck at being a queen.
The only things I was good at were horse riding and sewing. Horse riding is my favorite, but since my Father said it wasn't proper for a princess, I took up the sewing hobby.
Apart from those two, I would say spacing out is the next best thing I'm good at. However, if I think about it, that's not a good thing, which is why I stick to the other two as much as I can.
Since it was the only thing I could do, if I'm being honest, I guess my Father's hatred is so real be really wants me to be useless and dumb.
I find it funny because, no matter what, he can't achieve that since I inherited my Mother's intelligence.
Then I felt something warm yet almost burning on me, making me snap out of my thoughts.
It was then I realized I was in the tub, and my Nanny was washing my hair after wetting it with warm water.
"Your Mother would have been so proud of you with the way you are dealing with everything," said Celeste as I sighed.
"If she were here, I wouldn't be in this situation," I said as I heard Celeste sigh.
I didn't have a grudge against my Mother, but I did envy her for being dead. She wasn't here, and I had to deal with my Father's abuse.
Even though everyone says he wasn't like that before, I have a hard time believing it. But then again, my Mother married him for a reason, right?
"How were my parents communication?" I asked, looking at Celeste smiling.
"Your parents were so in love; they met at a ball one winter evening," she said, and I smiled slightly.
When I lived with my aunt, she would tell me about my Mother from when they were children.
She would tell me stories about how they got in trouble when they were younger, but I never heard about her Royal life after my aunt left.
My GrandFather tried to marry her off, and she didn't want to; she wanted to explore and marry for love, so he disowned her.
He kicked her out and left her out of his will, not that she needed it. She soon found a place in my Father's kingdom.
She lived in the village happily and met her husband here; however, one terrible winter, he fell ill and died.
They never had children, and my aunt didn't feel like she needed them because as soon as her husband died, I came into the picture.
She said that, like my Mom, I was her sunshine and reason to live. She was so upset when she realized she would never get to see my Mother again.
"Your Mother was a very beautiful and smart princess. How could anyone not fall for her?" said my Nanny as I smiled.
"You look just like her, you know," she said as I smiled slightly.
"I find that hard to believe," I said, looking at her as she passed me my towel.
"But you do a lot," she said, drying my hair with a towel.
Celeste has said that many times, but I find it hard to believe since I have never seen a portrait of her.
"How long were they married for?" I asked as she thought momentarily.
"They were married for two years before you came along," she said as I nodded.
"How come they don't have a portrait of their wedding?" I asked as she looked upset.
"When your Mother died, your Father had them removed. It pained him a lot to see the portraits and not believe she wasn't here anymore," she said, helping me put on the dress.
"Did they have a lot?" I asked as she nodded.
"They had some around the castle, and many others were sent to the Ever Realm kingdoms," she said, and I nodded.
Once my dress was on, we walked to my vanity in my room. When we walked out, I saw a good tray there, and my eyes widened.
'Food? But my Father said I lost my supper?' I thought, looking at the maid as she smiled.
"His Majesty requested we bring you dinner and that you are to finish it," she said as my eyes widened in fear.
'What?!' I thought as I began to shake my head slightly and closed my eyes before sitting on my vanity.
This was a trap; once I believed that, it almost cost me my life. I am not faking that again and have my Father terrorize me more.
I took my brush and began brushing my hair, smiling slightly at my reflection. My busted lip wasn't so bad; in a few days, it would be gone.
Most of my face bruises are beginning to disappear and aren't too terrible like how they were days ago.
Once I finished brushing my hair, I placed my brush down and looked at Celeste, who smiled at me and festered for me to eat.
It was then I shook my head as she looked at me confused before looking at the maid and waking to me.