Chapter 7 It's Not A Dream

I woke up feeling heavy and hot. My face felt sloppy so I wiped the back of my hand across my face. When I brought it back I saw a hint of makeup. I cursed when I remembered that I had slept with both the dress and the makeup on. I also noticed that I was in a foreign room. I panicked and threw the covers away.

Great, so it wasn't a dream after all.

What are my parents doing right now? Are they worried? Did they call the police or even a search party? What about my friend Jen? Is she worried? Did they think that I ran away?

I really wished that this was a dream. The time when I helped that old woman outside of the store, I didn't expect that this would be my reward for being a Good Samaritan. I just have the worst luck in the world.

I hauled myself up using my elbows and groaned in pain as I felt a sting on my neck. I guess I slept on the wrong side of the bed.

I did a little stretch. It felt good to the muscles. I walked to my balcony glass door and separated the curtains that covered it. Quickly, the early morning light brushed my skin giving me a welcoming heat and quickly brightened up the room. I opened the door and went to the balcony. It gave an overview of a grassy land filled with different kinds of flowers with rich colors. I enjoyed the soothing fragrance that it provided. It helped me to gather my thoughts.

I wonder if there's some sort of key out of this world. Perhaps I could ask the Queen about that later.

Once I was done thinking, I decided to go and take a shower first since I probably look horrible with the make up still on. With each step I took it felt so weird. Maybe this is how it feels when you're not used to the place you are in.

"Good morning, Princess." I jumped as soon as I noticed a maid standing by my bed.

My jaw dropped and I pointed a finger at her. "H-How long have you been there? Why didn't I notice you?"

She said nothing and clapped her hand. Immediately, more maids entered the room and assisted me to the bathroom just like yesterday. The bathroom was huge. It was white and the floors were tiled. I took a dip, actually they tossed me for being uncooperative, in the lavender filled tub and quickly relaxed at the wariness of the water.

Surely someone had filled this before I could have awoken since everything here was already prepared. From the tub to the shampoos and towels. I wish I had a rubber ducky, not that I ever had one.

I spent the rest of my 30 minutes there, playing with the bubbles since I was bored. None of the maids were willing to talk to me and were busy scrubbing my back. Once we were done, they wrapped me in a bathrobe.

On my bed I saw a yellow dress laid out. It's sleeve was a little puffy on the shoulder and the rest of it was elegantly straight up to the wrist. It was made of smooth material. It was long but I don't think it's that long that it'll reach the bottom. I glared at it murderously.

On top of it was a note. The handwriting was in a neat cursive form.

Hello there my little niece!

I have prepared a dress for you! Isn't it cute?! You should be thankful.

~Elizabeth

I stared at the note in disbelief. This Queen is crazy if she thinks that I'll thank her for a dress!!

Well, I don't have to worry about the dress since I do have my clothes from yesterday. Good thing that I hid it so I would have a back up. I don't even care if it stinks or not. I'll just pour some perfume on it.

Throwing the note aside. I reached for the pillow where I had hid my clothes from yesterday. When I lifted the pillow I didn't see my clothes but instead I saw another note.

Frowning, I read it.

If you honestly think that I would allow you to wear these then think again. You're wearing that dress and that's final.

I crumpled the note on my hand. I can't believe this! It was the only back up clothing I have! And she added an insult at the end!

Out of anger I kicked the side of the bed and winced in pain as my foot collided with the hardwood. "Urgh!" I growled in frustration. Not only was my clothes stolen but my feet hurt.

She plays this game well.

Now I have no choice but to put the dress on. It wasn't horrible or anything. In fact, it fits me well and was comfortable to move with, but I'm still against wearing these kinds of clothing. I found my ballet flats under the bed. I was thankful that the Queen didn't take them.

The maids helped me put the dress on and guided me out of my room for breakfast.

As I was making my way to the door, I found yet another note. What is with her and notes?!

I plucked it out and read it. Already guessing that it was bad news, since the two notes before gave me nothing but depression. And I was right.

Your training with the Princes starts today. They will plan your schedule by the way. Good luck and have fun.

"I hate the Queen." I hissed under my breath as I crumpled the paper in my fist and threw it across the room. What is she blabbering about training? What is this? The military?

She didn't say anything about this. Unless it was the training to become a princess?

We went out of my room and made our way to the kitchen. The castle was huge both from the outside and inside. The ceilings were high and lit by various and expensive looking chandeliers. There are thousands of rooms that could fit hundreds of people.

You can easily get lost in this castle, but lucky for me that the maid was escorting me. I went inside the kitchen and was greeted by the more maids, who all don't plan on telling me their names.

"Good morning, Princess." One maid greeted me. I gave her a nod and greeted her back. Being called Princess was a little weird for me since I always act unlady-like. She led me to a table and served me my meal. My mouth watered at the sight of eggs, bacon and bread.

"Princess, if you need anything. Just ask me." She said.

"Why won't any of the maids talk to me?" I asked. No response. "Okay nevermind. Thank you." I said.

She smiled and before she left she said, "Enjoy your breakfast, Princess."

I don't really want to be called a Princess, but I guess I have no choice since the Queen insisted on it. It makes me wonder though. Why does she need someone like me to choose a Prince when she can just choose them by herself?

Somehow I have a feeling that there's another reason why she brought me here. Well, according to the novels and some webtoons that I read, these 'other world' scenarios only happen when you're dead or reincarnated. Either way, the reason why the protagonists were taken were never revealed.

I dismissed the thought as I began to dig in my food. Literally. I don't want to waste good food by thinking of things that'll make my headache. I am not much of a thinker after all. The food was delicious even though it was so plain. Maybe I was hungry.

As I fed the last bite of my breakfast to my mouth, that's when I heard them. I tensed.

"Where do you think Princess Rose is?" I heard Fred asked.

"I don't know, maybe she's in her room?" This time, it was one of the twins.

"No, she's not in there. I checked." Prince Nate inserted.

"You went to her room?! Nate, we really have to keep a close eye on you in case you'll do something to our Princess." it was the other twin.

"Hey! Just because I love women doesn't mean that I'll take advantage of her! What do you take me for??" Nate defended. Obviously hurt.

"Get it over with. Let's just eat our breakfast and worry about it later." Ace said.

I stiffened. I suddenly remembered the queen saying something about my training and how the princes will decide a schedule for me. I don't know why but my gut tells me to hide.

I am not ready for this.

As their footsteps had gotten closer, I got up and hid behind the curtains, which was a stupid idea, but it is easier to make my way to the exit if I keep following it.

I heard chairs being pulled out and greetings from the maids were exchanged. I was about to leave when I heard them talking. Out of curiosity, I listened and peaked.

"You know, we were supposed to make a schedule for her training today." One of the twins said as he sliced his food. Even with his slightly wet hair he still looks stunning. Now I'm being a creep.

"True, we have to decide who will go first." The other twin agreed and looked expectantly to his fellow Princes.

"I think I should go first since table manners are important." Nate said while putting food inside his mouth.

"No way." The twins said bluntly. Which made Nate choke on his food. He covered his mouth with his fist as he coughed and reached for a glass of water. He took several sips from it before wiping his wet lips with a table napkin. Wow, fancy.

"Why not?" Nate whined while Fred chuckled. Nate looked at Fred with a disbelief expression on his face. "Fred, not you too."

Fred shrugged his shoulders. "Sorry, Nate. The twins do have a point. I'd say that I should go first since dancing is not a simple task."

"I think it's a good idea after we go first." One of the twins said. When both Nate and Fred started to protest, Dan cut them off by adding, "Making her a Princess is a lot of work to do and dancing needs proper posture, which we will be teaching her. Right, Ace?"

"Yeah, okay." Ace said as he placed a slice into his mouth. Not joining the conversation or much less cared. He was also reading a book.

"What? You're not even gonna fight for a place, Ace? Hey! That rhymed!" one of the twins yelled earning an annoyed face from Ace before he swallowed his food.

"I don't care if I go last. Fighting for it seems worthless and besides, we will still get our time teaching that pain in a butt of a Princess."

Why does this guy hate me so much?

"Better watch your words with her, Ace. The tongue is sharper than a weapon. Even though you didn't hurt her physically, you can still hurt her emotionally." Nate warned while the twins gave him a glare.

"Besides, Ace." Fred added "She's a girl. Very delicate with their feelings. I don't even know what she had done to you to deserve your hate."

I don't even know if I should feel insulted in this conversation or not. And most importantly, I don't even know why I am eavesdropping!

"So says the Princes." Ace mocked. "Fine, you don't have to repeat it. I got the point." I think Ace needs another slap with my foot

"Ignore him. Let's just do something progressive like making the schedule for the training. Any suggestions on how to make the sequence?"

"Oh I know! Let's play a game." Nate suddenly suggested. All the attention was on him now. I was curious too so I leaned in a bit.

My dumb self even thought of joining.

"What game?" Fred asked slightly worried since it's Nate after all. The twins though, seemed pretty excited while Ace seemed busy eating and would occasionally raise his head to give them an annoyed look.

"Whoever catches the Princess first shall be the first one and can have the whole day with her tomorrow. The second can have the next day, so on and so forth."

"Fine by me." Fred leaned on his chair contentedly.

"Alright!" The twins shouted in glee.

I was leaning too much and I slipped. "Hick!" I suddenly blurted out. I quickly covered my mouth with my hand when I had realized what I had done. I just revealed my presence. All heads turned to me. I waved awkwardly. "H-hey. Good morning." I squeaked and got up. Slowly, I felt my way to the exit while keeping my gaze to them. "Lovely day! Sorry for disturbing you. Please continue with your fancy way of eating." I laughed nervously and grabbed a random vase to cover my face.