Bella woke up in her small area in the barn. She washed her face and saw her beautiful white face. She thought if only she wasn’t treated like this by these people, she wouldn’t mind showing her pretty face. However, if she shows them her flawless look who knows what these cruel people would do to her. She thought, “Probably be sexually harass everyday by these yucky and disgusting older men. And when she is of no use like those other lustful women be sold to the brothel, where those perverted guys have their ways with them.” She shivers at the thought. Clenching her fist tightly she told herself that once she finds a way to survive the Crown Prince cruel punishment. Only a few more years that she have to endure. Once he set her free from being his maid, she will have enough savings to move to a far away country and start a new life. From there she will find out what happened to her family. Putting on her bruise makeup she crawled out of the hole in the barnyard. When she got up, sh

Bella braces herself for the cruelty of fate have befallen on her. “Stop!” shouted Prince Joseph.“Prince Joseph,” said Empress Dowager. She stopped her whip midway, but the whip still lash at Bella’s left arm and tiny blood splatter everywhere.Bella grabbed her arm in pain.Crown Prince who saw her in pain smiled at her.Bella looked up and saw his wicked smile.“Brother, what are you doing here?” asked the Empress Dowager.“Mother, please, she’s merely a child.”“Humph. You’re standing up for the enemy?”“Sister, she’s not the enemy.”“You still think that the phoenix and dragon can co-exist together.”“Sister, there is no more of them. So, we dragons are already superior to anyone else.”“Humph. You and your logic.”“My dearest sister, just think carefully before you vent out your angry on such a small worthless being.”The Empress Dowager stared at Bella.“If you beat this little girl up anymore, she will die.”“So, what if she dies.”“Elder sister, if I can tame her, she could

Crown Prince got injured during the winter hunt and needed to tend to his wounds. He came to see his uncle Prince Joseph for treatment. He have gotten taller and more handsome, but like always he have a cold face.Bella was thirteen and Crown Prince was seventeen. He pretended not to know Bella and ignored her the entire time he stayed at her Master’s home. Every time she entered the room, he would purposely turn the other way or not look at her. Sometimes he even acted like she wasn’t there.However, Bella didn’t care. As long as she could stay away from him it was even better for her. She hid her beauty from him, so he doesn’t know what she really looks like. She avoided him in every turn she gets just so she doesn’t get his annoying stares.“You’re still alive, trash,” sneered Crown Prince, every now and then.Ignoring the Crown Prince, she would tend to her duties. When she’s done, she would take off to the mountains to gather herbs for medicine. There were times when she would sta

Crown Prince chuckled. “Just because you’re my great-uncle’s wife I will let you get away with it. But remember that lying to the royal family is punishable by death.”“Yes, Crown Prince.”“You may leave.”Madam Cynthia gently bowed and closed the door.“Bella. Bella,” said Madam Cynthia looking around for her.Bella went running to her.“Did the Crown Prince see you?” questioned Madam Cynthia.“I don’t think so. Last night was rather dark.”“Are you sure?”“Yes. Why?”“Because he is questioning about your look.”“My look. Why?”“I don’t know. But whatever it is. You need to be careful.”Bella was taken back. Now she kind of knows why he all of sudden is taking interest in her. Frowning, she nodded her head.The next few days she avoided him as much as possible.Crown Prince was irritated that she hadn’t come to his room to tend to him. His uncle’s excuse was for her to take care of other chores that needed more of her attention. Since she was his apprentice, she knows more about handl

A FEW MONTHS WENT BY “Bella, you’re a few days away from being sixteen,” said Madam Cynthia. “Yes. I know. I’m getting old now huh?” “What? You’re still young.” “That’s what I said a few months back and you said I was supposed to be married off already.” “I know how silly of me.” Bella chuckled. “So?” “So what?” asked Bella. “What do you want for birthday this year?” Bella smiled at her and said, “You and Master Joseph have been so nice and kind to me. This year, I don’t think I want anything.” “You sure?” Bella nodded. “Being with you two is enough.” “Oh, Bella,” said Madam Cynthia with tears in her eyes. “What are you two talking about?” asked Master Joseph. “We’re just talking about how beautiful she’s grown,” answered Madam Cynthia. Bella blushed at her words. “Bella, you are indeed growing up to be so beautiful.” “Thanks, Master Joseph,” said Bella. “If only your father and mother could see you.” “I miss them.” Master Joseph sighed. “It’s been nearly five year