Empress Bella Novels & Stories

They didn’t raise them—yet—but their eyes narrowed with suspicion. “Who are you?” one of them asked gruffly. I met his gaze, tears already rising in my eyes. I took a deep breath. Then I smiled. A soft, broken, but defiant smile. “I’m Bella,” I said, voice cracking. “The true heir of this empire. Bring me to Declan. He can confirm my identity.” They looked at each other, stunned. The name clearly meant something to them. One of the guards tightened his grip on his weapon and frowned. “Wait here,” he said, then turned and disappeared through the gate.

More so, if one laid eyes on the beautiful green dress she was wearing. I, on the other hand, while not excessively dressed, was still quite presentable for a tea party or a visit. Elle dressed me in a semi transparent baby pink gown, with a simple yet beautiful necklace and a flower hairpin to decorate my hair. The empress' smile grew bigger as I reached closer and made my bow. "I greet the moon of the Helios Empire, the empress. May the sun guide your path." "Oh, dear Bella. Is it okay for me to call you that, princess?" Her hazel eyes shone as she invited me to sit on the chair in front of her.

Brinn arched her brow, but added in a softer tone, "But I appreciate your concern. I will let you get ready for your day. Ladies?" On cue, Bella and Candela entered the room from the far entrance. "Anna will be along momentarily, Your Majesty," Bella said with a curtsy. "Sire," she acknowledged the Emperor with a blush. They usually did not catch Devrim in the mornings. Even when they did, he would slip out quietly and then show up at breakfast. "Thank you, spymaster," Aurora said, but when she turned to look, the elf was gone. "She did not even say, 'glory to the Empress'," Devrim noted.

The empire stood. The legacy expanded. And the woman who once believed she had lost everything— Had gained a life bigger than any crown she could have worn. The night breeze moved gently through the garden. And for the first time in decades— There was nothing left to prove. Only life left to live.

“Be good and stay here to watch the fireworks. I’ll be right back.” He kissed my forehead, then hurried off the yacht with Isabella. I took off my sunglasses and pulled a miniature camera from my bag. It was the birthday gift Silas gave me three years ago. He had taught me that while eyes could lie, the lens never does. I recorded the direction they left, the layout of the cabin, and even took note of the name of the yacht. The Bella—Theo had actually named the yacht after her. Half an hour later, I said I wasn’t feeling well and asked the driver to take me back to the manor, back to the house filled with the stench of betrayal.

“I’ll let him know you’re here.” Announce me? Jeez. Victoria even seems nervous. Natalie picks up the phone. “Mr. Cross, we have a new employee here to meet you.” She listens for a moment and smiles. “Yes, sir.” She puts the phone down. “Just go in.” “This way, Seraphina.” Victoria leads me across a massive boardroom. My heels click loudly against the marble floor. Why don’t Victoria’s shoes make any noise? Okay. Buy rubber-soled shoes tomorrow.

“You’ve mentioned that a couple of times. What I don’t know is why? What was his motive?” She drew a deep breath and removed her necklace, slipping the Bell from its clasp. “Meet the Bell.” Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Fallon staring at the thing as she passed it over to Jayems. He had to be burning up about now, either with frustration or curiosity. Jayems examined it. “What does it do?”

Idum said and then lifted her head and scurried to her feet and came to stand behind her "When would you stop calling me my lady? I am the empress now" Inal said digging her hand into her chest "I am sorry my lady. I am used to it because I have served you since you became a lady" Idum said. "Maybe I should get another maid then," Inal said. "Forgive me Imperial Empress. Your Worship" Idum shouted out loud bowing with her head to the ground again. "Much better" Inal murmured and then squared her shoulders. "Let's go," she said loudly and then walked towards the Emperor's chamber.

But, life in the palace was different from popular perception - it wasn't all fancy dress, tea parties, and balls, nor was it full of sycophantic nobles. After the empress died, leaving no children, the emperor chose my mother as his consort. She was the daughter of a wealthy marquis and was known throughout the empire for her beauty. But, after giving birth to Princess Camellia, her only child from a loveless marriage, she died mysteriously. I have been rejected by everyone since I was born, leading the empire to mourn once again. The emperor's wife was poisoned, but no one investigated who committed such a terrible act against a young mother who had recently given birth to her daughter.

On top of that, why was he with her? What just happened? Did I not die? And if I didn't, then is Vanessa alive as well? Was it all a dream? Where the f*ck is Jonathan when you need him? Does he even know? Zane had many questions but to answer them, only the lady in front of him. "My name is Princess Vaani of Dharakand," she said proudly, eliciting a scoff from him. He would have believed her if she said she was Vanessa's long-lost twin, but this?