The Disastrous Luna

Deceitful

ISABELLE'S POV

I walk into the grand ballroom and make my way through the crowd of nobles and dignitaries trying to maintain my composure and avoid drawing suspicion.

I immediately spot the royal table where the king and the prince are seated after scanning the room. But walking straight up to the table would cause too much suspicion, so I think of a more suitable way to approach them.

I scan the room once more, my eyes darting from table to table. I spot an empty seat close by. It isn't too close to the royal table, but it's close enough that I can might hear the conversions between the king and his guests.

As I move through the room towards the empty seat, I catch a glimpse of princess Charlotte and two of her maids watching me intently, unfriendly expressions on their faces.

I don't think much of it at first, assuming that they are just disgusted by my unimpressive looks. But their icy stares make me feel anxious.

I try to avoid her gaze as I take my seat in a way I can watch her from the conner of my eye. She suddenly gets up and approaches giving me a sinking feeling in my stomach.

I quickly stand up from my seat and bow to her in respect. "Congratulations on your engagement, your Highness," I say with a forged smile.

The princess's expression remains cold and distant, her eyes locks onto mine and I feel a lump form in my throat. What is all this about?

I feel her eyes scan me from head to toe, and I can almost sense the disdain radiating from her.

"Isabelle, isn't it?" she says, her voice laced with hostility.

Confused, I launch the question, "Yes, is something wrong?"

Princess Charlotte's eyes narrow and she steps closer, "You know exactly what's wrong. You're trying to steal my prince from me. I won't allow it. Stay away from him or we will have a problem." She snarls in a low tone.

I am immediately taken aback by her accusation. I hold no liking towards prince Hayden, let alone trying to steal him from her. Why would she think me of all people has interest in her future husband? "I don't know what you mean, your highness. I have no interest in your prince."

Charlotte snorts. "That's what they all say. But I know what kind of woman you are. You're not fit to be his princess. He will never want someone like you."

Someone like me? I have heard rumor that she is a jelous and vain person but I never expected to be confronted like this by her. I wonder what kind of an angel she will phase into?

I take a deep breath and try to keep my cool. "I have no interest in your prince, your highness. But even if I do, it's not up to you to decide who he can and cannot be with." I say making her more angry.

"Look at you, dressed so poorly. Don't tell me you're trying to compete with me for his attention." She snorts and her two maids laugh mockingly.

I feel my face flush with anger as I realize that she is making fun of me. My dress might not be as grand as the one she is wearing but unlike her I am not dressed to impress a man.

Before I can reply, the queen approaches us, a smile on her face.

"Charlotte, my dear, who is this lovely young lady?" She asks when she reaches us.

Princess Charlotte quickly composes herself, hiding her animosity behind a sweet smile. "Your Majesty, this is my teenage friend princess Issabelle." She lies her expression softening immediately. "She came for our party and we were catching up."

Swallowing my anger I decide to play along, smiling sweetly at the prince's mother. "Your highness I'm just a friend of the princess Charlotte. It's an honor to meet you."

The queen smiles back. "Well then, it's lovely to have you here."

"Dear, it's time to dine and perhaps your friend would like to join us at the royal table for dinner. It would be lovely to have her company." The queen tells Charlotte and I immediately see a valuable opportunity to get exactly what I wanted.

Charlotte's mouth falls open as she hesitates.

"I'm sorry your Majesty," Charlotte says nervously trying to come up with an excuse. "But I'm afraid my friend Isabelle was just about to leave."

Knowing that she will have to play along with the charade I speak before she can say anything else.

"Actually, your Majesty, I have a few hours before I leave and I would be honored to dine with you and your family," I say, smiling at the queen.

Charlotte's mouth fall open in surprise. But she quickly regain her composure. I bet she did not expect me to accept that invitation.

The queen beams at my response. "Wonderful! Please join us at the table."

Surprised by the turn of events Charlotte opens her mouth to argue, but then closes it, realizing she have to play along. She seethes with anger, but she tries her best to hide it.

As we both follow the queen to the royal table. I feel the scrutiny of the other royals but I remain poised.

The queen introduces me to the king and her son as Princess Charlotte's friend, the king smiles warmly at me, but Prince Hayden looks at me confused. I can tell he is wondering how me and Charlotte know each other, and I can't blame him. After all, Charlotte and I barely exchanged words that are pleasanties since my arrival here.

I take a seat beside the prince at the royal table purposefully to spite princess Charlotte, I can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction as I catch her angry glare. It is all too easy to get under her skin, and I relish in the opportunity to do so.

The servants begin to lay out wine glasses and bottles on the ornate table, and my eyes flicker nervously towards them. I might make a fool out of myself anytime.

The servants move away and I frown and glance around the table, searching for some indication of what I should do. No one else pours their own, maybe I shouldn't too. I feel foolish when I catch the eye of the prince. He is looking at me with a curious expression, I feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment. I am relieved when the king speaks.

"So, princess Issabelle, may I ask where you are from?" He asks.

"I am from the Kingdom of Anders, Your Majesty. I am the youngest daughter of king Edward." I answer trying not to sound like a coy princess.

The king looks at me with surprise when I mention the kingdom of Anders. "Anders? That sounds lovely. Although, I must say, A few years ago I heard some troubling news about the Kingdom of Anders. I was told that it was attacked and its king was killed."

The other members at the table nod in agreement as all their eyes turn to me, probably curious to hear what I would say next.

I am quick to respond, not wanting to give anyone a chance to question my story. "Yes, Your Majesty, our kingdom was attacked but I can assure you that my father Edward, did not die in the attack. He went into hiding to protect himself and is now working tirelessly to rebuild the kingdom."

"Your father sounds like a wise man." The king nods looking impressed and I let out a silent sigh of relief knowing that I have successfully convinced him that I am from the Kingdom of Anders.

"That must have been a difficult time for your kingdom, dear. How was it attacked?" The Queen asks looking concerned.

"The attack was carried out by a neighboring kingdom that had long been envious of our prosperity." I say pausing to gather my thoughts and forge a convincing lie that will steer the king into talking about what I need him to. "They stole records of our past raids and military strategies a few days before they launched a surprise attack on our kingdom, catching our amy off guard."

"I personally heard that it was the Beta who betrayed the king and sided with the enemy." Princess Charlotte suddenly interjects with a cruel smirk.

"Oh, I'm sure that's just a rumor Charlotte," I say with a forced smile."We have been friends for a long time and I must have told you what happened, perhaps you forgot." I laugh, hoping to deflect any suspicion, and turns to the queen. "Your beautiful daughter-in-law is forgetting like an already old lady!" I tease, trying to shift the attention away from my lie.

Everyone except Hayden and Charlotte chuckles, seemingly amused by my remark. Charlotte glaces at me with thinly veiled contempt before reclining back on her seat.

"My dear princess, military strategies and conquests are sensitive information that can incriminate the royals if they fall into the wrong hands. Your father should have known to keep them in a safe place so that they don't fall into the hands of your enemies." The king's Beta says and I smile realizing my plan is working perfectly.

"I completely agree, your highness." I nod knowing I am just one question away from getting the information I need. "But where do you suggest we should have kept them? We couldn't hide them from everyone including royals."

"Then keeping them in the royal safe would have been safe." The king answers and I smile to myself, knowing where exactly to look for the records I missed earlier." Only the king's most trusted can have access to that." The king adds.

"Father I'm sorry but I don't think it's appropriate to discuss such matters with someone we barely know." The prince who has been surprisingly quiet all the while reprimand his father.

"Relax son." The queen says. " Princess Isabelle is Charlotte's longlife friend."

"I apologize if my curiosity has caused any offense." I say looking crestfallen and they all nod.

With that, the conversation turns to other topics and I get anxious as I wait for dinner to be over so I can go lay down a plan to steal the records.