Chapter 3

Phillips and Isabella chatted on the terrace outside. There were only a few people there, as the guests had started taking their leave, so they had ample time to chat privately.

Phillips was excited. He talked about his studies and his big plans to work for the kingdom as a court official. He had many plans that would benefit the people of Wales.

Isabella enjoyed every bit of the conversation. Her days in the palace were always with Williams, her younger brother. He was heir to the throne, and tutors were always there to teach him many things.

The queen, her stepmother, was against Isabella getting the needed education of a princess, saying that she was of low birth and a simple peasant's education would suffice.

What she never knew was that Isabella would always sneak into her brother's courtyard to spend time with him. When the personal tutors taught Williams, she learned a lot from them as well. Hence, she was very intelligent.

Her knowledge of history, politics, and running the country was as good as Williams', if not better. He may have been denied training on the etiquette and grace of a princess, but she gained the knowledge of a crowned prince.

They were deep into conversation when Isabella felt someone glaring at her with hatred.

"Is something the matter, Princess Isabella?" Phillips asked. "Maybe I am boring you with this kind of topic."

"Oh no, not at all. And please call me Isabella. What you just said are great and interesting plans. I am sure you would become a great official when you inherit the title of duke," Isabella reassured him, smiling.

"Really? Then you can call me Phil." Philip said enthusiastically. "Thank you so much, Isabella. What you said just gave me additional confidence in myself." He reached for her hand and held it gently. Isabella suddenly blushed at his gesture.

"Of course, he will become a great official," a young lady's voice said. This voice was very familiar to Isa. It belonged to none other than her second eldest sister Camila.

Phillips and Isabella both looked back to see two young ladies walking toward them. It was Isa's two eldest sisters Helena and Camila.

Her stepsisters inherited the features of their mother. They both had strawberry blond hair and blue eyes. They were both wearing gorgeous gowns that wouldn't lose to what Isabella was wearing.

"He is the future grand duke of Middleton and will make a great court official in our kingdom," Camilla said.

"Your Highnesses." Williams bowed down as a greeting towards them.

Camilla clenched her fists in irritation, but her face wore a fake smile.

"It's good to see you again Sir Phillips." Helena gave courtesy and Camila followed.

"The last time we met was at your birthday celebration, Sir Phillip," Camila said.

"Yes, it's been a while." Philip replied with a neutral smile.

"Your father, the duke, is looking for you." Helena said.

"Oh, is that so?" Phillips said. "Isabella, I will take my leave. I'll see you later after I talk to my father, okay?"

"Sure Phil. Go ahead," Isabella said with a smile. Then she felt the hateful stare again. That moment she saw where it was coming from; it was from Elizabeth, her second eldest sister. She was staring daggers at her.

"Come Sir Phillips. I will take you to him. He is with my father and the other nobles chatting," Camilla said and hooked her arms with Phillips.

Philip was taken by surprise. "Okay Princess Camila," he said awkwardly.

"Aww, how many times will I tell you to call me by my nickname Mila?" Camila said flirtatiously.

"I'm sorry princess, but it's not that easy," Philip said when they were out of earshot.

Helena was still standing there looking at the two who just entered the ballroom. Then suddenly she turned and looked at Isabella with fierce-looking eyes. It gave Isabella the creeps.

"Know your place, Isabella," Helena said.

"You're just an illegitimate child. You are no match with a future duke such as Phillips. You are not qualified to be his wife."

Isabella was shocked and rooted in place. "Helena, I never once thought of being Philip's wife. I was just happy to become friends with him," Isabella explained.

"Liar!" Helena shouted. "You are a slut like your mother. She seduced my father the king. I will never let you do the same with Mila. History can never repeat itself. I won't let you steal Phillips from her."

"But I didn't..." Isa tried to tell Helena that she was thinking wrong, but Helena turned her back and walked away from her.

Isabella waited a few minutes to regain her composure. She heard music playing inside and walked back into the ballroom. When she looked at the dance floor, she saw Philip and Camila dancing hand in hand. Her heart ached a little while she looked at them.

"Who are you kidding, Isabella?" She cautioned herself. "Nothing will change after this night." She sighed in resignation.

"It looks like you are not on good terms with your stepsisters, third Princess Isabella De Novia," a voice of a young man said.

"Who's there?" she looked around searching.