Chapter 3 The Discovery of Arabella

Queen Dorothy was deeply worried about her daughter, Eleanor. The constant threat of Eleanor fleeing from her destiny tormented Dorothy, especially now that King Hector had arranged for Eleanor's engagement with Prince Richard to take place in a week. Dorothy knew that Eleanor's insistence on defying the king's orders could not only endanger her life but also jeopardize the sovereignty of Nillfaw. Dorothy's fate was also at stake.

As she wandered through the corridors of the royal palace of Nillfaw, her thoughts circled the few options available. Lost in her worries, she found herself in an area accessible only to the servants. Seeing the physical effort some were making while unloading goods purchased for the palace, Dorothy felt a chill. The scene contrasted starkly with the luxurious life she and her family led.

Ready to turn back, something caught her attention. A conversation between the servants began to flow, and the queen hid in the shadows to listen more closely.

"Have you seen that vegetable vendor from Paradise Village?" said one of the men, wiping sweat from his forehead. "She looks just like Princess Eleanor! Only the eye and hair colors are different."

"It's true," replied another, stacking sacks of flour. "The face and physique are incredibly similar. If it weren't for the different colors, you'd swear they were twin sisters."

Dorothy listened intently, her heart beating faster. The resemblance between the young vendor and her daughter seemed to be the answer to her prayers. As the servants continued to chat, a cunning plan began to take shape in the queen's mind.

With her thoughts racing, Dorothy gathered all the information she could about the girl. When she felt ready, she headed to Eleanor's quarters, determined to present a solution to their problems.

Upon entering the room, she found her daughter lying on the bed, her eyes red from crying. Eleanor sat up when she saw her mother, her gaze filled with despair and exhaustion.

"Mother, I can't take this anymore. I can't marry Richard. I'd rather run away and live as a commoner than submit to this fate."

Dorothy approached her daughter and held her hands firmly.

"My dear, I have found a solution. I heard that there is a young vegetable vendor in Paradise Village who looks a lot like you. She can pose as you during the engagement and wedding. This will give you time to escape and start a new life with the help of Lord Justin Wilson."

Eleanor looked at her mother with a mix of hope and disbelief.

"Do you think this could work? What if they discover the deception?"

"It's a risk we will have to take," replied Dorothy, her voice filled with determination. "But it's our best chance to ensure your happiness and protect our kingdom. We must act quickly and carefully."

Eleanor nodded, feeling a spark of hope ignite in her heart.

"What do we need to do?"

Dorothy explained her plan in detail. They would need to bring the young vendor to Dawson Palace, the MacGyvers' country residence, and train her to pass as Eleanor. The queen would use her influence and resources to ensure everything was done in secret while preparing for her daughter's escape.

*******

Thirty kilometers from the royal palace of Nillfaw, on her parents' small rural property, Arabella woke up early, as she did every day. The sun was just beginning to rise when she gathered the fresh vegetables harvested from her family's small farm. She loaded everything into her father's old, noisy truck, carefully arranging each bag and box. After bidding farewell to her parents, Paul and Margareth, Arabella set off towards the village of Paradise Village, where she sold the produce at the local market.

The narrow road leading to the village was quiet, and the morning air was fresh and calm. However, as she rounded a bend, Arabella saw something that made her heart race. A group of armed soldiers blocked the road. She had never seen soldiers in that region before, and the uniforms they wore were not those of the royal guards of Nillfaw but of soldiers from the neighboring kingdom of Rosburny.

Feeling a chill of fear, Arabella slowed down until she came to a stop. The soldiers, with serious expressions and intrigued looks, approached, gesturing for her to get out of the truck. One of them, with an authoritative tone, asked:

"Who are you, and where are you going?"

Arabella tried to stay calm, but her voice trembled slightly as she responded, "I'm Arabella, daughter of Paul and Margareth Simmons. I'm taking vegetables to sell at the market in Paradise Village."

The soldiers exchanged glances and ordered Arabella to prove what she was saying. With trembling hands, she opened the back of the vehicle, revealing the neatly stacked fresh vegetables.

After inspecting everything, the soldiers seemed satisfied but did not relax their stance.

"You may proceed," said the leader of the group, though his eyes remained fixed on Arabella with a curiosity she did not understand.

Arabella got back into the truck and continued on her way, but her heart was still racing. The presence of Rosburny soldiers in that area was a clear sign that something serious was happening. She couldn't help but wonder what it meant for the people of Nillfaw and their sovereignty.

When she arrived at the market in Paradise Village, the usual bustle was intensified. Rumors about the presence of Rosburny soldiers had spread quickly among the villagers. Arabella heard fragmented conversations as she set up her stall, each piece of information increasing her unease.

"They say the soldiers are patrolling the border," commented an elderly lady to a group of buyers.

"What will King Hector do?" asked a young man, his concern evident.

Arabella tried to focus on her sales, but her mind was elsewhere, worried about what she had seen and heard. Deep down, she felt that something big and dangerous was about to happen.

Eager to get home and share the day's strange events with her parents, Arabella was anxious. The presence of Rosburny soldiers had left her nervous, and she could hardly wait to voice her concerns to Paul and Margareth. However, as their small, humble house came into view, Arabella felt a dark foreboding. Something was wrong.

She looked around, searching for any unusual signs, and noticed three luxurious black cars discreetly parked among the lush trees surrounding the property. Arabella's heart pounded. The presence of these vehicles was not normal in their quiet village. Sensing danger, she ran into the house, desperate to find out what was happening.

Upon entering the room, Arabella found several well-dressed men in suits, one of whom stood out, dressed particularly formally. Arabella did not doubt that he was someone sent by the king. Her parents, Paul and Margareth, stood in the corner of the small room, their faces tense and fearful.

"What is happening here?" Arabella asked, her voice trembling.

The frontman introduced himself with a slight bow. "I am Lord Justin Wilson, Duke of Asburq. Arabella, you and your parents must come with me immediately. There is no reason to fear; it is something good for your family."

Arabella looked at her parents, seeking some explanation. Margareth was pale, while Paul, usually a calm man, looked visibly shaken. Arabella felt a surge of defiance rise within her.

"And what will happen if we don't want to go?" Arabella questioned, challenging the man's authority.

Paul, horrified, quickly reprimanded his daughter. - Arabella, please, do not speak like that. We will go, Lord Wilson. We heed the royal call.

Arabella, however, did not give in. "We cannot be taken from our homes like this, so suddenly and without more explanation."

Lord Wilson, with a cold and dangerous look, stepped forward. - Believe me, Arabella, you do not want to find out what will happen if you do not heed the royal call.

The implicit threat in Wilson's tone made Arabella back down. She looked again at her parents, who nodded slightly, indicating that they had no other choice. Reluctance was visible in their eyes, but the safety of their family came first.

Arabella took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart.

"Very well. We will go with you."

Lord Wilson nodded in agreement, a satisfied smile on his lips.

"Excellent. Prepare yourselves quickly. We will depart soon."

Arabella and her parents went upstairs, where they quickly gathered a few possessions. Arabella tried to comfort Margareth, who couldn't stop trembling, while Paul, with his usual calmness, tried to keep the family together.

When they came down, Lord Wilson and his men were ready to leave. Arabella cast a final glance at the house where she had grown up, a mix of fear and determination in her chest. She knew that what was to come would change their lives forever, but she still did not understand the extent of the role she was about to play.