Chapter 5 The Princess's Mask

The morning light was dawning on the horizon when Arabella was taken to MacGyver Castle in the car with Queen Dorothy. The journey was silent, each lost in their thoughts. Meanwhile, Eleanor and Justin were on their way to the airport, ready to board a flight to Sydney, Australia. Justin, being a noble and wealthy man, traveled frequently, which would not raise suspicion. Eleanor, disguised with a long dark wig, would pass unnoticed.

Arabella had dyed her hair blonde and wore blue contact lenses, making her practically identical to Eleanor. The princess, now looking like a simple commoner, was preparing to leave Nillfaw and start a new life.

As the car moved toward MacGyver Castle, Arabella couldn't shake the nervousness that gripped her body. The weight of responsibility was overwhelming, especially knowing that the ceremony would be broadcast live to the entire world. She felt she was about to faint from the pressure.

At the royal palace, Arabella was led to Eleanor's room. Despite her fatigue, she couldn't sleep. She thought incessantly about what the day would bring and the consequences of any slip-up. When she looked in the mirror, she noticed the deep circles under her eyes from the restless night.

Mary, Eleanor's lady-in-waiting, and Adelaide, the maid who also served as a hairdresser, entered the room, ready to help her prepare.

"I don't know how I'm going to pull this off, Mary. The dark circles... they show I couldn't sleep," Arabella said, her voice laden with anxiety.

Mary approached with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Arabella. Eleanor's image team will be here soon. They'll work wonders. You'll look perfectly presentable for the ceremony."

Adelaide, organizing beauty products, added, "And remember, you're not alone. We're here to help every step of the way."

Arabella took a deep breath, trying to find some calm. She knew she needed to trust Mary and Adelaide. Soon, the image team arrived, bringing an aura of professionalism and efficiency.

As Arabella underwent her transformation, Mary and Adelaide encouraged her. They spent hours styling her hair, applying makeup, and adjusting the dress. With each passing minute, Arabella resembled Princess Eleanor more and more.

"Perfect," Mary finally said as the team put the finishing touches. "Now, it's time to face the first challenge of the day."

Arabella looked at herself in the mirror again. The woman reflected there was the image of Princess Eleanor, flawless and radiant. But inside, Arabella felt the weight of being an impostor.

MacGyver Palace was a frenzy of activity. Servants and staff rushed back and forth, ensuring everything was ready for the grand ceremony. The hour of the ceremony approached. Music began playing in the castle corridors, and guests gathered in the grand hall. Arabella, now fully prepared, was escorted to the main entrance.

Dressed in royal attire, Arabella was led into the main hall. Her heart raced, feeling every guest's gaze fixed upon her. The plan was in motion, and the tension was almost unbearable.

Entering the hall, the crowd rose in a sign of respect. Television cameras and broadcasting devices were all focused on her. Every step seemed to echo in her mind, but she maintained her composure.

The engagement had been officially announced by the royal family through a statement issued by MacGyver Palace a few days ago, following King Heitor's royal approval. Arabella had already been informed that the engagement ring she would receive from Prince Richard was a family heirloom that once belonged to Queen Charlotte, mother of King Patrick. She had never worn any jewelry in her entire life, and now, in her role as princess, she was adorned with jewelry of great value, not only financially, but also historically and sentimentally.

As the ceremony commenced, all eyes turned to Arabella, now presenting herself as Princess Eleanor. She walked through the hall, each step measured, every gesture carefully rehearsed. The guests' gazes were inquisitive, but Arabella remained calm, focusing on her instructions.

The responsibility weighed heavily on Arabella's shoulders, and as she approached her place beside Prince Richard, she felt herself on the verge of crumbling under his cold, steel-blue eyes. He scrutinized her without recognition. Arabella maintained her composure, recalling her intensive training.

Richard looked at Princess Eleanor, who was now officially his fiancée and scoffed inwardly at how appearances could deceive. He was well aware of Princess Eleanor's reputation; she wouldn't fool him with that facade of innocence and modesty. Eleanor was anything but innocent and modest. Richard had done his homework perfectly and, of course, had informants among the staff at MacGyver Palace. He knew Eleanor was promiscuous and led a libertine lifestyle, perhaps even more so than he did himself. Richard and Eleanor were alike in that regard, which would make their cohabitation easier.

Richard wasn't expecting a pure bride, but Eleanor would serve his purpose of acquiring the lands for his tourist venture. Before formalizing the engagement before the media and the populations of both countries, Richard ensured that King Heitor signed a favorable agreement for himself. In return, he would help the kingdom of Nillfaw recover from Heitor's mismanagement.

Arabella had no idea how much Richard despised Eleanor, but she could sense, from the way he looked at her and spoke to her, that being alongside that prince would be anything but easy. Richard had a stern expression and made no effort to conceal his displeasure with the princess, intensifying Arabella's discomfort and fear. She felt the intensity of his scrutiny, and every second standing beside him felt like an eternity.

Despite her trepidation, Arabella reminded herself of the stakes and the importance of her role. She drew in a steadying breath and met Richard's gaze with as much confidence as she could muster, determined to play her part flawlessly. Richard, meanwhile, remained oblivious to the true identity of the woman standing beside him, his mind already plotting the future benefits of this alliance.

Meanwhile, in a distant place, Eleanor and Justin anxiously awaited the departure of the plane that would take them away from Nillfaw and toward a new life.