Chapter 2 2.Poor looking dress to less impress

THE NEXT DAY

AT ISABELLA'S POV:

Melissa told me that today is Prince's Noah 25th birthday and everyone is gathering in the ballroom. I think I got one of the ways to make him want to reject me more quickly. I know in the novel soon be a cold-hearted tyrant and I need to escape before it happens. One of the ways is poor looking dress. I am sure etiquette is important here, so let's try that too.

"You'll need the dress. I called designer he be here soon."Melissa said.

"Great."I said.

As soon as I saw a designer I understood that it was time to put my plan into action. Noah seemed like a guy who cared about rules the most. I needed to find a way to irritate him long enough so he would just reject me. I know that his parents are not going to allow him to do that easily. I need to get my reputation low enough to get it happen.

"You must be Isabella."A man said.

"I am."I said.

"I have brought you the finest gowns from the royal collection. You must look the part of a future princess!"He said.

He held up the first dress, a deep blue gown adorned with silver embroidery and shimmering gemstones.

"This one brings out your eyes, my lady. He said, his eyes shining with pride.

"It's beautiful, but maybe something a bit simpler?"I asked.

He raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback, but nodded and presented another dress, a vibrant red with gold accents and a plunging neckline.

"This one will make you the center of attention at any royal event."He said.

I shook my head, trying to be diplomatic. All these dresses are 100 percent against my plan.

"It's lovely, but do you have something more... modest?"I asked again.

The designer hesitated for a moment, then pulled out a plain, dress from the back of the rack. It was simple and unadorned, with a practical cut and a belt at the waist.

"This one is not typical of what a lady would wear, but it's comfortable and easy to move in."A designer said.

"That's perfect. I'll take this one."I said.

He looked surprised but quickly recovered, smiling as he handed me the dress.

"Very well, Lady Isabella. If that is your wish."He said.

"I take few jevelery pieces."I said.

"Of course."He said and handed me a suitable pieces of jewelry.

As he left, I felt a sense of satisfaction. This dress would help me blend in and move more freely just what I needed in my plan. As soon as I reached the ballroom I saw everyone looks towards me. As I entered the grand hall in my plain dress, the soft murmur of conversation quieted for a moment before resuming, louder this time. I could feel the eyes of the nobles and courtiers upon me, their expressions a mixture of surprise and disapproval.

"Is that Lady Isabella?" Whispered a woman to her companion, her voice carrying just enough for me to hear.

"She looks more like a servant than a future princess."

"It's an insult to the royal family. How can she present herself in such a manner?"Another man said.

I caught sight of Noah, who was leaning against a column with his arms crossed. He glanced at me and raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Making quite a statement, aren't you, Isabella?"Noah asked.

I held my head high, refusing to be intimidated.

"I'd rather be comfortable than suffocate by yards of fabric and jewels."I said.

Noah chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. Laughing was something I did not expect to hear from him.

"You might just shake up this stuffy old place yet."Noah said.

As I made my way further into the ballroom, the whispers grew louder. A group of elegantly dressed women cast disdainful glances in my direction.

"She's not even trying to fit in."One of them scoffed.

"How could she ever hope to be a princess looking like that?" Another chimed in, her eyes narrowing as she looked me up and down.

I glanced toward the thrones where King Villiam and Queen Clara were seated, their expressions stern and disapproving. The queen leaned over and whispered something to the king, who nodded, his gaze fixed firmly on me.

"Your Majesties." I greeted them, trying to keep my voice steady.

King Villiam's eyes were cold as he spoke.

"Lady Isabella, we had hoped you would understand the importance of appearance in our court. It is not just about you; it reflects on the entire kingdom."Villiam said.

"We understand this is all new to you, but the expectations here are different. We want you to feel welcome, but also to embrace your role."Clara said.

"I apologize if I have offended you, Your Majesties. It was not my intention."I said.

As I turned to leave, I caught sight of Noah again, his expression unreadable. He gave me a small nod as I left. Leaving the ballroom, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. The cool night air greeted me as I stepped out onto a balcony overlooking the gardens. I need to keep going, the start was good.

"It seems that you really trying escape it, but I not letting you go so easily."I heard Noah voice.

"I thought you wish to reject me as soon as possible."I said with a surprised tone.

"It seems that my plan have changed 'darling'."He said and walked off.

I looked at him surprised. What just happened?