Isabella woke up the following morning, feeling rather queasy in her stomach. The thought of escaping in just a few hours had eliminated any chance of getting more sleep.

She got up and checked the time on her phone, internally groaning at how early she had woken up.

Determined to make the most of her remaining time, she went to have a long, warm shower, knowing it would probably be her last for a while. As she stepped out of the shower, the October chill enveloped her skin. She wrapped the towel tightly around herself and dressed in the outfit she had chosen for the day. Adjusting the tiara on her head, she decided to call for breakfast in her room. She didn’t think she could handle breakfast with her parents today; the guilt of leaving without informing them would be too much to bear.

While waiting for her breakfast to arrive, Isabella began packing her belongings for the journey. She carefully selected the essentials, making sure not to forget anything important. She placed clothes, toiletries, some money, and a few cherished mementos into a small bag. She knew she couldn’t take much with her, but she hoped that these items would help her on her journey and remind her of home.

As she finished packing, Isabella tried to focus on the excitement of her upcoming adventure rather than the guilt that weighed heavily on her heart. She knew this was the only way to find her true self, and she had to be brave enough to take this leap into the unknown.

Isabella waited anxiously for breakfast, having purposely asked Maria to bring it to her so they could discuss more about their escape plan.

Her heart sank and the colour drained from her face when another servant brought in breakfast instead.

Where on earth was Maria when she desperately needed her?

The servant bowed deeply as she placed the breakfast on the table. Isabella politely nodded, and the servant left, leaving Isabella feeling ten times queasier than before.

Isabella forced herself to take a few bites of her toast, but after a while, she couldn’t handle any more. She pushed it aside and picked up her phone, trying to call Maria but with no success.

She kept calling, but her attempts were met with silence each time Maria’s phone went unanswered. Anxiety gnawed at Isabella’s insides, filling her with dread and concern for her friend. She couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to Maria and if their plan had already been discovered. Despite her growing fear, Isabella knew she needed to stay strong and find a way to carry on without her friend.

Isabella got up and gathered all her belongings, placing them near the door. She looked around the room, half-hoping that Maria would magically appear. Sighing in defeat, she was about to walk out when suddenly she was abruptly pushed backward, and the door locked behind her. She saw Maria standing in front of her, looking pale and dishevelled, as if something was deeply troubling her.

“Maria!” Isabella exclaimed, her heart pounding with relief and concern. “What happened? I’ve been trying to call you!”

Maria took a deep breath and glanced nervously at the door.

“Well, plan A was a complete failure, due to the fact that they have doubled the security, and the bush through which you were to escape has a guard standing a few feet away. So yeah, that plan is cancelled,” Maria explained quickly, feeling guilty from her friend’s expressions.

“And as for why I didn’t bring you breakfast, well, I came late to the palace because my sister was sick. I had to take her to the hospital, so I got a little delayed. I’m sorry for startling you,” she said, lowering her head apologetically.

Isabella softened her expression, understanding that Maria had faced her own challenges that morning. “It’s okay, I’m just glad you’re here now. Let’s focus on our escape. Tell me about the alternative route you have thought about.”

“Well, this is where this box comes in.” she says, as she takes out a box sealed with a fragile sticker.

Isabella raised her eyebrows sceptically at the box. How was that supposed to help her escape?

Her question was answered shortly afterwards, as Maria opened the box, which seemed to be filled with the clothes she normally saw the castle staff wearing, as well as Maria herself.

“You really planned on escaping in that dress?” Maria raised her eyebrows as she eyed Isabella up and down. “Sounds more like a suicide mission dear friend.” she continued, as she took out the clothes and handed it to her friend.

“Well, in half an hour, we will be in the middle of the busy hour.” she explained, as Isabella went to change in her changing room. “The busy hour is when the servants in charge of the morning shift have finished their work and are heading home, also when the servants in charge of the afternoon charge enter the castle.

Isabella stepped out of the changing room and received an approving nod from her friend, and she stepped in front of the mirror, surprised by how normal she looked.

Maria stepped forward and pointed at her friend’s hair. “May I?” she asked, as Isabella nodded and sat in front of her vanity, and Maria gently took off her tiara and placed it on the table, and weaved her friend’s hair into a beautiful french braid, tying it in the end with a ribbon.

“So you’ll be leaving during the busy hour, and our only hope is that you blend in with the servants and leave unnoticed,” Maria concluded, giving her friend an assuring smile.

Maria let out a lighthearted chuckle at Isabella’s new appearance. “You should dress like this more often!” she pointed out as Isabella continued to examine her reflection in the mirror.

Maria returned to the box and came back with a hat, placing it on her friend’s head. “You must keep this on at all times,” she instructed Isabella before turning her attention to the luggage that had been packed earlier.

As Maria looked through the bag, she made sure everything was in order and added a few extra items that might come in handy during Isabella’s escape. She knew that the success of their plan relied on careful preparation and timing, and she couldn’t afford to overlook any details.

With her disguise complete and her belongings ready, Isabella took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the challenge ahead. She knew that the next few hours would be crucial in determining the outcome of her daring escape, and she couldn’t afford any mistakes.

Maria gently placed her hands on her friend’s shoulders, noticing how tense she was.

“Hey, you’re the bravest girl I know!” she said, eliciting a smile from Isabella.

“You’ve got this!” Maria encouraged, but couldn’t help feeling her emotions bubbling up.

She didn’t want to say goodbye to her friend, even for a short period of time. Isabella, too, was feeling emotional at the thought of her friend not being physically by her side.

Isabella got up and tightly embraced Maria, who hugged her back, and the two girls stood in silence, savouring the moment.

As Maria pulled back, she placed her hands on Isabella’s shoulders, ready to share the last details of her plan.

“I’ve arranged a driver who you’ll find parked a bit away from the castle. I’ll get your luggage placed in the car and will already pay the driver. You will be dropped outside a cafe, where you will be meeting your landlord, a lady named Olivia Banks.” she explained, her grip tightening on Isabella’s shoulders.

“You’ll have to walk quite a bit,” she said, receiving an understanding nod from her friend.

“Please stay safe, text me if you need anything, and keep me regularly updated, also remember that you are Bella Parker from now onwards.” Maria added, checking her watch to find only a few minutes left.

“Bye, Bella,” she said, giving her a small smile and leaving the room, taking away the luggage with her.

Isabella took a deep breath, feeling a mix of fear, determination, and sadness as she prepared to embark on her escape. With Maria’s help, she had the best possible chance to succeed.

Isabella quickly tore a piece of paper from a book lying in her cupboard, quickly scrawled a note on it, leaving it for her parents to read.

Dear Mother and Father,

I hope this letter finds you well. By the time you read this, I will have already left the castle in search of a life that I have longed for – a life filled with freedom and the opportunity to choose my own path.

Please understand that this decision was not made lightly, and it is not a reflection of the love and care you have provided me. I am eternally grateful for everything you have done to ensure my happiness and well-being. However, I have come to realise that the life within these castle walls is not the one I desire. I yearn to explore the world, discover who

I truly am, and live a life that aligns with my dreams and aspirations.

One of the reasons I have decided to take this step is my discomfort with being presented with suitors at such an early age. I believe that I should have the opportunity to decide when and with whom I want to share my life. I hope you can understand my perspective and respect my wishes in this matter.

I want to assure you that I have taken every precaution to ensure my safety during this journey. It is my intention to return home in a few months, once I have had the chance to experience the world and gain some clarity about my future.

I know this news may come as a shock, and you may feel hurt or betrayed. But please believe me when I say that my love for you both is unwavering, and this decision was made with a heavy heart. I hope that one day, you can find it within yourselves to understand and accept the choice I have made.

With all due respect,

Isabella.

She carefully placed it on her bedside table, and placed her tiara on top of it.

Taking a deep breath, Isabella gathered herself and took one last glance at her room, taking in the smallest details. Her hold on the door handle tightened, and she exhaled, pulling her hat down to make sure her face was well covered before heading outside.

As the busy hour began, Isabella stepped into the bustling corridors of the castle, where preparations for her birthday were in full swing. Balloons were being adjusted onto the walls and pillars, and large, colourful banners were being held up. The servants seemed so busy that they barely had time to look around.

Isabella hurried amongst a group preparing to leave. Gathering her breath, she matched her pace with them as they slowly headed towards the gate.

Guards stood in a line on either side of the path, staring straight into the distance.

Isabella pulled her hat down further and hurried out. She felt her shoulder bump into a guard and quickly mumbled an apology.

Just as she stood a few feet away from the gate, she heard footsteps shuffling closer to her.

“Excuse me, Miss?” a voice called out.

Isabella’s heart raced, and at that moment, she knew she had messed up.