FALLING FOR HIM : THE IMPOSTER PRINCESS

"Take everything to the grand dining, and ensure it is served properly. Remember, there is no room for mistakes." I ordered, barely able to breathe in the corset I had been whisked in that morning.

The maids hurried off at my command, moving the dishes to the grand dining. I moved to follow but froze when someone caught my wrist.

Turning, my eyes locked with George. "Your Highness," I said, almost breathless. "To what do I owe the—"

"You will attract envy, my dear," he murmured, his nose tracing my hair. I moved to leave but his grip on me tightened.

"Save your sweet words for when you release my sister." His eyes softened at my words, and I could almost see regret flicker in them. Almost.

"Anastasia —"

"Besides, there is a function. Are you not worried about the consequences of its failure?" I spat. "Because your mother, the queen, has been treating it as a life and death-situation."

Instead, the king of Keyes stood, tall and unmoved. "If I release her, you will depart and never return."

"What else am I doing? You have kept me

captive in these tight clothes and forced me to cater to people I do not even know." I stepped forward, tightening my fists. "If this is love, I am sorry, Your Highness but I want no part in it."

I turned, walking away, a sob building in my throat. Why was I sad? I said those words with the intention of…

The intention of what?

I froze, turning to see him standing at the same spot. He hadn't moved a single step. King George was waiting. For what?

Clenching my jaw, I strolled into the dining, barely carrying my dress along.

When I arrived, the guests were about to start eating.

"The dish has been prepared by your Queen-in-waiting." The Queen said in a sickeningly sweet tone.

Even while seated, my make-shift, mother-in-law, looked every bit like the horrific rumors around her.

I silently sat as George walked in, all his subjects stood, honoring his arrival before they sat down.

I bit back the urge to roll my eyes. Why couldn't they simply eat and get it over with? Why was there so much fuss?

I reached forward to start eating but The grand chandelier threatened to fall as the Queen's words filtered in. "I think I have spoken enough. The Queen-in-waiting was late, however, everyone else was aware of the traditions. The king with eat first."

A frog could eat first. All I wanted was for this to be over.

Everyone's gaze shifted to George as he ate the food, I had personally made it. So, he had better not have any complaints.

"Delightful," He commented, taking two more spoonfuls. "This is the best we have had yet. Go on," He gestured to the subjects, pinning them with a glare.

I frowned, as they tasted it and a sense of unease filled the room. The golden Tupperware suddenly felt like weapons as a staring match ensued, almost as if the king was daring them to speak.

I sat up, reading the room. I wasn't the only one who had sensed the shift because the queen narrowed her gaze at the subjects before resting them on George.

"Why is everyone so tensed? Have the dishes not matched expectations?"

"They are magnificent." A subject gulped, his gaze glued to the table.

"Yes, Your Highness. I have never tasted anything better than this," Another man murmured, trembling in his seat.

Their words did nothing to soothe the Queen before her gaze landed on me, pinning me in place. "Fine, I shall taste this. Magnificent dish and be the judge of it,"

My heart leaped into my mouth as she picked up the golden spoon, the sound of metal grazing plate was suddenly too loud to bear and I held my breath when it touched her lips.

That was when it happened.

The Queen shot up, wide-eyed. So fast that I thought she was about to lung at me and unalive me on the spot. However, the dark-haired woman immediately reached for —

"George!" She cried, clearing the table and handing him water as he began to choke. "Walter!" She boomed, "Summon the physician! Summon him now!"

Everyone stood up at the sight, pointing their swords at me. I froze wide-eyed

"What—"

"You stay right here." She fumed, eyes glazing with fury. "If you take another breath, I will be forced to unalive you for attempting to murder the king!"

"A-attempting to murder?" I shook my head and moved toward them, "I did no such thi—"

"Disarm her!" The Queen demanded and several guards stepped forward, only to freeze as George raised his fingers, stopping her.

"No, mother." he coughed, the sound rattling me in a way I had never imagined. My chest tightened as blood leaked from his lips, a wave of panic washing over me.

I knew it was not because his death would keep Danielle's whereabouts hidden for life. So why? Why did it feel like my heart was being ripped out, but my body was frozen?

Was it because this man had saved my life before? But he also kidnapped my sister.

Could it be possible to feel sympathy for one's worst enemy?

"Even now..." The queen's eyes shifted from me as a tear rolled down her cheek. "Even as you fight between life and death, you choose to protect your murderer? You are dying, son. She added salt into the dishes to kill you!"

I stumbled at her words for several reasons. One, I hadn't added salt. I listened to George. I didn't add salt.

Our gaze locked as realization hit me. He looked resigned, defeated. No. He must be thinking that I added salt to kill him. No.

I did no such thing.

However, if these were his thoughts. Why had he not ordered my death?

This man. A warrior sitting on a thrown with a million and one bodies, a ruthless king who had imprisoned my sister to keep me as his wife…

The King of Keyes would rather choke to death than allow me face humiliation?