Accidentally Betrothed

n in the kitchens. Servants were darting around, carrying trays piled high with food an

ng at the trays with raised eyebrows. "Why

"It's... it's Lady Eleanor, Your Highness. She,

"*Lady Eleanor* asked for this? She

nt foods," the chef said, almost whispering, as if afraid of the word

and appearances. It was no secret that she had once idolized a certain other young woman-someone he'd thought to be kind and pure-Jessica. The diets, the mannerisms,

nged, perhaps? Or is this some ploy for attention?* he thought with irritation. Shaking his head, he left the kit

protest at the delay. She glanced at Lila with a dramatic sigh. "Lila, if the food doesn't come so

mused. "Oh no, my lady! I'll

vant with even more dishes. Emily's eyes lit up as they set down tray after tray of food on the tabl

if it was unbecoming of a noble lady. As she wolfed down a piece of bread, memories of her last meal back in the modern world flickered thro

led her here, into the life of "Lady Eleanor." She took another bite of pastry, brus

ded she could use a little walk to burn off the food coma settling in. She turned

ated, a worried look crossing her face. "O

. "Yes, why wouldn't I? I mean,

You moved to the castle only recently, after you... became ill. The Empr

ss? So that's why I-er, Eleanor-

ne that lingered and wouldn't break. The Empress herself insisted you need

d Mr. Grumpy's reaction to her arrival. "So, let me get th

cking. "Oh, not exactly, my lady. Prince Alexander... he thought

She shook her head, chuckling. "Honestly, he's like a bad knockoff of my Alex back home. That Alex was act

utral face, though there was a glint of something unreadable in her eyes.

Alexander's voice, crossing her arms and putting on a scowl. "How *dar

mouth to stifle the sound. Even Bridget looked aw

said, standing up and stretc

ith fascination. She couldn't deny that, as old-fashioned as it was, the castle was magnificent.

of curiosity. "Hey, Lila, so if I'm the daughter of a

... you preferred staying there. The Empress herself arranged for you to be treated

Prince Alexander thinks I somehow faked m

the prince has his... suspicions, my lady.

just have to get used to it." She looked around the corridors, h

t him." She paused, hesitating. "But... do be careful, my lady. If the E

's the worst that could happen? I'm already stuck in this anci

mall bow. "As yo

rvive this bizarre world, she'd do it her way. And maybe, just maybe, she'd have a li