CHAPTER 20

                                    

                                          

Isabella
Today was the throne festival, the whole empire was celebrating. It's been almost two months since the death of Jafar and Shereen looks much better. The streets were filled with different types of flowers but the most intriguing thing is that golden coins were scattered everywhere on the ground. I looked from the carriage's small window to hear the cheering and loud screams of the people. They were chanting Shay's name, it was a tradition for the royal family to go for a stroll around the city. The Empress will be at the front on her horse with Rana right behind her. While her other men will follow either on foot or on horses as well. 
"They love her this much?" I asked princess Shirah, we were four inside this carriage. The princess, her daughter Shereen, Leyla and I. 
"My daughter has been a formidable leader, she feeds them and gives them enough income for them to live happily. They will die for her without question" she said proudly, I always thought the "emperor" was a ruthless and heartless ruler, that she treats her people as shitty as her army treats new territories they take.
"All I want is to attend the party tonight, I've been craving broth soup that they make with the chicken" Shereen said annoyed, I've noticed that she's been acting a little moody lately, one second she's joking around and laughing with us and the other she's yelling at the maids for giving her the wrong earrings. Then she'll cry about it when she realizes she's been rude for no reason. 
As for Leyla, she's been quiet and distant. She doesn't talk to anyone, she just takes care of her kid. She doesn't even bother me anymore, I don't see her hang out with Rana anymore. I assume something happened between them and they don't get along anymore, since everytime Rana walks in the room Leyla will find an excuse to leave. 
Back at the castle, I went to my room to change and waited for the maid so they can follow me to the bath. Tonight a huge party will be held in the castle and we had to be clean, the empress will be dining with us.  
"Hurry hurry, I wanna look good for her majesty" I walked fast while holding my huge  belly, I could give birth any day and I had to be more careful. 
"My lady slow down you'll fall" my new maid, Carla, said she was my age perhaps older. She was taking care of me lately and we grew closer. 
"Carla?" 
"Yes my lady" she replied as she rubbed my back with a rag. The scent of the rosy soap was all over the bath, it was my favorite. 
"What dress do you think I should wear tonight?" New fabric came last month and we had new dresses made. They were all so beautiful and fancy. They had to remeasure me since I have a big belly now. 
"The black and silver one my lady, it's so beautiful" she said as she washed the soap off of my body. She went and grabbed a towel and then wrapped it around my body. 
"I think you're right Carla, thank you" she bowed with a small smile. 
In the room, Carla and some other maids helped me to put my dress and fix my hair. It was almost dining time and everyone needs to be ready and at the main room. 
The doors were opened for me by the maids, I walked in to find everyone seated at the table except for Rana and Shay. I walked next to Shereen and sat on the pillow next to her, in front of Leyla who had a smile on her face but she was spaced out. 
"Order! Her Majesty the Empress!" A very attractive Shay walked in, she was so handsome and beautiful. She looked so elegant and  powerful. Rana walked right after her, I noticed she was looking a little different, almost nervous. 
"Sit" Shay went to her seat, music was playing and there were girls dancing, everyone was having fun. Shay asked me to sit on her lap and I did. 
"You look stunning my love" she whispered as she rubbed my stomach. I put my hand over hers and just laid my head on her shoulder. From the corner of my eye, I saw Leyla leave and a few minutes later Rana followed her. 
We were having so much fun until I felt like my insides tearing, I grabbed Shay's hand hard because it was the closest thing to me. 
"Isabella what's wrong?" She looked at me with worry, another wave of pain hit me again and I couldn't help but scream. I held my stomach tighter and I felt wetness dripping down my dress and on Shay's thigh.
"Guards! Bring a doctor now!" She picked me up, I was in so much pain I didn't know where I was going.
"You'll be alright my love" 


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I think it is obvious what is going on...
I missed all of you!! 
Ps: Isabella's dress in media
-S