Cordelia walks hurriedly home after bringing the packed lunch for her adoptive father. She sighs to herself as she gazes upon the inviting rice field with the crops almost ready for harvest, slowly swaying with a light breeze. She wanted to linger on in the fields but she knew that her stepmother will get upset with her if she will not get back home soon.

She touches her left cheek gently; as she recalls the heavy slap she received from her stepmother that last time she was late. She winces upon remembering the pain of it. With that, her strides become quicker so as to get home faster.

Cordelia can now see her stepmother's silhouette at their house's entrance. Her arms were on her hips while her face had a livid expression.

"What are you doing? Did you daydream again? Or did you perhaps lose your way home? You're such a stupid girl!" Her stepmother growls at her while pulling her by the ear inside the house.

"Stepmother, please, I am sorry. I did my best to walk as fast as I can." Cordelia tries to reason with her but her excuses fall on deaf ears.

"Stop making excuses! You are such a useless girl!" Her stepmother shouts at her as she drags her all the way to their living room and forcibly sits her on the couch.

Cordelia does not dare fight back. She is too scared to be beaten once more.

Her older sister Sofia watches the scene from across the sofa. Sofia merely smirks at her without a single pity on her face. She is used to seeing such scenarios of her stepsister with their mother. Sofia is the real daughter and she gets all the luxury in life. She is treated like a princess with nothing to be bothered about.

Cordelia is adopted by her crop farmer father and mother so that they will have someone to officially slave around without spending a single cent. Cordelia never knew her real parents. They just told her again and again while she is growing up that she is the daughter of some poor lazy couple who died in an accident. They keep reminding her that she is lucky that they took her in. She should be grateful that she has food to eat, clothes to wear, and a house to sleep in.

"So, I have something of great importance to tell you."

Cordelia's train of thought on her sad past is cut short by her stepmother's words. She turns to stare at her sister Sofia who is looking at her with a superior smile.

"Cordelia! Are you even listening to me?" Her stepmother snaps at her in impatience when she does not say any word in response.

"I am so sorry stepmother. What is it that you want to say to me?" Cordelia asks as politely as she can manage as she focuses on her stepmother's face. Her stepmother is now sitting beside Sofia on the sofa.

"Well you see, someone in the palace visited this morning and inquired about my daughter." Her stepmother starts to say calmly.

Cornelia frowns in confusion. What is her stepmother saying?

"What does that have to do with me? I am not your daughter?" She replies still clueless.

"I am not done yet! Stop butting in when I am not through! This is very important!" Her stepmother gives her a sharp glare while Sofia giggles very amused with the situation again.

"The Royal family is searching for a commoner bride for the Prince. They intended him to marry a daughter, not of Royal status. Any girl at the age of sixteen is invited to the palace to meet the Royal family." Her stepmother narrates hurriedly.

In the corner of her eye, Cordelia notices her stepsister Sofia making a smirk. She seems to be amused about something.

"We are obliged to send a daughter to the palace. However, I am not putting my own daughter at the mercy of a prince who seems not interested to marry. Besides, Sofia has Desmond already. She is happy here. Therefore, you should take her place as the option for this marriage!" Her stepmother spills out everything too clearly.

"But mother, do you think they will let Cordelia be one of the candidates? She is so plain and stupid!" Sofia cuts her mother's narration, full of mockery in her tone. She glances at Cordelia ready to add more to ridicule her stepsister.

"Sofia, my daughter, can you please stay out of this? According to rumors, that Prince has a girlfriend but is not liked by his parents. This is the chance for Cordelia to make herself useful. Let her replace you!" Their mother says in finality.

"Cordelia is so ugly and the Prince will surely be disappointed! I do not think she will even be chosen." Sofia adds on but does not go against her mother any further.

"Stepmother I cannot do that! I cannot marry someone I do not love nor have even met?" Cordelia finds her own voice in protest against her stepmother.

"You have no choice in this! The King will punish us if we do not comply with this! You shall go there and meet this Prince in replacement for Sofia!" Her stepmother shouts to Cordelia these words like a death sentence.

Cordelia runs to her room already in tears. She does not care if she receives another beating.

**********************

Cordelia stands in front of the royal family.

The King and Queen sit on their golden thrones. After a long day of screening countless ladies above sixteen, King Rob and Queen Cynthia are so exhausted.

Zoe, the witch, stands a few feet from her, staring like a hawk. This witch is the trusted adviser of the royal family. The witch has been foretelling every prophecy that keeps the King's control of his kingdom very strong.

Cordelia remains in her bowed stance in front of them.

She waits for the King to say something but it is the witch who speaks first.

"So, you are the one I have foreseen. Why did you try to run away?"

The witch steps are closer to her as she speaks and inspects Cordelia's face. She holds her face with both her hands.

"How did you...?" Cordelia cannot hide her shock at how this witch knew that she tried to run away from her home before she was brought to the palace.

Zoe ignores Cordelia's question.

Cordelia can smell the sweet flowery infuse of the witch for her close proximity to her. The witch can see every bruise that was hidden beneath the makeup in an attempt to cover them. Those were the marks of the numerous slaps she received from her stepmother when she was caught trying to leave their house. Her stepmother was so furious with her that she kicked her several times too in her rage that Cordelia might have gotten away from her. The consequence was to bring her immediately to the palace so she will not be able to escape anymore.

"Did you hear my question? Why did you run away?" The witch asks again after Cordelia remained silent.

"I am sorry. I did not intend to displease your highness. I just felt you have the wrong person." Cordelia responds meekly as she turns her gaze to the royal couple.

"You are not to address them directly. I am here to check if you are truly the one I have seen in my foretelling." The witch says in a stern tone.

"Are you saying you are not certain?" The King finally speaks, with a little worry in his voice.

"No, you're highness. I am confident of my skills." Zoe answers quickly as she continues to scan Cordelia meticulously like merchandise.

"Well then, let us see what Prince Bernard thinks about his bride-to-be." It is the turn of the Queen to speak up. She stands and walks to Cordelia with a smile.

Cordelia smiles back. The Queen seems to be nice.

"You can find the Prince in one of the palace chambers. He might be reading some books or taking a rest. Feel free to look around so you will get used to living here." Queen Cynthia instructs Cordelia methodically but affectionately. Even King Rob gives her a smile.

Cordelia does not speak a word. She just bows politely and leaves the room to look for this Prince. She desperately intends to leave that area for she feels suffocated and trapped already.

How can she escape her fate? She tried sneaking out of her home but she failed and got bruises and an abused body as rewards. Why can't she just be free? She does not like to get married to someone she has not even met. Even if he is a Prince, this Bernard is rumored to have a girlfriend. Why can't he marry his girlfriend instead?

Cordelia walks aimlessly at the palace. She can see guards on every corner of this palace. The place is really huge.

After a while, she feels tired of searching and stops to ask one of the guards.

"Kind sir, do you know where Prince Bernard is?" Cornelia chooses to ask a friendly-looking one. This guard looks fatherly.

"Miss, Prince Bernard is through that aisle and in the master's chambers." The guard points his hand towards one of the halls on their right.

"Thank you, sir." Cordelia says and continues to walk in the direction the guard pointed out.

When she goes well further into the hallway, she notices that there are no more guards in sight. She walks carefully and from where she is, she cannot deny the loud moaning of a woman. She stops in her tracks to listen. It is definitely a woman screaming insanely in sexual pleasure! Cordelia gasps to herself. Though she has never done such a thing herself, she oftentimes has heard her stepfather and stepmother that way in their house.

She plans to turn around from where she came from when she heard the woman's voice say…

"Oh Bernard, come on harder, harder. You know how much I love that. Go on, keep on." The woman begs in an excited voice.

Cordelia turns red. She cannot decide if it is out of embarrassment for overhearing such lustful words, or out of anger for discovering that the woman is having sex with the Prince.

This is Prince Bernard? The man she is being forced to marry! How can this be her fate? A very tragic fate she has not chosen but is forced to have.

Cordelia is debating with herself if she will leave the area right this instant. She is feeling so uncomfortable already. However, her curiosity got the best of her. Since there are no guards in sight, she sneaks slowly to the door of the room where the insanely obscene sounds are coming from. She stands with her back against the wall. She does not have to stand close because the sound of moaning starts to peak even louder.

Is the Prince too arrogant that he does these acts openly in the palace? Or he truly does not care what others think of him? He is a Prince so maybe he is really full of himself.

Cordelia feels revulsion towards this Prince who seems to care only for pleasure from women. The pleasuring sounds last for a few more minutes. Even Cordelia starts feeling something different upon hearing such steamy moans and grunts. Then it stops. She places her head against the closed door to try to overhear better. She tries to hold her breath, afraid that it might be heard from the inside.

"You are such an amazing lover, my Prince. No one can compare to your skill in giving me such a mind-blowing pleasure each time we have sex." The woman says to the Prince in a sweet voice.

Cordelia grimaces from the undeniable irritation she feels that this indecent woman has provided pleasure to Prince Bernard on more than just several occasions. She sounds so familiar with the Prince as if they have been together for a long time.

"Are you trying to tease me again Freya?" That is the voice of Prince Bernard.

Cordelia cannot help but imagine the appearance of the Prince. His voice sounds sexy.

Or is it the effect of what she heard a few minutes ago that leads her to these imaginations?

"You know I do not tease. I have always been honest to you." The woman replies in an alluring voice. She is definitely trying to seduce the Prince once more.

"I know that but you seem to be keeping something from me these past few days." Prince Bernard sounds worried about something.

Cordelia presses her ear harder against the door so she can hear well.

A long silence falls in the room.

Freya takes a deep breath and starts to speak again.

"My Prince, we have been together for a long time. You know my affections for you are genuine. I am aware of my position in this palace and yours as well. I can never be your bride." Freya says these things as she stands from the bed and walks toward the closed window. She sounded upset.

Cordelia hears the sound of footsteps moving closer to the closed window by her side. She crouches down to hide in case the window is opened from inside the room. Nothing happened. Another set of footsteps seems to walk towards the window. It must be the Prince now. Cordelia thought to herself as she tries to picture what is going on inside the chambers. She hears clearly the voices of Prince Bernard and Freya from outside the door.

"What is all this talk about being a bride? Freya, you know that I do not have any intentions to get married yet. What are you so worried about?" Prince Bernard responds in a gentle tone. He appears to be concerned with Freya's sudden seriousness.

Freya laughs in a mocking way.

"It may seem that the King and the Queen have not informed you of anything at all." Freya says in a knowing tone.

"What are you trying to hint on, Freya?" Prince Bernard asks, not hiding his confusion.

"My Prince, you are to be married to your destined bride! She is foretold by your father's all-knowing witch!" Freya spits out these words with venom. She is so upset with the news that she is telling the Prince whom she considers to be hers alone.

"What? How come my father never told me this?" Prince Bernard demands more information from his lover.

"Apparently, your father's royal witch decided that they should search for your destined bride first before they even tell you. According to your witch, you are to marry a commoner's daughter so that the people will continue to stay loyal to the King. Marrying their son to a commoner's daughter will ensure your family's rule for a long time. This destined wife of yours will be loved by the people." Freya continues to narrate in a bitter manner.

It appears that the Prince has no idea about their forced marriage too. Cordelia frowns recalling her situation.

"What if I refuse to marry?" Prince Bernard asks but he knows the answer already. No one defies his father, the King.

Cordelia feels annoyed with the words of Prince Bernard. She recalls her own dislike for this forced marriage.

"You are just saying that now because you have not tasted her. Soon, you will forget about me while she warms you up in bed." Freya says shamelessly.

Cordelia's face gets hot upon hearing these words coming from the mouth of the woman who had sex with her future husband. How can she be jealous like that? She has no right to speak that way to the Prince!

"I will not be like that! If I am forced to marry this farm girl for the people to be happy with my father's rule, I will give that stupid girl so many hardships that she will regret being with me!" Bernard exclaims to Freya so sure of himself.

"Is that what you call your apology for not making me your bride?" Freya sounds seductive once more upon hearing Bernard's promise of an unhappy marriage with Cordelia.

The conversation in the chambers dies down after that.

Cordelia stands from her crouch quickly but quietly. She is so confused about where to go. How can she be in this kind of situation right now? What kind of life will she have in this palace as a wife of a Prince who does not like to have her in the first place? She wishes to run away again but where will she go?

Cordelia cries uncontrollably but makes sure not to be heard. Her tears flow endlessly but she does not bother to wipe them off. She shakes her head as if to tell herself that she cannot accept this. She cannot go through with this marriage with this kind of cruel fate. In her sorrow about her predicament, she does not see the flowerpot by the door as she attempts to leave that place quickly. She hits her foot at the flowerpot and trips. She falls to the ground with a thudding sound as the flowerpot tips over as well. The pain of her foot adds to the anguish in her heart. She attempts to stand but slumps back down to the ground. With her emotional state, she feels weakened for a moment.

"What was that?" The voice of the woman from inside Prince Bernard's chambers can be heard. She sounds worried by the sudden disturbance from the outside. The door of the Prince's chamber opens and Prince Bernard emerges with Freya behind him. Both appear surprised upon seeing Cordelia on the ground.

As Prince Bernard glances at the broken flowerpot, he figures out immediately what happened.

"Who are you? Are you okay?" Prince Bernard asks in a half astonished but gentle tone. He walks toward Cordelia automatically.

Cordelia keeps her eyes on the ground as she focuses on her hurting foot, massaging it carefully.

Seeing this lady who seems to be hurt gives the Prince a feeling of wanting to help her and make sure that she is not injured. He bends to help her stand. He keeps staring at Cordelia with wonder and admiration as if she is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. Prince Bernard cannot understand why he feels like he does not want to let go of the mysterious woman's hand.

Cordelia allows Prince Bernard to help her back to her footing as she attempts to wipe off her tears as quickly as possible. She can still feel her foot pulsing in pain but tries to ignore it. She avoids Prince Bernard's stare but she cannot ignore the heavy feeling in her heart regarding the conversation she overheard just a few moments ago. She retrieved her hand from Prince Bernard's grasp. At this point, she intends to regain her composure with whatever pride she can muster. However, she feels grateful for the gesture of the Prince to help her.

The Prince appears to be unwilling to let go of her hand but he has no choice. Instead, he reaches out to assist Cordelia by her elbow. The lady appears a bit wobbly still and it worries him instinctively. In doing so, he feels like a force similar to electricity has hit him. He can feel the energy pulsing in his veins with this strange connection to this woman. The woman is like a stimulus that gives him this hyperactive feeling. Even his heart is beating double time. His heart feels like it is about to burst with a strong attraction toward this woman. He has never met her before but he feels so attached to her already. A strong allure for this woman's beauty that is very inexplicable to him is taking over him at this moment. The woman has not uttered a single word after his inquiry and so Prince Bernard repeats his question.

"Who are you? Are you alright?” He says this with so much concern in his voice.

Cordelia looks at the Prince for the very first time. She is overwhelmed at how handsome Prince Bernard is. She seems to have forgotten her pain as she focuses on the Prince's captivating eyes. She can feel the heat on her face and she is aware that she is blushing as well with this strange feeling. There is like a magnet pulling her to this handsome man. She is frozen to the very spot she is on right now. She allows Prince Bernard to support her a bit. She feels weakened even more with this strange sensation.

All of a sudden, Prince Bernard touches Cordelia's face with his free hand. Both of them feel the heated intensity of that touch. Even Cordelia cannot refuse the Prince's hands against her cheek. She feels the warmth spread all over her with that touch.

"Are you alright? I am Prince Bernard. Just tell me what you need and I will help you." Prince Bernard says softly like a promise.

Cordelia can see the sincerity in those eyes. The Prince seems to mean everything that he has uttered at that moment. She cannot deny the trust that his eyes reflect on her own eyes.

In that instant, they seem to be the only two people existing. The whole palace seems to transform into a different world where everything is beautiful and sunny. The heat that both Prince Bernard and Cordelia are experiencing merges as one like a connection that has long been trying to link them together.

In the meantime, Freya, who was temporarily forgotten at this point, made a coughing sound to get their attention. Just like that, the connection between Prince Bernard and Cordelia breaks automatically with Freya's disturbance.

Cordelia immediately pulls away from the Prince as she glances towards Freya, who was leaning casually against the door of the Prince's chamber.

Prince Bernard, on the other hand, runs his emptied hand over his hair when Cordelia pulled away. He appears suddenly embarrassed with what transpired between them.

"I know who you are your highness! And I know who she is too." Cordelia finally finds her own voice to speak up. She also begins to regain her original state of sadness over her situation.

"What you are not aware of is that I am your bride-to-be!" She continues with a shaky voice, gathering her anger once more from everything she has heard earlier.

"What?" This is the only response that Prince Bernard is able to say in his surprise at what this woman in front of him has just said.

Freya merely crosses her arms in front of her without a care. She smirks at Cordelia at the same time as her eyes are sending dagger looks toward this bride-to-be of her prince.