Sorry it took a little longer but here it is! Thanks for reading xx-m

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Michael's six foot frame and harsh green eyes bore down on me.

"I said, what do you think you are doing?" He snapped loudly at me.

"I-I was getting s-something to eat." I stammered, completely terrified.

"Well maybe if you hadn't acted like a brat at breakfast and ate the food you were given you wouldn't be hungry." He bit back.

I didn't know how to respond so my mouth hung open in both shock and fear.

"Go to your room." He seethed at me and my wide eyes blinked once before I practically ran down the hallway.

I didn't stop either. Once I reached my chambers I slowed down, looking behind me. No one was insight. I let myself into my room and closed the door quickly behind me, pressing my back to the wood. I let out a sigh.

The way Michael looked at me was with pure hatred. I knew he was upset about how I had spoken to the King the first time I met him but that was days ago and even the King seemed over it.

Maybe Michael was the type to hold grudges but I didn't see why he would since my attitude wasn't even directed towards him that night. In my opinion he had no reason to be so spiteful towards me.

I pushed myself off the door and took a few steps into the room, not sure what to do.

I wouldn't go back into the halls until dinner time and I had already explored the closet this morning. There wasn't anything for me to do besides sit there.

And that's what I did.

I was bored out of my mind, moving around the room to look at the different decorations, vases, pieces of art.

Every once in a while I peeked out the curtain to see when it was dark. After a bit the sun began to go down and when it seemed time I left my room and slipped into the quiet halls.

By memory, I followed the halls to the main room and the grand stairs to the second floor for the third time that day.

The dining room was on my right and as I approached the open door I heard voices and the clinking of silverware.

Dinner must have already started.

I took a minuscule step forwards and stood in the empty doorway.

The long table that was empty this morning on my tour was now filled with men and women who all became dead silent when they noticed me.

I saw Shay at his place at the table and he nodded slightly for me to enter.

Doing as I was told I took a few tiny steps inside the room, grabbing onto my arm in comfort.

That's when I realised I didn't know where to sit.

My eyes returned to Shay, wide with fear. An empty seat was to his left and my shoulders lowered in relief. I took a few steps in that direction when I was stopped.

"Eleanor. Have a seat next to me." I heard the Voice of King Blakesley.

My scared eyes flickered towards Shay who gave me a 'Go now' look.

Slowly I turned around and sat in the empty seat next to King Blakesley. Unfortunatley it was also the seat next to Michael.

On the opposite side of King Blakesley was his sister Reed who I had previously met the night of The Gathering.

Reed wore a deep blue dress with cap sleeves and crystals sewn into the top. The gems shimmered in the light of the chandelier above us. Her blonde hair was braided to the side and hung delicately over her right shoulder. All of the men wore tuxes except for Theo and Shay who were in their official uniforms.

Now I began to feel self concious since I was in my casual clothes. Charlie was right but maybe I could play dumb.

"Please, continue eating." The King urged next to me and everyone else at the table began to resume their previous actions.

A tray was set in front of me by a girl who had to be my age. Her tanned hands shook slightly as she set the silver covered dish on the table.

"Thank you." I said quietly to her and she smiled quickly before uncovering the dish and hurrying off.

I turned back in my place and noticed Michael staring at me with his mouth open in shock but the look of fury in his eyes.

Michael snapped his mouth shut and moved his glare from me to look at the King.

"Your Majesty, may I have a word?" Michael said through gritted teeth.

King Blakesley looked at Michael with confusion in his eyes before nodding.

"Yes?" King Blakesley replied.

"In the hallway?" Michael seethed again.

The King nodded still confused and stood up along with Michael. Michael gripped my upper arm and yanked me up out of my chair.

"You're coming too." He growled.

Everyone ignored the transaction except for Shay and Theo who watched us with careful eyes.

Michael dragged me out of the dining room and into the hallway where the King was waiting.

"Michael what is this all about?" King Blakesley folded his arms across his chest.

"Your Majesty, I have tried to be civil and respect your choice but I can no longer keep my mouth shut. This girl is not fit to be your personal servant. First she gives you attitude and disrespects you in front of your subjects. Then she gives you the silent treatment like a five year old." Michael gestured at me with his hand and my mouth opened in apallment. "And now she disrespects you and breaks Castle orders by showing up to dinner late and out of dress. Not to mention I found her roaming around the halls today., up to God knows what. She is simply unfit for this position you have bestowed upon her." Michael ended his speech with a huff. In that moment I swore the redness in his cheeks matched the colour of his hair.

"Michael, I know that Miss Belle here has not been on her best behavior since her capture but we must understand the amount of distress she must be under. And as for the palace rules, she obviously was not informed. Now can we really blame her for that?" The King said with a calm voice that was entirely too tranquil. It was fake. I could tell he was trying to stay calm and not let his anger show but I pretended to be oblivious to that fact. Michael was still in disbelief next to me.

"I guess not, Your Majesty." Michael huffed with obvious annoyance.

"Then this matter is resolved. " The King clapped his hands together once, signaling the end of the discussion. "Now let's return to the dining room."

Michael relented one last angry sigh before stomping back into the dining room. I made the move to follow him when a grip on my upper arm stopped me.

"Not so fast." King Blakesley whispered harshly. "You will be eating in your room tonight and since I apparently cannot trust you to get there alone you will have not one, but two escorts back to your chambers." He said in a low, cold voice.

Now I understood why he was being so fake in front of Michael; he was waiting for Michael to leave so he could snap at me himself.

My eyes widened in fear and suprise at his sudden turn of tone and his strong hold on my arm.

"Shay. Theo." The King said in a normal volume now and in moments the two men came strolling out of the dining room.

"Please escort Miss Belle back to her chambers and make sure she does not leave." He almost growled at the last part.

They both nodded at his request and the King disappeared into the dining room without another word.

"Let's go." Shay growled and grabbed my arm, yanking me down the hallway.

"What is it with you people and grabbing my arms?" I swatted his hand away but he only loosened his grip.

"And what is it with you and not listening?" He bit back.

"No one told me anything! How am I supposed to obey rules if no one says anything about them to me?" I argued back.

"The girl has a point." I heard a sulky voice say from next to Shay and I directed my gaze towards the owner.

Theo stode next to us, his gaze upwards. I could see the blonde scruff on his neck and chin, his blue eyes pierced at the air.

"Why did you leave your chambers?" Shay groaned, ignoring Theo's comment.

"I was hungry and bored. There was nothing to do besides sit there and I don't even have a clock in there to see what time it is so how am I supposed to get places on time?" I explained.

"Point two for the lady." Theo muttered and Shay shot him a glare.

I smirked slightly at Theo's commentary.

"Eleanor you have to understand that you are already on thin ice around here, you need to be more careful." Shay sighed.

"She didn't know any better. I don't see why this is such a big deal." Theo shrugged.

"I'm just trying to help her from digging her grave any deeper." Shay pointed out.

I didn't understand.

They expect me to follow the rules and do as I'm told but that's impossible when I'm not informed of the rules or told what to do. I can't read their minds.

"This is ridiculous." I mumbled under my breath as we continued our journey through the halls.

When we arrived at my door I scanned my card and let myself in.

"I will have you dinner delivered to you. Do not leave your room, please? For your sake and mine, just stay." Shay said with almost pleading eyes and I nodded.

"Thank you." Shay sighed.

Theo nodded once at me, making quick eye contact before he and Shay both retreated down the hallway.

I closed the door with a flick of my fingers and made my way over to my bed, throwing myself down onto the comforter face first. I let out a loud scream that was muffled by the fabric and then slammed my fist into a pillow.

Absolutley ridiculous.

King Blakesley was so fake it was almost unbelievable. And Michael was just a jerk.

I punched the pillow again.

God I hated it here. I loathed this place so much it almost hurt.

I was about to scream into the blankets again when a knock at the door interrupted my temper tantrum.

A groan escaped my lips as I stormed over to the door and flung it open. A black iron cart with a silver platter rested alone in front of my door. I tugged it in and uncovered the dish to find my dinner. Silverware and a glass were set next to the plate and a pitcher with water alongside it.

I poured my water and then rolled the cart over to my bed, crawling up and sitting criss cross on the edge as I began to eat my meal.

The aroma of grilled pork and mashed potatoes filled the air and I almost smiled as I took a bite.

My fork scrapped against the plate as I went to take another bite but the comfortable silence was interrupted by someone bursting through my door. I looked up in surprise to see King Blakesley with a determined look on his face and I immediately lost my appetite.

He shut the door behind him and walked over to me.

I slammed my fork down onto the tray and shot him a glare making it known that his presence wasn't welcome.

"Now before you get all angry with me let me apologise. I might have overreacted at the situation and I do apologise for treating you the way I did."

'You think?!' I scoffed in my head. It took everything in me not to roll my eyes.

"Thank you for your apology." I said insincerely.

He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms with a loud huff.

"Seriously? You're not going to accept my apology?" He said annoyed.

"I said thank you didn't I?" I said, not disguising my attitude.

"You might have but you didn't mean it." He glowered at me.

Now I was angry. "Well maybe if you didn't act like a stuck up, two-faced, royal pain in the-"

"You dare speak to me that way?!" He shouted back at me.

"I do dare!' I matched his volume.

Now we were both fuming. He stood just a few feet away, his arms tense at hs sides, hands shaking with anger while I remained in my criss crossed sitting position on the bed.

The room was quiet and tense and I knew that any little thing right now would set him off. The best way for me to get out of this mess was to be the first to apologise even though I didnt want to. I hated him and I could care less about his stupid royal status but I knew had to protect myself from his wrath.

"I made a promise to myself this morning that I would try my best to get along with you. I don't want to fight with you, believe it or not, but I am still a person. I may be your servant against my will but I'm still a human being and I expect to be treated like one." I said cooly.

King Blakesley turn his head to the side looking at my closed curtains. I could his sculpted jawline, defined and tensed.

"Michael has a point you know." He spoke more calmly, still looking away from me. "You are disrespectful, stubborn, and smart-mouthed; but you are bold and confident and...and I'm willing to overlook this." He sighed.

"So we can we start over?" I said and he looked back at me with a soft smile on his face.

"Yes." He nodded.

"Alright then." I nodded back, confirming.

"I didn't come here just to yell at you." He shifted uncomfortably. "I also came to tell you that your official duties will start tomorrow morning. You will report to my chambers at 8:00 in the morning. I've added your identification to my keypad outside my door so scan your card and you will be allowed entrance."

I nodded.

"Well then...since that is settled...good night, Eleanor." The King turned on his heels and whisked away towards the door.

"I thought I told you to call me El." I said before he left.

He stopped and rocked back on his feet, a hand placed on the door frame.

"Right." He chuckled slightly. "Good night...El."

The door closed behind him with a dull thud and I let out a loud sigh.

Step one towards a fresh start.

I had seen his nice side and his dark side, both of them intriguing yet terrifying. I could get the nice side of him one moment only to have him flip a switch to his arrogant side in a matter of seconds. And even when I was presented with the nice King Blakesley I had to then figure out if it was the actual nice King or the fake nice King.

It has been three days since I have been here and I'm already emotionally exhausted.

I looked down at the cart in front of me and stared at the half eaten plate of food in front of me. I sighed deeply before swallowing down the rest of the food in a few bites.

I rolled the cart towards the door and then began to make my way to the bathroom so I could wash up. About halfway across the massive room the sound of knocking at the door caused me to pause in my tracks.

"Ugh!" I groaned loudly and tromped over to the door flinging it open.

I was about to snap at whoever was behind the door but to my surprise no one was there.

As I began to close the door I noticed something resting on the carpet by my feet.

A clock.

The face of it was surround by crystal and it glimmered in the light of the hallway. A little note was tied to it with a string.

Kneeling down I picked up the small piece of paper.

'To keep the time -Theo." Was written in a scrolled script.

I let out a single laugh. So he was actually listening to me when I was rambling on about not having a clock in my room.

Picking up the clock, I went back into my room and placed the clock on the coffee table in the centre of the room.

The time on the crystal face said 8:30.

A dramatic sigh left my lips.

Tomorrow I was going to be subjected to whatever King Blakesley had in store for me. What that was I had no idea but to say i was anxious was an understatement. I just knew I would not be able to show that.

A small knocking noise from my door and the creaking sound of it opening almost made me scream in annoyance. Why was everyone in my room tonight?

I turned around to see the small frame of Lux standing by the door.

"Oh, Lux, come in." I said and she smiled softly as she walked up to me.

"I have your night clothes and I'm here to prepare you for bed." She bowed her head and curtsied.

"Oh. Erm...thank you...but you dont have to do that Lux." I shook my head slightly.

"But I insist Miss Belle." She said with a hinting look and i furrowed my eyebrows in confusion.

Lux had been very casual this morning. What had changed?

"Wha-" I began but she pressed a cold finger to my lips as in to shush me.

"Shay." She mouthed.

Soon after another knock sounded at the door and Shay entered the room.

"Eleanor." He greeted in his official officer voice.

"What Shay?" I folded my arm defensively across my chest.

"I'm just letting you know that I will be escorting you to His Majesty's chambers tomorrow morning." He carried on.

I nodded.

"That is all." Shay said in a gruff tone before glancing at Lux and then filing off.

When the door shut behind him Lux's shoulders visibly relaxed.

"Sorry Eleanor. Can't be too careful around the staff, especially ones that work directly with the King." She half smiled in apology.

"It's fine." I shrugged.

"Well anyways, I brought you night clothes so you can take a shower and go to bed. I'll be back in the morning to wake you up and get you ready for your first day." She placed the clothes in my hands.

"Alright. Thank you." I felt the corner of my lips tug up slightly.

"Of course. It is my duty to serve you." Lux said and curtsied dramatically and I stifled a laugh.

"Goodnight." She waved at me, her dark hair flicking across her shoulder as she turned and made her way towards the door.

When she was gone I padded to the bathroom and set the clothes on the counter before attempting to turn on the shower.

After a few minutes of fiddling with the knobs and dials I finally managed to turn on the water. I let it warm and once steam began to puff at the air I slipped under the beads of water.

I used the same shampoo and conditioner as before and scrubbed at my body like I would have done if it was another night at my flat. But this was the castle and I was here against my will. It wasn't my home where I was somewhat free.

Free.

What a nice thing that must be.

We are told that we are free within our classification to do as we please but is that really true?

In reality, ever citizen of Karnevia, no matter what classification they are, must abide by the same rules as everyone else.

We all must say our declarations. We all must participate in The Gathering. We all must send in ration cards for our food. We all must check in every morning. We all must keep our opinions to ourselves, even though some of us let that slip.

Every citizen was free within the terms of the King. So really, was that freedom at all?

My hands ran through my soap filled hair, massaging my scalp.

Then a thought poked at the back of my mind.

I hadn't said my declarations since arriving at the castle.

I was raised knowing that I had to say my declarations every night or face punishment and from the day I started to talk I did as such. Every night without fail. And every morning I would check in using the microphone on my television set. I hadn't done that here either.

Did everyone at the castle not do their declarations or check in? Or was I the only one? I would ask tomorrow.

Once all of the soap had been rinsed from my hair and body I operated the shower again to turn off the water and then used a towel to dry off.

I changed into the night clothes that consisted of a black cotton tee and white cotton shorts.

Digging through the drawers surrounding the bathroom I found a brush and comb and raked it through my wet hair.

The room was very still and silent as I walked back into the large room and across the cold floor to the ginormous bed.

I flipped back the blanket climbed in, trying to relax but no matter how hard I tried my body was still tensed with fear.

Tomorrow was my first official day as the King's personal servant...and I was absolutely terrified.