Chapter 18

Later that day, Bella was in her room getting ready with Scarlett, Tabitha, and Hallie. She asked them to join her for tea and makeovers for the party. "I can't believe this is happening. In just a few hours, I'll be an official princess. It's probably crazy but, all I can think about is Jett. Scarlett, he asked me to be his girlfriend. I don't know about this long-distance thing, but I want to try. I'm really falling for him."

Scarlett's mother, Tabitha, looked at her with concern. Pulling out the motherly advice, she said, "Bella, sweetie, I want you and Jett to think about this. I can see you both are head-over-heels for each other, but once you take that crown, that will mean you can't be together if you ever wanted to marry. Are you willing to accept that?"

"I don't know. I just don't understand how this country still holds onto some of those crazy traditions. Even England allows royals to marry non-royals now. It's like Mecca Island is stuck in the past." Bella fidgeted with her hair. "I don't know what to do.'"

Hallie spoke up, "You know, I was hearing locals talk today in the courtyard. A lot of the people were talking about you and that creepy duke. They all were saying it was disgusting to force you to marry someone so much older. He's greedy and you should be able to love whoever you want. I also heard there is a younger man who is the next in line for the crown too. At least he is handsome, but I met him while watching the ax-throwing contest. He seemed like a jerk too. Bella, you deserve better. I also was hearing them talk about some other crazy old laws they thought were outdated."

"Right. Like these; I can't sign an autograph, I have to have a specific dress code in public, and I have to wear a tiara and full dress for dinner. Really? I have to wear a tiara when I want a cheeseburger and fries? Even when I am eating alone? That's stupid. What's the absolute worst, they do not allow the Mecca Island people in the castle unless it is a holiday or special event. Unless they are royal or work here, it's forbidden. The poor in our community can never touch a royal or the castle. I can't even shake a homeless person's hand or do charity work. Poor people can't find work easily because wealthy people of Mecca look down on them."

Scarlett looked at her mother with sadness. "Momma, we would never last here. We are always volunteering for the less fortunate."

Bella nodded, "I used to volunteer at a soup kitchen back home in Ohio. They would have freaked if they knew me then. What is the worst, only the wealthy or upper class can they eat with the queen. I heard a former queen was a germaphobe and made a lot of rules about poor people. She thought they were going to make her sick. It's heartbreaking. I plan to change those laws quickly when I'm the queen. Even as a princess, I want to fight for the rights of the people. Some outdated rules are pointless, and I want to make a difference."

Halie laughed, "It's like I walked into the land of the lost. This place is beautiful, but it's so backward."

"You have no idea. They oppress women, especially for the royal court. There are so many outdated rules that have no place in civil society."

The thing that bothered Bella most about being a princess was the old ways that repressed the people. Even her traditional uncle agreed most of them were wrong. The people should be honored, not repressed. She vowed in her reign she would make major changes to help the people.

Scarlett huffed, "Sounds pretty old school."

Tabitha went to Bella with a hug. "Well, dear. You seem to be the perfect choice as a leader. We should get to the coronation. Thank you for letting us come get ready with you."

"Thank you for joining me. Have fun tonight. I'll see you all soon."

***

Everyone had gone to the coronation, and Bella sat in her room waiting for Duchess Cora to take her to the throne room. She was nervous about her dress and had sent her stylist away before she put it on. She didn't want anyone to see her dress before the event. As she pulled on the gown, she knew she would shock the people. She had made some changes since the king protested her seeing Jett. It just reminded her of the oppression of the people of Mecca Island and the rules they set upon her.

The door opened, Cora gasped, covering her mouth at the sight of Bella. "Arabella, your dress! What... What have you done!"

Bella's hair was down in deep finger waves and very elegant. Beautiful royal diamond jewels that matched her tiara they would later place on her head adorned her. She looked beautiful, but the dress was not the one they agreed upon.

Bella had snuck into the seamstress room and took black dye the night she was told by the king she and Jett were not to see each other. Bella was ready to make a statement in protest. What was once a regal red and gold sparkly ball gown was now very different? She dyed her modern couture gown, making it look like the gothic rocker chick she was. Despite the black, it was a stunning strapless black ball gown that shimmered from top to bottom. The dress, much more lovely than before.

"You look... beautiful," Cora cried.

Bella ran to her, grasping her hands. "You're not mad? I know you think I look like a goth in all black with my black hair, but it's the only way I knew to fight back. I'm fighting you for you too, Cora. Please don't be angry with me."

"Oh, Arabella. It's lovely. But... Why? No queen has ever worn black to her coronation. Parliament, the royals, the king. They may not like this. But... my girl, you look so... I have no words."

"In protest. I wear black in protest of the poor treatment of the lower class. For the repression of women in our country, and the oppressive rules upon the women in the royal court. You always told me to fight for our country. You told me to fight for love. I'm going to do that and it starts tonight. Let's go. I have a statement to make."

Bella expected to hear Cora lecture her. Instead, Cora stood up tall, "I'm with you, Your Highness. For love."

They hugged and headed to the throne room arm-in-arm. This was a fight both women knew had to be won.