Reincarnated to switch places with a princess (PART 1)

(ARC 3) chapter 29

How long has it been two months..six months..I'm not sure.

I've been giving a lot more freedom over these few months since my return from Scarabia. My reputation also has grown, now I'm no longer the princess, I've returned to being a boy sort of. It's just that people tend to forget that I'm supposed to be a girl but they just treat me like a boy which is great.

The good news is that the king and evil queen are dead so yippee! 

Frankly I'm very happy about this cause now I don't have to put up with annoying concubines or stepmothers or whatever the what not. The palace does get lonely now but I'm happy that I get to enjoy my time here even if Lidel isn't here right now.

Where are you Lidel?

*knock*knock*

Turning to face my door, I find myself surprised to see her

"may I come in?" asked Ella as she hugged her pillow to her chest. I couldn't help but smile, "Sure." These past few months, Ella and I have gotten much closer, she used to be quite scared of me but now not so much.

Happily, Ella climbed on top of the bed, arms around me as she leaned her head against my shoulder. I felt my cheeks turned red.

"The stars are really beautiful tonight." said Ella as she stared into the night sky, her long white hair glistened in the moonlight.

"Ya.."

"Grandmother wants to see you."

I turned shock, "What?!"

"Its true, I thought you received the invitation. Tomorrow, She wants to meet you at the diamond greenhouse."

As time passed by, I slowly felt myself grew relax. Turning to face Ella, I noticed her eyes were sad. 

It must be because she's going to be sent to the domain

Recently, all the concubines and children of the late king that was not recognised had to be sent away to a domain where they would receive an annual pension. Hoping to cheer her up

"Wanna dance?" 

She doesn't say a word but lets out a small smile.

Turning on the radio, I grabbed her hand and placing ourselves in a dancing position. The music then started playing and we danced the night away. Slowly as we stared into each others eyes swaying to the sound of the music.

(Time skip: Next day)

Looking into my mirror, I grumbled slightly as I tried my best to look presentable. I no longer had the need to wear dresses and now wear men clothes. Today, I was wearing a simple dress shirt with a ribbon tied at the collar with some grey slacks and a similarly coloured sports jacket.

Bags could be seen under my eye but were concealed up with make up. Looking at the bags however, I couldn't help but remember what happened last night.

"Are you okay, your face is as red as a tomato." asked Kevin as he looked at me worriedly.

"Uh ya ya ! what are you talking about again?! Oh yeah grandmother! Bye!"

I must have looked like an idiot but I didn't care. As I ran my heart beat wildly as I raced towards the Central window. Finally after a long run, I climbed onto the balcony, careful not to lose my footing. Looking down on the courtyard, I caught sight of Ella, dressed in a simple yellow frock and sun hat, she looked really pretty.

Digging though my pocket, I pulled out a small boxed gift. Praying that my skill at baseball would not fail me now, I threw it at a nearby tree. A loud noise could be heard from my way. Ella stopped in her tracks before walking towards the tree and picking up the boxed gift. Opening it she looked at my direction before smiling tearfully, I simply waved back before going back in.

It was much safer to stay in the domain than be in the palace with all the dangers going on this wasn't a fairy tale anymore.

Proceeding to the green house, I was just about to enter when a young woman stepped out. Her movement was fast and swift but I could vaguely see that she had long red hair that was wavy and in a strange shape.

Brushing the encounter aside, I entered the greenhouse. Sitting in the centre of the house was the empress dowager, grandmother. I had never called her grandmother it was only Ella but knowing my contract, I knew it was better than to do so.

"Good morning, your majesty." I bowed to her as I took my seat.

She was currently the one in power, acting as regent since Julius didn't want to be king, just yet insisting on staying as a knight's commander.

Well, I guess the kingdom is best in her hands

"Its great to see you, William. I hope you enjoy black tea." she said smiling. The dowager was dressed in a simple blue gown with a matching hat. White gloved hands daintily poured me a cup of tea.

I was amazed at how she was still able to remain so youthful. There was barely a wrinkle on her face, I was sure that she would make any woman in my world jealous. The only sign of age was her greying hair.

Maybe she has magic or some youth keeping potion

Sipping on the tea, I cautiously bit into a cookie, immediately liking its lilac taste.

"I called you here today because I want to gift you something."

Did I hear that right, ' gift?'

"What Kind of gift?" I asked as I silently prayed it wasn't death.

The dowager beckoned a servant forward, they hand her a piece of red stamped envelope. Handing me the letter she said, " For helping with the Scarabia case, I admitted you enter the magi school."

The magi school, a special school where only the richest and most talented children are allowed to attend. I broke out into a smile as I stood up in a rush, accidentally knocking down the chair in the process as I clutched the letter to my heart.

"Thank you, Grandmother! Thank you so much!"

Excitedly, I rushed out of the greenhouse, my happiness reaching 1000% as I cheered out loud ignoring the strange glances I was receiving from the servants.

(3rd POV)

Looking surprised at the sight, the dowager couldn't help but chuckle, " My my, that boy is certainly a curious one isn't he?"

Standing up, she walks over to one side of the wall, hidden behind large pots of plants and other types of flowers was a portrait of a elegant looking woman with black hair in a short hair cut and purple eyes that were filled with amusement and happiness.

The dowager's eyes teared up a little as she stared at the portrait before sighing, " His just Like you, Katherine....just like you..."