A Useless Reward

"Ahem…" My uncle cleared his throat as he gave me a helpless smile. What? Did he expect me to mince my words after not only me and my brother were kidnapped but many others on top of that? I do not think so! "I will make sure it is settled. Bella, you have done a deed worthy of praise. As a father and not as a king, I truly thank you for bringing back my daughter safe and sound. But as a King, I must reward you. In three days' time, I will summon you to the castle for an official ceremony."

"Three days…." I turned and looked at my mother, who nodded to me. I then turned back to my uncle and nodded: "Then I will return in three days time, Your Majesty."

Princess Leslie tried to latch onto me once more, trying to make me stay in the castle with her, but I was able to escape by promising I would see her in three days' time. On the ride home, I sat next to my mother and father, leaning against my father as I closed my eyes.

"Bella, I am sorry that we exposed your other forms…." My father's gentle voice entered my ears. Although when I opened my eyes, you would never think he was being sincere with that stoic face of his.

"It's fine. I would need to do it anyway in order to gain the points I need. Plus, I now know how to gain Angel points. I even gained five from saving that kid's life. I bought a new passive skill that helps me heal faster from any wound. If I can level it up high enough, I might be able to instantly heal from any wound, even if I lost a limb." I replied as I snuggled up to my father and closed my eyes once more. "Don't worry. If it is to help the family that I have so longed for, even if I must destroy this kingdom to keep you all safe, then I am willing to do it."

I only felt a big hand resting on my head as I drifted off to sleep. But my words on that day were very much true. If anything were to happen to my family, the family I have longed for so long, I would go to any lengths to protect them or save them.

Three days passed in a blink of an eye, and I was once more riding a carriage to the castle. This time though, I was wearing a pale blue dress with white frills. I still prefer my armor, but this was one of those special occasions where I had no choice but to wear a dress.

"Bella, do you have any idea what your reward will be?" Mimi asked. She was allowed to come this time as she was my personal maid.

"Probably something stupid like gold or something. Not that that would be bad, but, at five years old, I do not think I really need much in the way of money. I just want to get this done and over with as it is holding me up from being able to leave the city and start my training." I really wanted to see the world that resided the outside the walls.

When I walked into the throne room once more, the were many nobles on each side standing there with their heads bowed. My father was standing next to my uncle to his right while Princess Leslie and Prince Zack both stood next to the queen, my aunt to her left.

I walked up and stood in front of the throne and knelt down on one knee. Mimi had to wait at the door to the right as she was only a servant. But it seemed she preferred to be there than sitting in front of the king like this. "Rise your head, Bella."

I raised my head and looked my uncle in the eye. He stared back at me as if sizing me up with his kingly demeanor. But I pretended to ignore the softness in his eyes as he gazed down at me. "You have done a great service to the royal family. You saved Princess Leslie, my daughter, and even saved many other children. You killed the kidnappers that had been trafficking children around and out of the capital. For this, you truly have my thanks. As you are already a duke's daughter, I have decided to give you a title that is befitting your post. From this moment on, you will be known as Princess Bella Rinehart. You will now be the Second Princess of our kingdom Nosengrade."

My lip twitched. Who the hell wants to be a princess!? But because this was supposed to be my reward and titles were supposed to be valuable, I still bowed my head and said: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Mm… Very good! Tonight a grand celebration will be held in your honor! You may retire for now. A room has been prepared for you. Leslie, please lead Princess Bella to her room." My uncle had a smile on my lips, but I think he was trying to torture me. He does realize that his daughter is clinging to every chance she gets, right?

"Royal Father, I would also like to go as well." Prince Zack spoke up, causing me to glare at him. One was already too much. Why two!? I could only pleadingly look up at my most wonderful uncle and hope he will say no.

"Mmm… Go ahead. Kids should play together! Haha!" My uncle let out a laugh. He's a demon! He has to be! Should I kill him now or later? And so I was clung to by Princess Leslie and pulled along by Prince Zack. All the while, I turned to my father in hopes that he would protect me, but he suddenly found a great interest in the window on the wall. The damn traitor!

Luckily I still had Mimi, who was following behind me. If I play my cards right, I can get the brother and sister to start arguing and then have Mimi help me escape!