Not a single butterfly flutters in my chest, and I don’t feel the world stop under my feet.

I’m not attracted to him in the slightest…

He knocks on our door a few times, and I contemplate letting him stand there until he walks away.

“Open the door, Belle,” my father hisses. “Now.”

I let out a breath before pulling it open.

“Your Grace.” I offer a weak curtsy. “How may I help you?”

“I’m Prince Charming,” he says. “Son of King Aries II & Queen Arabella Windsor, victor from the War of Beasts, and heir to the throne of the Second Kingdom.”

“Please tell me that you don’t have to say all that every time you introduce yourself.”

“I do.” He smiles. “I’m looking for the eligible maiden of the house.”

His gaze ventures toward Izzie, and I can practically see him undressing her with his eyes like every man in town does.

“The eligible maiden is me.” I roll my eyes and usher him inside.

“Oh.” He looks Izzie over one last time before looking my way. “Please have a seat so that my men can determine if you’re my long-lost true love.”

“Can’t you already see that I’m not?” I ask. “I think we would both remember if we’d ever met.”

“Belle,” my father warns.

“Right over here.” Izzie guides me onto a chair, mouthing, “Stop it.”

Prince Charming’s footman clears his throat and reads from a long scroll.

I’m grateful that we can hardly hear his words over the heavy rainfall, and I’m holding out hope that a flood will wipe all of us away at any moment.

“And now, let the fitting begin!” The footman pulls a sparkling glass slipper from his satchel and slides it onto my right foot. “Please rise, Madam.”

I stand to my feet, hoping to show that the shoe is too small, but it fits perfectly.

What the…

“It’s you.” The prince pulls me into his arms and presses his lips against mine without warning, giving me the worst ‘first kiss’ in history.

It’s wet and sloppy, rhythmless and wild, and…It means nothing.

My heart doesn’t hope that his mouth will never leave mine, and every nerve in my body begs me to get the hell away from him.

“Our master has found his true love at last!” someone announces. “Prepare the carriage for a return to our kingdom with its future queen and king.”

As the prince pulls his mouth away from mine, my relief turns to dread. I’m forced to watch one of his men arranging payment with my father.

“I can’t wait to have you alone again, Belle,” the prince whispers. “I’ve searched for you for far too long, and I want us to pick up where we left off.”

“How do you not remember what the woman you fell in love with looks like, or notice that she’s not me?” I cross my arms. “Like, how is that even possible?”

“It was a dark night when you left me.” He clasps my hand. “I’m sorry I didn’t pay better attention.”