Of The Rose

Two

Jason didn't really pay attention to what Isobelle said for most of the tour. In his head, her voice trailed off as soon as she started speaking, he was too focused on looking at the woman standing next to him, the same one he's supposed to marry. Her eyes were stuck on Isobelle though, she followed along with the tour, as usual, not giving any verbal responses, just a simple nod here and a head shake there when she was asked questions. No smiles yet. She stands tall and carries herself with poise, her hair is pinned up into a bun, instead of an elegant red dress like in the painting she wears a simpler gown with ruffles instead, its soft lavender color and sits off the shoulders.

By the end of the tour Jason, Isobelle, two random girls he didn't know and were all gathered around the outside of her room.

"These are your handmaidens, your majesty." Isobelle gestured towards the three girls. "They come from noble families, they are here to assist you. Your bags from the carriage should already be in your room. They'll help you frequently, their job is to make sure to tend towards you. They'll be with you for all hours unless you clear them off. They're not just to help with time of difficulty but also to help you settle in. I know you're going to be slightly busy with the wedding and treaty, they'll keep you company."

Another nod.

Isobelle sighed. "Your majesty, this is Olivia Norris, daughter of count Willam Norris, and Bisma Aamer, daughter of duchess Amani Aamer. His majesty and I will leave you three alone, your handmaidens will tell you when supper is ready."

Along with her handmaidens, she disappeared into her room. As Jason was walking back he could feel a smack against his arm. "You didn't say anything to her!" Isobelle whisper yelled at him.

"What was I supposed to say? She didn't even say anything." Jason defended himself. "For someone who excelled in public speaking, she lacks at talking to people," Jason mumbled.

"Give her a break." Isobelle sighed exasperatedly. "That girl not only is not only moving here after spending most of her life in Codvia but she's separated from her family, she's alone, she has no friends. That's why I made sure to personally pick out which handmaidens instead of them being automatically assigned to her. Or at least I only picked out one of them, the other was assigned by someone else. I'm pretty sure your mother picked out the other one, I looked at her stats, she's a hard worker."

"Really? Which one?" Jason quired, half because he was curious and half hoping to shift the conversation."

"She was actually the one on the right, very- hey!" Jason mentally winced knowing she caught on. "I know your game, don't change the topic. We're talking about your wife-"

"She's not my wife."

"Well not currently but the days are going to start ticking down and before you know it she will be." Isobelle retorted. "It's important you be nice to her, I wrote to some of her family and she does not trust easily."

"Since when am I anything besides nice Isobelle?" Jason's mother raised him with good manners, she was very keen on that, and Jason was never disappointed in that category. "Also this marriage is purely a strategic move, an arranged marriage if you will. Why do you care?"

She struck Jason in the arm again. "Ouch." Jason yelped.

"Why don't you care?" Isobelle retorted.

"I do-"

Before Jason could speak, Isobelle cut him off. "Then act like it. At supper please at least try to maintain a conversation with her."

"Isobelle-"

"If you don't I will drag you over to her and beat the words out of you."

"Okay, okay. I get it, if it's that important to you, I'll talk to her."