Back at the castle, hours later, she found her mind still on the mysterious prince, and was baffled that she had been thinking of him for as long as she had, which had been since she first saw him. Even at the swimming hole she had lost track of time and forgot that she had to be back after an hour to meet the Marquis of Dunborough. Thankfully she realized and made it back in time to change and make herself presentable. "Ysabel, do you agree?", the sound of her fathers voice brought her back to reality in a flash, and to the current situation. "ummmm, I do apologize, I heard not a word you said father, my mind was wandering", she said, her face going crimson with embarassment. "Your father was talking about the situation we have at the orphanage, and whether or not you agree that we bring in another caretaker". Her mother sounded a little disappointed that her daughter was not listening to the important issue at hand, and Ysabel could tell this by the tone in her mothers voice. "Please pay attention darling, this is your project, if you have forgotten already", her mother said with a hint of vehemence lingering in the air, as she turned her back to Ysabel and walked out of the room. Her mother had never liked the idea that her daughter should take on such a large duty that involved, and required constant attention. She let that be known as much as she could. Her father turned to her and repeated "so do you agree?", his voice and manner obviously not affected by his wife's exit. "I do agree that the orphanage is over crowded and needs a second caretaker, Miss Burgess can't take on that many children alone". She said in a sad voice, it was an extremely depressing thought that so many children have been left orphans after the most recent war that struck the kingdom so suddenly and harsh.
"Good it's settled, we shall add another caretaker, maybe sister Marita from the convent would be up to the task", her father said so matter-of-factly. "Excellent idea your majesty!" The Marquis had always had a way with improper entrances, as his voice bellowed throughout the study while he struts his rather large, and rotund body into the room. His gaze immediately falls on Ysabel, "you're looking rather beautiful today your highness", he says with a creepy expression on his face, that makes her skin crawl. Ysabel never did like to be in the presence of the Marquis of Dunborough, she always felt uneasy around him. Before she could respond he quickly changed the topic and blurted out, "So, the princess will make the alliance by marriage to the prince of Koriandor and the cursed war will officially be over, and peace will be with us again". Shocked that the Marquis would be so straightforward with his thoughts. Her father noticed her expression of utter horror and betrayal, and quickly said with almost a shout, "It would do you well to not mention matters that are above your head, especially involving my daughter, the princess! in front of her. She does not know of this sensitive arrangement, so I will be discussing this in private!". With that being practically shouted at him, the marquis quickly realized his error, and in a huff, left the room promptly.
Ysabel suddenly feels like she's suffocating, and turning to her father, she says, "I am to be married off to someone I have never met?!". Her father, looking embarassed, walks over and takes her by the hand, and with a soft, loving voice, he says, " I know this is sudden, and seems harsh of me to ask this of you, but I feel this is the only way to save our kingdom". Taking a deep sigh, he continues, "Our home is in disrepair, our people are dying, and becoming orphans. I haven't told you any of this because I didn't want you to worry, and I was hoping that I would never have to ask you to agree to an arranged marriage. This could save us, the princes wealth and land could get us on our feet again". With her thoughts in a whirl, she tries to calm herself down, but she can't believe the news she just heard. Married? to the prince of Koriandor? It would be different if she had the chance to know him personally, or to have any previous warning. Ysabel closes her eyes and collects her thoughts, her fathers presence, ever pressing. She must say something, but she can't speak for fear she might cry, or say something insulting or negative.
She finally finds words after what seems like hours. " I understand that this is my duty, as a princess, but I want you to know, that if I meet him, and I do not like him in any way. I will find a loophole, where I do not marry him, and that is all I can promise you". She then lets go of her fathers hands, takes a step back and walks briskly out the door, through the vast halls, corridors, and rooms, until she reaches her chambers. Throwing herself on the bed she bursts into tears. At 21 years old, she can't believe she is being forced into a marriage.
After about an hour of tears, Ysabel was finally able to pull herself together and felt a little embarassed for her childish actions. She immediately scolded herself, she had every right to cry over this. It was a shock, but she decided that she better get cleaned up and ready for dinner. She made her way down to the dining room, stopped just outside, took a deep breath, gathered all the muster and dignity that she could, and walked in. Immediately she was wrapped in a hug by her mother, "Oh my darling, I just found out the news, its a shock, but if it is for the better of the kingdom, then it is just marriage". Her mother said in a sympathetic, yet stern tone. A little baffled and hurt by her mothers comment, she wanted to just tear her a new one and tell her what she had promised her father. Before she could, her father stood up and said "Clarissa, please, she just found out too, and should receive nothing but good things said to her". Looking at her father, she mouthed thank you, smiled and sat down.
The rest of dinner was uneventful, but she did find out that a ball was going to be held in two days, where she was to meet her future fiance. She still did not know his name, and was wondering where prince Monty was. He must have been lying because no one had any idea who she was talking about. She tried to let his image out of her mind, nothing could ever happen. She was foolish to think anything of it previously. She found as the days passed leading up to the ball, he was constantly on her mind, and made her feel things no one else has done before. This scared her profusely. Preparations were being made for the ball, and the castle was in an uproar, fittings were scheduled for her gown. the kitchens were in full force, with servants all over, busting through out every inch of the castle.
