A Tale of Arranged Hearts ( Medieval Romance )

Part 1

If you're thinking that the richest man in the whole kingdom is the king, you'd be so wrong. My family, the Ashwoods, has been the richest for centuries, owning the bank and the army, as well as other major businesses. Due to having the same interests and values, my father and King William became close friends, joining businesses and investing in each other, turns out merging families was also in their plans.

This is where I, Isabella Ashwoods, come to the story. In an arranged marriage with the king's son, Prince Alexander. While our mothers were drinking tea, discussing whatever ladies discussed, Alexander and I were frolicking in the castle grounds of my family's house. He was in his tenth year while I was in my sixth, we were playing the prince and princess, oh how cliche. As the sun casts its golden glow upon the scene, we reveal in the innocence of youth. At that age we were really close, he would tell me about his fencing lessons,  his plans for the future, and read me his favorite book,  then I would do the same, we enjoyed time together. Since childhood, we knew of the arrangement but we were children, everything was much easier back then.

This stage of ease lasted until Alexander turned fourteen, and that is when his father began to take his education seriously, bringing him to the council, referring to the paperwork, and intensifying sword training. That was all due to the king's health continuously worsening, he feared the future and decided to secure it. This change of event has done something to Alexander, he distanced himself from me, became cold and short-tempered, and did not wish to see me for any reason other than an important meetings.     Ever since he began mingling with other noble boys, princes, and dukes, his attitude towards me changed drastically. He started making hurtful remarks, calling me weak and belittling my abilities simply because I was a girl. He even went as far as to say he didn't want to wed me, as if our arranged marriage was something he could simply cast aside. The once carefree boy had become a man of unwavering strength and determination. His features, once softened by youth, were now chiseled and hardened by the trials he had faced. His eyes, which used to sparkle with mischief, now held the weight of responsibility and the burden of leadership. This sudden change saddened me, I was lost, my friend whom I loved dearly had distanced from me, and I was confused. But even at such a young age I had pride, I was not going to let him behave this way. Sharp words, disdainful glances, and deliberate avoidance became my armor against the pang of a lost companionship, it all ruined whatever was left of our relationship.

    Over a year ago he came back from an enemies war aggression as a supporting force leader, and has succeeded in victory. The word has travelled that king William's son prince Alexander has won against their opponents, and he became a more popular topic. His bravery and fearlessness reached every corner, and the admiration for him was palpable in the air. Men spoke of him with reverence, women gazed upon him with awe, and even our enemies quivered in fear at the mention of his name. He had emerged victorious, leading our forces with unparalleled courage and skill, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride swell within me. Despite the distance that had grown between us, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation whenever news of his victories reached my ears.

    We would see each other during family meetings, balls, festivals, important meetings became the sole reason for our encounters. Act as strangers, and speak only when parents are present. The warmth that once existed in the plays of our youth was replaced by the cold decorum of courtly obligations, leaving a lingering ache for the lost friendship and circumstance that had stolen from us.