A Tale of Arranged Hearts ( Medieval Romance )

Part 4

    Dew drifting down from leaves falling onto the ground, birds tweeting can be heard from their nests, and the sun can be seen rising high into the sky. Sunlight peeking from the rich silk curtains, shining onto Isabella's face, she begins to slowly wake up as she squints her eyes to adjust to the light. She gets out of bed and as she is about to head to the bathing room she hears a knock "come on in" turning her attention to the figure that quickly comes into the room. It was her maid "Good morning lady Isabella! I am here to prepare your bath." Greets the brown-haired woman, " Morning to you Laury!" Laury filled the room with the scent of fragrant oils and warm water as she prepared the bath.

After the she got herself ready, she headed towards the stables, she's been wanting to go for a ride to the potato fields, they are now blooming with purple flowers, ready for harvest in the near couple of months. Although the walk towards the stables was laid through training grounds. As she approached the training grounds, the sound of clashing swords and grunts of exertion reached her ears. Isabella's curiosity led her to a vantage point where she could observe the ongoing training. There, in the swirling dust and the clash of blades, stood Alexander. His muscular form moved with the swing of the sword, the stronghold of the metal, the positioned feet, and the fierce eyes. On the warm day of the fifth month, the men were wearing light cotton shirts, they were drenched in sweat making them stick to their masculine bodies. Isabella watched, her heart quickening at the sight. Their eyes met across the training grounds, and a charged current passed between them. His gaze, cold and distant, clashed with her fiery determination. As Alexander parried and struck, Isabella couldn't deny the allure of his prowess. He was a man of strength, a force to be reckoned with. She approached the edge of the training grounds, her presence had not gone unnoticed by the man.
    "Lady Isabella, this is the training grounds, they are very unsafe for a weak lady like you. I would suggest you step into the watch area on the deck, that is a safe area." She heard a male voice, as she turned to attention to the left, an older man was looking at her with worry in his eyes as his hands pointed to that "safe area".
    "Pardon me, sir..." "Sir Gareth, Gareth Stonehave."
    "Pardon me, sir Gareth, but I am perfectly aware of where we are. I will inform you If I am threatened or afraid, at the moment I believe I am safe. You may head back to your responsibilities." Isabella spoke with fire on her tongue, annoyed at Sir Gareth and the label of a weak woman.
    "My lady, I understand but It's my responsibility to protect you." Sir Gareth continued talking his hands slightly pushing Isabella towards the watch area.
    "I clearly stated I am not in need of your protection." Isabella's voice rose with frustration catching the attention of Alexander, who is now heading towards them.
    "My lady the training grounds..." the man wasn't able to finish as another deep voice interrupted it.
    "Leave her Sir Gareth, continue your training."
    "Isabella, what are you doing here?" Alexander's voice, a low rumble, echoed across the courtyard.
    "I was only walking past training grounds on my way to the stables" she looked to the man she previously talked " and your soldier is being overly dramatic in this situation." said Isabella as she crossed her arms under her chest and looked at the tall man in front of her. He furrowed his brows. Crossed his arms.
    "He was correct to a point. You can get seriously hurt here."
    "Alexander, do you think I cannot defend myself? I was trained self self-defense since childhood, you of all people should not worry." At that statement, Alexander's facial expressions changed in a way I cannot describe. Isabella couldn't help but feel a rush of adrenaline at the proximity, the heat of the sun casting a glow on them.
    "Isabella, your attitude here is not in place, this is dangerous, no need to act so tough." Alexander began walking away as Isabella spoke up.
    "I want to spar with you" this statement stopped Alexander in his tracks "I will prove you wrong." The men had a sentimental look on their faces, a woman, a lady sparing with the prince was not an everyday event.
Their swords clashed with precision, the sound echoed through the training grounds as Alexander and Isabella engaged in a spirited spar. Alexander was visibly dominating Isabella, he was forcing her to step backward with every clash of his sword. Alexander met each attack with a calm and measured defense. The dance of blades unfolded, a delicate balance between strength and finesse. The chemistry between them, palpable to everyone present, wove a tale of desire and rivalry. Alexander quickly disarmed Isabella, pressing her down to the ground with his own body. Their faces were inches apart, breaths mingling in a shared rhythm, chests rising simultaneously. His body on hers, his hands gripping her arms above her head, while his knees are forcing her legs close, leaning on her. Her body burning at the touch. Isabella felt a magnetic force pulling her towards him, the boundaries between desire and resentment blurring. Their eyes focused on each other, looking for something unexplainable, a force pulling them towards each other. But Isabella, fueled by an unyielding spirit. In one fast move, she pushed against him, turning in an unexpected twist, now pinning Alexander to the ground. His face in obvious shock made her smirk, she proved him wrong. The courtyard erupted into applause, the men cheering for Isabella's unexpected show. Alexander, though subdued, looked at her with a mix of frustration and admiration. Isabella extended her hand to help him up, he took it. The tension lingered, their eyes holding a silent conversation. Their hands lingered for a moment longer than necessary, fingers entwined, a subtle connection that defied the boundaries of their roles. Knights and soldiers continued their applause, recognizing the unprecedented spectacle of a lady successfully challenging the prince in combat. The courtyard buzzed with murmurs, and Isabella could feel the weight of their collective gaze.
    "Well done, Isabella. I underestimated you." Isabella smirked, a spark of mischief in her eyes.
    "Perhaps you should reconsider making assumptions, Your Highness." The prince's response was a raised right eyebrow.
    "Where were you heading, Your Highness, off to clash swords?" she asked.
    "Duty calls. Unlike some, I don't have the luxury of wandering aimlessly around the castle."
    "Are you implying I have no responsibilities?" An offended expression took on Isabella's face.
Alexander met her gaze with a smirk.
    "My observation of your idea of a morning is strolling around the training grounds, proves my point."
    "I was heading to the stables before your knights took the initiative to take responsibility for me."
    "Why are you heading to the stables?"
    "I want to go for a ride." Isabella said as she turned to walk towards the stables, Alexander's voice stopped her mid-step.
    "Isabella, wait. I will accompany you, I can ensure your safety."
Isabella couldn't help but chuckle.
    "Are you worried about my safety, Alexander? I would not want to take any of your precious time." she felt a spark and her heart clenched at the confused expression of the prince. She understood the way that question was framed and covered it up with a remark "I did just defeat you in a spar." She couldn't look Alexander in the eyes, she looked down to her hands busying herself with anything to avoid the awkward moment. A loud chuckle erupted from Alexander
    "I was distracted and I wasn't applying full force." He seemed to become serious, stepping closer to Isabella, looking at each other.
    "Well then Alexander, we should rematch." she smirked once again, stepping even closer to the man in front of her.
    "We will some other time, now let's get going, you should be back before night." Large hands lightly pushed on Isabella's shoulder signaling her to move.

    The stables were filled with the scent of hay and the restless stamping of horses as they prepared for their ride. The stable boys observed with keen interest, well aware that this was no ordinary excursion. The clip of hooves made their departure from the castle, the medieval landscape unfolding before them slowly after. Silence spread through them as they followed a trail, each lost in their own thoughts. The horses sensed the water source, their steps quickening. The air was cool and fragrant, filled with the scent of damp earth and blooming flowers. In the view of those beautiful flowers sat Isabella watching the nearby scenery, a soothing melody of the water falling. Her brown silk hair was loose, waving from the wind, her head leaned back, eyes closed, feeling light drops of water on her face. As Alexander watched her, his face softened, his fingers tangled. His lips parted, breath hitched, he wanted to say something, yet the words remained trapped. As the sun was slowly setting Alexander broke the silence
    "It's getting late, we should head back." Isabella opened her eyes and turned to him, a faint smile playing on her lips.   
    "Indeed, Your Highness. Unlike some, I don't have the luxury of wandering aimlessly." Laughter erupted from her lips, as she got up and began heading towards her horse. The loud sound and smile on her face caused the sides of Alexander's mouth to tip up. Looking back after her, his hand moved to his heart, lightly squeezing his shirt after feeling a loud echoing rhythm.