A Tale of Arranged Hearts ( Medieval Romance )

Part 3

        Dinner was served early due to Alexander's arrival, the royal chef worked hard to prepare everything to fit the Prince's taste. He joined us in the dining room after preparing himself, walking towards the table and looking at me, he pulled out a chair and sat to the left of me. Turning his head towards me, his eyes scanning my face, my hair, down my shoulders, to my body, he held his gaze there for a while but returned it to my eyes. Did my attire not meet his approval?
          During the feast, William and Margaret asked their son of his journey, while his answers were short, somehow the conversation lasted for long. I was the first to excuse myself to leave for my chamber in the third story at the end of the west corridor. While I was walking, lost in contemplation, a low voice called my name. I turned to see him, my betrothed, Alexander jogging toward me. Standing in front of me he began "Isa, we need to talk." Oh now he wants to talk, an ironic request from a man who previously rebuffed my attempt at a discussion. He showed me that he clearly didn't want to talk, I will not be wasting my time on his childish games anymore.
"No Alexander, we do not, I believe you've said plenty." I turn to walk but he grabs my arm. Why is everyone trying to gain my attention by grabbing my hand today? I rip it out of his hold, slightly stinging from the stronghold of his.
"Why are you acting like this? I've been trying to have a conversation with you all night." He raises his voice at me, giving me the idea that tonight's possible conversation will not be any different from any other. Alexander's temper pisses me off, he always gets angry when things don't go his way, he hates when I don't listen to him, but why should I, shouldn't this be mutual? Breathe in, breathe out.
"I am acting the same way you did before you left for Anatol, I do not wish to talk to you; please leave me." I walked away thinking that he finally heard me out for once before I could hear his heavy footsteps towards me. Once again he grabs my wrist to turn my whole body towards him. I could see the rage in his eyes, his toy wasn't playing his game.
"I fucking don't understand..." he paused and looked out the window, the half moon in its brightness shining on this man's face, he closed those brown eyes and murmured. "I apologize." My brows shot up and my mouth opened slightly, this was new, Alexander rarely apologized, especially to me. I had to make sure I heard correctly. "Parton me?" He looks back at me "I apologize," he repeated, a hint of frustration in his tone. I would have forgiven him that moment but I want to know what he is apologizing for, does he even know, which is why I ask
"What are you apologizing for?" His brows furrowed and his nose scrunched, he crossed his arms across his chest.
"I already apologized, isn't that enough for you, why are you making me explain?" Irritation crept into my thoughts. Has he left his brains in Anatol? Why did he bother approaching me if he wasn't willing to communicate?
"You're acting like a total jerk." I want this to end right now, he doesn't consider my feelings at all, he just doesn't care.
"I forgive you, Alexander, please leave me now, I am tired." I declared, leaving without offering him another glance.
"For yelling at you." I hear from behind, but I don't turn.
"For leaving." He took a step towards me.
"For not helping you with wedding preparations." I can hear him walking towards me.
"For upsetting you with my words." I can feel his presence envelope me.
"Tell me what I need to apologize for and I'll do it, Isabella." His words lingered on my right ear as his large hand rested on my shoulder, making my breath hitch. He is so close to me.
"I hate when you do this, Alexander. I hate it when you upset me, but then you say beautiful words and I forgive you, only for you to upset me again. Why, why do you do this to me?" My eyes close to escape dropping any tears. I felt a calloused hand slide against my left cheek. I slightly open my eyelids to see Alexander's perplexed face looking at me.

    The tension between Isabella and Alexander hung in the air, a delicate tapestry woven with threads of both frustration and yearning. As Isabella felt the warmth of Alexander's calloused hand against her cheek, an unspoken understanding passed between them. "Isabella," he whispered, his voice carrying a rare vulnerability.
    "I have never been good with words, although I swear to you I never intended to cause you pain. I only want to understand us better." A moment of silence stretched through them, with a spark dancing between their eyes.
"Us?" Isabella asked sheepishly.
"Well, we are... I mean we will be married... that's not what I meant." Alexander struggled to find the words. At this verbal stumble, Isabella couldn't help but chuckle, The corners of her lips curled upward, revealing a delightful dimple that added charm to her already enchanting smile. The timbre of her laughter carried a melody that resonated with Alexander, creating an intimate connection that transcended words. At that moment, her laughter became a shared secret between them, a language only they understood, binding their hearts in the sweet harmony of love. As the night embraced them, they continued to talk, unraveling the intricacies of their emotions. The distance between them seemed to narrow with each exchanged word. Eventually, Isabella sensed the weight of the night upon her. "Alexander," she said with a smile, "the night grows deep, I shall retire to my chamber." As she said her goodbye and took her leave, Alexander's gaze lingered on her until she was out of his vision.

The echoes of their conversation resonated in the night. Alone in her chambers, she looked out the window, moonlight spilled through the ornate windows, casting ethereal shadows upon the chamber's painting. She paced the room, her thoughts a storm of conflicting emotions. As she removed the intricate layers of her gown, each silk thread seemed to echo the complication of her tangled feelings. The echo of Alexander's voice lingered in her mind, the apology a bitter note in the symphony of their complicated relationship. His sudden contrition stirred a mixture of surprise and hope within her. A soft knock on her chamber door disrupted her thoughts. It was Alexander. As he stood at the door, he saw what she was wearing, his breath caught at the sight before him. The moonlight streaming through the windows played upon Isabella's brown hair, casting a soft glow around her. Her brown eyes, usually a tempest of conflicting emotions, now held a vulnerability that tugged at his heart. She wore a delicate nightgown that accentuated the curves of her slender yet alluring figure. The silk fabric clung to her like a caress, revealing a fragility that contradicted the strength she exuded during the day. The intricate lace enhanced her neckline, emphasizing the curve of her collarbone. Alexander couldn't help but admire her from a distance, the complexity of his emotions mirrored in the intricate layers of her gown.
She questions his presence, didn't they part, what brings him here? "Alexander? What brings you here, again?" Alexander took a step back and put his face in his hand grunting, then looked back at her.
"I just wanted to wish you a good night." She burst out laughing, confusing him.
"You came here after we parted, to wish me a good night?"
"Um, yes, well I did. Now goodnight." He turned and headed to the door, leaving her chuckling. With a bemused smile, Isabella watched Alexander retreat, his awkward yet sincere gesture lingering in the air.