A Tale of Arranged Hearts ( Medieval Romance )

Part 7

Laury had brought Isabella's gown for this evening and it looked magnificent. The rich emerald silk, flowed gracefully to the floor. A lace corset accentuated her curves, highlighting her slender waist and enhancing her chest. The silk was complimented with gold embroidered on the shoulders and chest, a divine combination. The vibrant hue of the dress perfectly complemented her captivating green eyes, pale skin, and red lips, creating a mesmerizing ensemble that captured the attention of all who beheld her. Dark, thick, hair, is scented with essential oils and slightly curled and styled into a bun, exposing her bare neck. She looked gorgeous, mesmerizing, and she knew it.

Heavy wooden doors were opened and her name and title were announced, she made her way down the staircase, her eyes scanned the guests. Their eyes were on her, running through her appearance, facial expressions stated their captivated minds, as the men's mouths were open some licking their lips with thoughts of the young lady, while the woman were either envy of Isabella's beauty or purely admiring her. Although Isabellas was searching for a certain pair of eyes. He was looking at her, with a stoic expression but as they made eye contact he looked away, clenched the glass in his hand and emptied it. Confused, Isabella walked through the ballroom, she engaged in light conversations with the guests, her radiant smile lighting up the room. However, her heart raced with anticipation as she approached the king and queen, knowing that this evening held a significant announcement. The royal family began speaking, introducing her as the official princess and fiancée of their heir, Prince Alexander. The room erupted into applause as they announced the commencement of her birthday celebration, signaling the start of an evening filled with festivities.
Throughout the night, Isabella was the center of attention, surrounded by admirers and well-wishers eager to lavish her with gifts and compliments. She drank with woman who gossiped and man who showered her with compliments, her hand was numerously kissed and received a special musical gift from a talented guest, the melody of the piano filled the ballroom, the piano was gifted to her. She was grateful, enjoying this evening, socializing. However, Alexander's silence did not go unnoticed, leaving her feeling perplexed and unsettled. Despite their recent reconciliation, his aloofness cast a shadow over the joyous occasion, a subtle ache tugging at her heart. However she was grateful he was not making any mean remarks and let her enjoy her day, Isabella decided to ignore his behavior. During one of the conversations, Isabella found herself drawn into the arms of Stephan, a charming courtier whose wit and charm captivated her.
"I feared I might not have the honor of sharing a dance with you tonight." Stephans voice slight with sarcasm.
"Why is that?" Isabella inquired, intrigued by his playful demeanor.
"Before I could summon the courage to request your hand, it seemed every gentleman in the room had beaten me to the task. But it comes as no surprise, my lady, for you are truly mesmerizing this evening," Stephan declared with a subtle smirk.
"Thank you, Sir Stephan. I must confess, I cannot recall the last time I danced so fervently, although I do enjoy dancing this has tired me out."
"Would you like to rest?" He was ready to let her go, she declined.
"I would like to finish this dance."
"As you wish my lady."
As they danced, she felt a sense of exhilaration, the music carrying them away into a world of their own. However, Alexander's piercing gaze bore into her, his discomfort palpable as he watched them from afar. Isabella and Stephan continued their dance, Alexander's simmering jealousy reached its boiling point. With a furrowed brow and clenched fists, he stormed towards them, his eyes ablaze with anger. Ignoring the curious gazes of the guests, he forcefully intervened, grabbing Isabella's wrist and pulling her away from Stephan's embrace.
"Stephan, I believe Lady Isabella would prefer a different partner," Alexander declared, his eyes fixed on Isabella, a storm of emotions brewing within.
"Alexander, you didn't have to do that," Isabella said, a mixture of surprise and frustration in her voice.
"Yes, I do." He said with his hand strong around her wrist, as he pushed her slightly behind his back and straightened up his stand to the man in front of him.
"I said stop this behavior, everyone is watching." Lips close to his ear, whispering in plea. They stood in a tense silence until Alexander's stern exterior softened as his gaze met hers.
"My lady, it was a wonderful dance," eyes pierce "until it wasn't." The attention of guests averted from the change of music and hectic dances.
"What are you doing, dancing with all these men?" Alexander questioned, his tone revealing the conflict within.
"This is a celebration, Alexander. My celebration. I can dance with whoever I choose," Isabella retorted, her eyes searching his for an explanation.

Feeling irritated by Alexander's intervention, Isabella excused herself from the ballroom, seeking a quiet moment on the balcony where the cool night air provided break from the heated atmosphere inside. Leaning against the concrete railing, she closed her eyes and took deep breaths, trying to calm the fierce emotions swirling within her. Footsteps behind her interrupted her thoughts, she slightly turned to find Alexander standing there, his expression unreadable in the dim light. They stood in silence for a moment, the tension between them palpable.
"Why did you do that, Alexander?" Isabella finally broke the silence, her voice tinged with frustration. "You embarrassed me in front of everyone." There was no response, still silence. The night air crackled with tension as they faced each other. Isabella couldn't contain her confusion any longer.
"Alexander, answer me by the Lords!" She was facing him. "Why must you always strain everything that is good? Today is my birthday, and you're acting as if I've committed some crime." Alexander, staring at his hands, took a moment before responding.
    "I didn't want to ruin your day. I just... It felt wrong." Words out of Isabella's mouth started coming out fast and tempered.
"What felt wrong? Seeing me enjoy myself, last days of my freedom? Enjoy one last dance before my life become a living hell? What felt wrong?" You could see the shift in Alexander's approach and hear the darkness of his voice.
"I know that you don't enjoy the idea of our marriage, although if you think that sharing life with me will be living hell then you are free to end our contract. Pack your belongings and never comeback. Although, if you still wish to rule this country, behave in such a way. Either way I will not have you addressing me in such manner." His cold tone set Isabella in shock, she was disturbed and he could see that. As he retrieved a small velvet box from his jacket sleeve, he approached her and handed it over. Then, without another word, he turned around and walked out, slamming the doors behind him.