It is wrong...to love you? ~ E. Bridgerton

~ Nueve ~

The carriage had finally arrived at the location of the art show. Isabela did not have any information about who was hosting the ball, all she knew was that it was a showing for pieces of art from those in the ton, whether they had painted or were simply art enthusiasts selling their expensive pieces.

When it was mentioned to her that it was an art showing she was hesitant to come, scared that it might bring up any unwanted memories of her past, and she would have another...episode. She decided she could not disappoint her aunt, especially when she had told her she was to spend that evening with the Prince, being an extension of the Queen, she was expected to be in attendance.

The two young royals had arrived in different carriages. The Prince waited patiently at the entrance of the hall, his attire was elegant and very royal-like, and it brought out his best features. Yet if you were to compare the Prince to the Princess, one would be able to differentiate which one was the more expensive one. Although her gown seemed simple and basic, the fabric was unique and the best of the best, the jewels that sat on her neck were mined from the deepest mines, and the silver that held them together was handled by only the best of the best.

Her attire was only one of the things that made the future Queen look expensive. Her face was sharp yet soft at the same time, giving it an exquisite look that not many women could pull off, her basic make-up made her look even purer than she was, and her hair. Her long, free hair made her look calm and peaceful, shining under the light and complimenting her bone structure perfectly. Anyone who walked by her was obliged to stop and admire the girl, not only because she was royalty, but because she looked like God himself crafted her.

"Princess Isabela," the young man bowed before the girl, offering her his arm, her arm taking its place instinctively. "You look exquisite," his words brought a smile to her face, although she did not need compliments, she truly appreciated them.

"You look like a true gentleman this night, Prince Friedrich," the two had seen each other no longer than a few hours ago, while they had tea. Truth be told, neither of them enjoyed the tea but felt obliged to drink it due to the peering eyes of the help, and not to mention the Queen.

"And you look like true royalty, Princess Isabela," she smiled gently at him, he led the two of them into the hall, eyes following their every move as they walked with elegance. As they walked around the amount of eligible suitors and debutants approached the two, wishing to whisk them off away from the other.

Isabela could see Eloise and Penelope speaking to one another out of the corner of her eye, she grinned internally as she watched Eloise throw her head back with a groan at something that was said. Even in a room filled with eligible suitors and beautiful pieces of art, hell even in the arms of a handsome Prince, Isabela could still find Eloise in the blink of an eye. If only she knew the reason why.

"Your Majesties," a blonde woman and her daughter approached the two young royals, charming smiles on their faces. Isabela recognized them as the Cowpers, and said, "We are honored to be in your presence." Although those words were mostly aimed at the Prince, Isabela sent them a kind smile.

"It is an honor to see you both once again, Lady Cowper, Miss Cowper," her voice soft as ever yet it was received by a slight scowl from Cressida's lips.

With her eyebrows raised at the random act from the blonde girl, she let go of the Prince's arm, "I must go and greet some acquaintances of mine," she offered the two women a smile as she walked away from the three. Her hands joined together, resting slightly over her stomach, she approached her favorite Bridgerton.

"I believe this piece is quite beautiful," she spoke, Eloise turned around quickly, startled by the sudden voice.

"Princess," her voice drowned in relief, "I was beginning to believe you had not shown up," the blue-eyed girl looked up at the Princess, observing how the girl was looking up at the piece of art that sat in front of them.