Isabel Past

Chapter 2

The day of the Spring Ball Dance she dawned bright and full of promise. Isabel stood before her mirror, adjusting the delicate lace on her gown, a soft rose color that complimented her warm complexion. As she pulled her hair into an elegant twist, her thoughts wandered to Nicolas. It had been months since he began negotiations with the neighboring kingdom, and just days ago, word arrived that the treaty had been signed. The kingdom was safe now, but Isabel's heart was anything but. She had watched Nicolas grow from a boy into a man during these challenging times. What had once been admiration for his diplomatic skill had slowly transformed into something more. She pressed her hands to her cheeks, trying to calm the rush of excitement and nerves. Would he notice her tonight? Would she be brave enough to say what she truly felt?

In the adjacent room, Estefania struggled with the intricate ties of her gown, muttering under her breath. "Why do we always have to wear something so complicated for these balls?" she huffed, though her voice held no real bitterness. Estefania was the most practical of the sisters, preferring the simplicity of riding boots over silk slippers. Yet even she could not deny the importance of this evening. Their family had been close to Nicolas for years, and his victory in securing peace was a victory for them all. "Hold still," Sophia chided gently, smoothing down the fabric of Estefania's dress. Sophia, always the serene one, had finished dressing long before. Her pale lavender gown flowed gracefully as she moved, and her hair shimmered under the soft light of their chambers. Unlike Isabel, Sophia harbored no secret affection for Nicolas—her heart was content in other directions. But even she couldn't help but feel the anticipation in the air tonight.

In the hallway, Felipe darted between their rooms, his young face glowing with excitement. At just twelve, he wasn't yet old enough to understand the deeper significance of the ball, but he was eager to celebrate. "Do you think there will be sword fights tonight? Maybe Nicolas will show us some moves!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide. Isabel smiled as she passed him, ruffling his hair. "No sword fights tonight, Felipe," she laughed. "But maybe Nicolas will tell you all about his adventures." Her heart skipped a beat at the thought. She wondered if Nicolas had faced any real danger during the negotiations. Though he was not a soldier, the burden of diplomacy often carried its risks. She marveled at his courage, and the thought only deepened her admiration.

Their parents were already in the grand hall, overseeing the final preparations. The hall itself was adorned with flowers and silken banners in the colors of peace, a tribute to the treaty that had been secured. Lady Mariana and Lord Roberto moved with practiced grace, greeting guests as they arrived early to offer congratulations. "This evening is not just about celebrating Nicolas," their father had reminded them earlier. "It is about the future of our kingdoms. Tonight, we honor the peace we have fought so long for." Their mother, elegant as ever in an emerald green gown, nodded in agreement. She had long been an advocate for peace, and her joy at the outcome of the treaty was palpable. Yet Isabel knew her parents also had their eyes on the future, on alliances, and marriages. Isabel felt a pang of pressure but quickly pushed it aside. Tonight, she wanted only to focus on Nicolas.

As the hour of the ball approached, Isabel found herself growing increasingly nervous. She descended the grand staircase, her heart pounding in rhythm with the music that floated up from the ballroom below. Nicolas would be there, waiting to greet the guests, his presence as magnetic as ever. She had imagined this moment countless times—catching his eye across the crowded room, perhaps sharing a dance. But what if he still saw her as the girl he had grown up with, the friend of his sisters? Her chest tightened at the thought. As she reached the bottom of the staircase, she caught sight of him, standing tall in a suit that made him look every bit the hero she had envisioned. The room seemed to fade, the chatter of the guests a distant murmur as her eyes locked on his. This was the moment she had been waiting for.