Isabel Past

Chapter 9

The day had finally arrived, a grand occasion that marked the next step in the kingdom of Aldoria's future. The streets were alive with music, banners of gold and royal blue draped across every building, and the sweet scent of flowers filled the air. The entire kingdom was in a festive mood, celebrating the ascension of Nicolas, who was to be crowned as the Crown Prince—the next in line for the throne. Though the public would later witness the grand spectacle, the private ceremony for nobles and the elite would take place first. Isabel and her family, being among the high-ranking families in Aldoria, had been invited to both events.

For Isabel, the day was bittersweet. Her family busied themselves with preparations, contributing to the decorations and coordinating the elaborate feasts that would feed the people after the ceremony. Her father, General Pedro de la Rosa, had been a longtime ally to the crown, and despite his disappointment over Nicolas's engagement to Lady Sonia, he remained steadfast in his loyalty. Isabel's mother, Nicoletta, had maintained the same dignity, urging her daughters to remain composed and carry out their duties with grace.

Yet Isabel could not help but feel the weight of her heartbreak, even as she moved through the busy halls of their estate, overseeing the last-minute details of the flower arrangements and food preparations. Nicolas's engagement to Sonia had shattered her hopes, her dreams of one day being by his side. She had once imagined that, on a day like this, she might have been part of the royal family. But those dreams were now as distant as the stars.

Her sisters, Estefania and Sophia, noticed her quiet demeanor, exchanging glances as they worked beside her. Estefania, always the teasing one, leaned in close. "You're awfully quiet today, Isabel," she said softly, a knowing look in her eyes. "Still thinking about Nicolas?"

Isabel straightened, forcing a smile. "No. I'm thinking about how busy we are," she replied, though her heart betrayed her words. Every corner of the castle seemed to remind her of Nicolas, of their shared memories as children, and the friendship she had once thought might grow into something more. But now, those memories felt distant, tainted by his newfound role and the woman who now stood at his side.

Sophia, the more empathetic of the sisters, placed a hand on Isabel's arm. "You'll get through this," she whispered. "I know it's hard, but you're stronger than this."

Isabel nodded, but her thoughts were elsewhere. How could she face Nicolas and Lady Sonia in such a public setting? The sight of them together was bound to reopen the wound in her heart, and the thought of watching him ascend to a position she had once thought might connect them even further was too much to bear.

Still, there was no avoiding it. Isabel, along with her family, arrived at the palace later that afternoon, dressed in their finest. The nobles and royal families gathered in the grand hall, the air filled with excitement and anticipation. The golden chandeliers reflected the light from the stained-glass windows, casting vibrant colors across the marble floors. As Isabel entered, she was greeted by familiar faces, but her mind was clouded, focusing only on the upcoming moment when Nicolas would step forward.

The trumpets sounded, and all eyes turned to the grand staircase. There, dressed in the finest royal attire, stood Nicolas, soon-to-be Crown Prince of Aldoria. His posture was regal, his face calm and composed, and beside him stood Lady Sonia, radiant in a gown of shimmering gold. The two of them together looked every bit the royal couple, and the sight of them caused a pang of sadness to twist in Isabel's chest.

Her father leaned close to her, sensing her unease. "Remember your place, Isabel," he whispered. "We are here for the kingdom, not for personal feelings."

She nodded, swallowing her emotions as best she could, focusing on the grandeur of the moment. The king stepped forward, his voice booming as he addressed the crowd, welcoming the nobles and the royal families. He spoke of the kingdom's strength, of its future, and of the importance of unity.