BIRTHRIGHT (complete #Wattys2016)

Chapter 1: Outbreak of war.

Princess Isabelle of Scotland was now 16 and a beautiful young maiden. The tales of her beauty known far and wide. She was the pride and joy of her parents, and they loved her dearly, and she, them.

Like the two kings had agreed 16 years ago, Isabelle was unaware of her union to the Prince of France, while he was well aware of his engagement to her, and displeased by the arrangement.

The Prince, now being 20, was far then ready to take over the throne, but he wasn't going to be crowned king until he had the Scottish Princess by his side. The two royals had never met until the Scottish Royal family was threatened by the Englishmen.

"Don't worry my dear. The French are good allies of Scotland, and the Royal family will protect you." Queen Mary of Scotts assured her nervous daughter, who was pacing the length of her, now empty, chambers.

"But mother, can't I remain in Scotland?" The princess inquired.

"No, my dear, you can't. War is upon us, and we can't risk your safety." The queen explained as she stroked Isabelle's hair.

"You'll have company there. Princess Natalia is your age, 16, and there is another younger princess, around 12 years of age..." The queen continued as Isabelle sighed in exasperation.

"I'll miss home, and you, and father." She admitted as she hugged her mother farewell.

"We'll miss you too. Take care of yourself, and write to us when you arrive in France." The king aforesaid as he kissed his daughter's forehead.

"I will." The princess nodded as she boarded her carriage. As it started moving, she let a tear slip down her cheek, before she hastily wiped it away with the back of her hand.

"France." The princess sighed, not being aware that she was engaged to the future king, Prince Alexander.

***

Two people were engrossed in a sword duel. It was an impassioned match. Backing up, slashing, dodging, jabbing, trying to land a blow on the other, but both the contenders being equally skilled. Just as it seemed that one of the contenders had an upper hand, a young lady with light brown hair and corresponding eyes, stalked into the arena.

"Alex! Nate! Princess Isabelle is arriving!" She yelled at the two, causing them to lose focus.

"Natalia! I was about to win!" A man with light brown hair and misty green eyes retorted.

"Doesn't matter Nathan! Get dressed you two, father expects the both you to be there to greet her. Also, I heard that the Princess of Scotts is a real beauty." Natalia informed with a wink, as she turned and strode out of the arena.

"Come on, Alexander. Once the princess arrives, we greet her and then we complete our practice. She can't be that beautiful." Nathan said to his partner, Alexander who stood with his back towards him.

"You go on brother, I'll be a moment," Alexander said over his shoulder.

"As you wish brother." Nathan responded as he left the arena, leaving his brother to stand alone.

***

The princess arrived in the early evening at the French court. She was nervous about confronting the French royal family, but she was a princess, and she had practice how to mask her unease. Once the carriage came to a halt, Isabelle took in a few deep breaths just before the door opened for her. She dismounted the carriage wearing a red gown under a black cloak, that hid her face in a shadow.

Isabelle confidently strode towards the royal family, stopping in front of them, she lowered her hood as she maintained eye contact with the King. Once the hood was completely lowered, she heard collective gasps from the people behind the royals.