BIRTHRIGHT (complete #Wattys2016)

Chapter 4: Realization.

Isabelle woke up panting and sweat beading her forehead. She didn't have a nightmare, but whatever she dreamt, left her aware of foreign sensations. She looked down at her hand and found them clenching the sheets into tight fists. She didn't exactly understand the dream, but she knew that Alexander was in it, why? She wasn't sure, but it left her feeling embarrassed.

She decided that she needed to take a warm bath, and it was still early, so she had time before breakfast. She got up from the bed, her nightgown falling down till her ankles.

"Sarah?" She called out to her personal maid. She didn't receive a response. A frown formed on Isabelle's face as she opened the doors to find her not outside, and neither were her guards.

"Strange." She mused. Isabelle looked down at her silk nightgown and decided that she would just look for Sarah in this. She opened the doors and walked down the hall as she looked in the hallways. She was close to Alexander's chambers and after that she would have to take a right. Isabelle sighed in exasperation when suddenly she heard the chamber's doors open quietly.

Isabelle saw a girl with golden hair in a mess, and her dress slightly disheveled, exit the Prince's chambers and quietly close the door.

"Sarah?" Isabelle questioned causing the girl to snap her head in Isabelle's direction and her eyes widened with shock as her cheeks heated up. She curtsied to the princess.

"Your Majesty, I was just coming to your chambers." Sarah informed hastily.

"Sarah, what were you doing in Alexander's chambers?" Isabelle asked as she stepped forward.

"I...uh...I-I" Sarah stuttered as she avoided Isabelle's gaze. Isabelle's heart sank as she realized what she was doing in Alexander's chambers. 'What is wrong with me?' Isabelle thought to herself.

"Oh, I understand. Sarah could please prepare my bath?" Isabelle asked changing the topic.

"Yes, your highness." She curtsied again and quickly walked passed her towards the chambers. Isabelle stood for a moment as she rested her hand on her abdomen, in order to try and settle the queasiness she felt after realizing. She gave one last glance at Alexander's doors and turned around as she made her way back to her chambers.

***

Isabelle walked down the stairs wearing a white flowing dress with a red flower crown, her hair open and cascading down her back. She entered the dining room and took her seat as she greeted everyone.

"Good morning, dear. Did you sleep well?" The Queen asked with a bright smile.

"Yes, your majesty." Isabelle smiled in return as breakfast was placed in front of her. She ate peacefully and the room fell silent again. Isabelle didn't bother to look up once as she could feel eyes on her, making her nervous and fidgety. She clenched her hands into tight fists and pursed her lips into a thin line as her hair fell in front of her, covering her face from view.

"May I be excused?" Isabelle asked the King and Queen causing them to look up at her in surprise.

"Why my dear? You haven't eaten much, are you feeling alright?" The queen asked.

"Yes, your Majesty, I'm alright, I just remembered that I had to send a letter to my father." Isabelle said with a forced smile.

"You may be excused." The king said slightly hesitant. Isabelle nodded and stepped up from her place as she walked out the doors back to her chambers. Once inside her chambers Isabelle closed the door softly and leaned her back against the door. She heaved a sigh, then as she pushed her back off the door she stalked towards the desk where there was a stack of papers along with a pen and ink resting on the desktop.