To Know Love

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

What is the definition of awkward?

Sitting directly next to your future husband (whom you despise) in the most tightly confined carriage ever.

I sat tersely next to Derek with my hands folded across my lap as we sped away to the palace. Neither of us were looking at each other. Sky, sitting next to my parents across from us, tried to ease up the tension by talking to my mother.

"So...uh...Queen Eliza, I love your...dress?" She tried to force out nervously at her best attempt. My heart plummeted at the thought that I would have to spend my whole summer like this. Great.

"Oh, thank you darling," she gushed, twirling a curl of her ebony hair on one finger as she spoke. She started to go on and on about how she buys her material from the finest tailors in Analei, and I quickly lost interest. I was more fascinated by the sun setting from the view of the window next to me. Sky smiled and nodded at everything she said even though she probably had no idea what she was blabbing on about.

"So Derek, do share! I heard your father just crowned you his leading military assistant; that must be splendid!" She shrilled in her peachy, everything-is-just-so-dandy-these-days voice.

I was gazing out the window when I heard Derek clear his throat loudly. "It's a full-time job, but the pay-off and the honor is extraordinary."

I looked up to catch a glimpse of him. He was resting his head in one hand and...staring at me? He caught me peeking and smiled faintly. I looked away hastily. "Isabella, I have to say, does look stunning this evening."

My senses snapped wide awake at his remark. What did he just say? Was I even hearing right? That I look...stunning?

This was odd, very anomalous, considering the bad history involving us. I lifted my head and caught his piercing green eyes stare into mine. It took me aback.

"Uh, t-thank you?" I stuttered. He nodded and I blushed. Ugh, I thought, trying to conceal my now-crimson face. What was happening? Was he actually trying to...make an effort? Why now? Or was he actually...falling for me? It was all so confusing.

The rest of the ride consisted of Derek and my father discussing militaristic tactics. I was still in deep thought, analyzing what Derek had just said, when I felt someone nudge my leg. I glanced at the direction of the nudger, knowing who it was already. Sky looked at my with questioning eyes, and mouthed, What was that about? I don't know, my eyes responded back. I sat in the same position, staring out the window, absorbed in profound thought.

**********

The carriage rolled over a few bumps in the road as it pulled up toward the glistening golden gates of the palace. I heard the marooning sound of trumpets as the gates unbolted. Gazing through the foggy glass of the window, I could already see a cheering assembly of people gathered to celebrate our 17th summer together. People were clapping and cupped their hands around their mouths. I stared back absentmindedly, while Derek waved like a royal should.

Suddenly, not knowing we had arrived, the carriage came to a screeching halt. My head jerked forward as I almost lost my balance. I felt a strong grip grab my arm to steady me. Before I could look to see who it was I heard a male voice and my heartbeat quickened.

"You okay?" Derek's eyes looked concerned.

"I'm fine," I snapped, snatching my arm away, not ready to give in to the suspicious situation.

"Okay, okay," He smirked, amused, and held his hands up in defense.

I glared at him, my eyes full of suspicion. He rolled his eyes as his arm reached toward the carriage door for me.