Forbidden love (FrUK)

Chapter eleven

After leaving his palace, days flew by, and not a letter from Francis. Days turned to weeks, then months, and then years. It was finally time for me to find a suitor which I would have to marry, after a long wait for the kingdom. I was to marry the princess of Spain in the next year.  Princess Isabel Fernandez Carriedo Of Spain. She is a lovely young lady with a younger Italian sister who is always giving attitude. Not something I can not handle. We had met on many occasions, and her palace has requested to plan the wedding and coronation for the queen, which did not bother me much seeing that I did not want to partake in any of it. I started to grow saddened by the lack of letters Francis was sending. Maybe I should send one this time? Or maybe it is for the best; that way both of us can move on. 

"Your majesty, a visitor would like to request your visit," one of the maids walked in to notify me. I brushed my face a little from being tired. I have to be honest, I haven't had much sleep.
"Bonjour, Arthur," I looked up slowly from my desk and saw him standing there. After all these years, he is back. The maid left and closed the door behind. 

"Take a seat," I smiled, pointing to the chair, which he gladly did.
"So I heard..." he kept his head down.
"The marriage.... right. Is that all you wanted to come for? To confirm it?" I asked with empathy in my voice.
"I had to. I thought that doing as you said and stopping writing letters would help the situation, but in return, I will lose you to someone else." He said sadly.
"There is nothing we can do, you know as king it is my duty to marry and produce an heir to the throne," I said seriously so that my voice did not crack from the sight.
"When is the wedding?" Francis asked gloomily.
"Maybe in another six months," I answered.
"Alright then," He started to take something out of his pocket.
"Here," slamming it on the table he looked at me, saddened. I pulled the bundle towards me and started to examine what it was. 

"Letters?" I asked confused.
"Every time I wanted to send them, I stopped myself and just put them away. I could not help the urge of not writing one to you, even if it meant you would not see them, not anything new, though," he looked down sadly as I gazed at the bundle. I stood up quickly and pulled him into a hug. 

"I am sorry I have made you feel this way, "I tried to reassure him.
"No, I am sorry, sorry that I loved you too much, and sorry that that love was not meant to be. I have not seen you in three going on four years, it was not easy. You were in my grasp, but it could not grip tight enough," Francis ran his fingers through my hair before letting go. The door suddenly opened, causing me to push away quickly and act normal.
"Sir-"
"Have I not told you to knock?" I tried to say calmly not to scare the maid
"Yes, your majesty, that is my fault," the maid tried to apologize.
"It is fine; what happened?" I asked calmly.

"The princess of Spain is here, and she would like to see you-" The maid was cut off yet again by the princess barging in.
"Arthur, I know this is sudden, but I need to discuss with you the wedding plans so far," I was in a daze but soon snapped out of it.
"Right, of course" I smiled at her.
She looked at Francis curiously with a hint of lust.
"Who is this?" She tried to smile innocently as she approached Francis.
"He is-" I was cut off
"I am prince Francis or France; it is an honor to be in your presence Princess Isabel; I have heard so much," he grabbed her hand, bowing and kissing it.
That behavior pissed me off in just the right spots.

"Oh, I like him," Isabel smiled.
"Any who, Francis, you may go; our discussion is over for now. Ms....uh, sorry I forgot your name," I gestured to the maid.
"Oh... Erika, your majesty," she smiled nervously.
"Right, Francis will be staying with us for a while, so please show him to his room and help him get settled in for the stay," I asked her seeing Francis's face grow shocked as ever But complying with what I ordered. 

Once he went off, Isabel and I discussed the wedding and coronation. Honestly, I was not paying attention half the time.
"What is the matter, Arthur?" She asked sweetly.
"I am terribly sorry; I have been having a lot on my mind lately," I apologized.
"I know that look; you do not want to marry," she smiled, causing me to jolt up.
"Your highness, never-" I was cut off.

"I feel the same way... but it is our duty as royals to carry on with this tradition of marrying only those of royalty," she huffed out.  I was so shocked by her words.
"We all have that special someone we truly love, and like me....you can not seem to let go."
"So you love someone too?" I asked sadly during this conversation.
"Of course, back home, he worked in the stables....he stole my heart at such a tender age, but my duties as the princess had to come first," Isabel wiped a tear off from her cheek and composed herself again before speaking once more.

"I do not know who you feel love for, but I understand how you feel, and we are in the same boat," she patted my shoulder and stood up, taking the materials in her hand.
"This will be all for today," she smiled, leaving my study.
"Bloody hell," was all I could say at the moment; she saw right through me.

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Sorry if I am skipping time a lot, hahahah I do not want the story to drag but at the same time I do want it to a little.
Anyway, thanks for reading!!!