Execution [Book 2 of The English Lion]

I. Alexander

The day before Isabelle's birthday, Papa, Antony, Hugo and I travelled to Paris, where the King had sent out invites to Nobility and Royalty. Hugo and I are at the bar the next day, sipping our glasses of Scotch, both observing the party. Hugo glanced at me, noticing my bored look, and glares at the suitors.

"Alex, your glares have the ability to kill some of the suitors, and at the very bare minimum, give them an injury of your choice," Hugo stated, chuckling as I just punch his shoulder. Hugo just yelped at the unexpected punch, rubbing his shoulder.

It was a few moments later where I spotted King Francois I, and I stand up straighter as I set the glass of Scotch down. I then notice Philippe not far from where he is. I nudge Hugo.

"You distract Philippe," I told him, who set the glass of Chivas Regal Scotch down, and he indeed noticed Philippe as well, "It's time."

Hugo grinned and nodded. We head our separate ways, as Hugo made his way to Philippe, and I immediately head to the King. The King was talking to some of his ministers before he turned to me as I approach the King, smiling as Hugo distract Philippe.

"Your Majesty," I greeted as I bowed.

"Ah, Alexander. What do I owe the pleasure of seeing you tonight?" He asked, taking note of my mischievous glint in my eyes.

"If, you would allow me, sir, as the King of France, and Isabelle's grandfather, grant me your permission to have Isabelle's hand in marriage?" I asked, smiling slightly. The King smiled immediately, and I hope to God that Philippe was in close in hearing distance to hear what I am asking the King.

"It is right about time, Alexander. I was wondering-" Antoine replied before he was rudely interrupted by Philippe - that unsophisticated wanker - who turned his attention from Hugo to the King: "Votre Majesté, si je peux interrompre votre conversation avec le Prince de Galles... [Your Majesty, if I may interrupt your conversation with the Prince of Wales...]"

The King and I turned to him, seeing that he is walking towards us.

"Diese blutige bedrohung, [That bloody menace,]" I muttered out of spite in German as the King glanced at me.

'Oh well... Es sieht so aus, als ob Deutsch und Französisch neben Englisch in die ersten Sprachen befördert wurden [Looks like German and French just has been promoted to first languages besides English],' I thought, exhaling a breath that I didn't know I was holding in.

I guess I have spent too much time preparing these past few years in regards to the Inner War, resulting in me having spent time thinking in German and French, besides the fact that I have conversations in French (and the occasional German conversations with Hugo) with Isabelle and several other people.

"Mes excuses pour l'interruption, monsieur, [My apologies for the interruption, sir,]" Philippe stated, as he looks at me, with a sense of... nobility and the fact that I was beneath him. The King curtly nodded once, telling him to continue. I kept my cool, of course, as I return the favour to him. There was tension in the air between us. Philippe cleared his throat and turn his attention to the King, who was waiting.

"Je voudrais demander la main d'Isabelle en mariage, monsieur, [I would like to ask for Isabelle's hand in marriage, sir,]" Philippe stated bluntly, thinking that he got it in the bag. I almost gagged, wanting to vomit from the statement. I glanced at the King, who looks grim.

"Malheureusement, Philippe, j'ai déjà fait mon choix, et chaque prétendant, vous y compris, n'est pas à la hauteur du Prince de Galles, même si vous vous êtes bien battu pour la main d'Isabelle en mariage, [Unfortunately, Philippe, I already have made my choice, and every suitor, including yourself, is no match for the Prince of Wales, even if you have given a very good fight for Isabelle's hand in marriage,]" The King stated as he glanced at me and nodded. I smiled, and the moment I open my mouth to ask him where Isabelle was, considering I haven't seen her lately, Isabelle walked in, alongside her ladies in waiting and Colette. Philippe just stared at me the whole time whilst I stared at Isabelle, heart fluttering.