Execution [Book 2 of The English Lion]

II. Isabelle

Everyone around us went back to conversations in the groups as I look at Alex, who was looking at me with this... handsomely and charming cute face that screams "I love you", among other statements whenever he looks at me. I laughed and he looked at me with slight confusion.

"Le visage que vous faites chaque fois que vous me regardez est étonnamment... très mignon [The face that you make whenever you look at me is surprisingly... handsomely cute]," I stated, leaving out the word charming. I notice that his ears tinge red slightly and I had to smile.

'Mignon [Cute].' I thought.

I was so focused on his face and at the sudden movement, that when he took out the box, I glanced at it, containing what I suspect to be an engagement ring, I began to tear up.

"Alex, c'est un million de fois oui [Alex, it's a million times yes]," I whispered my answer, and he looked at me, smiling before he opened the box and took the ring out. He then slips the engagement ring onto my right wedding ring finger, as I smile before Alex leaned in and kisses me. I wrap my arms around him as Alex did the same around me, gently pulling me in towards him as I comply.

It was a long kiss before we both broke away. I look at him, studying his face as Hugo walked up, grinning from ear to ear as he brought Alex a glass of Scotch. He nodded thanks as Alex took the glass and takes a sip. As soon as he finished, I took it from him, smiling cheekily and took a sip, tasting the Scotch. Our hands would be intertwined with one another as Hugo and Alex stared at me, shocked.

Colette walked over and look at Alex hard in the eyes before smiling, looking at us both. I was resting my head on Alex's shoulder, smiling, as I still hold his glass of Scotch.

"Congratulations, Alexander and Isabelle. At least you both finally save Hugo, me, and several others from insanity because you two didn't confess your love to one another," Colette stated, as Alex and I glance at one another, smiling, "Anyway, you don't mind if I borrow your fiancé for a bit?"

I look at Alex, who was a bit pained before he nodded.

"Bien sûr, mais j'en ai besoin [Of course, but I do need this back]," Alex replied as he takes the glass of Scotch from my hand, smirking. I then quickly grabbed the collar of his shirt and I immediately gave him a peck on his lips. I pulled back immediately, teasing him as I turned away from him, walking with Colette as they both walked to the bar.

"That was mean, Isabelle," Colette stated, as I smirked.

"Oh please, Colette," I retorted, "We're both heads over heels for one another."

Colette nodded. I then become silent as I study my engagement ring.

"I wonder if he made this himself..." I wondered out loud.

"It's so obvious, Isabelle, so why do you have to wonder out loud?" Colette asked me, slightly teasing me, and I just looked at her, rolling my eyes, as I gently push her. Colette looked at me, with a raised eyebrow and a smirk.

"Defending your beloved, hm? So... jealousy?" Colette continued before I rolled my eyes. Father walked up behind me, and Colette curtsied. I turned.

"Far, [Father,]" I greeted him as I curtsied.

"May I have a moment alone?" Father asked Colette, who nodded and left. I immediately rest my hand on the creek of his elbow, as he takes me on a walk.

"Tillykke med forlovelsen, kære. Din mor og jeg har ingen indvendinger mod Alexander, [Congratulations on the engagement, dear. Your mother and I have no objections to Alexander,]" Father congratulated me, as I smiled.

"Tak, far, [Thank you, Father,]" I thanked him.

"Ingen bekymringer, min kære. Jeg er glad for, at du har fundet nogen, der respekterer dig så meget, som han respekterer masser af mennesker [No worries, my dear. I'm glad that you have found someone who respects you as much as he respects plenty of people]," Father continued, "Bare for at fortælle dig, ville jeg aldrig om en million år lade dig gifte dig med Philippe. Stol på mig, når jeg siger, at hvis nogen fortjener dig, er det Alexander [Just to let you know, I would never, in a million years, let you marry Philippe. Trust me, when I say if any man deserves you, it is Alexander]."

Soon before I knew it, I was back at the bar, seeing that Hugo, and Alex sitting in silence. I wondered what is wrong. When Alex saw me, he smiled and his face immediately brightened up. He made his way to where Father and I are standing. He bowed in front of Father, who smiled.

"Just know this, Alexander. Catherine and I are proud to call you our son in law, and I am proud to call you my son," Father told Alex, who blushed slightly, smiling. It is the kind of smile that made me swoon, heart flutter and butterflies in my stomach.

"That is very kind, sir, and thank you," Alex replied.

"Now, I would leave you two lovebirds alone," Father smirked as he walked away.

"Father!" I responded and was about to gently slap him before Alex stopped me. I looked at him.

"I mean, it's true, Isabelle," Alex stated sheepishly. I sighed, before hugging him, feeling his arms around my waist.

"I love you and don't you dare leave me, Alex," I whispered in his ear. I felt him smile.

"I love you too, and don't worry. I wouldn't dare leave you because how could I not? I can't ever leave you," Alex replied and I looked at him.

"I love you too much," Alex told me, and I smiled.

"I know," I replied.

"So, do you want to take some time alone?" He asked. I looked at him.

"Do you doubt me?" I asked him. Alex laughed.

"No. I just want to double-check with you before I whisk you away," Alex replied.

"Aw..." I said before Alex leaned in to kiss me. I kiss him back before he gently pulls away.

"I do believe you owe me some time alone," I stated as he caresses my cheek, smiling.

"I believe I do," Alex stated, before whisking me to the balcony. We would enjoy each other's company in silence, as our arms were around each other's waists, holding both of us close. I rest my head on his shoulder, looking out into the landscape.