I don't own Twilight in any way.
Court was a lovely time in the spring, especially in England. There were jousts, hunting, riding, masquerades, and other sporting matches. The ladies in waiting would be itching to leave the Queen's rooms, having a serious case of spring fever. As patient as I was, I was known to get it as well. The Queen also loved being outdoors. Whenever there was an entertainment event, the ladies would be surrounding her outside, enjoying the festivities as well. The King loved to joust and hunt with his men. Everyone loved the exciting jousting events. Betting was popular among the men, but no one bet against the King. His men always let him win. He was also a rider and sometimes played in a few tennis matches. The King loved the rush of adventure and risk. He did a lot of things ouside, taking advantage of the lovley spring weather.
My name is Isabella Swan. My younger sister and I, Rosalie, are ladies in waiting for Queen Kate of England. She is the most wonderful Queen. Everyone in court adores her, women and men. She has much dignity, as a Queen should, and never forgets who she is. She is just lovley. You can tell how much grace she has, even at first glance. I admire her strength. I haven't known a situation where she hasn't gotten through it calm and collected. She was raised with tough bones, that was for sure. I would wilt like a shrinking flower when faced with anger and pressure. Not the Queen. She would never let anyone talk to her like that. She knows excatly who she is. I love the kindness she has inside of her. She has never raised her voice at any of her ladies, no matter the situation. That would also have to do with her endless amount of patience. The Queen's beauty is angelic, in many ways. She has wheat blonde hair, and dark brown colored eyes. Her skin is very pale in contrast, but it's what makes her all the more lovely. She has a daughter named Maria, and is said to be a great mother. Maria is a small young girl, not yet in court. She is away from court, being educated by the best of teachers. Speaking of children, she is the only child of the King and Queen. Although the subject is not discussed before the King, everyone in court buzzes with gossip. They talk about how the Queen is getting older each day, almost forty. It will be almost impossible for her to give the King a male heir soon.
In court, you must know your place, and do as you're told. Rosalie and I have an older brother named Jasper. He is one of the King's men in the court and is highly regarded by the King himself. In our family, our Father and Uncle use us as pawns to climb higher up in ladder of superiority in the court. But we always do as were told, there is no questioning it. When we are young, are whole futures are planned out by them. They expect you to listen to them, but remain silent.
King Edward is the husband of Kate. There was only one thing that Rosalie has to say about him; handsome. I completely and wholeheartedly agree with her. He has beautiful copper hair and eyes as green as the grass. He is very athletic and acts like a young boy sometimes. But Kate is devoted to him of course, not matter what. Edward is the King, after all. They love each other very much. The King also has a certain charm to him, not to mention wit.
I sat on the edge of my bed, looking at Rosalie sleepily. She was brushing her long, golden hair while sitting at the vanity. She started her morning the same way everyday. It began and usually ended with her beautiful hair. I yawned and stretched my arms out above my head. I was still waking up, exhausted from the previous day. I had done a lot of sweing for the Queen. I was still in my white nightgown. Rosalie was still in her own, as well. It was early in the day, but the court was already wide awake. Outside, people were coming and going in horse drawn carriages on the hearth. Hustle and bustle was always going on outside. The time of day never slowed anyone down. The blue birds were chirping and the bright sun was shining. It was a beautiful and cheerful spring day, not to be wasted with sleep. I stood up, and walked over to Rose.
"Come on sissy," I told her. She was still brushing her hair. "I think you've spent enough time looking in the mirror. We have to get ready." Rosalie glared at me through the glass of the mirror. She could be so vain sometimes. It didn't make me love her any less, however.
"You know," she began, "Some of us actually want to look good," attitude evident in her voice. I sighed. She could be so petulant. I did have to admit though, she was a beauty. Men swooned over her, hoping to be noticed by the stunning Rosalie. She lured men into a trap like a fishermen with fish. Like the Queen, Rosie had blonde hair. But Rose's hair was a golden shade, while Kate's was lighter. They were both beautiful, nevertheless.
I walked over to the wardrobe on my side of the room, and pulled out a gown. It was made of blue satin silk with a triangular bodice. It was just one of my common dresses. I never wore anything too extravagent unless it was for a special dance or different event.
"Rosalie, will you lace me up?" I asked, in the kindness voice possible. Rosalie huffed, standing up. She walked over and tied the laces tightly, as I lost breath with each yank that she pulled. I thanked her and inspected myself in the mirror. It looked nice, especially for spring. Rose always told me blue was my color.
Rosalie pulled a rich red gown out of her own wardrobe, and I returned the favor of lacing her up. I walked over to the mirror, and quickly ran the brush through my locks, taking much less time than Rose. I only did it quick enough to remove the tangles. I didn't like to spend too much time on it. My hair hung stick straight down my back. Usually, Rose helped me style it that way before bed. Naturally, it was wavy. Satisfied with y apearance, I turned to Rose. "Are you done getting ready?" I asked. She nodded, and then we left the bed chamber together.
As soon as we stepped out, Jasper happened to be walking by towards the staircase. Rose and I broke out into grins. It was great to see his honey colored hair again. I laughed inwardly at the thought.
"Jas!" cried Rosalie. She picked up her long skirts and ran over to him. He smiled warmly at her when he heard her voice and embraced our sister in a hug. "Rosie, it's so good to be back," Jasper said. He had been away from home, attending business with Father and Uncle away from court. He had only been away for a week, but it always felt longer with Jasper gone.
"I was just on my way to say hello to mother," he added. "Would you like to come along?" Jasper asked politley. It was great to see Jasper, but I was in no mood for it to be ruined with talk of mother. I had a feeling Rosalie didn't either. He speaking up confirmed by suspicions.
"Of course not," said Rosalie with disgust, as though the idea repulsed her. Our mother was the epitome of coldness. It seemed as though she could care less about the three of us. She had somewhat of a likeness for Jasper, but only because he was the male child. Jasper shrugged, but then saw me over the shoulder of Rosalie. I had remained in the spot where after I had first spotted him. He smiled at me and waved me over. I broke out into a grin as well, and went to greet Jasper. This day had been going wonderfully so far.
"How have you been, brother?" I asked. I always missed Jasper when he traveled. It seemed like he always enjoyed himself though. He often rode through the counrty, coming back to tell us stories. He also said that he would never tarde it for court though. I didn't think I would either, but you never knew
I gave my brother a hug. He smiled happily at me. "I have been well," he answered shortly in reply to my question. "On the way, we passed through the country. I think you would like it there," he added. I couldn't wait until he told me the whole story. Jasper was a good story teller.
Rosalie felt she needed to cut in. "The country? It doesn't sound too great to me." Of course she wouldn't like it. The counrty was nothing like court. I often thought that if I ever was to go to the country, I would be able to manage it. I didn't think Rosalie would be abel to do the same.
"I have never been there, so I would not know," I replied. Jasper took my hand and kissed it, like a true gentlemen. "Yes, Isabella, I know you would like it. Now I am off to say hello to mother. I'll see you ladies later." We both curtsied, and once he ascended the first few stairs, we headed to the Queen's rooms, already running a little late.
The Queen's room was a happy place. The ladies were all talking, playing cards to occupy the time, and some were helping Kate stitch an outside scene with needles and thread. It was one of her favorite past times. The Queen enjoyed domestic work, much like me. Kate looked up when Rosalie and I entered the room. "Welcome Lady Isabella and Lady Rosalie. Take a seat, but Isabella, won't you help me with this?" she asked, gesturing towards the blanket. She knew I was skilled at it, like her.
"Of course, your majesty," I said. I took a seat next to the other ladies who were helping. Among them sat Alice Brandon, a good friend of mine in court. I smiled in hello to her. She nodded cheerfully back. Rosalie went and sat with some other girls who were playing cards by the window. If she wasn't asked to help stitch, she wouldn't volunteer. She loved playing cards. She was great at betting. But it was an honor to be chosen to help the Queen with her sewing, whether how dreadfully boring it could be.
Not after long, Queen Kate and the rest of us ladies left to go watch the jousting match. That was enough work for now. Of course, we would all be cheering for the King today, whether or not he was going up against a better jouster than himself. I wasn't even sure if he was playing today. Just the his men of court might be playing today. Jasper would be jousting today against Emmett McCarty, another man of court. We took our seats near the Queen, and got ready to watch. I sat in the middle of Alice and Rosalie, making myself comfortable. There was a nice breeze, and it was just the perfect temperature.
"How are you, Alice?" I asked. Her long, raven colored hair was styled in a bun with no headress. She was originally from Spain, so it explained her rich colored hair, deep, brown eyes, and tanned skin. My eyes were brown as well, but mine were a milk chocolate color. Alice was a veryy exuberant person for her petite frame. She was one of my closest friends at court. Unlike a lot of the ladies, she was purley kind. She loved to be entertained, but she wasn't a schemer. I enjoyed spending my time with her. Sometimes, you could only take so much of Rosalie. I loved her, but sometimes she could be condescending.
"Who could be better at the court in spring time!" she exclaimed. I laughed. I loved Alice's spirit. She was always, happy, bubbly, and energetic. I needed some of her positive energy. It seemed as though she had an endless supply of it.
"I couldn't agree more, Miss Alice," I replied, in a jovial mood. I was starting to catch her cheerfullness.
"Oh, not Miss for much longer. Father says he has found someone for me to wed," Alice replied, matter-of-factly. I rasied my eyebrows. Alice was only a year older than I was.
In court, your marriage is arranged by the family. If your lucky, you might fall in love with the man you are arranged with. Some aren't so lucky. What the family looked for in a spouse was that they had to have a high place in the social ladder. Money was an important aspect too. The person couldn't be a nobody, and you just couldn't just marry for love. Rosalie and my own marriage had not been arranged yet, by I knew my own was probably going to come soon. For some, it happened sooner than later. But it all seemed to happen quicker then we were ready. I was seventeen, and Rosie was fifteen, going on sixteen. Typically, the earliest girls around the court married youngest at fourteen. Jasper was eighteen, and father told me he had already found someone, and he would announce it soon. Maybe Alice and Jasper's wedding would be close in date. Just thinking about it made me excited.
I smiled enthusiastically at Alice. "That's great! Do you know who?" I asked. I was really curious, but if she didn't know, Alice was probably even more curious than me. She shook her head.
"Father won't tell me, but he always says, 'Only the best for my Ali,' so I know the man must be great." I nodded, but in Alice's father's mind, a great boy could have an awful personality and heart, but have pockets that were bulging with money.
Rosalie had been talking to a girl on the other side of her, but now she felt to let us know the joust was about to begin. "Shh!" she told us. "Jasper and Emmett are about to go!" I looked out onto the field. Emmett and Jasper had both mounted their horses, and were ready to start.
The red flag was waved, signaling the start. Everyone started to cheer as soon as they were off. Rosalie was leaning forward in her seat. I had a slight feeling that she had a fancy for Emmett. Emmett was quite large, and was the better jouster. He did have an advantage after all. Jasper happened to be better than the King though. It was all about the technique of each player. But of course, Edward loved to win so Jasper always lost on purpose. The cheering went on, as did the match. All of a sudden, Emmett knocked Jasper's jousting stick out of his hand with brutal force. Emmett had won the match. Rosalie stood up applauded with joy. Alice and I clapped as well, but she had a small pout as she did so.
"I had hoped Jasper would win," she said. I agreeded. I didn't really care for Emmett, especially for his reputation. "Ah well. Emmett is much bigger, isn't he?" I nodded in agreement with her. Jasper was never much of one for the joust. He loved to hunt and ride more. I stood up, following the Queen and the rest of the ladies back inside.
It was just a few hours before the feast. I inteneded on going to the Queen's room, maybe to help out with some more stitching, but Father and Uncle called us into their chamber. Rosalie and Jasper were already sitting at the wooden table at the center of the room. My mother, Renee sat off to the side with my Aunt Esme. My father, Charlie, and my Uncle Carlisle, were sitting at the head of the table. I took a seat next to the bored looking Rosalie. She always looked like she was going to fall asleep when Uncle talked. I didn't think she liked him very much, but neither did I.
"Alright," my Uncle began. "Now we can begin." He stood up, facing Jasper, who was sitting across from us. "Jasper, we have found you a wife," he started. Jasper raised his eyebrows.
"Really? Who?" he asked. I was interested to hear the answer to this too.
Uncle folded his hands behind his back. "Alice Brandon. They have money and her father is a duke. He has a very important position in the court and…" After that, I let myself tune out of the conversation. He was going to marry Alice. Thank God. I thought for sure he would be stuck with the horrible Jane Volturi. She was his age and the Volturi family was known for beautiful daughters, like our family. Jane had a few beautiful sisters and cousins, be she was dreadful. She was beautiful of course, but had the worst personality. She loved to scheme, was controlling, and cold as ice in winter. Nobody really cared for her, except the gold diggers and men.
Uncle had finished talking. I had missed most of the conversation, but heard the important parts. He dismissed Rosalie and I, but wanted to talk to Jasper a little bit more. Jasper would meet us at the feast. Rose and I quickly exited the room. We hurried towards the staircase, picking up our skirts as we went. Once we got to the bottom, Rosalie looked around, making sure we were alone.
"Can you believe it?" she asked. "She's going to marry a Brandon!" I frowned. Rose didn't say it disgustedly, but surprised, like she couldn't believe it.
"What's wrong with that?" I asked. "Alice is really sweet," I added. Rosalie rolled her eyes at me. She always had an answer for everything.
"Yes, Alice is fine. But she has two older brothers who have scandalous reputations. What if Jasper is known for that? I know Alice is as innocent as a mouse, but he's going into an immoral family. I'm just thinking about Jasper," she finished. I could see where she was coming from. Her brothers were known for that, bedding women before leaglly married, bedding other women when they were married, and many more unsightly deeds. I didn't want Japser's reputation to be hurt by that either. Rosie was only caring for Jasper, like I did too. We would just have to wait until the feast. Jasper could tell us more about it later, perhaps.
"Come on," I said, grabbing her arm. "Let's go to the feast. We can talk about this more later."
AN: Thanks for reading. Leave a review so I know if I should continue with the story. The first two chapters are a bit short, because you are being introduced to the story. But the third chapter is long, and will start getting into all the good details of the story.