Heart on Sleeves

Summary: When your people are in need of your sacrifices, how far are you willing to go to save them? This is the story of a Princess who puts the wellbeing of her people before her heart, and a Prince who learns that love is not an illusion.

Disclaimer: My original plot, characters belong to Stephenie Meyer

Thank you for clicking on my story and welcome to Heart on Sleeves. This story is set during the Medieval era. I hope you enjoy it!

Isabella nodded solemnly. "I fear the unknown Angela."

Chapter 2: It's Time

It was done. The envoy was dispatched as soon as the meeting had adjourned after the Princess's decision was made. A week later, he retuned with Forks' reply. King Charles took the sealed letter that was presented to him in his royal suite, and barked out a dismissal with a wave of his hands. With a trembling bow resulting from the ire in his King's voice, the herald left the suite and the King was left to his own devices.

The Phoenix sovereign walked to his study table and sat on the chair with a resounding thud, as if he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. He stared at the seal that was engraved with Forks' royal insignia. It depicted the heads of a lion and lioness, both curled around each other with crowns on their heads. The crest was silver, and the only other colors were that of the glittering emerald and ruby stones on the lion's golden crown. With a resigned sigh, King Charles broke the seal and slowly unrolled the parchment, as if trying to prolong the inevitable.

King Charles,

The union of our Kingdoms will be advantageous to both parties, and both ends will reap the benefits. We await the arrival of Princess Isabella in a week's time, and as soon as she is wed to the Prince of Forks, we will send our ambassador to conduct a meeting with your council and make the necessary preparations to see you through your hard times, as was promised if the marriage proposal was to be agreed upon. However, please be advised that no one from the royal family is to accompany the Princess to Forks, and while she can have her handmaidens and guards with her during the trip, we would like to inform you that we will send them all back to you as soon as the Princess makes it safely to our palace grounds. The reasons will not be disclosed to you. If the Princess does not arrive to Forks' in a week's time, we will assume that you have changed your minds and our assistance to you will no longer be granted.

King James

King Charles gritted his teeth and scrunched up the letter in his hands. He tossed the scroll in the fireplace and paced across the room. He was regretting giving in to Isabella's decision more than ever now. He didn't trust King James, least of all with his daughter. He suspected foul play, and he learned to never ignore his instincts. He didn't know what it was, but King James was hiding something important. The lack of mentioning the Prince's name just added to his suspicion. Who was this Prince that his Isabella would soon be bound to? Alas, the Kingdom of Forks was closed off to all other Kingdoms; all attempts to send his spies there were futile at best. He feared this unknown Prince, and prayed nothing would befall his beloved daughter. But his hands were tied, for he knew the life of the monarchs were full of sacrifices. Unfortunately, he was embarking on the greatest sacrifice of all.

There was a gentle knock on his door. The King stopped his pacing and strode to open the doors himself, giving his object of recent musings an affectionate smile and taking her in his arms, trying to hide his misgivings.

"What did they say, father?" she asked softly.

"You are to leave as soon as possible, darling," was his desolate reply.

Isabella placed her hand on the side of her father's face. "Don't be sad. Everything will be okay, I can feel it. We will never cease communicating through letters and I will ensure that I come visit you soon."

"I don't trust King James, but I know now that I have no choice in the matter. Promise me that you'll be careful. If you change your mind, I'll put a stop to all of this immediately." He then shared the contents of the letter with her.

"My mind is set. Do no fret, mother will be watching over me. You once told me that the life of royalty is full of sacrifices. This is mine, and one I will proudly bear for my people. Besides," she teased, lightening the mood. "You'll no longer have someone interfering in court affairs and peeving the men with a woman's presence."

Her father let out a boisterous laugh. "I think they'll miss your presence there. As your mother used to say, men are lost without the wisdom of women."

As their laughter died down, King Charles murmured "I will miss you so, daughter of mine. You are the light of my life, you and Jacob. I will have to adjust to living without you, but remember that you will always be my sun."

Isabella grinned tearfully as he repeated the last words her mother had asked her to pass on to her father. "I love you so much Isabella. You and your brother have brought me so much joy. Remind him of my love as he grows up. I am so proud of the both of you, and I know in my heart that you will grow up and lead this Kingdom to great heights. Tell your father that he will always be my sun."

"I have to go pack my things now and be on my way to ensure that I reach in time. I will see you in a few hours by the palace gates father." With a peck on his cheek, she left the room before her emotions could get the better of her.

When she reached her wings, the guards opened her doors with a startled glance at her pained expression. As soon as she entered her rooms, she lost her composure and fell onto her bed, muffling her cries with the pillow. It isn't fair, she thought. It just isn't fair. Why do I have to leave my loved ones behind? What am I going to be facing in Forks? Will he be good to me? Will the Prince be kind to me? What is he like? Please God, please don't let him be a tyrant.

She felt gentle hands running through her hair and knew it belonged to that of her best friend Lady Angela. Her father was King Charles' most trusted advisor and friend, Sir William Black. Isabella and Angela were of the same age, and grew up together as sisters who bonded over the loss of their mothers after Angela's mother died while giving birth to her second child a year after the proclamation of Queen Renee's death. Unfortunately, both mother and child lost their lives, and it was a difficult time for Angela. They became each other's confidants and the best of friends. Yet another loved one I will lose, thought Isabella with despair.

As if she could sense her despondency, Angela tugged on Isabella's hands until she rolled over and her face was relieved from the pillow.

"Do you remember when we were dared by Ben to climb the apple tree? Even though I was eager to impress him, I still didn't have the guts to climb it. You however, took on the challenge and managed to climb halfway through before you slipped and sprained your ankle. I think that that was the first time I ever saw the King angry, I thought he'd have poor Ben beheaded!" laughed out Angela, referring to a few summers ago when they were thirteen and had snuck out of the palace without the Princess's guards.

Isabella giggled along with her friend. "Well, it's a good thing father didn't do that! I can't imagine an Angela without a Ben anymore. How is that fine husband of yours nowadays? I haven't seen him for quite some time now. I hope he's not charming other girls to climb some apple trees for him," she teased, thankful for the lightened atmosphere. Ben was a few years older than the girls. With his handsome features, he was most often the topic of gossip between the palace walls. Unfortunately for all the females in and passing through the palace, Ben was smitten with Angela and only had eyes for her. As soon as she was of age, Ben asked Sir William for permission to court her, then for her hand in marriage last spring.

"He better not," chortled Angela. "He's just been busy with some state affairs, especially with you know…" she trailed off. Benjamin's father was part of the council elders. His wisdom was highly valued and he was preparing his son to take over his position in the royal council in the future. The drought Phoenix currently faced was one of the worst the Kingdom had ever seen, and the state advisers had their hands full with dealing with it.

Isabella nodded solemnly. "I fear the unknown Angela. I don't even know what my husband will be like. I have dreamed of true love like that of my parents for as long as I can remember. It's ironic isn't it, that I preach marrying for love yet I am marrying in the name of duty myself? I know I've been hiding it well, but the worry has kept me awake at night since the day I made my decision. However, in the depths of my heart I feel like this is the right thing to do."

"Bella, from the day we first met till today, I have always been in awe of this inner strength you possess. Your bravery and loyalty are wonderful things to behold. No matter what happens, always keep this fire in you alight. Do no let it die out. I will miss you, the whole Kingdom will miss you, but I have faith that we will see each other soon, and that everything will be well," urged her friend.

Angela's words seemed to snap Isabella out of her misery. She stood up and walked towards her window, looking down into the garden where she spent her childhood running around and playing. Her eyes fell upon the apple tree Angela spoke of. She straightened her back, lifted up her chin and with an air of graceful regality she said fiercely, "I can do this. I will do this. Whoever this Prince is, I will not allow him to hurt me and I will certainly not allow him into my heart. I am Isabella Marie Charles Swan of Phoenix, and woe be the day he mistreats me. I am the Princess and I will act accordingly."

She felt a light touch on her shoulder and turned around. "I will miss you Ange," she whispered. "Take care of yourself. Please keep an eye out for Jacob and my father. Write me every day." Her brown doe-eyes suddenly sparkled with mischief. "Tell that Ben of yours to watch out for young Jessica, last I heard she was planning their marriage!" she exclaimed gleefully. Angela groaned good-naturedly. Jessica was the daughter of the palace's head cook. She was ten years of age and was obsessed with her husband. In her childlike fantasy, Ben was her soulmate, hence the reason Jessica could barely tolerate Angela. She gave in and joined in Isabella's peals of laughter.

After giving Isabella a bone-crushing hug, Angela hopped up from her position on the bed and rang the bell to call for Isabella's ladies in waiting. "Pack up the Princess's belongings. Make sure she has everything she needs and ensure her carriage is ready in two hour's time. Draw her a warm bath now, the Princess needs some time to relax," she ordered swiftly.

Two hours later, the royal family and their close friends and associates were gathered by the palace's gate, where the Princess's carriage awaited. A group of fifty guards were going with the Princess to warrant her safety until they reached Forks. After bidding everyone goodbye, Isabella walked up to her father and brother where they stood a few feet away from the rest.

She ruffled her brother's hair affectionately. "I'll miss you Jake. Try not to give your guards the slip and go off riding your horse on your own. Also try not to sneak out of the palace at night. And for the love of all that's holy, please don't skip your lessons. You'll give poor Mr. Gerard an aneurysm." Jacob grinned cheekily, "It's fun Bella. Besides, you used to sneak out all the time without getting caught, I need to practice." Their father snorted. "With those gangly limbs and clumsy feet, you'll never be able to get past your guards."

Isabella giggled at their father's remark while Jacob's ears warmed. "It's just a phase brother. You're growing up so fast, soon enough you'll be towering over father." Jacob beamed at his sister and wrapped his arms around her slender frame. "I'll miss you Bella. Please visit us soon," he choked out into her shoulders. "I'll miss you more," she said fervently, squeezing him tightly to her. With a kiss to her cheeks, Jacob reluctantly let her go and allowed their father his turn to bid her farewell.

"May God watch over you my dear daughter. Take care of yourself and remember that the whole of Phoenix is behind you should you need anything. If I don't hear from you soon, I will rally all our soldiers and come for you my sweet girl." He then took out a pendant from a pouch he held and drew it over her head.

Isabella gasped with surprise. "Father!" she exclaimed. "I cannot wear this or take it from you. Mother's pendant belongs to you."

"I could not have passed it on to better hands Isabella. Take this piece of your mother so that you are always reminded of her love for you. I know that if she were alive today she would have been so proud of you. We all love you so very much, and the whole Kingdom is in your debt." With a kiss to her forehead, he stepped back and offered her his arm.

The onlookers watched with heavy hearts as King Charles walked the Princess to her carriage. "Are you ready my Princess?" he murmured without looking at her. "I am, my King," she answered just as quietly. He escorted her into the carriage, caressed her cheek, gave her a tender smile and stepped back to stand by his forlorn son, laying a reassuring hand on his shoulder. The curtains were drawn and the Princess peeked out to give them a comforting smile. The carriage soon began rolling and the Princess leaned back to settle in for the long journey. I can do this, she told herself. She was always being told that she had the heart of a lion. It was time to embrace her role as Phoenix's savior. Yes, I will do this, she thought with a satisfied smile, closing her eyes and thinking of a promising future for her people and Kingdom.

Chapter End Notes:

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~ Maria