Miel

Isabel was different. Even in her letters she had seemed a little different, but she was always so formal in her letters, it had been difficult to tell. This Isabel was quieter. This Isabel listened without forcing her opinion as fact. This Isabel did not make haughty or disparaging comments. And Miel was certain she did not frown as much either, although this was less easy to ascertain.

After she had arrived with the king and queen of Lavigne, they had gone straight to the festival. Realizing her cousin had not yet left the palace, Miel went to greet her, feeling somewhat apprehensive. And she was quite taken aback at what could be called a warm reception. Isabel seemed to put off going outside, and she kept asking Miel more questions about her time in Lavigne, and she listened patiently as Miel described her experiences learning to play new instruments, performing with renowned musicians, and even teaching the children of the Lavignian nobility the art of music.

Miel was most curious about her relationship with Prince Andrei. Based on what he had said during his past few visits to Lavigne, Miel had reason to believe that the animosity she felt towards him was evaporating. He seemed to be full of admiration for her, although how much of it was genuine, Miel could not tell. But as for Isabel, Miel was genuinely curious to know whether she had succumbed to his charms even after vehemently claiming to be immune to them.


Chapter 11

The Lavignian party spent the night at the palace. The visiting king and queen were offered quarters near Prince Andrei's chambers, and he had taken responsibility for entertaining his brother and sister-in-law at that part of the palace.

Isabel found that part of her wanted to be there with them, but in such an intimate setting, there were likely to be questions raised about her relationship with Andrei, which seemed to be undergoing much evolution right now. Besides, she was quite eager to spend more time with Miel.

"How long will you remain in Lavigne?" Isabel asked. They were sitting outside Isabel's chambers.

"I-I don't know," replied Miel, still feeling nervous of a reproach, even though it didn't seem likely that her cousin would rebuke her. "The king and queen have been most gracious hosts and I have been enjoying myself immensely."

"Have you met anyone you failed to mention in your letters?"

Miel looked up to ensure Isabel was being playful before she laughed and replied in the negative. They had both been acquainted with all the eligible young men in Lavigne, and all of them had prior attachments. In addition, Miel thought that she might be more inclined towards the musician-type, although they were typically not of noble birth. However, Isabel, and indeed her uncle and her grandfather, would be rather opposed to a match like that. Miel did not see reason to mention this, because after all, there was no one particular musician who had caught her eye. She simply thought she might prefer being married to a musician than any nobleman of her acquaintance.

She was, however, very curious about Prince Andrei. She wasn't used to asking Isabel questions like that directly, so she made a statement and hoped the inherent question in it would be noted.

"I saw you dancing with Prince Andrei earlier this evening."

Isabel was still wearing her veil, but Miel could quite easily spot the silhouette of her smile.

"He was rather keen on learning it," she said. She sensed that Miel wanted to know more, so she went on, "As it turns out, I don't hate him anymore. I have been working with him on the affairs of the kingdom, and I've learned a great deal from him. That's all."

"Do you still…wish me to be your heir?" Miel asked slowly. Isabel looked at her in surprise.

"Officially you are my heir, unless I give birth to a daughter," she stated the obvious. But she knew that was not what Miel had meant. "I-" she stammered. "I haven't given much thought to altering the conditions of the marriage contract."

"But if you no longer object to him-" Miel began uncertainly. She had started to feel comfortable enough to begin to press Isabel.

Isabel sighed and bit her lip. This was not a topic she wanted to think about. She supposed that had the curse never happened, she would have ultimately married someone suitable and somehow found a way to go through the process that would have given her heirs. She could not begin to fathom that some women (and based on gossip, it seemed, most men) liked to keep lovers for the purpose of pleasure. She was told on many occasions that if she fell in love, she would discover the pleasure; but she was highly skeptical.

She had started to like Andrei, but she didn't quite love him, did she? The thought of sharing a bed with him made her rather uncomfortable, and she really wanted to think of something else now.

"I haven't really thought about it," she said truthfully, some of her old haughtiness returning to her voice that put Miel on alert. "I have been more focused on wondering whether I could renegotiate the contract so that I retain sovereignty after my coronation."

"Oh," exclaimed Miel.

"You think he will not agree?" Isabel asked sharply. She was, in fact, voicing her main fear through this question.

"I don't know," replied Miel, shaking her head. "You always maintained that he was after your kingdom."

Isabel sighed. "I think he still is," she said despondently. "I can't tell if he would be sympathetic to my plea."

"He does respect you, you know," she said. Isabel looked at her with raised eyebrows. "He speaks very highly of you when he visits Lavigne."

Miel could swear Isabel was smiling under her veil again. Even if she wouldn't admit it to herself, Miel was sure that she was on her way to falling in love with him.

"And I noticed how attentive he was of you tonight," she added.

"But he is attentive of everyone," Isabel said with a touch of petulance. "You should see how he flirts with Lady Madeleine to get her to agree with him."

"She is twice his age," Miel laughed.

"And I'm fairly certain he was very attentive of you right before you left," Isabel finished. She looked straight at Miel and observed how flustered she became.

"He didn't…mean it that way," she said.

"What do you mean?" Isabel asked.

"He was very attentive," Miel began slowly, "And I admit I was very flattered. But I recalled what you said and I wondered if his attentions were directed at me because I was your heir."

Isabel sighed.

"But even then, he was always more interested in talking about you," Miel added.

"Is that why you left?" her cousin asked.

"It was part of the reason," Miel admitted. "I hope you are not angry with me. I promise I don't nurture any romantic feelings for him."

Isabel was astonished. "Well of course I wouldn't be angry with you. He was the one who was trying to charm you." But even then, she was aware of a small kernel of resentment at the back of her mind that she had to struggle somewhat to push away.


Isabel found her thoughts occupied with questions of whether Andrei genuinely cared for her, or was putting on an act for his benefit. Miel seemed to believe the former despite providing evidence for the latter. She decided to push these thoughts away as Lisette helped her undress for bed.

"Did you enjoy the festival?" She asked.

"Yes, quite a bit, your highness," Lisette smiled warmly, although her usual bubbling energy was at somewhat of a low. She must be tired, Isabel thought.

"I saw you dancing with Christien," she said, echoing Miel's question-loaded statement from earlier.

Lisette's smile faltered. "He has been a good friend," she said, growing serious. "I ran into my former husband and his new wife at the festival." Her voice shook a little. "They said some unkind things."

"Lisette, I am so sorry," exclaimed Isabel in surprise. "You should have come to me."

"Oh, it was nothing, your highness," Lisette brushed it away. "Christien was right there and he told them to leave me be and then he asked me to dance; I did enjoy myself."

"I'm glad," replied Isabel. "It had not even occurred to me that you might see him there!"

"It was no matter. It just reminded me of some painful memories. All I had to do was contemplate how much better off I am now." She smiled widely. "But Christien was very distraught when you and the prince took to the dance floor," she giggled. "I don't think he has given up on you yet."

Isabel made an exasperated noise and climbed into bed. This was one additional worry she could do without.