A/N: This chapter takes place the next summer after Edward's 16th birthday. Isabella is still 10 years old.
{Chapter 20}
"Your Highness, would you like to accompany me on a walk through the gardens?" Isabella did not try to hide her surprised expression. She and Edward had done everything they could to avoid each other at all costs during the five years they had known each other, only being together when absolutely necessary.
She did not suspect any trickery from him this time either. He was sixteen years old, as of last week, and whenever they were together alone, they had chaperones not very far away. Isabella doubted he would try to humiliate his fiancée at his age, and Edward was now being groomed to become King soon, and so any immature behavior would be unacceptable; which was why she accepted his invitation and placed her hand in the crook of his elbow so he could escort her outside.
They walked in silence through the bushes, and Isabella glanced at the Prince from the corner of her eye.
His behavior toward her was not the only thing that had changed. He had grown a lot since the previous summer and he now towered over her in a way so that she had to bend her head backwards quite a bit in order to see him properly. His face had lost roundness and his shoulders and chest had broadened.
Suddenly, Edward stopped walking and turned toward her.
"Your Highness, I need to tell you that I do not dislike you. I do not particularly like you either, but our wedding is inevitable, and so I believe we both have to accept each other. Our kingdom will be a great one, and I need to know that I will have a Queen by my side that will support me."
Isabella could barely wrap her mind around Edward's words, but she had been groomed to become Queen since birth, so she knew what was expected of her, and what Edward needed her to be, despite her young age.
"When the time comes, I hope I will be a good wife to you and a Queen worthy to sit by your side. I will always support you, Your Highness."
For the first time since she had known the Prince, she saw a genuine smile grace his lips.