While Forks is a wonderland of inspiration on so many fronts, there isn't a lot of time to write between the scheduled events and the amount of hiking my friends and I did. And coming back to work was filled with plenty of drama so there wasn't much writing time there either. But I'm back at it, and here's the proof. Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: All characters and plot ideas are the property of their respective owners, no copyright infringement is intended. The original plot and characters are my own.
Chapter 20
Lord Black cut through the assembled soldiers, shooting them a glare. "This is your future queen, you ingrates. It would be wise of you to remember that."
Looking at the princess, she stepped forward and allowed him to lead them into the castle.
The coachman and footmen that Alice had enchanted unloaded the carriage and then looked around. It took a few minutes, but the men that William sent out collected all of their belongings and the coachman drove the carriage to where the castle men could store it.
Isabella followed William closely, who paused when the hall was empty to pass along what he needed to. "When you have your first meeting with the entire council and the king, look at the boutineers. Your mother instructed those loyal to you to wear a red rose instead of white. You will need to act deftly, but you have support. Your mother would be proud."
Arriving at their rooms, Jasper insisted to take a small servant's room next to the princess' room as opposed to bedding down with the other palace guards. Their belongings were delivered so Alice began the task of unpacking. By evening everything was in place, and a group of servants arrived at Isabella's door.
"King Phillip arranged for us to serve as your ladies in waiting. We have some of your mother's possessions with us, as they are yours now," one of the young women said.
"What is your name?" Isabella asked.
"My name is Lauren, and this is Jessica, Samantha, and Maggie," the blonde said. She gestured to the two brunettes and a petite redhead with her in turn.
"Thank you. This is Alice, my lady's maid, please let her show you where to put the various items," Isabella told them before returning to her book.
After her mother's belongings were put away, the ladies sat around waiting for Isabella to need them. She stood, walking to the jewelry box that the women had delivered. Playing with the items inside, she didn't notice how intently Lauren was watching her. Nor did she see the smile on her face when she slipped her mother's ring onto her finger, where it fit perfectly.