Thanks to Fran for her wonderful beta work, and Judyblue and 2browneyes for their awesome pre-reader comments!
Long before the sun creeps over the horizon, painting the sky with orange and pink, Isabella lies awake. Even with all she has been through lately, last night was the least restful she can remember, and now she can only hope she is making the right decision. She desperately wishes Edward had broken his own rules and came to her last night.
"My Lady," Angela says, causing her to gasp and grab her chest.
"Angela, you scared me." She stands swiftly. "Sorry, I am on edge this morning."
"Are you ready to dress?" Angela moves to the wardrobe and lifts out a deep blue gown.
Isabella clears her throat. "Yes, that will be fine."
Nerves flutter through Isabella almost uncontrollably as the minutes tick by, each second bringing her closer to the inevitable. Once she has donned her gown, the moment of truth slaps her in the face.
"Would you like to break your fast now?" Angela asks, completely unaware of Isabella's intent.
The princess gathers her maiden's hands and holds them to her. "I will be dining with the king this morning, here, in the sitting room. Could you make sure our breakfast arrives in a timely fashion? You can coordinate with him on his time of arrival."
"My Lady." Angela's brow scrunches together in the center as she looks over her princess. "Why would the king dine here, in your chambers?"
"He is to be my husband in just a few days. It is time to move our relationship forth," Isabella replies, dropping her hands and turning so that she no longer has to look Angela in the eyes. "In fact"—she grabs a small note from her bedside table—"I have a very important task for you after you leave this room." She turns and holds out the folded paper. "I need you to track Edward down, no matter what, and deliver this letter. It is urgent that he receives it."
"My Lady," Angela says. "No. Whatever you are doing, stop."
Isabella sighs heavily. "I cannot. This is the only way. Now, please, go!"
She hates being demanding when it comes to Angela, but this is her decision and the only person who could have had any impact upon it chose to keep her at arm's length. So now, this is her choice; one she will bear with dignity.
After Angela has gone, all that is left to do is pace. Back and forth she traverses across the cold stone floor. Inside, her heart is beating at a rapid pace, yet her whole body is chilled to the bone. The implications of this meal will span the rest of her life.
A light knock sounds before Angela peeks around the door. When she sees that her princess is waiting, she opens it wider, revealing King Carlisle with a large smile upon his face.
Isabella approaches. "My Lord." She curtsies and motions to the small table situated in the center of the sitting room. "Good morning. Please, have a seat."
Instead of moving directly to the seat, he first steps toward Isabella with a gentle expression, one that is akin to love. "Good morning, Princess. Allow me to assist you." He pulls out her chair and takes her hand, guiding her into the seat. "There we are."
As the couple is preoccupied with taking their seats, Angela has been loading the table with fresh fruits, eggs and bread. She is making sure to take her time, actually fearful of when she has to leave her princess alone with the king. Something is wrong, and she fears life will be forever altered by this seemingly simple breakfast.
Once everything has been set, she still lingers, until Isabella notices and lifts a brow. "That will be all, Angela." The handmaiden curtsies and turns to leave. "Please, make sure we are not disturbed," she adds in a firm voice.
"Yes, My Lady," Angela murmurs, hurrying out the door.
King Carlisle takes in his future queen's demeanor and comes to the realization that this meal is not going to go as he had hoped. The slight strain around her eyes is evident, along with the stiffness of her shoulders.
He leans forward and speaks softly, afraid of startling her. "Isabella, is everything all right?"
He watches as her eyes momentarily close, only to reopen much colder than they were before. "No, My Lord, everything is not all right. This is the reason I invited you here. We must talk."
Though she is fighting to stay strong, the urge to fall at King Carlisle's feet and plead for Edward's life is strong, almost overwhelming. Tears gather at the thought of the knight who rightfully won her.
"Isabella," Carlisle says softly, afraid of unsettling her further. She looks ready to bolt from the room as it is. "You know that you can talk to me. Whatever has you out of sorts cannot be that bad. I am here for you. I will be your husband in just days."
His words harden Isabella's resolve. Yes, he will be her husband, if she is allowed her life, that is. She meets his eyes. "Let us put that thought aside, for now, Carlisle. After you hear me out, I cannot promise you will still wish it to be so."
His eyes narrow and his head cocks as he scrutinizes her, a sliver of foreboding racing down his spine. "Isabella, your words make me wary, and I fear of losing my patience. It is clear this is no simple meal. Speak your mind so that we may both be clear of what you are implying." He leans back and crosses his arms, a much sterner expression lining his face.
This only strengthens Isabella. The last thing she needs is a soft king when facing her evil father, yet he shall have to be just soft enough to let Edward escape with his life. Even though it was King Charles learning of their affair, which backed her into this corner, she is determined to bargain for Edward's life.
With her shoulders held high she matches his chilled expression. "King Carlisle, I was not completely honest with you. Though I spoke once of a lost love, I failed you desperately by not revealing who that person was."
"I do not consider that an important fact, Isabella." Carlisle's tone is sharper than he intends, so he softens as he continues, "It is the past, and I do not wish you to confess your wrongdoings—"
"My father has learned of my affair," she blurts, stopping him from saying anything further. "And it endangers us all."
The king shrugs. "It is of no consequence. You belong to me now. He has no control over your life."
"Oh, Carlisle, I wish it were so simple," Isabella says quietly before taking a deep breath and spilling the true depth of her betrayal. "It is of consequence because that man was Edward, and I have continued our affair since I have been at the castle."
The whole room falls into an eerie silence as Isabella holds her breath and awaits the king's reaction. The muscle of his jaw twitches as his hard eyes bore a hole through her form.
"Explain," he demands through clenched teeth.
"I have no explanation, My Lord," Isabella says. "I take full responsibility for my actions, but I assure you, it is over. I will do whatev—"
Carlisle's fist slams into the table, causing her words to freeze on her lips. He jumps from his chair and paces the floor, his mind churning. Not over Isabella's betrayal but Edward's.
His pseudo-son has been carrying on an affair with his future queen.
Sorry I didn't reply to all reviews last chapter, but I'm doing my best to get this one finished. I have 2 for you this week!
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See you Friday :)