Isabelle stood next to Brady at the top of the stairs, her arm through his. He was dressed once more as he used to, in a robe of dark blue, but his expression was cold and his eyes were lifeless. It made Belle sad that her once happy brother was now so unfeeling. Behind them were their parents, who would be announced immediately after she and Brady were seated. She heard the herald's voice ring out. "Messieurs et Mesdames, I present to you the prince and the princess, Brady and Isabella." A cheer rose from the crowd as they walked down the grand staircase. Both took their seats and then watched their parents do as they just had.
Marlena took her seat next to Belle while John sat next to Brady. Marlena leaned over to her daughter. "Do you see that gentleman over there?"
Belle looked in the direction her mother had noted and saw a rather handsome gentleman wearing the insignia of a knight. "Oui Maman. Who is he?"
"That is Sir Philip. He is an English knight who has come to call on you."
Belle had to stifle her groan. She was young and didn't wish to be married, much less to someone her father chose. "English you said?"
"Yes, he met your brother during the wars. They fought together. The King of England will soon make him a Duke." Belle nodded but felt the urge to groan rise once more as she saw him approach. He bowed low to her father.
"Your highness my name is Sir Philip. Please grant me permission to speak to you." John nodded. "I have come with a gift for your beautiful daughter. I wish to bestow it open her with your goodwill."
John looked to Brady, who nodded. "What is this gift sir?"
"I have brought her a horse of the highest bloodlines. All I ask in return is one dance."
"Well I can grant you this. Isabelle?" She rose and walked over to him, her dread building. She could tell her father liked this man, which meant he may agree if he asked to marry her. "Sir Philip has asked for a dance. Please oblige him." She nodded as Philip took her hand and led her to the floor.
"You look beautiful, Princess."
"You are too kind good Sir Knight." She said the words with out thinking knowing that he had done the same. Even if she'd looked terrible he would have said that, she was a princess. "I thank you for the gift." They danced and carried on small talk. The one promised dance turned into the rest of the night. Belle found Philip to be nice and handsome but was not attracted to him in that way. However, how she felt didn't matter. When the orchestra finished it's last piece Philip kissed her on the hand.
"I had a marvelous time with you, Princess."
"I could say the same." It wouldn't be the truth but I could say it. She thought.
"I am glad. Your brother spoke often of you. I see now that you are more wonderful than he'd described."
"Once again I thank you and say that you are too kind."
"My squire is with your horse. He will stay until you bid him to leave. I shall take my leave now. I hope to see you again." He bowed to her and left.
Belle went to find Mimi. "Come with me to the stable. I have received a gift." The two walked out to the stables and a young man approached. Belle gasped. It was him.