"Isabella, may I have this dance?" Alessandro said bowing and extending his hand toward Isabella.
She looked at Jeanne, when she nodded; Isabella took Alessandro's chilled hand. "I would love to."
They twirled here and there, far enough apart to keep people from talking, but close enough to fulfill each others desires. "You are truly beautiful, Isabella." Alessandro whispered.
Isabella blushed, "Alessandro, surely you lie. My Lady is far fairer than I."
Queen Jeanne was a beautiful woman. With long flowing, dirty blonde hair thrown up in ringlets, surrounded by the crown of Navarre. She had fair skin, a round face with a strong jaw, and strong, wise eyes, though she was still a youth of twenty. She was tall and slim, truly a beauty.
"No, my Isabella. Her Majesty is fair, but she pales in comparison to you, fair lady."
"Alessandro, I beg thee, control yourself. You make me blush."
"Which makes my lady all the more beautiful, the blush or the fairness of her pallor?"
Though Isabella thought herself plain, it was not true. She had a strong figure, fairly slim with perfectly proportioned hips. She had hair the color of onyx naturally wavy, cascading down her back as was the fashion in Italy. A comb of diamonds and rubies held the hair on the left side of her head from falling into her face. She had beautiful honey colored eyes hidden by long lashes. And she had full red lips.
The song ended and the pair separated with a curtsy and a bow. Alessandro extended his arm to Isabella, leading her over to the queen and her fiancé.
"Till next we meet." As Alessandro held her hand to kiss it, as was custom, she felt a piece of paper being slipped up her sleeve.
"Till next we meet." Isabella whispered.
Making sure no one saw, she unfolded the small note behind her fan. She quickly read what was written there:
Isabella,
Meet me in the court yard by the fountain this night at the stroke of twelve.
Till next I see thee,
Alessandro Di Medici
Later that night, Isabella awoke to go and meet Alessandro. Since she was wearing just her corset, chiffon and hose she grabbed her silk over coat to protect her from the chill. She crept down the silent halls, always on the lookout for the guards of Chambord. It had been a couple of days since she had first met Alessandro. Since then, she had had many breakfasts and teas with Alessandro and his friend Eduardo, always monitored of course. This was their first meeting without supervision. Isabella's heart raced as excitement surged through her. What did Alessandro have to tell her? She wished with all of her being that he would propose. She ran faster as she saw his tall form standing by the fountains waters.
"Alessandro? Is that you dear heart?" Isabella whispered.
The Beast shook his head to clear his sleepy mind. He had heard Victoria come into the area where he was kept.
"Come, my pet. Our little Isabella is all alone. We need to move our operations closer. The time is coming for us to strike."