"Isabelle." The Scottish queen sighed for the umpteenth time. "Please calm down."

"Forgive me, mother." Isabelle smiled. "I can't seem to contain my excitement."

"Oh." The queen realized. "Whom do you look forward to meeting the most?"

Isabelle looked at her mother curiously and then chuckled to herself.

"Need you ask mother?"

"I am curious. I would like to know."

"Mother! You know that it is Alex."

"Alex? You call the King of France, Alex?"

"It is short for Alexander, and he is going to become King in the next three days," Isabelle said in mock exasperation.  "Also he prefers that I call him by his name."

A silence washed over the two as Isabelle couldn't contain her excitement of finally going back to Alexander. She was so excited that she had run around the palace, yelling "Je vais revenir en France! Retour à mon Alexander", causing a majority of the staff a great deal of surprise as they did not know what she was saying and at how overjoyed she was about leaving Scotland and going back to France, even if it was for a few days.

Over the one year, she had spent in France, their little princess had been transformed into a beautiful lady. Before France, she never liked the thought of going out the palace without her parents, but now she was just overjoyed to be going back. She had found love in France, she had found a family, she had everything she could ever need.

It was difficult to be there in the beginning, but during her one year there, she became accustomed to the French way of living and sometimes forgot that she was back in Scotland and not in France, when she would suddenly start to converse in French with the servants. She missed France, she did, but then she missed Scotland too. Her heart and mind were conflicted, but no matter where she was, she always had the people she loved near her, and that was all she required.

However, she could not hide the fact that she missed Alexander the most. The way she teased him, or how protective and jealous he got when Isabelle was in the presence of a man he did not trust. She missed everything about him. His smile, his laugh, his care-free nature that he brought forward only for her.

But most of all, spending time with Alexander made her realize that home wasn't a place. It was there, safe in his arms.

Isabelle didn't even realize it, but she had fallen asleep, and the same could be said for her mother. It wasn't until they were crossing the village did Isabelle awaken. Drowsily she looked around her as she realized that the carriage was still moving. Peering out her window, she recognized the all too familiar scene of the bustling French marketplace and her heart rate increased as the excitement and joy coursed through her veins. 

"Mother!" Isabelle exclaimed to her sleeping mother, who sat up.

"What is the matter, Isabelle?"

"We are arriving!" She exclaimed in excitement.

The queen smiled at the excitement her daughter's eyes portrayed.

'Oh Henry, how happy you would have been to see your princess like this.' Queen Mary thought to herself silently.

The death of the king had taken its toll on the people of Scotland, especially the royals. Isabelle had cried into her mother's arms the moment she had entered the palace walls, the Queen was in no better state. However, after given their time, they had started to come around to their normal lives in the palace.

Isabelle had told Mary all about the French court, and Alexander.

Oh! How much she adored him!

The Queen had never thought that her daughter would fall head over heels for the Prince of France, whom many claimed was always uninterested. Somehow, Isabelle managed to capture Alexander's heart and along the way, he did too.

Although, Mary had assumed that Isabelle would instantly decline the marriage, but she surprised her, Isabelle got to know Alexander and fell in love. She wanted to marry him, and she wanted that with all her heart. Mary did not know what to think of the prince because she did not know what he had that had captured Isabelle.

Suddenly the carriage came to an abrupt halt, launching the queen out of her thoughts as she looked up. She noticed Isabelle grasp hold of the handle, when suddenly the door opened, causing Isabelle to lean forward as she glanced up. Her eyes becoming glassy as a look of delight overcame her features.

Instantly she jumped out the carriage, vanishing from the queen's view.

Queen Mary dismounted the carriage and was momentarily blinded by the bright sunlight. Once her vision adjusted, she saw Isabelle hugging, whom she presumed was Alexander, whom she had last seen when he was 11. Turning towards the Royals, she was greeted by the Queen then her children as she greeted them in return.

"Forgive Alexander, he will come greet you in a minute." Clarisse apologized. "He just missed Isabelle a lot in the past two weeks. Your daughter has built a place in our hearts. She is truly wonderful."

Queen Mary smiled at the French Royals as she waved off Clarisse's apology.

"It is alright. I don't mind. Although your children have grown a lot since the last time I saw them." Mary told Clarisse as she followed her into the palace.

Soon they were joined by the younger Royals as they all settled down together. A moment later, Alexander walked in with Isabelle in tow as he held her hand in his.

"Queen Mary," Alexander said as he bowed to her. "It is a pleasure having you here at the palace."

"The pleasure is all mine, Prince Alexander." Queen Mary said with a smile as he stood up straight to his towering height. "Why don't you join us?"

"Actually, your majesty. I was hoping to have your permission to take Isabelle out for a stroll." Alexander informed. The queen smiled and opened her mouth to inform him that she didn't mind when suddenly Natalia and Claire jumped to their feet.

"Oh no, you don't," Natalia exclaimed as everyone looked at her curiously. "First, I will keep Isabelle occupied, then Nathan has promised her a sword duel- if I remember correctly. After that Isabelle, Claire, and I will be going for horse riding, until dinner. Then after that, she is all yours."

Natalia explained as she took hold of Isabelle's hand and started to drag her out. When Isabelle said something that caused her to freeze in her steps.

"Théodore n'a finalement vous propose?" Isabelle stated smugly as she managed to make the princess stop in her step. "Did Theodore finally propose to you?"

Instantly the gathering burst into a fit of laughter as Isabelle stood behind Alexander while Natalia glared at her.

"As a matter of fact, he did. We are just waiting for Alexander's approval." Natalia shrugged as everyone except for Isabelle looked at her in surprise.

"Alright," Isabelle said while stepping around Alexander "So what do you have planned to keep me occupied?"

***

It was almost as if Alexander's siblings had this all planned out, ensuring that he didn't see much of Isabelle. Even during lunch and dinner she wasn't anywhere to be seen. He later found out that she had lunch outside with his siblings and dinner was brought to her in Natalia's chambers.

"Alexander, you haven't eaten much." The queen of Scotland noticed causing him to glance up from his meal.

"Leave it Mary. It is becaue of your daughter that he is like that." Clarisse laughed causing Queen Mary to look at her in astonishment.

"Oh! I don't mean to offend you!" Clarisse clarified. "He just wants her by his side is all."

"Oh! Alright."

"Mother, I'll be heading off to bed now." Alexander informed as he stood up from his seat. "I wish you both a good night."

"Sleep well, Alexander." Clarisse said to him with a smile.

"One moment Alexander." Mary said causing Alexander to look at her curiously. "I was wondering where Isabelle would be staying."

"Oh. She will be in my chambers." Alexander informed casually.

"Huh? Your chambers?" She sputtured.

"Yes. I thought she would have told you."

"Told me what?"

"Oh! I-it's nothing!" Alexander said hurriedly as he realized his position and quickly stalked out of the hall, back to his chambers.

Alexander's guards opened his chamber's doors as he entered with a flushed face, an overwhelming sense of emberassment overcoming him. But suddenly he realized that his bedroom was dimly lit which was rather odd.

"Ah! You're finally here." Isabelle's voice rung from his side where she was standing in her nightgown a book in hand. Alexander smiled at her as he placed the book away and held her in an embrace.

"Where have you been all day amour?" Alexander asked softly as he held her to him.

"I tried to convince Natalia to let me see you, but she ensured that I couldn't." Isabelle sighed as she wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her ear against his beating heart. "I missed you."

"I missed you too amour."

***

People were gathered at the Sainte Chapelle. Everyone waiting for their new king to make his entrance. The Royals that were invited to witness the coronation were all standing in the front with the Monarchs of France and his fiancée. Everyone was dressed in vibrant and beautiful gowns that portrayed their superior status.

Everyone stood up as the Prince of France made his way across the room. He wore his military uniform, a fur Cape over his shoulders as he walked with confident and powerful strides across the red carpet rolled out for him. Isabelle had to admit that he looked dashing in his attire and watched him kneel down in front of the pope. The ceremony started as the pope started to recite.

Soon the pope brought forth the crown and placed it onto Alexander's head, telling him to rise. Standing up Alexander walked over to the throne as he sat down, the whole gathering stood up, chanting:

"Longue vie au roi!"

"Longue vie au roi!"

"Longue vie au roi!"

***

"félicitations pour votre couronnement, le roi Alexandre." Everyone congratulated their new king as he thanked them and requested them to enjoy the gathering. Soon Theodore came over to the King and clapped him on the back.

"Made quite the first impression." He told him as Alexander rolled his eyes and smiled at the people that passed him. "Someone seems to be bothering Isabelle."

Instantly Alexander's gaze snapped up as his eyes scanned the crowd of Royals in search for Isabelle. He then spotted her standing with an uneasy smile as a man, much older than her was talking to her. It was evident that he was drunk by the way he stumbled and the goblet of wine that he held.

"If you'll excuse me." Alexander said through gritted teeth as he stalked towards the two. Instantly Isabelle's eyes landed on him and she visibly relaxed. Alexander stood behind the man, and cleared his throat.

"What is it that you want you insolent brat..." The man started as he turned around but stopped short when he saw that it was none other than the King himself. "King Alexander!" He rushed out with a bow.

"What is going on here Count Valdier?" Alexander asked sharply.

"Oh, nothing your highness. I was just informing this beautiful baroness of how well you'd reign." He told him earnestly. Alexander glanced up at Isabelle and she was shaking her head at whatever the Count was saying. Looking back down at the plump man, Alexander glared at him.

"Count Valdier. I was observing you from afar and I noticed that you are making my fiancée rather uncomfortable with your talk." Alexander told him dangerously clam.

"Y-your f-f-fiancée?"

"Yes. Count Valdier, meet Princess Isabelle of Scotland, future queen to the throne and my fiancée." Alexander stated coldly as he pulled Isabelle to his side. "Maintenant, se perdre!"

Instantly the Count bowed to the two and scurried off, getting lost in the crowd of people.

"Are you alright amour?" Alexander asked softly as he interlaced his fingers with hers while caressing her cheek with the knuckles of his other hand.

"Yes. All because of you coming to my rescue my King." Isabelle smiled as she leaned into his touch.

"I might be king now. But I am still the same Alexander." He chuckled as he kissed her forehead.

"May I have this dance?" Alexander asked as the music started to play.

"Yes. you may." Isabelle smiled as she place her palm into his open one.

Alexander led her to the center of the ballroom as everyone parted for the couple, watching their King have a dance with his fiancée. Isabelle rested one hand on his shoulder while the other was interlinked with his, as Alexander had one arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him.

"How does it feel to be king?" Isabelle asked softly after a few moment of dancing in silence.

"It is not much different, just a lot more expectations." Alexander informed. "You will know soon enough, since you will be crowned queen on your eighteenth birthday."

"I won't." Isabelle mumbled.

"Revenir?"

"I am not going to be crowned queen on my eighteenth birthday." Isabelle started as they continued to dance. "Mother and I had a discussion and both of us came to the same conclusion."

"I won't be crowned queen on my eighteenth birthday, rather I will learn the affairs of the state from the very beginning. So in order to refresh my memory of how to rule a country."

"Mother and I both agreed that the latest I'd be crowned queen would be my twentieth birthday."

Alexander stayed quiet for a while. Absorbing everything in.

"And we won't get married before that, will we?" Alexander stated.

"No, we will not. Mother thinks that the postponement of the coronation will give you a chance to settle down into your role as a King. It would give you time to make and break allegiances, gain the loyalty of your subjects, and dissemination of fear into the hearts of your enemies. It would help you become a great King, just as much as I need it." Isabelle explained as they stopped dancing.

"No! I don't need time!" Alexander yelled, capturing the attention of a few people around them as they turned their heads to look towards the two. Isabelle glanced around uneasily as Alexander's outburst caught the attention of quite a few people of the gathering. Suddenly Alexander grabbed hold of her wrist as he led her out the palace.

He took her out to the gardens as the cold night air blew through their hair.

"Isabelle, no. Why are you adamant on separating us for such a long time?" Alexander asked as he turned towards her.

"Alexander, I am not adamant. I just believe that it is necessary."

"Are those your own words or your mother's?"

"Excuse me?"

"If you haven't noticed, you find your mothers words the finality of the situation." Alexander started. "I can see that you are against it just as much as I am, but only because your mother told you otherwise are you pulling through with her idea."

"Alexander you are getting..." Isabelle flared up when she was cut off by Alexander again.

"Three years Isabelle! We are not talking about a few weeks or months, we are talking about years! Three years!" He stated. "Do you think that we can meet each other over the course of three years with you being in Scotland and me being in France? I will be busy as a King, and then you are adamant on re-learning what you already know!"

"I just want to be an efficient ruler!"

"If there was one thing that my father thought me was this that you do not become an efficient ruler through books, but you become that by experience. You make the right decision, which is a result of you making a wrong decision. You learn through experience. Not through books!"

"Why don't you understand!" Isabelle yelled at him. "I can never be as good of a ruler as you! You had your father to guide you and despite that you have independent opinions and views as well! I don't! I am reliant on my mother and father to make the right decision for me because I know that I am not capable of making the right decisions! I am quite aware that I make the wrong decision when I am most needed."

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she yelled at him, while Alexander watched in her astonishment.

"You wouldn't understand." Isabelle hiccuped as she started to back away. "You do not know how it feels to be an inadequate ruler."

With that said Isabelle turned around to walk away as tears streamed down her face. Suddenly her wrist was grabbed as she was spun around and before she knew it she collided with Alexander's chest as his arms tightly held her against him.

"Make and be confident in your own decisions...stop looking for people's approval for everything. Live your life and do what you want." Alexander whispered to her while she cried into his chest as he softly stroked her hair.

"If you believe that you require time to find the queen in you, then I am willing to let you do so." Alexander forced himself to say. He did not want to be separated from her, but she required time to find herself, then he will give her the time she required.

"Come let us go back inside." Alexander whispered as he draped an arm around her shoulder and led her back inside and towards his chambers.

"I need to talk to my mother." Isabelle told him as she wiped her tears.

"Alright. I'll be waiting for you in my chambers." Alexander told her as he let her go and watched her go inside her mother's chambers before he walked towards his own.

After some time, Isabelle walked towards Alexander's chambers, and was surprised to find the doors open as the guards stood outside. Standing in the doorway she saw the back of a maid towards her, as was Alexander's.

"I do not want you entering these chambers as long as Isabelle is here." Alexander stated to the maid, unaware of Isabelle's presence. "I have already made a lot of mistakes with her, I do not need another one."

Realising what was going on, Isabelle backed away with a hand over her mouth. Instantly she turned around and ran towards her mother's chambers as pain filled tears streamed down her face. Bursting through the doors, Isabelle startled her mother who was removing her jewellery.

"Isabelle? What is the matter?" Mary asked as she rushed to her crying daughter.

"I-I want to go back." She sobbed. "I want to go back to Scotland."

"Of course. We can leave at first light tomorrow." Mary said as he embraced her heaving and crying daughter. "Everything is alright, sweetheart. You will be fine. Tell me, what seems to bother you?"

***

Alexander awoke in the morning and turned to hold Isabelle to him, but was surprised to find her side to be vacant of her presence. Last night he had fallen asleep waiting for her and had assumed that she would have come in during the night.

Instantly, he got out of bed and dressed up as he made his way down to the dinning hall for breakfast, expecting to see Isabelle there, but was surprised when he saw his family with no sign of the Scottish Royals.

"Where is Isabelle?" Alexander asked in surprise.

"They left at first light." Clarisse informed as she glared at her son.

"What? Why?"

"I would like to know too, Alexander." Clarisse stated. "What did you do to the poor girl now?"

"I did nothing! I was waiting for her to come to my chambers and I had fallen asleep waiting for her! I assumed that she would come in during the night."

"According to the maid that was in Queen Mary's chambers at the time Isabelle came crying to her mother," Nathan started from beside Clarisse, also glaring at his brother. "Isabelle had come to your chambers but you were telling a maid 'not to come into your chambers as long as Isabelle was there, since you have already made a lot of mistakes with her and did not need another one.'"

"What?" Alexander stated in confusion. "No! You must have misunderstood! I was telling the cleaning maid not to come into my chambers to clean my bedroom as long as Isabelle was there, because the last time that Isabelle stayed with me, Lillian had walked in assuming that we weren't there in order to clean my room. I didn't want a repeat of last time, so I told her not to come in as long as Isabelle was with me!"

Everyone looked at Alexander in shock.

"I am telling the truth!" He exclaimed. "You can ask Lillian, or my guards!"

"No, we believe you!" Clarisse exclaimed but a look of concern crossed her features. "But Isabelle was angry when she left, she said that you shouldn't try to contact her."

"What? No! I have to tell her and clear her misunderstanding." Alexander stated as he walked out the hall.

"I'm not sure if she would be willing to listen to him anymore." Nathan said beside the queen.

"I hope that she does."