Red, orange and yellow, in various different shades. All of them floating gracefully on the soft breeze. It was as if a friendly hand was gently lowering them to the ground. Whispers between these leaves filled the air, whispers, and mutters. The air was cool and crisp, like a refreshing drink of cool water after hours in a desert. The breeze fluttered around, gently caressing everything it touched with fingers that had been a comfort to so many over their long, lonely years.

The light breeze touched the leaves and they danced in the air of October. Princess Isabelle, wrapped up in a warm coat was smelling the sweet air that was all around her. She could almost see the wind, for it seemed to move everything slightly like it was in control over the whole earth. Her chocolate brown hair flew in wild directions. She reached up and tucked her hair behind her ear and kept walking through the swaying trees. That day it was cloudy like nature was planning for a storm, but a few clouds were white and that moment was so perfect, the princess had to be outside.

"Natalia! Claire! Come quick!" Isabelle called out to the two princesses trudging behind her.

"We're coming! We're coming!" Natalia yelled back in exasperation while the younger princess giggled.

Finally, they reached Isabelle who stood underneath a large tree that shaded them. A deep sense of serenity overcame Isabelle as she stared in rapture at the expanse of blue that lay before her. Rays of lights danced delicately across the water, birthed from the evening sun that both unbounded her sight and made the view all the more beautiful.

Isabelle turned to look at the two princesses. One of which looked at her with a smile, and the other looking at her with annoyance evident on her royal features.

"Why are we outside? It is chilly in the air." Natalia complained as Isabelle shook her head at the Princess.

"Come Talia. It is not that chilly! Don't tell me you don't find this beautiful? As to why we are out in the open, is because I want to have a picnic!" Isabelle informed enthusiastically with her full ruby red lips forming a huge smile.

"A picnic!" Claire said excitedly while clapping her hands, as Natalia crossed her arms over her chest and rolled her eyes. The servants laid out the blanket under the tree where the princess made themselves comfortable while the maid emptied the content of the picnic basket that Isabelle had asked to be prepared for them.

The three princesses sat under the tree, enjoying the breeze that would pluck the chords of nature, filling the courtyard with the music of rustling trees. Under blue and sunlit skies, the view was wondrous to behold, for the lake teemed with life. To the chorus of birdsong from the surrounding green bushes, and the sound of carp sucking amongst the flowering lily pads, mother duck, watchful for the predatory pike, scooped the surface for food, with her young trailing behind like a row of bobbing corks. Dab-chicks and coots fed in the safe haven of the reed-beds, whilst flashing green and blue dragonflies hovered above.

"This is quite beautiful." Natalia murmured in a daze as she looked at the dragonfly flying overhead.

"I told you," Isabelle stated smugly as she bit into the sandwich she held in her hand, her comment causing Claire and Natalia to chuckle. Soon the princess's got indulged in a mundane conversation, talking and laughing. Simply enjoying the weather.

"Alexander, I have a matter that I would like to discuss with you," Nathan said to his brother as they strolled side by side through the courtyard.

"That being?" Alexander questioned.

"A few days ago..." He started but paused, being unsure of whether to continue or not.

"A few days ago Isabelle approached me, claiming that she needed to address an urgent matter," Nathan stated. As he took Isabelle's name, Alexander stopped strolling and looked ahead, his arms folded behind his back.

"What was that 'urgent matter'?"

"She claimed that she has been affianced to you since she was born. Is it true?"

"Yes, it is. Father had proposed it while King Henry accepted." Alexander nodded as he glanced at his brother from the side of his eye.

"When Isabelle had taken me to the courtyard, she brought me into light about everything. And...she was distressed. She even broke down crying." Nathan stated as he regarded his brother.

"She stated that she didn't understand how she would survive the rest of her life with...uh...with a person like you," Nathan said hurriedly, afraid of his brother's anger. He expected Alexander to yell, but it never came, when he looked up to meet his eyes, they held amusement rather than fury.

"I am quite aware of her repulsion regarding our engagement, and I am also aware of her dislike towards me," Alexander informed as he continued to look ahead.

"When Isabelle broke down crying...I comforted her, and while comforting her, she....She inquired why she couldn't get betrothed to me instead." Nathan spoke, but his voice diminished to a whisper by the end of his sentence.

"What did you portray to her regarding her statement?" Alexander questioned calmly which surprised Nathan a great deal.

"I-I...Well, I explained to her that it was due to the fact that you are to be King while I am only the king's bastard. And well, she is supposed to be queen soon." He spoke solemnly. Alexander simply nodded.

"Forgive me, brother. I am quite susceptible of your predilection towards my fiancee, but I would...prefer that you keep your relationship to friendship basis. She doesn't exactly...fancy me, and well, since we are to get married in the near future, I would prefer that she does so on her own accord." Alexander said with slight discomfort.

"I understand brother. If I were in your shoes I would have wished for the same." Nathan spoke up finally after an agonizing silence.

"She is quite wonderful, Alexander. Don't lose her to your perseverance." Nathan informed while Alexander looked at him. He gave him a curt nod, to show that he appreciated his opinion.

"Nathan! Alex!" Someone calls out from the front. Both the brothers look up and find Claire beckoning them forward from under a tree, by the lake. They can see Isabelle and Natalia sitting on a picnic blanket, both drinking out of silver chalices.

"Oh! Now I understand why you were looking ahead all the time! You were marveling Isabelle." Nathan stated smugly, causing Alexander to glare at him.

"No, I was not," Alexander grumbled as he hit him upside the head.

"Whatever you say, your highness." Nathan mocked as he starts to walk towards the princesses followed closely by Alex.

As they reached the Princesses, Claire ran up to them and hugged Alexander, who was caught by surprise and nearly toppled back.

"My. You have quite the energy." He grunted as she tightened her grip around his waist.

"Alex! Thank God you can finally spend some time with us." She proclaimed causing Alexander to chuckle at his younger sister.

"Sit with us!" She exclaimed as she grabbed Alexander's hand and dragged him towards the picnic blanket.

"What? You forgot about me?" Nathan asked as he feigned mock hurt.

"Yes. I always see you, but I hardly see Alex." Claire announced honestly, causing Nathan's jaw to drop open while Alexander burst out laughing at his brother's expression. Claire sat down on the edge and patted the spot next to her. With a small smile, Alexander sat down with his back leaning against the tree bark while Nathan came and lay down on the other side, forcing Natalia and Isabelle into the middle.

An undignified 'Hey!' came from the two princesses as they were forced to move from their places.

"What a lovely weather. Don't you think so Alex?" Nathan called out to his brother who nodded in response. He leaned his head back against the tree trunk and closed his eyes as he let the sound of nature cocoon his mind, carrying him to the far away land of serenity. A small smile played on Alexander's lips as the leaves rustled overhead with the birds singing their beautiful songs, entertaining the royals.

"Alexander!" Claire whined out as she shook his arm.

"Yes?" Alexander asked as he opened his eyes to regard his sister.

"You aren't listening to me!" She complained.

"Forgive me. I was lost in thought." Alexander apologized.

"I was wondering if you would like a biscuit?" Claire asked as she held up a plate of freshly baked biscuits.

"I would love one," Alexander informed as he took one and bit into it.

Isabelle watched how Alexander treated Claire with gentleness and kindness. She had never seen him being so affectionate towards his sister, and she found it rather refreshing to see the stone-faced Prince smile and laugh. She secretly glanced at him while he talked to Natalia and Claire regarding their well-being, as Nathan rambled on about some mundane matter she wasn't even paying attention to.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves above, flowing through the gaps like water, falling directly onto Alexander, illuminating his handsome face. The sunlight painted his lips a soft pink and his hair into the most intense shade of hazel brown Isabelle had ever encountered. His face seemed to glow in the sunlight, flaunting his radiant olive skin complexion. Suddenly his gaze flickered up and met hers. Isabelle's breath caught in her throat as she was mesmerized by his eyes.

He has the most wonderful eyes - they are blue, mostly, but darken to gray in correspondence to his mood. They were a mix of blue and gray, slowly churning and combining together to form the unique orbs she was spellbound by. Brown flecks dusted his pupil, only enhancing them. But the way the sun shone on his eyes was a different story entirely. The sun illuminated his eyes, brightening them while they glittered as the rays of light bounced off the surface.

"Isabelle? Hello, Isabelle?" She heard someone call out to her as a hand was waved in front of her face causing her to blink and come back to reality.

"Yes? Sorry, what?" She questioned as she blinked.

"I have been calling out to you for a while now. You just zoned out on me." Nathan complained.

"I'm sorry. I was just thinking about something." Isabelle informed sheepishly.

"That's alright. I asked if you would like to spar with me some time." Nathan questioned. A smile broke out on Isabelle's face as she regarded him.

"Of course I would love to, Nathan." She informed enthusiastically causing Nathan to smile in return.

"Pardon me, your highness's?" A maid came over to them and curtsied.

"Yes?" Natalia questioned with a slight nod.

"The king is requesting all of your presence." She informed.

"Thank you. We'll be there in a moment." Alexander spoke with an acknowledged nod, telling her that she may leave.

"Shall we go?" Nathan questioned as he stood to help Isabelle and Natalia up. Both of them took hold of either of his hands as he pulled them back to their feet. Nathan gestured for them to walk ahead as he followed closely behind them with Alexander and Claire beside him.

As they entered the grand hall they were greeted by the concerned look of the queen.

"Sit." King Francis's voice resonated through the empty hall. With slight unease, the young Royals sat down in their seats as they all regarded the king who stood at the head of the table, an impassive expression adorning his face.

"I have an announcement to make." The king started. The two princes seemed to lean forward at the revelation.

"I recently received a letter from your father, Isabelle. King Henry." Francis addressed Isabelle, causing her to sit up straighter.

"He informed me that the war has taken a turn. For the worst."

"Henry stated in his letter that there was an English spy in his army, who was reporting everything to the Englishmen, giving them an upper hand in the war." He informed calmly as Isabelle's eyes widened in fright.

"Your father is well, he isn't injured, but he has suffered many casualties, and is in desperate need of support," King Francis assured as Isabelle visibly relaxed.

"This is the reason as to why I have summoned you all here. I am going to depart for Scotland to assist him." He informed as the other nodded in response.

"When are we leaving?" Nathan asked his father.

"We' aren't going. I, on the other hand, am." He responded calmly when suddenly both Nathan and Alexander got to their feet.

"We can't let you go alone! We can assist you in the war!" Alexander reasoned as his father shook his head. His eyes received a distant look as he shook his head at Alexander.

"No. Alexander, I need you to stay here and look after France. I am entrusting you with my duties as King. As a Prince and the future King of France, it is your obligation to look after you country in my absence." He spoke solemnly.

"If Alexander can't be excused from his princely duties than I may assist you." Nathan reasoned.

"No. Nathan. I want you to stay and look after your sisters, Isabelle and the queen." The king explained.

Alexander seemed furious. His face was red with anger, and his hands curled into tight fists by his side.

"Promise me." The queen spoke softly. The king redirected his attention to her, as he regarded her with a questioning look.

"Promise me that you will come back safe and alive." She continued.

"Clarisse, you and I both know that we can't predict the outcome of this war."

"No! I want you to promise me that you will do everything in your power to come back to your children! To me!" She spoke breathlessly as she stood in front of him.

"Clarisse..." The king spoke softly as she placed her palm on the side of his face.

"Please...Francis, promise me that you will return back to us." She choked out.

Isabelle felt like they were intruding on a sacred moment. A moment of love and affection shared between the king and queen of France. Francis remained silent as he stared into the scared and vulnerable eyes of his queen.

"I can't promise you that I will return...But I can promise you that I will try my best. For you, for Alexander, Nathan, Natalia, and Claire. I promise that I will try with all my power to return back to you safe and alive." The King aforesaid as he took hold of his wife's hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles. Clarisse managed a weak smile and nodded, glad that she could compensate for a promise of endeavor.

***

Since the king had left for Scotland, the Queen and Prince Alexander had sealed themselves in their chambers. The queen had just required some time on her own and had come down for dinner the following day. Alexander, on the other hand, hadn't come out of his chambers for two days. The queen tried convincing him otherwise, but he was stubborn as a mule. Alexander was upset that his father left alone. Both Nathan and he are skilled enough to assist him and protect him, but his father had decided otherwise.

After a few days, Alexander came out himself, but he was hardly seen as he was couped up in his study, attending matters of the state. He often left the palace and went to the village and marketplace regarding some matter that he had to personally oversee.

"Excuse me. Your highness?" A young maid entered the dining chambers and curtsied to the queen.

"Yes, Lily?" The queen inquired as she stopped eating her dinner to regard the maid.

"You majesty. His highness, Prince Alexander is refusing to eat supper." She informed. The queen gave a short nod and with a wave of her hand, dismissed Lily.

"What am I going to do? He hasn't eaten, nor slept since the past two weeks!" Clarisse sighed in exasperation. Everyone was silent at the revelation. He must be really occupied to disregard his health.

"Your Majesty. May I take his supper to him?" Isabelle spoke suddenly.

"Are you sure dear? I don't want you to bother yourself with all this."

"Yes, your majesty. I'm fine. If I may have your permission."

"Of course dear, you may." Clarisse relented with a sigh. Isabelle gave a curt nod and stood from her place.

"Lily. Would you bring me Alexander's supper." Isabelle regarded the maid in the corner who curtsied and left followed by Isabelle.

"I believe Isabelle is warming up to Alex," Claire informed as she enjoyed her soup while the others looked at her curiously.

Isabelle knocked on Alexander's study's door as she balanced the tray in her hand. She heard a faint 'Come in' from the other side. Cautiously she opened the door and closed it behind her. Alexander sat behind his large wooden desk, papers piled high around him as he furiously scribbled on the paper. He didn't look up to see who had entered, and Isabelle felt relieved. She took quick strides towards his desk and placed the tray directly on top of the paper he was writing on, his pen in mid air, with his gaze down at the tray.

Isabelle knew that he was angry at the act, but she stood in front of his desk with her arms crossed over her chest as she looked at Alexander, still looking down. Suddenly his gaze snapped up to yell at her, but he wasn't aware that this 'her' would be Isabelle.

"Isabelle?" He questioned, rather surprised, his reprimands forgotten.

"I hear you haven't eaten." She spoke as she took a seat in front of his desk.

"I am not starved," Alexander informed as he started to lift the tray, but before he could even get it up, it was slammed back down onto his table.

"From what I have heard is that it has been two weeks since you haven't slept nor eaten properly. Then you tell me that you are not starved. Alexander, I will ensure that you eat, so that your mother can finally calm down. And I will sit here until you finish, otherwise I will ensure that you can not do anything." She threatened while Alexander narrowed his eyes at her.

"Fine!" He sighed in exasperation, causing Isabelle to smile. She sat down on the seat as she looked around his study. It was beautiful and lit with numerous candles. There was a large bookshelf to Isabelle's left while there was a balcony to her right. She glanced over to the bookshelf and tilted her head to the right as she saw a worn out red cover, being the sore thumb in the midst of rather recent seeming books.

She stood up from her seat and strolled to the middle of the shelf where the book lay sandwiched between two other books. Her hand went up to pull it out but stopped at the last moment.

"May I?" Isabelle asked Alexander as she remembered that she was in his study. He nodded in response as he was busy eating the chicken. Once he had taken his first bite Alexander had realized how hungry he was.

Isabelle pulled the book out and slightly dusted the dull red cover. It had bold golden writing on the front, and it was in french. She sat down with the book in hand and opened it to the first page. While reading, she would glance up to find Alexander eating calmly or looking at her skeptically. Without a thought or word, she would continue to read. She had ordered more food for Alexander as she was quite aware of how hungry he must have been.

Alexander was quite surprised when another food-laden tray was placed in front of him, but he didn't complain as he ate the scrumptious meal. He was curious as to why Isabelle was the one to bring him the food, he was also curious by what she meant by her threat. But he was confirmed about one thing, she will sit in front of him until he finishes. At the moment, she has been reading one of his books, since the moment he started to eat, and she was still reading. Isabelle seemed to be enjoying the book, but she didn't say.

Once Alexander was done with his food, he sat back in his chair with his silver chalice in hand as he watched Isabelle flip the page and continue to read.

"Isabelle." He called out to her softly, in hopes to gain her attention. She only hummed in response as she continued to read.

"May I ask, how is the pamphlet?" Alexander questioned as he leaned back in the chair. This caused Isabelle to close the book and look at him as she heaved a sigh.

"Very...informative." She nodded.

"Informative? How may I ask?" He questioned in return with a raised eyebrow.

"It is about the House of Valois." Isabelle stated as she placed the book on his desk.

"What about the House of Valois?"

"Oh, you know. How it came into being, biography on Charles the count of Valois. Why it came into being, then it goes up till King Edward the third. Your grandfather I believe."

"Yes, he was a rather strict disciplinarian, but a very effective king during his rule. He struck fear in the hearts of his enemies and respect in the hearts of his loyal subjects."

"You seem to have been very fond of your grandfather." Isabelle inquired while Alexander chuckled.

"Yes, I was. I don't have a lot of vivid memories of him, but from what my mother has told me, I spent a lot of my childhood with him, my waking hours were spent in the vicinity of my grandfather."

"That's a rather lovely childhood. I can't quite recall mine, but my mother would often tell me that I always turned the palace upside down." Isabelle laughed.

They both fell into a comfortable silence, Isabelle looking down at her long slender fingers while Alexander glanced at the book rested atop his desk.

"Well, I believe I should be leaving now since you have held your end of the bargain, I shall be holding mine." Isabelle spoke before Alexander could say anything as she stood from her place.

"Have a good night, your majesty." She spoke formally with a courtesy. As she neared the doors, Alexander watched her walk away.

"Wait." He called out to her. Not knowing what he was going to say, and why he told her to stop, was beyond him. It just slipped, and now he had to think of something reasonable to say to her.

"Yes, your highness?" Isabelle inquired as she turned around to face him. Alexander's mouth opened and closed like a gaping fish, as a string of nonsensical words escaped his lips. With a groan, he closed his mouth and ran a hand through his hair. He heard slight giggling that caused him to look up. Isabelle was trying hard to suppress her laughter with hand over her mouth, but he didn't stop the giggles from escaping the clasp of her palm.

"Forgive me." Isabelle apologized as she cleared her throat.

"Is there something you require from me?" She continued.

"Well...would you could you come back again?" He sighed helplessly. Isabelle seemed caught off guard and shifted uneasily between her feet.

"Uhm...Your highness..." She started, but Alexander cut her off before she could continue.

"It's alright. You don't have to. You may leave." Alexander said hastily, feeling extremely discomposed. Isabelle seemed to hesitate for a moment, but eventually nodded and left his study. Just as the large doors closed shut, Alexander released an agitated breath and leaned back in his chair as he ran a hand through his disheveled hair. With a quick shake of his head, he resumed the paperwork.

***

Alexander didn't realize how long he had been sitting in the same position when a knock brought him out of his concentration.

"Come in." He called from his place. He heard the doors open, then close, followed by faint footsteps. Alexander didn't think it necessary to look up at his guest as he was too preoccupied with other thought.

"How long do you plan to remain like this?" The unmistakable voice of Isabelle asked. His gaze snapped up to meet with her amazing blue-green orbs, that held amusement as she looked at Alexander.

"Isabelle. What brings you here?" He asked, ignoring her question.

"You asked me if I could come back again, so I came." She informed as she sat down on the previous seat. Now Isabelle wasn't wearing her green gown from before, instead she wore a white nightdress with a robe, who's sleeves hung loosely from her arms, her hair that was in a bun, was now open and cascading down her back in natural curls.

Alexander fell quiet. He didn't expect her to actually come, but now that she was here, he was at a loss about what to say to her. He looked down at his desk, glancing at the papers piled high around him. Alexander then ran a hand through his hair, a habit he has had.

"Would you like to walk with me?" Isabelle asked suddenly.

"Come again?" He asked leaning forward slightly. Isabelle chuckled and stood from her place. She then grabbed hold of Alexander's arm and started to pull him out of the chair.

"Come! Take a walk through the gardens with me. You need some fresh air. And time away from all of this work. Take a break!" She laughed as she managed to get him out of the seat and onto his feet. He stood still for a moment, then shook the soreness out of his joints.

"Come." Isabelle chuckled as she started to walk towards the grand doors. Alexander followed her through the corridor, and out to the courtyard.

The night came whispering sweet nothings, luring heat from tired muscles until they could rest no more. It caressed their skin until it stole the pink blush and replaced it with blue. Above was the beauty of the stars, the clear night allowing the meager heat of the day to leave unhindered. The only notion of brightness came from a full moon, and even her light was a chilled silver beam.

Alexander was greeted by the cold air that blew his hair back. He momentarily closed his eyes from the ferocity of the cold wind, and when he reopened them, he found Isabelle to too far ahead, her arms open as she spun in circles, laughing to herself as she seemed unfazed by the bitter cold lingering in the air.

"Isabelle. Don't you suppose that it is too cold to be out here at this time?" Alexander questioned as he stepped forward.

"The cold is a friend. The night is my companion. And the stars are my lovers." She spoke softly. Alexander seemed confused by what she meant.

"My mother often said this to me." She informed laughing.

"Let's walk a little," Isabelle suggested as she started to stroll through the gardens with Alexander beside her. Soon enough they started to converse with one another. Comfortable in the other's presence. It seemed as if they had known each other for their whole lives, and they chatted away their worries and concerns. Alexander talked to her about the affairs of the state, while she listened intently and gave in an opinion of her own. He wasn't just yet comfortable to completely open up to her, and neither was she. But they both were comfortable enough to voice their opinions to the other and laugh at one another.

It felt good to be laughing again. It was amazing how the fresh night air rejuvenated him and made him feel...lighter, more relaxed. Suddenly Isabelle gasped from beside him and he turned to regard her. "Alexander look. The stars." She sighed in content as she gazed up at the night sky.

The black before them had a velvet quality like the air had been thickened somehow. A starry night loomed above, pretty enough to ignite the heart of any nature's child. There were lighter patches, clusters of faint and bold light, the constellations altered according to the time of year. These were the same stars that greeted the ancients, the same ones that would be there in millions of years.

"I love the Scottish night sky. Matte charcoal black uncontrollably covered in thousands and millions of bright specks. I love that you can see the star, after star, after star, a never ending void of light that projects no means of guidance in my eyes." Isabelle spoke after a while of silent admiration.

"I envy people that can read that stars. The complicated configurations and patterns of light which have taken years to be seen by the average naked eye. Below, the blacked out hillside can just be seen, its roughness and texture now one clean flat shape, dissolving down into the dewy grass." She sighed as she wrapped her arms around her slim figure.

"What about you Alexander? Don't you like the starry night sky?" Isabelle asked softly as she looked into his gray eyes.

"I can't exactly say that I love the night sky. But I am often mesmerized by it. The way the stars twinkle and shine without a care in the world. How they remain and look after us during the dark, and just how they illuminate the canvas of night. It is often bewitching." Alexander revealed just as a cold air blew past him, sending a slight chill down his back.

"It is getting cold out. I believe we should get inside." He spoke as he regarded Isabelle, who was looking at him with a strange emotion reflected in her eyes and a small smile gracing her lips.

"Yes, I believe we should." She nodded after a moment and followed Alexander back inside.

Once they were inside, they made their way to his study and talked their as well, both of them never realizing that the night had come to an end and the day had taken it's placed.

Suddenly the doors of Alexander's study burst open and his mother and sister rushed in.

"We can't find Isabelle....anywhere." The queen exclaimed in panic but slowed down when her eyes landed on the Scottish princess that sat on one of the seats in front of Alexander's desk.

"What is the matter, your highness?" Isabelle asked standing up.

"My dear, we didn't see you at breakfast, and you weren't to be found in your room, so we got concerned and looked for you." The queen explained.

"But...I haven't been her all that long."

"No, of course not. Just the entirety of the night and majority of the day." Natalia stated nonchalantly and Isabelle's mouth fell agape.

"I-I have been her so long?" She asked in surprise.

"Yes, dear. Now come. The two of you must be hungry." The queen exclaimed as she took hold of Alexander while Natalia took hold of Isabelle and dragged the two of them to the dining room. Nathan and Claire waited for them in the room, and when the doors opened to reveal the queen and Natalia with Isabelle and Alexander.

Nathan breathed a breath of relief and hugged Isabelle tightly.

"Where were you?! We have been searching the whole palace for you!" Nathan reprimanded, causing Isabelle to feel guilty that she made everyone worry about her. She opened her mouth to explain, but instead Alexander answered for her.

"She was with me. And she was perfectly safe, Nathan." Alexander informed as he took his place on the table. Isabelle nodded in confirmation as she was dragged to sit beside Alexander.

"Now you two will eat something. It seems like that the both of you have been awake all night." The queen spoke suspiciously as their meal was placed in front of the royals. Alexander and Isabelle nodded as they started to eat.

"So, what were you guys doing last night?" Natalia asked innocently. Alexander looked at her with a raised eyebrow as he realized her implied meaning while Isabelle seemed oblivious to her implication.

"We were talking." Isabelle shrugged innocently as she played with the ring on her finger.

"Just talking?" Natalia questioned curiously as she leaned her elbows on the table.

"Yes, I believe that is what I just said," Isabelle replied slightly irritated by Natalia. The french princess just nodded and continued to eat, but the queen and her seemed to be having a silent conversation through their eyes, something which caused the two of them to smirk. Alexander eyes his mother and younger sister warily and became even more apprehensive when the queen stood from her place.

"Oh! My Isabelle. Your hair must be coming in your mouth." She exclaimed causing Isabelle to look up at her and shake her head as she had a bite in her mouth.

"Oh! Nonsense dear!" The queen proclaimed as she gathered all of Isabelle's hair and pulled it up, exposing her neck.

"Huh. Well, there is nothing on her neck." The queen spoke disappointed, causing Natalia to pout while Claire was confused at the statement. Nathan's eyes widened, but the expression that caused Isabelle to realize what the queen meant came from Alexander. He had covered his face with his hands as he let out an agitated groan. Seeming to realize what the queen meant, Isabelle's hands shot up to cup her neck as her face reddened and her eyes widened in the queen's direction.

"And I thought that I'd be a grandmother." She sighed gloomily as she sat down in her seat. At her statement, Isabelle started to choke on the air, causing a coughing fit to take over her. Instantly Alexander was patting her back and handed her a glass of water which she gulped down in an instant. The coughing decreased and she gave Alexander a grateful nod. The others watched this exchange take place with wide grins or confused, impassive expressions.

"May I have a word with you mother?" Alexander asked as he stood from his place, followed closely by his mother.

***

Alexander had a long discussion with his mother about Isabelle, and she wasn't going to leave the two alone anytime soon. And now she had come up with another plan for the two. Alexander was heading to his chambers, expecting a good night's rest, but just as he was about to reach the doors, he was spun around, making him slightly dazed, with his mother and sister on either side of him, dragging him off to somewhere and chatting his ear off, making him even more confused and disoriented than before.

"What?" Alexander asked as he didn't understand what the two were saying as they were both talking at the same time and at lightning speed.

Suddenly he was pushed somewhere, causing him to stumble forward when he heard the locks of a door click into place. Alexander looked up and found himself in Isabelle's chambers. He cursed under his breath and turned towards the door. He tried opening them, but they wouldn't since they were locked. He was about to slam his hand on the door when he heard her.

"Sarah? Is that you?" She asked from her bath. Alexander remained silent as he wasn't quite sure on what to say.

"Well, Sarah the bath was lovely. Thank you, I needed a warm soak." He heard Isabelle's voice draw nearer.

"Alexander?" He heard her call out from behind him, and he winced slightly. Slowly he turned around and faced her. Her hair was wet, and she was getting ready for bed.

"Isabelle." Alexander acknowledged.

"What are you doing in my chambers?" She asked suspiciously as she crossed her arms over her chest. With a sigh, Alexander explained everything to her while she listened silently. Once he was done with explaining Isabelle walked towards the door and tried to open them as well, but it was a futile attempt, the doors wouldn't move. She wracked her knuckles on the door and placed her ear against the wooden surface.

"Guards! Open this door this instant or I will get the two of you beheaded once I get out!" Isabelle threatened, surprising Alexander. She continued to try and lure the guards, but it seemed like that they were adamant on following their queen's order.

"Well, that didn't help." Isabelle sighed while Alexander hummed. He sat down in the chair near her fireplace and rested his cheek on his palm.

"Why don't you get some sleep, I'll wait until they open the door. Mother will have to let us out sooner or later." Alexander suggested as he removed his coat from his shoulders draping it over the armrest of the chair.

"No, you haven't slept. I suggest that you get some sleep." Isabelle reasoned as she sat down across from him. Alexander was against the idea, and they both had an argument on who went to sleep. With an irritated sigh, Alexander stood up, and Isabelle thought that she had won the argument, but oh, how wrong she was. Alexander stood in front of her and picked her up, one arm under her knees while the other was under her shoulders.

"Alexander. What are you doing?" She asked quietly as he walked over to her bed. He gently placed her down and lay down next to her.

"Since we aren't coming to an agreement, I suggest that we both fall asleep," Alexander said as he sat up and pulled his shirt off. Isabelle eyed him warily while he just rolled his eyes. He then turned and lay down on his stomach.

"I'm too tired to argue. Suit yourself." Alexander mumbled as he turned his face to look at her with half-lidded eyes. Isabelle watched him silently then she gave in and lay down herself, her back towards him. The room was bathed in darkness, except for the light that came from the diminishing hearth.

They both lay in silence, trying to fall asleep, but it wouldn't come. Isabelle sighed and rubbed her eyes in annoyance. Suddenly she felt an arm wrap around her waist, causing her to squeal in surprise as her back collided with a strong chest.

"Shh...Just sleep." Alexander mumbled drowsily as he nuzzled his face in her neck, breathing in her scent. Isabelle felt sparks ignite all around her body as she lay frozen like a statue. Eventually she also relaxed at the sound of Alexander's rhythmic breathing. Looking for a more comfortable position, she turned so that she was facing him and lay her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat, soothe her to sleep, as he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him while he nuzzled his head in her neck.