Chapter 115: Making the Engagement Announcement
Andrew
I hurried to Isabel’s chambers. I knocked gently, and within moments, the door swung open. Isabel stood before me, radiant in a sky-blue gown that flowed to the floor, perfectly complementing her fair complexion. Her hair was elegantly arranged in elaborate curls, each pinned meticulously, exuding an air of effortless grace.
“May I come in?”
“You may come in, Andrew.”
Isabel led me to the plush couch in the sitting room, the soft fabric enveloping us as we settled in.
“My mother said that tea went well.”
“I was so nervous, Andrew. I had met these women before, but they can be intimidating.”
“My mother praised your regal conduct,” I reassured her, reaching out to take her hand.
“The queen’s praise is much appreciated. I feared I might pass out or embarrass myself. Lady Arabella is very perceptive,” Isabel noted, a blush spreading across her cheeks. “She suspects that I have won your heart.”
“Some members of the court may have their suspicions, but we do not have to announce anything until you are ready.”
“I believe I am ready to make the announcement. I want to marry you, Andrew. I was just nervous about the public appearances.”
“I understand that, Isabel. Public appearances never seem to get easier. Are you sure you’re ready to announce our engagement?”
“I am sure, Andrew. I want to shout it to the world.”
“Then I will tell my father.”
“Thank you, Andrew, for making me feel comfortable.”
“I would do anything for you, Isabel.”
I gently kissed her hand before leaving, her warmth lingering on my lips. I made my way to the grand throne room. My father was likely finishing up his monthly council meeting. I approached. Councilmen filtered out, their murmurs blending with the echo of footsteps against the marble floor. My father sat on his throne, his head resting in his hands, the weight of the kingdom evident in his posture. I cleared my throat to announce my presence.
“Andrew, what can I do for you?” he asked, lifting his weary eyes to meet mine.
“Father, Isabel has decided she is ready to announce our engagement.”
“That is wonderful news, son. I will announce your engagement at dinner. Tomorrow, we will send a decree to the rest of the kingdom. You chose wisely, my son.”
“Thank you, Father. Father, what did the council say?”
“They asked when you were going to take a wife,” he said, his expression turning serious. “They want you to take your proper place as crowned prince soon. I assured them that you will find your path in time.”
“Thank you, Father.”
“Andrew, I have some important matters to attend to. I will see you at dinner.”
I bowed in respect as I left. My next stop was the nursery, where I knew my mother would be tending to my younger brother, Christopher. The scent of lavender and the soft hum of lullabies filled the air as I approached. Sure enough, Mother was in her rocking chair, a serene smile lighting her face as she gently rocked Christopher.
“Andrew, it’s nice to see you again.”
“Hello, Mother. How is Christopher today?” I asked, glancing at my baby brother, who cooed contentedly in her arms.
“He is getting big, but he is healthy.”
“What did Isabel have to say?”
“She was grateful for your hospitality at tea,” I began, a smile spreading across my face as I recalled our conversation. “She also wishes to announce our engagement.”
“Have you spoken to your father about this?”
“I just spoke with Father. He will announce the engagement to the council at dinner. Tomorrow, he will send out a decree.”
“You and Isabel make a lovely couple. She is a smart match for you. I am glad you found someone who is your equal in every way.”
“Thank you, Mother. Mother, why did you say yes to Father? I know it was an arranged match. You had never met him, yet you agreed without hesitation.”
Mother sighed, her eyes reflecting a past filled with both duty and resilience. She paused, carefully piecing her words together.
“Your father and I were engaged from the moment I was born. I was raised to be the perfect match for your father. If I had refused the marriage, I would have been cast out of society and my home. You know your grandfather Jacob was a cruel man. chose your father because I accepted my fate. Our relationship had a rocky start, but love won in the end.”
“Are you questioning your decision to propose, Andrew?”
“No, I am just glad I had the chance to choose. I am sorry that you did not, Mother.”
She reached out and gently touched my cheek, her expression softening.
“That was a long time ago, Andrew. Things are done differently now. We must prepare for dinner,” she said, her tone becoming more practical. “We do not want to be late.”
Mother handed Christopher to his nurse with a gentle kiss on his forehead. I offered my arm to her, and she gracefully accepted it. Together, we made our way swiftly to the dining hall, our steps echoing softly through the grand corridors. Upon entering, Mother took her seat at the head of the table. I walked briskly over to Isabel, who was already seated, her eyes lighting up as she saw me approach.
“What did your father say, Andrew?”
“I am sorry I did not come by sooner. I needed to discuss the matter with both my parents. Father is going to tell the council at dinner. Tomorrow, he will send a decree."
“That certainly was fast,” she remarked, her eyes widening slightly.
“After the decree is sent, there will be a public appearance. Usually, this means a parade followed by a ball. The day after the ball, I will be named the crowned prince. Another ball will follow. Whenever you are ready, we will be married.”
“That sounds like a lot.”
“It is a lot. I will be right beside you through it all.”
“Thank you, Andrew.”
My father entered the room, and a hush fell over the gathered assembly. We quickly took our seats. Father, exuding authority and grace, made his way to the head of the table, commanding the attention of the councilmen and members of the court.
“My esteemed councilmen and members of the court I am pleased to announce my son’s engagement to Lady Isabel.”
A murmur of approval and excitement rippled through the room, faces lighting up with smiles and nods of agreement. Father continued, his tone filled with pride and satisfaction.
“This union marks a significant moment for our kingdom. Lady Isabel has shown herself to be a woman of grace, intelligence, and strength. Qualities that will serve her well as she stands by Andrew’s side.”
Isabel, seated beside me, blushed modestly, her hand still in mine. I squeezed it gently, sharing a private smile with her as Father went on.
“The engagement will be celebrated with a series of grand events befitting this joyous occasion. Tomorrow, a decree will be sent out to inform the entire kingdom. Following this, there will be a public appearance, a parade through the city culminating in a grand ball where the couple will be formally presented.”
Excitement buzzed around the room, and I could see the councilmen already whispering amongst themselves about preparations.
“The day after the ball Andrew will be officially named the crowned prince. Another ball will follow to celebrate this milestone. When they are ready, Andrew and Isabel will be married.”
The councilmen erupted into applause. The cheers filled the hall, and I turned to her, taking in the sight of her joy, her eyes sparkling like the stars.
“I cannot believe this is happening.”
“Believe it my love This is just the beginning.”
"Let us raise our glasses to Andrew and Isabel, to their future, and to the enduring strength of our kingdom."
We all lifted our goblets, the room filled with the sound of clinking glasses and heartfelt toasts. Dinner was served. Light music began to play and the courtiers whispered amongst themselves. I saw Isabel blush as several people turned their eyes to her. I quickly held her hand to help steady her nerves. Dinner had ended, and the air was filled with a sense of satisfaction and celebration. The servants began to bring out the dessert, an array of exquisite pastries, cakes, and fruits that looked almost too beautiful to eat. While the final courses were served, it became evident that many members of the court had indulged a bit too freely in the wine. Laughter and lively conversation echoed throughout the dining hall as the court members congratulated Isabel and me on their way out the door, their steps a bit unsteady. One particularly tipsy noble, Lord Antonio, a man known for his hearty appetite and even heartier laugh, stumbled over to us, a half-eaten pastry still in his hand.
"Andrew, my boy!" he exclaimed, nearly tripping over his own feet. "Lady Isabel, the future of our kingdom! Magnificent news.”
"Thank you, Lord Antonio," Isabel said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Lord Antonio attempted to bow. He misjudged the distance to the floor and ended up tumbling forward, his pastry flying out of his hand and landing with a splat right onto Sir Percie’s face, who was seated nearby and in the midst of a rather serious conversation about state affairs. There was a moment of stunned silence, followed by an uproar of laughter. Sir Percie, his face now smeared with custard and crumbs, blinked in surprise. Even he could not help but chuckle as he wiped the pastry off with a napkin.
"Well, I must say, that is a first," Sir Percie quipped, his usually stern demeanor softened by a rare smile.
Lord Antonio, still on the floor, looked up sheepishly.
"I do apologize, Sir Percie. I did not mean to uh.... garnish you."
The room erupted in laughter once more. Even Father, who usually maintained a strict decorum, could not suppress a grin. Once the laughter died down, Isabel leaned over to me, her eyes sparkling with mirth.
"If this is any indication, our life at court will certainly not be dull."