Chapter 81
Isabella’s POV
Emma and I made our way to the Queen Genevieve's private chambers. Though I maintained my composure, my mind raced with possibilities about why Queen Genevieve had summoned me.
The guard announced our presence, and we entered a warmly lit room where Queen Genevieve sat in her ornate chair. Tapestries adorned the walls, depicting scenes of past victories. Emma and I sank into deep curtsies.
"Rise, Lady Isabella." Queen Genevieve's voice was gentle, yet it carried the weight of authority. Her eyes, still sharp despite her years, studied me with careful attention. "Come closer, child."
I approached. Emma remained a reassuring presence behind me, close enough to serve but far enough to give privacy.
"You've done remarkably well at the border," Queen Genevieve began, her fingers idly tracing the arm of her chair. "Not many young noblewomen would show such courage in battle."
"Your Majesty is too kind." I kept my voice modest, though I couldn't help but notice how her gaze lingered on my face, as if searching for something.
"Such beauty, even after facing war," she mused. "Like a precious gem that refuses to be dimmed by dust." Her words carried an undertone that made me tense inwardly.
"War changes us all, Your Majesty," I replied carefully. "But duty remains constant."
A slight smile curved her lips. "Indeed. Speaking of duty..." She paused, and my instincts prickled with warning. "Have you given thought to your future, Isabella?"
"My future lies in service to the crown, Your Majesty."
"Ah, but surely there's more." She leaned forward slightly. "Duke Stoneheaven has expressed great admiration for your achievements. He's a man of considerable influence in the northern territories."
My heart skipped a beat, but I kept my expression neutral. Behind me, I heard Emma's barely audible intake of breath.
"Your Majesty honors me with such attention to my welfare," I said slowly, choosing each word with care. "However, after my previous marriage..." I let my voice trail off, allowing a carefully calculated hint of vulnerability to show.
"The past is past," Queen Genevieve said firmly. "A woman of your caliber deserves a proper match. Duke Stoneheaven could provide both position and protection."
I lowered my eyes, using the moment to gather my thoughts. This wasn't merely about marriage – the northern territories were strategically vital. Why was the Queen Genevieve involving herself in such matters?
"I fear I'm not yet ready to consider marriage, Your Majesty," I said softly. "The wounds from William's betrayal are still fresh. I find it difficult to trust..."
Queen Genevieve's expression softened, though something in her eyes remained calculating. "Take some time to consider it, dear child. Sometimes duty and healing can walk the same path."
I recognized the dismissal in her tone and curtsied again. "Thank you for your generous concern, Your Majesty."
As Emma and I left the chamber, my mind was already racing. The Queen Genevieve didn't involve herself in marriage arrangements without reason. Did the king make her do that – but what?
Philip de Tournois’s POV
My golden crown sat askew, a stark contrast to the dried blood staining my battle garments. The wine from last night still clouded my thoughts, making the world spin slightly whenever I moved too quickly. The rumors of Isabella's summons to Queen Genevieve had pulled me from my chambers despite my state.
The heavy doors of the Queen Genevieve's wing creaked open, and Isabella emerged. Even through my hangover, I noticed how the sunlight caught in her blond hair, how she carried herself with that familiar quiet dignity.
"Looking quite the noble lady today," I drawled, trying to sound casual despite my racing heart.
She turned, one eyebrow lifting slightly at my disheveled state.
"And how was your audience with Queen Genevieve?" The words slipped out before I could stop them.
Isabella's steps faltered. "How did you know about my summons?"
Curse my loose tongue. "An educated guess," I recovered quickly. "You met with the Queen Mother yesterday, after all."
Her eyes narrowed. "Then you must also know about Duke Stoneheaven's proposal."
My heart clenched. "Did you agree?" The question came out more urgently than I intended.
"No." Relief flooded through me, but her next words froze it solid. "Queen Mother reminds me of mother, and you and King are like brothers to me."
Brothers. The word hit like a sword thrust.
"Brothers?" I echoed, struggling to keep my voice steady.
"Yes," she smiled warmly, oblivious to my turmoil. "It's comforting to have such support in court."
I already had a sister - Princess Aurelia - and more than enough cousin-princesses vying for attention. The last thing I needed was another sister, especially not Isabella.
"I should report to His Majesty," I managed, straightening from the wall with what dignity I could muster. "Good day, Isabella."
She curtsied and continued on her way, while I headed towards the throne room, my thoughts in chaos. Perhaps I could use this conversation to discourage Henry from this marriage scheme.
Henry was alone when I entered, reviewing documents at his desk. I forced a swagger into my step.
"She sees us both as brothers, Henry," I announced with false brightness. "Quite touching, isn't it?"
Henry looked up, his eyes sharp despite his gentle smile. "Indeed. How convenient that we both get relegated to brotherly status."
My carefully constructed smirk faltered.
"Still," I rallied, "if she's not interested in marriage at all..."
"That's why I've set a deadline," Henry interrupted. "Three months to find a suitable match of her choosing, or she weds Duke Stoneheaven."
The words hit me like a bucket of ice water. Three months. My head throbbed, and this time it wasn't from the wine.