The Princ

med with vibrant colors, a stark contrast to the turmoil stirring inside her. Despite the beauty of the world around her, she could not escape the impending reality of

to picture him, to force herself to feel some spark of excitement, she felt nothing but dread. Her entire life had been mapped out fo

arrive the following day, and everything had been arranged to ensure his visit would be as grand as possible. Her father had already informed her of the

reparations were near completion, and she had yet to find a single moment of pea

er voice hesitant. "This arrive

an eyebrow. "For

eplied. "It's an invitation for a private audi

truck her as impersonal. She unfolded it and read aloud, "Princess Isabella, I request your presence tomorrow afternoon at the royal

the letter back up. She had hoped, even if briefly, that their meeting would offer something more-perhaps a glimpse of the man she would spend her life w

ood, hesitated. "Is everythi

mile. "Yes, Clara, of course. It's just... I'm a l

ge is for the good of the kingdom. You will be bringing prosp

words did little to calm her. Duty. Alw

g in her chambers, preparing for the private meeting with Prince Caspian. She chose a simple yet elegant gown, one that would all

to be a queen, to be the perfect princess. She knew the ins and outs of diplomacy, the importance of appearances, the need to maintain poise at all costs.

jewelry around her neck. "You look beautiful, Your High

e. "Thank you, Clara. I just..

"The prince will be honored to mee

g corridors toward the royal gardens where Prince Caspian awaited. Her heart raced as they stepped outsi

n told about him? Or was he just another stranger she was supposed to accept as part of her destiny? She could no

stood at attention by the entrance, but there was no sign of him yet. Isabella hesitated, unsure of what to do nex

e Cas

and his sharp features gave him an air of both strength and mystery. His eyes-dark and unreadable-met hers, and for a brief moment

ice smooth, yet formal. "It is a ple

s expected. "Your Highne

rely engaged in the meeting. Isabella couldn't help but feel that he was just as aware of the formality of thi

rtable?" he asked, as they bega

carefully neutral. "Though I must adm

id, though his words didn't m

of the guards behind them. Isabella glanced at him, wondering what he was thinking. Did he feel as disconne

rom a script. "I am glad that our kingdoms are uniting. I believe

"Yes, I hope so. For the good of S

onger than necessary, but there was no

not help but wonder if he believed the words he spoke or if