The following morning, Izzy was physically tired but forced herself awake. Finding yet another dress on a chair next to the beauty mirror, she groaned. She had to wear a dress again.
Once she put on the knee length gown, she found her stomach growling with hunger. Just then one of the maids came in and beckoned Izzy to follow her for breakfast. Willingly, Izzy let the maid lead her downstairs towards the dining room. The maid acknowledged Izzy’s presence and bowed before leaving the room.
Elizabeth and Maliki were sharing small talk while Treyton was reading an old book, sipping coffee.
“Good morning,” Treyton said smugly. “Someone took their time this morning.” He looked at Izzy from her toes to her face, letting it obvious to where his eyes were lingering. Izzy was tempted to go and smack his head but knew that was not appropriate.
“Behave, Treyton,” Elizabeth warned. “I am embarrassed. Please excuse my brother. I sometimes wonder how he can be the older one out of us two.”
“Oh my dear Elizabeth. You know I was only teasing,” Treyton smiled, giving his sister a wink. He sipped some more coffee and let the bitter taste last in his mouth as he gulped his hot drink.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes but smiled as she continued with her breakfast. Izzy saw Maliki’s friendly smile and eyed her to sit down. She looked at the only seat left next to Treyton and stood where she was. She had no right to sit near him.
“I promise I will not bite,” Treyton offered, standing up to pull the chair for Izzy. She was hesitant at first but with Treyton’s kind gesture, she knew she couldn’t reject.
“Thank you,” she said as she sat down gracefully.
Breakfast went smoothly with Elizabeth and Maliki taking lead of the conversation. Izzy did what she did best when she was eating with the king and Alex back home, be quiet and be invisible. That was the phrase she lived by.
“Why are you so quiet this morning?” Treyton asked before taking a sip of his water. “You do not look like the type who would keep quiet.”
“What ‘type’ do you think I fit into?” Izzy mused, knowing she shouldn’t be talking to him, yet so intrigued by his presence.
“The kind that speaks in an elegant but friendly way. Like a person would to their friend,” Treyton described, his eyes on her the entire time. She noticed how blue they were and how clear they looked like when the sun hits a sapphire, making the gem shoot its beautiful light.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t fit into what you describe me as.” Izzy knew what she said was true. She had no friends except Timothy and sometimes Zach and Alex and she didn’t know if Treyton knew what ‘elegant but friendly way’ meant.
“Then what type are you?” Izzy noticed Treyton’s closeness and felt oddly comfortable in his presence.
“Someone loveable,” Treyton winked. “If you get to know me, I can guarantee that I can persuade you otherwise.”
“Isabelle is my guest, brother. I expect you to treat her well and stop trying to tease her.” Elizabeth frowned at her brother and Maliki shot Izzy a worried look. Izzy gave him a small smile to show that she was alright although she didn’t know what to think of Treyton.
“Do not worry about my well-being sister although I am pleased by how much you care for your old brother but are you not having that small party tonight? I thought I heard the maids talking about it as they were cleaning the house this morning,” Treyton said, rather amused. Elizabeth flinched as she gasped.
“I forgot it was today!” she exclaimed, getting up from the table quickly. “Oh, no. There is so much to prepare for. What am I supposed to do.” She turned to Maliki with wide eyes. “I’m so sorry for this. I completely forgot what I had planned a week ago. This is such a mess, I-”
“It is fine. I am more than willing to help you plan this party. I am all yours for the day,” Maliki smiled. Izzy felt her spirits lighten as she watched the young couple exchange a smile and a look of longing but they knew who they were in presence with.
“I believe that is our cue to leave,” Treyton said to Izzy, nudging her in the arm. Elizabeth turned away to shield her blush and Maliki’s eyes met Izzy’s.
“Will you be okay?” Izzy asked, constantly worried about Maliki’s safety.
“Yes, you may do whatever you please today,” Maliki smiled encouragingly, looking back from Izzy to Treyton. Izzy shot him a dirty look and Maliki instantly cracked a secret smile.
“We should get going,” Elizabeth interjected apologetically. Izzy nodded and watched as Maliki and Elizabeth disappeared for the preparation for the night’s party.
“We should get going too,” Treyton said, smiling at Izzy with a wide smile, flashing his white teeth. Treyton got up and offered Izzy his hand but Izzy sat where she was.
“And to where would that be?” Izzy asked curiously. She wasn’t sure if she was allowed to speak to him in such manner but she wasn’t irritated by his cockiness and forwardness.
“A walk outside to the garden,” Treyton smiled, still holding out his hand to Izzy. Izzy felt ashamed. She wasn’t in the right position to do such a thing.
“I am not worthy enough for you General Treyton. I am but a nobody and low class for you to associate with me,” Izzy said, turning away from his beautiful eyes. Treyton only laughed in response, making Izzy frown. Did he think her reply was funny? He confused her very much.
“You are too modest Isabelle,” Treyton laughed loudly. “You are the most notable person in the king’s army. There is no one in the army who doesn’t know you and your bravery. Your battles are well known and talked about. You are the king’s right man’s apprentice and the king’s favorite one. How can anyone not know your name?”
Izzy felt her cheeks growing warm as she took in what Treyton had said. Was she really that well known? She had never known. She met many of the king’s men but she didn’t know that her name had spread across the kingdom.
“You are amazing, Isabelle and I have been dying to meet you,” Treyton said in a softer tone. He sat back down in his chair and lifted Izzy’s face to meet his. Izzy tried to avoid his eyes but once she fell into them, she couldn’t get out.
“You speak such kind words to me, Treyton,” Izzy said, her voice coming out as quiet.
“My name sounds perfect on your lips,” Treyton smiled. “It is the first you have used my name without any title.”
“Were you expecting a title?” Izzy said. “I apologize.”
“Never apologize for something I like,” Treyton said. “I never want to hear you call me anything else than just ‘Treyton.'”
“Well then, Treyton, I appreciate your kindness,” Izzy replied with a slight smile. She liked this side of him and wanted to bring that side out more.
“You will always be treated right in my presence, I promise you,” Treyton said, standing up. “Now I have a question I have been dying to ask since I have met you.”
Izzy looked up as he rose and saw a slow grin appear on his face. “Yes?”
“I challenge you, Isabelle, to a duel,” he grinned as he took Izzy’s hand and led her away.