As soon as they arrived at the castle, they were led straight towards the throne room where the king was located.
Izzy, Maliki, and Treyton all ran to the room in a state of distress. They were all worried but were comforted at the sight of the king. He welcomed them with open arms.
“Thank goodness you are all alright and General Treyton! It’s good that you are also here,” King John said, looking at each of them. His gaze landed on Izzy’s a little longer than the rest.
Izzy smiled at King John and was startled to see Alex next to his father. His eyes looked at her intently and examined her up and down. When his eyes met hers again, he looked angry. Izzy quickly looked away, ignoring him.
Timothy was next to Alex and smiled at her, relieved at her safe return. They exchanged acknowledgements and settled where the king was seated.
“My King, what is the meaning of this? Are we to get ready for battle?” Treyton asked, bowing his head in respect. Izzy was caught off-guard at the difference in his attitude and was impressed. He acted like a different person. Although she enjoyed his playful demeanor, it was also comforting to see his respectable side.
“Yes, I believe we are,” King John said, distressed. He turned to Maliki and gave him a small smile. “I believe your father and your sister had already left the kingdom to draw in their forces but I assure you that you will be guarded by my best men.”
“Thank you, King John,” Maliki nodded respectably.
“As for General Treyton, your men will be waiting for you outside on the practice field waiting for your command. Timothy will give you further instructions. He is to be your leader and I hope you will listen to him well,” King John said sternly and Treyton bowed waist deep.
“Of course, my King,” he replied.
“As for Isabelle,” the king said, looking at Izzy. “I expect you to be guarding Alex. You are to step into your duty a little earlier than planned but I know you will do well.”
“But let me fight the battle, please!” Izzy exclaimed but it wasn’t the real reason. She was too scared of what might happen if Alex and she were alone in a room together. Speaking would be inevitable. “I can be more helpful in the field.”
“Your duty lies with protecting Zander and I will not risk putting you out there!” King John spoke, his voice a crescendo that vibrated through the room. Everyone stood quiet, the tension creating a disturbance.
“My apologies, King John. I will do as you say,” Izzy replied, bowing but inside she was trembling. She knew the king had the best interest in her but she was surprised by his over protectiveness.
The king smiled sadly at her even though he knew she couldn’t see it. He wanted to keep her safe and unharmed. He couldn’t even imagine what he would do if he lost Izzy. She was like a daughter to him.
“I am sure you all know where your duties are,” King John spoke as he looked at his son, Timothy, Izzy, Maliki, and Treyton. He knew these young men and woman were his future generation. He would protect them all. “You are dismissed.”
With that, he left to his office place, knowing they all needed time away from authority.
Izzy hugged Timothy and he held tightly to her as he smiled. “It’s good to know you are safe, Izzy,” Timothy whispered as they let go of each other.
“Same here,” Izzy said, noticing how much she had missed Timothy.
“Have you been able to train?” he asked.
“Well, I was a little busy,” Izzy replied, biting her lips. Timothy looked at Treyton and raised his eyebrow.
“You mean with another man?” he asked, suspicion growing in his voice.
“I assure you it was all professional. I actually had a mock battle with him so I guess you can say that I have trained,” Izzy said with a triumph smile. Timothy ruffled her hair and excused himself that he had to get his men ready. They said their good-byes and Timothy left.
Izzy had already planned to get out of the dress that she was wearing and get into more comfortable clothes. Then she would go outside and see if Timothy would let her train with the soldiers, however she doubted it was safe for her to leave her duty.
“What in the world are you wearing, Izzy?” Alex said, coming up to her. His eyes were wide with surprise and he felt his heartbeat increase rapidly as he took in her beauty. He knew they had a party when they were interrupted by the Colonial but he couldn’t help but envy. He wished he was there.
“It’s just a dress. What’s it to you?” Izzy asked, annoyed. She wished she didn’t have to see him but it was inevitable.
“Y-You look too beautiful. I can’t let guys see you like this,” Alex said timidly but then gradually grew into anger.
“Why do you care,” Izzy confronted with her arms crossed.
“You know why,” Alex said, gritting his teeth. He knew he shouldn’t cross the lines.
“It is my fault, Your Majesty,” Treyton said, walking over to Izzy and Alex. “I gave her the dress for her to wear for the party. I thought she would look beautiful and it seems like I was correct.” Treyton gave Izzy a wink and smiled at Alex, unaware of the tension in the conversation. Alex’s blood began to boil as he looked at the man who dared to let Izzy look this beautiful in front of other men.
“Do you not have your duties to attend to General?” Alex asked roughly and Izzy glared at Alex for his disrespect.
“Oh yes. I am very aware of it,” Treyton said, shocked at the response Alex gave him but he shook off the bad feelings. He was his future king in the end.
“Then off you go,” Alex said again. This time Izzy couldn’t stand it.
“Zander, stop with your disrespect. Treyton is a respectable man and you ought to show him that!” Izzy snapped. This time, both men looked at her in surprise.
“You called me Zander,” Alex laughed with joy. He felt accomplished in hearing the old nickname come from her mouth. At the same time he felt his blood grow hot as he noted that she had called Treyton without his formal title.
“Stop that,” Izzy hissed, feeling embarrassed and Treyton chuckled at her blush.
“Well, I really do need to be off now. I’m sure Timothy is looking for me. Give me a kiss for luck just in case I don’t come back alive, Isabelle?” Treyton half-joked as he smiled. He wasn’t sure if Izzy would do it willingly but he wouldn’t take no for an answer.
Izzy rolled her eyes, knowing Treyton would pull something like this rudimentary and reckless. She turned to walk away from Treyton but a force grabbed her from going any further and she felt Treyton’s lips touch hers delicately.
His lips were soft and full and Izzy felt as if her heart would burst out of her chest. The kiss was so sudden that it surprised her. However, it ended quickly as it had started.
“And you said you didn’t fancy me,” Treyton grinned before running out of the room with a last wave. Izzy wanted to go up to him and smack him senseless but he was already gone.
Next to her, she felt a heat of someone growing very angry. Izzy turned to see Alex staring angrily. His eyes were burning with pure anger and his normal warm brown eyes were dark and stormy.
“You should get upstairs,” Izzy said quietly, not wanting to see him revert his anger towards her. She wished she could hug him but she knew better.
“Everything you own is in my room. We are told to take my old bedchamber so that the Vauldins will be confused if they ever enter the castle,” Alex explained in a tight voice. He was trying his best to suppress his anger and the temptation to chase down Treyton.
Izzy simply nodded, knowing it was no time to argue or complain. By looking at Alex, she knew he was almost on the verge of bursting.
Izzy wandered around the castle, making sure everyone was alright. She did small chores but the maids normally wouldn’t let her help. They knew King John didn’t like seeing Izzy working on chores.
After supper was served, she quickly escaped her old room to find everything had been gone. The little things that she had owned were already in Alex’s old bedchamber. The room he had occupied as a child before he grew out of it. It was a charming room that was quite large and comfortable. His old book shelves and desk were still evident.
Izzy let herself in the room and saw Alex come out of the shower. Only a towel covered his lower half of his body and Izzy immediately turned the other way, embarrassed and ashamed of herself. She should have knocked.
“You can open your eyes now,” Alex said lowly. Izzy opened her eyes and saw him in his sleeping attire. Izzy bit her lips and walked to the other side of the room as Alex went on his bed. She had no idea where she was to sleep. There was a big comfortable chair and Izzy adjusted the chair so she would be close to the door and still be able to scan the entire room with one glance.
“You don’t have to sleep there,” Alex said. His cold voice made Izzy snap her head at Alex.
“It is the best place for me to protect you,” Izzy said stiffly, trying to conceal the wavering in her voice.
Alex stood up and walked around the room, as if trying to relive a distant memory. He suddenly looked up from where he stood and looked at her intently.
“Tell me why you let that man kiss you?” Alex said. The sudden confrontation caught Izzy by surprise.
“Do you mean Treyton?” Izzy asked and felt her body heat up by Alex’s death glare.
“Yes, that despicable man who would do such a thing in front of his prince!” Alex exclaimed, his voice growing louder.
“He didn’t know it would bother you. It shouldn’t have bothered you,” Izzy said but she knew what she said had been a mistake.
Alex’s narrowed and he walked over, each step casting Izzy’s fear and suspicion. Alex stood right in front of her now as she sat on the chair. She felt uncomfortable by his close presence and felt her cheeks flushing.
“Is it bad if it bothers me?” Alex said, his voice softer. Izzy could swear that he could hear her heartbeat from where he bent down. Her breath was staggering as she tried to keep her emotions out of the way.
“Yes, you have a fiancée. You are betrothed to another woman,” Izzy said, knowing that it was wrong what they were doing. Alex was dangerously close and Izzy kept reminding herself that it was sinful but every time she tried to stop herself, she couldn’t find the strength to do so.
“You know I am not good at following the rules. How many times must I tell you?” Alex said, his eyes flickering with mischief. His head bent down and closed the gap between them, knowing that this was right.