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“I remember my mother talking once to the other maids about how they would spend hours just talking. He loved hearing her opinions and he respected her for it. So, after about a month his heart knew what his head thought the first time he saw her.”
“Which was?” Aironell’s hands flared about.
“He wanted to marry her. I remember when your father spoke with his parents about it. It was quite the display. Your grandfather’s temper flared. He was adamant about the arrangement already made. He wanted him married to a princess.” Isabella stood up and stretched.
“Then what happened?” She followed Isabella like a little tail toward the other end of the balcony. She almost smashed into Isabella when she stopped. Aironell stood beside her, gazing out.
“Do you see those fields, there?” Isabella pointed just away from the main town.
Aironell nodded.
“That was where they used to hold those events.”
Aironell tried to imagine giant tents with many onlookers seated around. It must have been quite the sight. There was a soft rub at her hand and Aironell looked over at Isabella.
“Aironell, you are as curious as ever,” she chuckled. “I have to return to my duties around the palace, soon.”
Aironell straightened up and shook her head. Before she could say anything, Isabella spoke again.
“Your father loved your mother, deeply. He made a vow to his father.” Isabella leaned closer and Aironell bowed her head in.
“I remember your grandfather’s rage. At the time I was young so I didn’t really understand the significance.” Isabella swallowed.
Aironell felt like Isabella wanted to tell her, yet didn’t for some reason.
“They allowed the marriage because your father did something unheard of.”
Aironell was just itching to know. She squeezed the rails, tight. “What was it that he did? Please Isabella.”
“He told his father that if he could not marry the love of his life, then he would not take the throne.”
Aironell’s lips parted as her eyes bulged, a bit. She released her grip on the rail and leaned her back against it. Her mind was playing out each part in her mind, until she pressed her fingertips to her temples.
“What’s wrong?” Isabella placed a hand on Aironell’s shoulder and then withdrew.
“I’m just surprised. If my father loved his kingdom and his people, then how? How could he have been willing to give it all up.”
Isabella nodded. “I may be crossing more boundaries and I apologize, but I think you know how. He was in love. Plus, it didn’t take long for your grandparents to realize how good of a choice your mother was, what with her being from one of the most prominent noble families.” Isabella turned and started toward the opening back to the bedroom.
“Wait.” Aironell’s arm stretched out and she felt the pull of magic. Isabella couldn’t move forward. Aironell strolled over and didn’t say anything for a moment.
“I’m sorry about that.” She waved her hand and Isabella raised her leg to step. “Sometimes I forget.”
“Your magic seems to be growing. Be careful.” Isabella’s tone was low and her eyebrows raised.
“I will, promise. I-I still want to know one more thing.”
“Hmm?”
“What happened to that princess, the one he didn’t marry?”
“I’m not sure. The only people who know are your parents. Anyway, you should start getting dressed. Your parents are waiting for you downstairs.”
Isabella bowed and moseyed past the little table and stopped just short of the door; then turned.
“There is one more thing I want to tell you, unrelated to all this.”
“What is it?” Aironell strolled across the room. She stopped by the closet but looked at Isabella.
