Armor

Prayers

Could she?

Isabella woke up early the next morning. She bathed, and dressed in her shiniest armor. She put her sword in her belt and tightened her bascinet. Though Isabella never prided herself too much on outward appearances, today she wanted to make a statement. She put her hair into the usual braid and nodded to herself satisfied. She opened the curtains just in time to catch the sunrise.

She heard a knock at her door and opened it to reveal a serious looking William. "Ready?"

Isabella nodded to him, and nodded to her men. She and her father walked down the hall, dressed in their royal garb. Maids and Guards alike bowed as they passed.

They entered a large room. With a large table directly in the middle of the room. Isabella noticed a refined elegance to the room, she assumed that usually it was used as a ballroom. They stood to the South of the room, and waited.

A few minutes later, the French doors opened and in walked the Jarian royalty as well as Aiden. He locked eyes with Isabella, hers filled with anticipation, his filled with suspicion. "Good morning all!" Charles bellowed, his voice bounced off of the walls.

Everyone muttered good morning greetings, before sitting at the large table opposite of each other. Maids swiftly served breakfast and exited the tension filled room. "So, where do we commence?" Eric asked, unusually serious.

William spoke, "We have called this meeting because we feel things are escalating, and the threat of war is becoming very real." He gripped Isabella's hand under the table and she squeezed to offer support. She knew her father felt uncomfortable and appreciated the fact that he is trying.

Aiden stiffened at this. Charles just nodded, "What has been done that was so very offensive this time?"

"It has been brought to my attention that Gardian children have been slaughtered and goods have been stolen. I will not tolerate disrespect."

Isabella piped up, "what he meant to say was, do you have any knowledge of these occurrences?"

Eric spoke, "We have not heard of any slaughter going on, if we had we would have immediately addressed it."

Charles spoke, "Who has your source been?"

"Sir Baldwin. My most trusted advisor, after my Bella of course." William said. "He told me of these acts and I have every reason to believe him for her has never lead me astray."

"You really listen to that buffoon? William that man is no good!" Charles exclaimed.

"How can YOU make such assumptions about someone you have not seen in twenty or something years?! He has changed! Became responsible." Isabella sat shocked at this, The King knew Baldwin? Twenty years ago?

"How do you know Baldwin?" Isabella asked just when Eric asked "Who is Baldwin?"

Mary explained, "Charles, William, Aiden's father, and Baldwin were best chaps back when they went to school. They all met and eventually became friends. They knew nothing of each other titles for the longest of time." The Kings glared at one another.

"When I found out who Charles was, I was shocked but overall very happy. You see, I was about to take the throne and the idea that my best mate was going to rule the enemy nation opened the door for peace."

"Even after we both took over there was an ushered peaceful era for a while. We both were married, had children, very happy..." Charles said.

"You were so cute chasing behind Eric, threatening him every chance you got." Mary smiled nostalgic. "Those were simpler times."