The Flower and The Sword

Chapter One: Introduction

I woke up from the sound of birds chirping outside my window. I sat up in my bed and stretched, letting out a soft groan. As I stretched, the sun shined through the window. I felt at peace, but not for long, my maids came bursting into the room.

"Isabella, dear, how was your rest?" I was quickly surrounded by maids who were helping me get dressed. As one maid pulled the lace on my corset, I let out a breathy, "amazing". I held my breath in for a second as they finished tying my corset on. I was rushed over to my vanity and soon enough the LEDs lit up the room. I sat patiently as the maids did my hair and makeup for the day.

As I sat patiently, I gossiped some with the maids. Although I should not speak more than two words to them, I cannot help myself for I understand they are just as much as a person as I am. I smiled at myself in the mirror as they finished up. "You, ladies, know how to make me look elegant every day!", I rose from my seat and gave them a slight bow in appreciation.

"Oh dear! It is a blessing to even be in your view every day. No need to thank any of us", Anges, the head maid, returned a bow with a soft smile. "Oh, but I must! Which is why I have this to give all of you. Just try to be quiet about this small token of gratitude.", I headed over to my walk-in closet, where I found the basket of chocolates I had snagged from the dining hall the other day. I made my way back to the girls, who all gasped in excitement, I smiled welcomely and sat the basket down in front of them.

"Enjoy.", I bowed once more and left the room. I always felt the need to treat people with respect, unlike my parents. After all, they are just as important as I am and deserve much more than I could ever receive. As I made my way down the stairs, I was met with my father at the end of the staircase, who was eagerly waiting for me.

"Heading to the garden I'm guessing?", I nodded in response. I swiftly walked past him and grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl on the nearby table. "Before you go, there has been a threat placed on the palace. Nothing too serious, we have guards out everywhere today. However, I am assigning a guard to be with you all day today." my father said as he followed me to the garden doors. I turned to face him, in disappointment. Being a princess was much harder than it sounded, going to the garden was my time away from everyone and everything. "But father-" I was quickly cut off by a knight in all armor walking into our conversation.

"I am present for duty, your highness" he bowed to my father before meeting eyes with me. His metal armor was clean and so clear I could see my reflection through it. "Great. Isabella, this is Gabriel Tudor. He will be escorting you everywhere until the threat is resolved.", my eyes met Gabriels after analyzing his suit and armor. His eyes were a dark hazel blue that looked as if there was no emotion behind them. His stare felt threatening more than inviting. 

"Lovely to meet you, princess." he grabbed my hand and followed up with a bow. I smiled at him, giving a nod in return. "Well, I have a meeting I am attending. So, I must go now." my father said with a nod at Gabriel, before trailing down the hall. I turned back towards the garden doors and walked towards the bench in the garden. Gabriel followed along.