“To speak the honest truth, without any false rant, I find myself glad to be in Paris, pleased nearly - to enjoy the hospitality, of the French. Do not fall to the ground, my love - I am in good health, and if you will permit my eschewing civility for a moments pause, I am in possession of the facilities this night, to demonstrate my physical fitness to you….” As Isabel passed language to him that night, triumphant in beauty, Edward’s emotions did her homage. But for golden crown pressing into his brows, he was the humblest of her servants. Decades into their romance and her beauty retained its fasciation; her visage entering a new striking phase. The courtiers within their circle were thundering in a chorus, under the cover of which all dialogue had passed between Isabel and Edward - they were cheated by few a thing, but privacy, was not one of them. The others were wholly absorbed in discourse, mirth, and excitement - the crimson seats in the Parisian hall were filled with merriment. Those blessed by proximity to Isabel, and granted direct address, left all aglow with satisfaction. Edward found the night air keen; beckoning through sweeping windows, the star sewn sky boasted but a handful of dimming clouds. “You may mark me as steadfast in belief, that Arundel shall break; for he has little constitution and a high capacity, for shame. Tell him, dare he ask - that I believed Pembroke, a lesser competitor. Do you recall their previous interaction with my jester? It was our wedding banquet; no greater day, has existed in my reign.” Edward looked at her numerously; not with stealth or humility, but with conviction, and hardy observation.
Not all who shone, brightly arrayed and pleasantly adorned, could be as satisfied by their evening partner – the calm comfort and hope, of love long adored. Isabel’s inky gown gave her charms a triumph, enhancing through contrast the fairness of her skin, the perpetual, enduring freshness of her bloom, crowned by the raven silk, of her tresses. “I ceased scolding attentions to our children since Lisbon, and find myself better for it - little Cecily, and our dearest Anne, will never require such demonstrations. We talk of unions and diplomacy, and I value your opinion, seek it on a number of matters - but none as pressing, as my wish for an honest evaluation, of your mood this eve. Are you happy, my love? I seek to be proprietor of your sweetest hours, evermore.”
isabel offered a melodic chortle at her husbands locutions, his merriment that evening raising her already elevated spirits. reaching across the narrowed gap between them, she took hold of his hand, raised it skyward and placed a kiss upon his knuckles. ❛ as do i, husband. though i must confess to prior scruples, it seemed as though we had not been home for two moments before we were once more called across the sea. ❜ at least, isabel reasoned, they were gladdened by a sumptuous yuletide, the happiest in years, she recalled with no small amounts of pride. ❛ but i am happy to be here, by your side. ❜ with a few final kisses to his knuckles, isbael finally relinquished his hand to refocus upon the scene which had previously bemused her in unbridled excess; happy to hear edward’s contributing observation. she could feel his heavy gaze upon her and though she did not relinquish herself unto the mercy of his wiles, she did mask a growing smirk behind the brim of her glass. ❛ i would have to disagree with my king... ❜ isabel teased in response, ❛ ...for i recall the instance of which you speak readily and it was pembroke who chased him round in a fit of rage. ❜ safe to say it had been a boisterous evening, but that was not the sole reason for it imbedding within her memory.
once more, turned towards her husband, her features softened as she reached across the divide once again, only this time to place her hand upon his cheek. ❛ it was the happiest of days, rivalled only by the births of our children i believe. ❜ caressing his cheek, she dragged her thumb across his bottom lip –– such an intimate display from the king and queen far from abnormal. in tenderness as they were in passion, edward and isabel could often eclipse the court, that was no more true than in that moment as he spoke of his earnest desires to se her jovial and enlightened from all that would burden her. ❛ i am, edward, truly. ❜ and in that moment she was, though like the tides her spirits could change with a mere shift in the winds –– one moment calm, blissful and serene, the next, a ferocious and scornful tempest. the latter was far from surface that evening, or so she hoped.
❛ we are astride the steed of victory, my love, we have accomplished what no other monarchs have. we have united east and west in a glorious new age of prosperity and would it not add to the wonderment if we were to enhance our new friendships further ?? ❜ she paused a moment, ❛ –– marriage, edward. our son has spoken of his eagerness to finally be wed and his change of heart has pleased me greatly. ❜
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