// @drnktxt
At daybreak, Isabelle approached the front steps to the castle. The walls appeared much taller than she remembered, towering and looming. She had yet to take a step inside and already, a tightness in her chest threatened to slowly crush her lungs from the sheer pressure. Bracing herself by inhaling a deep breath and recalling Henry’s words -- ‘act as though nothing happened’ -- she entered through the doors, perfectly poised. “Charles.” His name parted from her lips with the surprise evident on her tongue. Her response wasn’t unusual, since he wasn’t expected back so early, certainly not this very hour. Without hesitation, she went over to where the king stood and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, giving him a small smile when easing back. Nothing happened. “You’re early.” Rather than sounding surprised, her tone was lighthearted. “How was your trip, mon amour?”