Crowned in Love and War Book

Novel - Historical Romance

Crowned in Love and War

Synopsis

In a realm of political intricacies, Princess Isabella of Verdesaint grapples with her role as tensions simmer between her kingdom and Arcoi. A revelation about her family's past deeds casts doubt on her budding connection with Prince Alexander of Arcoi, a love overshadowed by ancestral strife.

Proposed strategic marriages push Isabella into a maelstrom of emotions. She's faced with choosing among three distinct suitors: Adrian, a friend promising wealth; Casimir, a wise leader from a distant kingdom; and Alexander, linked to both love and tragedy.

Amidst confusion, Isabella leans on her loyal friend Sophia, immerses herself in studies, and battles illness. As her strength grows, she questions predetermined destinies, determined to shape her own path and mend the strained fabric of kingdoms and hearts in "Entangled Hearts and Kingdoms."

Chapter 1

The Enchanted Masquerade

The night of the Masquerade ball had finally arrived in the glittering kingdom of Verdesaint. In the grand ballroom of the majestic palace, a whirlwind of colors, music and masked nobles created an air of mystique and excitement.

Soft, golden candlelight bathed the hall, casting dancing shadows on the intricate tapestries adorning the walls. The aroma of freshly cut flowers filled the air, intermingling with the sweet scent of perfumes and colognes worn by the elegantly dressed guests.

Princess Isabella, the eldest crown princess of Verdesaint, entered the bustling ballroom to entertain the noble guests her parents had invited. She stood for a moment taking in the beauty of the hall. Her flowing gown of lavender purple, adorned with thousands of amethyst and quartz twinkled as they reflected the candlelight.

The Queen had insisted that Isabella wear an exquisite mask of silver and moonstone, although she would have been contemptuous with a traditionally lacey mask, she did as the Queen requested. Her mother further insisted that she would need to greet and Dance with all the guests that attended the party as the masquerade ball was held to build relations with all the nobles and neighboring royalty.

Isabella sighed deeply for a moment, and then composed herself as she smiled and started walking with grace to each guest to welcome and entertain them.

A lady stood shyly at the banquet table, Isabella reached out and welcomed her, quickly gesturing for a server to assist the guests. The lady wore a sunflower yellow gown, with her brunette hair pinned into an extravagant style. She wore white-gloves that met up to her elbows. She smiled sheepishly at Isabella.

"Good evening, my lady, I apologize for the lack of service," Isabella clicked her fingers, barely making a sound. "A server is on the way. Please enjoy our fine wine and fresh seafood."

A server appeared almost out of thin air with a tray of wine glasses in one hand and an assorted platter of seafood in the other. The server apologized for the delay and immediately began to serve the guest.

"You are too kind Princess." The shy lady bowed in thanks, turning her attention to the server. "What a beautiful night this is, and to be served such high quality wine is but a treat for us. We thank you for the pleasure of being here this evening."

Isabella smiled and continued through the crowd of guests. She was aware that some unusual nobles were expected to attend tonight's ball which meant she had to ensure everything was perfect, no guest should be displeased or agitated by any means.

Glancing over the guests she could roughly guess who each noble was depending on their attire and mannerisms, knowing that her own attire would easily give her own identity away.

There had been some disputes with neighboring kingdoms over trading goods and territory, although some of the tension had been around for generations. Isabella was tasked with keeping the peace tonight, if her parents could get the upper hand by appeasing the nobles and royalty around then she would do whatever was needed to ensure her parents got what they wanted.

She knew that if she faltered it could mean a war with another kingdom, although Verdesaint was already infamously powerful, she did not wish for any wars or any further animosity with the neighboring kingdoms.

A masked man cleared his throat next to Isabella bringing her back from her thoughts. The man was well-dressed in a tailored suit, his mask a masterpiece of obsidian and gold, emphasizing his dark blue eyes and a sharp jawline. Isabella felt a stir in her stomach as she gazed upon his features, she smiled her welcoming smile at him and greeted him politely.

"Good evening, my Lord." Isabella curtseyed gracefully. " May you enjoy this evening's ball. There are many fine lady's to dance with tonight, and our renowned chefs are preparing a feast of delicacies from all of Verdesaint."

"Only the Princess of Verdesaint would offer such a welcome, I was told that you only cared for the precious gemstones you wear so abundantly." The lord cocked his head to the side and smirked at her. "If only you had taste in more than just glittery pebbles."

His words shocked her for a moment, her cheeks grew hot with rage and embarrassment, despite her anger she bit her lip and remained calm. She knew that some of these guests would look for the opportunity to bring about chaos, the fabric of his suit looked the quality of the Arcoi kingdom.

This had to be a noble or even possibly a member of the royal family judging from his appearance, the kingdom is well known for its splendid artistry and high quality fabrics, she had not seen very many articles of the material of his suit before, she couldn't be sure without touching it.

"Then I should thank you for your consideration of using such precious gemstones in your own mask this evening." She smiled as she thought of a compliment that could take revenge on his quip. "If you need anything please feel free to ask one of the servers to assist you, I should be getting back to the rest of my guests."

She strode across the hall trying to calm her anger whilst staying composed and ensuring each guest was happy and well entertained, until the King and Queen were ready for their grand entrance, signifying the start of the affair. The Lord Stewart announced the Crowned King and Queen entering the hall, the buzzing room fell into a respectful silence.

As expected, the King wore a spectacular golden crown, with an enormous amount of diamonds, sapphires, rubies and many more gems. He wore a black suit made of the most expensive fabrics found in the kingdom and his traditional red cloak draped from over his broad shoulders.

His queen at his side, wearing a matching golden coronet, with more intricate patterns sat atop of her head. The Queen wore a deep red gown, embellished with rubies and diamonds. They strode to the center of the hall to welcome everyone.

"Welcome to all our prestigious guests this evening. We are very pleased that you could make it to this friendly dance. " The Queen smiled brightly. "We would like to start off this Masquerade ball with an opening dance, thereafter please help yourself to the banquet table where our renowned chefs have prepared delicacies from all across Verdesaint."

The orchestra prepared for the opening song as the King placed his hand around the Queen's waist. They started with the traditional waltz, Isabella watched endearingly, longing for the chance to join the floor. Her mother and father were deeply entranced in their waltz together, they gazed lovingly at each other.

As they waltzed around the room the King's cloak floated around them as if they created magic as they danced. Other couples began to go out onto the floor and danced in sync with the King and Queen, none matched the awe of the King and Queen, although it was a spectacular view to watch. Another obnoxious throat-clearing sound was made pulling Isabella's attention away from the waltzing couples.

Chapter 2

Whispers and Waltzes

"Are you just going to watch or would you like to dance?" The lord asked as he held out his hand to Isabella. His obsidian and gold mask still sat snuggly on his nose, hiding his expression.

"Are you going to let me fall?" Isabella shot back unexpectedly.

"That depends if you step on my foot or not." He chuckled, grabbing her hand and pulling her towards him.

He gently placed his hand on her waist, as she cautiously placed her hand into his. He lead the way to the center of the hall, as she fell into pace with him easily. Isabella's heart softened as she took pleasure in the dance. She glanced over at the lord again, his obsidian and gold mask shimmering as they spun around the hall together.

With her hand on the lord's bicep she could feel the material of his suit, she was sure that he was royalty of the kingdom of Arcoi, but she could not risk being wrong. Isabella decided to watch her words around this lord.

"You are quite the lead, my Lord." Isabella complimented him earnestly.

"You are not too bad yourself, my Lady.' He smirked and kissed her fingers quickly, before releasing her. "I have business with the King, perhaps we will meet again for a dance later."

Isabella barely managed to start protesting the kiss on her fingers before he had all but vanished. Her cheeks grew hotter and butterflies circled her stomach as she recalled his last words to her. She moved toward the banquet table to enjoy a morsel and some refreshments.

She enjoyed the texture of the calamari this evening, but she avoided hard liquor as she knew she was sure to spend all night dancing. Several lords asked if they could dance with Isabella, and as much as she enjoyed dancing, she found herself longing for another waltz with the first masked lord. Though she allowed each lord that asked to dance with her, she smiled and listened to each of the lords chatter about their wealth and status.

"Good evening my dear lady, I would love the pleasure of this dance with you." said an older Lord, his mask was a midnight blue, lacking any intricate patterns.

"Of course my lord," She took a hold of his outstretched hand and followed his lead.

He placed his hand on her side and they danced around the room. She had danced with so many guests, and said the same thing repeatedly. She could feel her limits being reached but she persisted and remained smiling and laughing as the lord led her all around the room.

"My lady, you would make a charming wife, when will your father have you marry?" The midnight blue masked lord asked with a chuckle, oblivious to the fact that she was the princess.

"Oh my, why thank you." Isabella laughed politely, the lord had clearly drunk too much. "I'm sure he will find me a suitor when he is ready."

She decided it was time to take her leave from the lord before things escalated. Isabella excused herself to the ladies room before continuing her duty of keeping the guests happy and entertained.

She made her way through the room chatting with the ladies until she noticed a letter being passed from one lady to another. Isabella watched as they whispered and laughed causally, but her instincts told her to be cautious. She made her way past the two ladies that she found suspicious, she couldn't help but overhear their conversation.

"I heard the Prince of Arcoi is here tonight, I thought Verdesaint would never allow them into this ball." the lady giggled to her counterpart.

"Maybe he snuck in uninvited!" the other shivered in delight. "This is why I never miss a royal party."

"I wonder if they will throw him out, or even better, throw him into prison!" They continued laughing together.

Isabella made her way to her mother, she could not stand the gossip she overheard. Yes, Verdesaint and Arcoi were on bad terms, but surely her parents would not do something so rash as to throw him into prison.

She found her mother sitting on a pedestal watching over the sea of nobles as they danced and mingled amongst themselves. Before she could reach the Queen she ran into Sir Edmund, the royal adviser. He was a loyal adviser that often gave his wisdom and reason, even if she didn't want to hear it at the time.

"Sir Edmund, I was hoping to have a word with the Queen in private if I may." Isabella curtseyed as she requested to see her mother.

"Princess Isabella, you know that we need to be present, or else this is all for naught. The King has already been asked for an audience with an uninvited guest, the Queen simply cannot leave now as well." Sir Edmund opposed her request.

"An uninvited guest? Are the rumors true then, about the prince of Arcoi sneaking in?" She asked in a hushed tone.

"Unfortunately yes, although we do not appreciate the unexpected arrival, the kingdom of Arcoi has been pestering us for an audience for some time, and we do not wish to cause a commotion tonight. The King decided to see him privately." he replied softly. "We will discuss this later, please tend to the nobles as the Queen has requested of you."

"I understand. Thank you my Lord." Isabella curtseyed in greeting and left to continue mingling with the nobles. She felt relieved knowing that no person would be thrown into prison tonight.

A noble lady with blond, bouncy curls rushed towards Isabella with a masked lord in each arm. Isabella braced herself for a possible collision with the lady and two lords, however the Lady stopped right in front of Isabella, panting with excitement.

"Princess Isabella! I have been everywhere looking for you!" Lady Sophia said, taking in a deep breath. "Look at these two charming Lords, I thought we should have a dance together."

Chapter 3

A Dance of Intrigue and Fate

The two Lords were young, they looked at each other and shrugged, neither of them put up a fight. Lady Sophia had a way of charming Lords and Ladies alike, Isabella wasn't sure if it was because of her beauty or her out-going personality, but she knew that she was charmed by her as well.

"Lady Sophia! I am so glad to see you make it, I didn't see you earlier, were you running late again?" Isabella greeted her politely, thankful to have her close friend arrive at last.

"These curls took forever, but enough talk, let's dance!" She winked at Isabella.

Sophia grabbed one Lord, and without a single word of disapproval the Lord took a hold of her and led her around the hall. Sophia was dressed in a soft pink gown, her hair golden and bouncy, she looked like a beautiful doll.

The remaining lord extended his hand and murmured a soft request to dance with Isabella, she shrugged laughing as she took his hand to dance. She loved how her friend always found a way to have fun.

The clock in the hall struck twelve and guests started to bid their farewells. Isabella grew tired of waiting for the masked lord and decided to bid the King and Queen goodnight so that she may head back to her own chambers to rest.

Isabella moved toward the great hall as a servant informed her that the King was there. She greeted each guest she passed until she reached the door to the great hall. A servant opened the door announcing her entering the room.

"Princess Isabella has arrived." the servant announced.

"There you are my dear Isabella, we were just talking about you." The king reached out to her.

Her father sat on a leather chair, the same chairs that he only used when talking informal business with other nobles. He was smoking a cigar and drinking whiskey, whilst the man sitting across from him looked like her missing masked lord.

The lord's eyes lit up for a moment as he saw her, but the light soon disappeared as he went back to focusing on the King. The lord's own whiskey glass was nearly empty and the bottle they shared similarly so. Both her father and the lord were accompanied by guards and a notary, this seemed too formal for such an informal meeting place.

She then noticed another unfamiliar lord standing beside the masked lord.

"Apologies, your majesty, I was not informed that you summoned me. Is there anything I can do for you?" Isabella curtseyed low and respectfully.

"Yes, we have received an invitation to meet with the Royals of Arcoi to discuss some pressing matters. We were just mentioning that you should come along, as this would be your first time to the kingdom and they are well known for their art as I am sure you are aware, and I know how much you adore art." Isabella's father spoke fondly. She wondered if it was the liquor talking.

"Thank you, your highness, I accept the invitation to go to the kingdom of Arcoi." Isabella replied, bowing in thanks. Isabella waited quietly until her father gave her permission to speak.

"Oh yes, you came here on your own, did you need something Princess Isabella?" Her father asked, squinting up at her.

"Yes father, I wanted to bid you a good evening as I wished to take my leave, if you allowed it?" Isabella asked politely, watching his response as he was in company.

"Look at the time! We really got carried away, didn't we Alexander?" the King laughed, slapping the man's arm across from him. The man paused for a moment before he spoke.

"Princess, before you take your leave would you allow me a final dance?" The lord with the obsidian and gold mask asked charmingly.

"That's a lovely idea, Isabella, take this dance with the crown prince of Arcoi and then you may take your leave, isn't that just fitting of the crown princess?" the King smiled pleased with himself. "I bid you a good night Alexander, we will meet again soon then?"

"Yes your majesty, Farewell, I will escort the princess to the ballroom hall now." Alexander rose from the chair and bowed in greeting.

The prince strode toward Isabella and stretched out his arm for her to hold. She gently took hold of his arm as was expected of her, and they left the King to have their final dance of the evening. Servants from both kingdoms departed and the man that stood beside Prince Alexander followed after us, only to leave us once we entered the hall.

The hall was almost empty, only a handful of couples were still swaying to the music. The conductor meets eyes with the Prince and Princess as they strode toward the center of the hall. The conductor lightly tapped on his podium to get the attention of all the members to change the song.

There was a short pause followed by the introduction of a new song. Isabella immediately recognized the piece, Chopin Valse in C sharp minor, one of her favorite pieces to waltz to. The prince immediately swept her off her feet as he guided her around the hall.

His hand firmly against her waist, his decisive steps leading her in harmony. Butterflies filled her stomach as his eyes twinkled in the candlelight meeting her with a soft gaze. He smiled softly as he spun her gently about. Isabella's breath caught as the pace started to quicken again and his grip became firmer and his steps grew short and quick, she giggled softly as she met his pace.

They flew around the hall with all the remaining nobles watching in awe as they pranced around the hall, until they came to the closing notes. The prince timed a final twirl and caught her in his arms, dipping her low, his own lips dangerously close to her own.

The hall broke into applause as the orchestra ended the song in perfect sync with their own dance. Isabella rose feeling flushed at the energetic waltz they had shared together.