Isabelle tiredly dragged herself to the bathroom. It had been an exhausting day and even though she was looking forward to this dinner; she was also dreading it. As she got in the tub, an excited squeal echoed from her room. "Clars", she muttered smiling; Clara was always so enthusiastic about styling her for these events. Isabelle emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later wrapped in a towel. It was almost 7:00 PM which meant that Jumanné would be arriving in thirty minutes.
"Isa, I know you're dreading the conversation about Authur, but it is one that must be had. So, why not look exquisite while doing so", she beamed. "Don't even get me started on that ball, Luke's jaws are going to be your red carpet", she continued. Isabelle chuckled and walked into the dressing room shaking her head. "Clars, you're something else" she said beginning to feel better already. Clara picked out a sapphire red pumpkin dress with golden gloves, a golden tiara with red Sapphire rocks carved in the shape of diamonds and a red wedge with golden designs.
Isabelle got dressed, and prepared for phase two of Clara's plan, the hair and makeup phase. Isabelle's snowy white hair blended perfectly with the colors Clara had picked out. She threw Isabelle's hair up in a messy bun, leaving out a few strands at front and back. She then started on her make-up while humming. After a few minutes, Clara did the finishing touches and placed the tiara on Isabelle's head. Being without sleeves, the dress sat comfortably above Isabelle's knees. Her overall look was the exact mix of beauty, elegance and comfort.
Isabelle looked at the clock and realized that she had five minutes before being deemed late. She gave Clara a warm hug and exited her bedroom to head down the stairs. The Salúve family had just arrive and was still in the process of greeting. Isabelle took a deep breath before entering the dining room. She walked in with all attention being turned on her and smiled. She greeted Queen Latifa, King Dejean and Princess Jumanné with the traditional kisses before greeting her own parents and the waitresses. Jumanné was flaunting the hair that was known to Isabelle; her black hair was in an elegant throw back. She was wearing a white skin fitting dress that was replaced by mesh at the waist and reappeared at the hips. This was styled with light purple gloves, White wedges with light purple designs and a sliver tiara with white diamonds.
Lenora, the expert behind this look was nowhere in sight. She must have gone upstairs to chat with Clars" Isabelle concluded after scanning the room. The appetizer was served, and the conversations begun. The two families were discussing the monthly happenings between the Kingdoms. Jumanné and Isabelle quickly grew bored and politely asked to be excused until the main course. While walking out they heard their parents' switched languages from English to French which meant that they were discussing one of two things. Business or Security which would lead to the topic of Authur. The only persons that were up to par with the linguistic abilities of the royal families were the members of the grand council.
The princesses mounted the stairs flight by flight before entering Isabelle's bedroom where Clara and Lenora were sitting on the sofa. Isabelle hugged Lenora while Jumanné did the same with Clara. After the greeting they all sat on one of the beds ready to talk. They knew that everyone was involved in this mess one way or the other. The problem, however, was that the guards could overhear their conversation. French became the chosen language for this girl talk. Isabelle was fluent, and she took the time out to tutor Clara. Jumanné and Lenora were natives ofcourse.
Isabelle: Comment as-tu même réussi à te faufiler dehors?
Lenora: Bien sûr, avec mon aide.
Clara: Et depuis combien de temps fais-tu cela?
Jumanné: J'ai commencé il y a quatre jours.
Isabelle: Moi aussi! Donc, tu connais Alejandro depuis 4 jours. J'ai vu Luke il y a 2 jours mais je ne l'ai rencontré qu'aujourd'hui comme Cia.
Jumanné: Je dirais ça. Je l'ai vu il y a trois jours mais je ne l'ai rencontré sous le nom de Julia qu'aujourd'hui.
Isabelle: Qu'est-ce qui s'est exactement passé quand vous l'avez vu le jour de la visite ?
Jumanné: Eh bien, il était dans son petit monde à lui. Je me suis présentée comme la princesse et même avec ma famille présente, il ne semblait pas s'en soucier. J'ai aimé ça !
Clara and Lenora looked at each other suspiciously.
Clara: Je ne veux pas gâcher ta fête, mais ce n'est pas un peu suspect que vos histoires soient si similaires ? Vous avez tous les deux reçu une lettre d'Arthur, puis ces types apparaissent magiquement, ont eu la même réaction envers toi et vous ont emmené au même endroit. Tu ne trouves pas que c'était planifié ?
Lenora: Exactement ! Et pourquoi les as-tu suivis aveuglément quelque part où tu aurais pu être facilement capturé ?
Isabelle: Eh bien, nous n'allions pas bien, et je ne pense pas que les deux choses soient liées. Faire quelque chose sans trop réfléchir pour une fois m'a en fait donné un sentiment de liberté. Je n'ai pas encore les réponses à tes questions, mais je ne peux pas simplement m'enfermer à cause d'Arthur.
Jumanné: Oui, c'était un peu irresponsable mais tout ce que nous avons connu, ce sont des responsabilités. Oui, ils semblent se connaître, mais quel mal y a-t-il là-dedans ?
Clara: Tout ce que je veux, c'est que tu restes sur tes gardes. Fais juste attention, c'est tout.
Lenora: Oui, tu peux t'amuser avec tes petits amis, mais reste vigilante.
Isabelle: Nous le ferons et en parlant d'Arthur, qu'est-ce que le roi Dejean a mis en place pour la sécurité ?
Jumanné: Il en a parlé avec notre chef de la sécurité. La dernière fois que j'ai vérifié, ils étaient en train de dessiner le plan pour une sorte de gadget et coopéraient avec votre royaume pour le créer. C'est une sorte de bracelet, et il a également renforcé la sécurité dans le royaume. C'est tout ce que je sais.
Isabelle: D'accord, c'est bien. Enfin, comment m'as-tu couvert ?
Jumanné: Oh, je leur ai dit que ton père venait juste de rentrer de voyage. C'est le meilleur mensonge auquel j'ai pu penser.
Isabelle nodded in approval: C'est mieux que ce que je dirais.
" Well ladies our time is up, you two better head back to dinner before you are considered rude" Clara stated getting up. " I agree, this is enough for one night", Lenora finished looking on the balcony to make sure the guard was still there. They had a brief group hug before the princesses left to rejoin their families at the table. They re-entered the dining room to find their parents speaking English once again which was a relief.
The princesses sat down, and Isabelle told the Saluvé family about her trip to Egypt. The rest of the night was a blur as they talked on and on about the perks of being royalty. The beautiful sceneries, visiting different countries, their kingdoms, the wonderful people, attending royal events and of course the topic was brought up of the princesses as future Queens of Roséno and Loudefé. The last thing Isabelle remembered was entering her dressing room to change in her night gown and sitting on the couch with Clara.
Translation
Isabelle: How did you even arrange sneaking out?
Lennora: With my help ofcourse.
Clara: And how long have you been doing this?
Jumanné: I started four days ago.
Isabelle: Me too! So, you have known Alejandro for 4 days. I saw Luke 2 days ago but only met him today as Cia.
Jumanné: I'd say that. I saw him three days ago but only met him as Julia today.
Isabelle: What exactly happened when you saw him on the visitation day?
Jumanné: Well, he was in his own little world. I introduced myself as the princess and even with my family there he didn't seem to care. I liked that!
Clara and Lenora looked at each other suspiciously.
Clara: I don't want to rain on your parade but isn't it suspicious how similar your stories are. You both received a letter from Authur, then these guys appear magically, had the same reaction to you and brought you to the same place. You don't think it was planned.
Lenora: Exactly! And why did you blindly follow them somewhere where you could've been easily taken?
Isabelle: Well we weren't okay, and I don't think the two things are related. Doing something without overthinking it for once felt freeing actually. I don't have the answers to your questions just yet but I can't just lock myself up because of Authur.
Jumanné: Yeah, it was a little bit irresponsible but all we've known are responsibilities. Yes, they seem to know each other but what's the harm in that?
Clara: All I want is for you to keep your guards up. Just be careful, that's all.
Lenora: Yeah, you can have your fun with your lover boys but just be vigilant.
Isabelle: We will and speaking of Authur, what did King Dejean put in place for security?
Jumanné: He spoke with our head of security about it. The last time I checked, they were drawing the blueprint for some kind of gadget and are cooperating with your kingdom to create it. It's some kind of bracelet, and he's also increased security in the kingdom. That's all I know.
Isabelle: Alright, that's good. Lastly, how did you cover for me?
Jumanné: Oh, I told them that that your dad just returned from out of town. That's the best lie I could come up with.
Isabelle: (Nods approvingly) that's better than what I'd say.