The Fated Trio

Isabella stood in the balcony, facing the garden. Clutching a sword with both hands,she bent her head focusing her gaze on it as she traced her fingers on its edges. She's been caught practicing with the sword. "Ladies don't fight, Bella", Her father said calmly behind her. Isabella knew it was against the tradition but what she didn't understand was why? "Why, father?" Isabella asked turning her gaze towards her father who now stepped towards her placing his hands on her head his palms coming in contact with her thick mass of black hair. "That's tradition and you don't question tradition", the king said firmly. Isabella couldn't take it anymore everyone kept telling her it was tradition as if she didn't know such tradition existed. One thing Isabella knew for sure was that her mother never supported or even followed this one tradition. Else,she wouldn't teach her how to fight. They practiced every morning before she passed away that was two years ago. Remembering her mother,a pained smile crept across her face as she bent her head and went back to studying the sword she was holding. She was, and will forever remain her role model though they were certain things she didn't know about her. 'If ladies were actually f*******n to fight,who taught her mother to fight?, Why would the queen herself defile the tradition she was meant to protect?' She could ask someone but who would know?, Her father! At the thought of her father,she turned to face him realizing that he was still there talking but he was looking elsewhere. It seems she wasn't the only one distracted. Following his gaze into the garden, Isabella's eyes landed on a blue bird with red peak perched on a red hibiscus, sucking it's nectar. She smiled, grateful that her father didn't realize she was no longer listening. 'The advantage of having a beautiful garden close to your Chamber', she thought to herself. ' It draws your attention to it keeping it there, and leaves you to ponder on the beauty of nature.' Isabella looked at her father again. She had wanted to ask him something. What was it? She bit her lips thinking very hard. "That garden!",she exclaimed frustrated. "It's beautiful, isn't it?",her father asked turning to face her. Isabella nodded frantically not surprised that he mistook her exclamation as a compliment. He was too fond of flowers which Isabella thought wasn't natural. Aren't women the ones supposed be fond of flowers? Her mother also loved flowers. She always spent most of her day in the garden,supervising the gardeners herself. Being raised in 'a family of nature lovers', as Courtney would put it,one wouldn't wonder why Isabella loved flowers and nature so much. Her father turned to leave, stopping just as his eyes landed on the sword again reminding him of why he was there. His expression changed into a serious one. Isabella watched him wondering how someone could change his expression just within some seconds. She knew immediately that the distraction was over and they were back to business. "Now put that sword away and I never want to see you with one!" The king said with a tone of finality leaving the place without giving her any chance to argue or plead. Isabella watched him walk down the stairs, before entering into her Chambers. ¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶ Years Later Rising from her bed, Isabella walked to her wardrobe picking a very light blue dress from one of the hangers . She chose the dress particularly for her personal sword practice every morning. It was the lightest dress she could find and it allowed her practice freely without the usual heaviness that her other dresses possess. Putting the dress on and taking her silver coloured cloak, she wore it walking to the door that led to the balcony leaving her sword behind. Unknown to anyone,she already owns a sword which she took from the weaponry in the arena. she hides the sword behind her huge wardrobe. The only place Courtney won't find it,at least not yet. Stepping into the balcony,she looked around waiting to ensure that no one was there, particularly the guards. Which was the main reason she didn't take the main door leading to the hallway and directly to the arena. Once satisfied that no one was there,she descended the stairs walking into the garden. She hid behind the flowers thankful that the garden was so close to her Chambers. 'A princess hiding in her castle', Isabella thought to herself smiling. That's what she calls her daily early morning routine of hide and seek. She hated doing this every morning but she has to or no practice. The cool early morning breeze brushed past Isabella's face as she walked through the garden. Grabbing both sides of her cloak,she wrapped it tightly around her body folding her hands to keep the cloak in that position. Walking as fast as she could, Isabella inhaled the sweet fragrance of the flowers ignoring the temptation to stop by and pluck them. Taking her eyes off the flowers,she looked up. Seeing the training ground some distance before her, she quickened her steps looking side ways for any sign of the guards. Getting caught was the thing she was avoiding. Ever since her father warned her never to train again, Isabella has been careful to avoid being caught training by anyone. Apart from her best friend Susan, no one knew about her training,not even Courtney who is now like her mother. Courtney was the handmaid to her mother the queen. Not that she didn't want to tell Courtney, but she didn't trust her to keep the information from her father. Isabella was now standing before the rectangular shaped training ground that stretched out into a reasonable distance. It was designed to enable the warriors train and practice their various skills. On one side of the training ground is an arena with a platform located at its center on which the warriors sparred sometimes to test their abilities. Isabella walked past the arena not taking her eyes off the weapons that hung on the wall. Changing her direction,she walked towards the wall her eyes still glued on the various weapons bows, daggers, crossbows... Isabella wondered why peaceful as it is, Daxteria has such a training ground with sufficient arms and ammunitions to serve them for years even if they were at war. But the fact that the warriors don't train often, except a dedicated few which she had the privilege of watching, served to show that the kingdom was really peaceful. Stopping before a rack containing wooden swords, Isabella released her hands realising that she was still folding them for a while now. Taking one of the swords, she walked to a wooden structure on the other side of the training ground made for sword training. Pulling off her cloak, she hung it on one of the wooden structures closing her eyes as the breeze brushed against her skin once more. Facing the wooden structure,she positioned into a stance and began to practice rehearsing the moves she knew and practicing new ones training until she ws was exhausted. Not wanting to go back to her Chambers yet, Isabella decided to practice with the bow and arrow. She could use them very well, but she was more skilled in sword fighting and she enjoyed it more. Footsteps approached the training ground just as Isabella was about to head back to the arena to get a bow and arrow. Ditching the sword beside the wooden structure, Isabella picked her cloak. She could hear the footsteps clearly now. What if they heard the noise from her training and decided to check who it was? What if it were the guards, panic ran through Isabella as she thought of where to hide. It was too late to leave now. She has to wait or risk being caught sneaking around in the training ground. A place not meant for women not to talk of the princess. She thought of hiding behind one of the structures in the place, but pushed the thought away. 'What if they were warriors that came train?', she asked herself. Her only option was to hide among the trees. Looking around, she saw a very short tree with low branches and leaves that sheltered the branches. Walking to the tree, she climbed to one of the branches sitting on it. Hiding herself,she watched to see the owners of the footsteps. "I am going to win in today's duel,commander", A masculine voice said to another as they walked to the wooden structures, sword in hand. Isabella couldn't tell whether the swords were wooden or not. She ignored that trying to figure out who these people were. "Suit yourself" Another voice,older than the first said. Isabella knew that voice,she has heard it countless number of times to be able to recognize it anywhere. She watched as Commander Nathan turned to face his patner who she now recognized as Philip. Her guess was right they were here to train and they didn't notice her presence. Isabella heaved a sigh of relief. She has to be more careful next time. But she couldn't get it, 'Did this Philip guy, actually challenge commander Nathan to a duel?' ***** Philip walked into the training ground determined to make a difference this morning. Having defeated all the sword fighters among the warriors,he was the best sword fighter among the warriors. But, he wanted to take his fame to another level by defeating commander Nathan in a duel. As a result, he has challenged commander Nathan to a duel several times mostly in private occasions like this but has always lost. He never gave up though. He wanted to be the warrior that deafeated his commander. They moved around in circles. Philip was the first to strike but Nathan dodged striking him. It landed on philip's waist. Ignoring the pains, Philip struck furiously as fear grew within him. 'You have not even started and you have been hit', Philip thought as he fought. "You should take it easy you know",Commander Nathan said laughing. He couldn't understand why Philip always challenged him to a duel but he liked philip's courage and continuous effort. He always enjoyed duelling with him. He advanced towards Philip and struck but Philip blocked the blow. Commander Nathan has to know that he isn't ready to lose today. "I am not going to watch you win me again. Not today!"Philip said determined. 'Really?', Isabella questioned no one in particular. She couldn't hold the exclamation back. But she was thankful,she didn't say that too loud for them to discover her presence. "As you wish,boy"Commander Nathan said smiling this time. Philip couldn't understand why he continued smiling. Perhaps its because he was positive that he would win. Maybe commander Nathan thinks he couldn't win him, but he was ready to prove him wrong. Isabella watched the scene that unfolded before her. This young man was so sure of himself. 'Does he even think he has a chance against commander Nathan', Isabella thought to herself. 'I am going to watch this fight till the end' she finally concluded adjusting herself on the branch slowly and quietly, careful not to make any noise. Looking around,she realized she has to head back before anyone especially Courtney, goes in search of her in her Chambers. But she still stayed back to watch the fight. They advanced carefully towards each other, this time Philip was the first to strike, increasing his momentum as he walked closer to commander Nathan who kept blocked his blows with Same amount of speed, moving from side to side. Philip struck again, Commander Nathan ducked kicking his legs. He tripped and fell, while commander Nathan held the sword to his throat, smirking. Isabella sighed,she expected this to be the outcome. 'That guy surely has a big mouth but he could fight very well too. He has done very well so far', Isabella commended. She was amazed at his abilities. "There you go, boy" Nathan said smiling as he lowered his sword watching as Philip still lay on the ground,reluctant to stand. "Not again!" Philip said frustrated. He had lost . "Let's fight again" He said, now struggling to stand from the ground. "Maybe next time boy, go get ready for the day's activity" Commander Nathan said stretching out his hands towards him. Holding his hand, Philip raised from the ground dusting himself. He hated that he lost again but he wasn't that upset,he just had a good training and learned some moves. That was a plus. Days activity??? 'Oh my Gosh' Isabella realized she has over stayed and might probably get caught. She has to leave now before more men start coming for their training. Looking around, she deliberated on how to leave without being caught. Deciding to hide behind the structures and trees,she held the branch in a bid to climb down slowly but her fingers slipped losing it's hold on the branch. She fell with thud. 'Too much for wanting to be quiet'. Isabella lay quietly with on her side waiting for them to discover her. Kpam!, Philip turned towards the tree where the sound came from. "Did you hear that?", He asked Commander Nathan who listened but couldn't hear anything. Philip was sure he heard a sound from that tree. Determined to find out what made the sound,he made to walk to the tree just as commander Nathan held his hand stopping him."That must be your imagination. I didn't hear any sound. Let's get going", he said walking towards the arena. Philip followed him reluctantly wishing he could go check out what made that noise but he couldn't disobey commander Nathan. Isabella heaved a sigh of relief. Watching them leave, she stood up and broke into a run not stopping until she entered the garden. Seeing the servant already going about their daily activities. She hid behind a huge mass of flower. If they should see her like this,she will draw unwanted attention to herself. Taking a deep breath,she tried to calm herself. Her heart was beating fast as a result the running. Arranging her hair and dress,she folded the cloak hanging it on her left shoulder. Composing herself as much as she could, Isabella stepped out from behind the trees walking leisurely but as fast as possible. She disliked the fact that she has to walk instead of running,just because a lady shouldn't be seen running. As the princess,she has to keep to certain manners and etiquettes that some people didn't even know, existed. She wasn't so fond of those princess rules and obligations but she has to keep them to serve as a role model to other ladies. This was one of the moment she never paid heed to them, but if the servants should see her running,it would create suspicion. She was almost close to her Chambers. The servants greeted her as she passed. She replied them with a smile. She was really restless. Courtney would be looking for her now. She prepared herself to face Courtney. Turning the doorknob,she opened the door and walked into her Chambers. Looking around,she couldn't find anyone. Closing the door,she leaned her back to it heaving a sigh of relief. She was about walk to her wardrobe when she heard a shuffling sound. Turning towards her desk, she stood frozen. Why didn't she see him when she entered? "Where have you been, Isabella?" Her father asked now standing. Isabella had dreaded facing Courtney, but hearing this voice now,she wished it had been Courtney. "Morning, father!"She greeted thinking of an answer. "I went for an early morning stroll."She lied "An early morning stroll?" King Festus asked with furrowed brows, ignoring her greeting."Isn't it too early to go for a stroll?", He said studying her appearance. Isabella hoped he doesn't discover how unladylike she looked. Though she had tried to organize herself a little,she knew she still looked absurd. "Errmm, yes father! I wanted to watch the sun rise"She hoped he would believe her. "Without taking any guards with you?, You did not even inform Courtney about your whereabouts." He asked. "I didn't want to disturb their sleep father,I didn't think it was necessary since I wasn't going anywhere far"Isabella lied. Despite the fact that she was lying, Isabella sincerely couldn't understand why she needs to be guarded wherever she goes.' There was no danger in moving around your own castle. Or is there?', She asked herself. "Please dear make sure to at least inform someone of your whereabouts. ", King Festus said . "Yes Father,I will. I am sorry for not informing anyone when I left", She apologized, knowing fully well that she won't stop sneaking out to practice every morning. "It's fine. How was your night,my dear?", Her father asked. "I slept well, father", She replied walking to her wardrobe. She was finally relieved. "The king of kesterea will be visiting our kingdom today. A messenger just arrived this morning and they are already on their way. A welcome party would be held on his behalf.", " Will he be arriving alone?" She inquired as she kept the cloak aside. "The message didn't specify" King Festus replied walking to the door. "Are you there,my lady?",a voice asked from the other side of the door. Looks like her problem isn't finished yet. 'What an unlucky morning', "Yes, come in!", Isabella already knew who it was. she composed heri waiting for what was to come. "Lady Isabella, you left again without informing anyone of your whereabouts. Don't even bother telling me you went to watch the sunrise. Where have you been?" A very furious Courtney questioned on entering her Isabella's Chambers. 'Oh no, not now Courtney'. She thought, sending a quick glance towards Courtney's direction. But it was already too late. "Did you just say left again without informing anyone?", King Festus asked, confused. Courtney turned around and realizing the king's presence. 'oh Isabella, you are so gone!', That's her problem with lying. It creates more trouble sometimes, thereby leaving you with two options, continue lying or tell the truth. At this point, she didn't have any other thing to say. She stood there deliberating on whether to formulate more lies or tell the truth. "Good morning, your Highness!", Courtney greeted with a courtesy. "Didn't she go to watch the sunrise?", the king asked ignoring her greetings. "Of course,she did", Courtney said narrowing her eyes towards Isabella who focused her gaze on the floor still thinking of what to say if asked any question. Isabella hoped this would end soon. The tension in the room became too much as they remained silent waiting for her father's reply. The king was now certain that something was amiss. A knock came from the door disrupting the silence in the room. They all turned their gaze to the door realizing it was open. A guard stood outside the door. Bowing in greetings, king Festus signalled him to speak. "Your highness, the council members require your presence in the throne room. They said it's urgent". "This conversation isn't over yet.", He said before leaving with the guard. Isabella heaved an audible sigh of relief not minding that Courtney was there. "Pardon my Lady, but I am beginning to doubt the fact that you leave very early every morning just to watch the sunrise",the middle aged woman said as soon as the king left and the door closed behind him. " But that's where I go every morning and I enjoy it", Isabella said firmly," Would you please draw a bath for me?, And please I will be having my breakfast here" "I still don't believe you.", Courtney said, though she didn't pester her any further. Resolving to remain calm and find out what Isabella has been up to herself, she turned to leave. "And Courtney!,"Isabella called, stopping the her in her track. "Yes, my lady?", Courtney answered inquiringly. "Sorry for the discomfort.Please don't worry about me next time",she said sincerely sorry for having to put her through the stress of worrying about her safety every morning . When Courtney nodded in response,she dismissed her knowing very well that she won't stop worrying and looking for her at any slightest time she leaves alone. Once the door was closed behind Courtney, Isabella rushed to her bed laying on it. It has been a very stressful and eventful morning. Isabella wanted to add terrible, but remembering that a party will be held that day, she sighed turning to her side. 'A party!', That is the true definition of terrible. To her, those two words meant boring. Thinking of it,she preferred stressful and eventful, to boring.