The Rivalry of hearts

Chapter 6: Isabella’s Heart

It was already sunset and dinner was over, the Everwood family was about to leave, and Sebastian was still feeling down about what happened earlier, he wanted to apologize to Isabel, but he didn't get a chance to.

Dominic from a distance noticed Isabel staring from the window, she wasn't happy, Dominic felt worried for but wanted to give her space, Dominic was moved by Isabel, the way, she spoke, and her beauty, he felt good about her but didn't really know why, he had met many girls like her but he didn't feel the same way he felt with Isabel, what’s so special about this one, he thought, Dominic waved at her, and she smirked back at him before he went into the carriage and left.

While in the carriage kind Aldric figured that his Sons had gotten into a fight again, “and what might be going on with you two” he asked, Sebastian glanced at him without saying a word, “it's nothing Father” Dominic said breaking the silence.

When they got home, the guards escorted King Aldric and the Queen into the palace, Sebastian stepped out of the carriage and walked as quickly as possible to get into the palace, “why in such a heist brother? “ Dominic said with hands wrapped in front of his chest, “we can't ignore the fact that we have developed something for the lovely princess, but I must say that she’s one of a kind, there's something special about her, I have never felt this way before..”, Dominic said with his voice with a mix of excitement”, Sebastian’s face flushed with anger, “you really believe that you have a chance with her? She's mine, Dominic! We've shared moments, glances, and conversations. She looks at me as if she sees my very soul." Sebastian said Dominic tightened his grip, “Sabastian, am afraid that will have to change, she will be my bride and I hope you are fully aware that you cannot do anything about it, am superior to you, like it or not brother”, Sebastian's frustration turned to desperation, his voice filled with a mix of anger and sadness. "I refuse to stand by and watch as you claim her for yourself, Dominic.

She deserves to be with someone who truly understands her, not a man blinded by duty and ambition."

Dominic's jaw clenched as he held back his own frustrations. "I am not blind, Sebastian.

Nor am I driven solely by duty. My feelings for Isabella are genuine, and I prove it, she might be in love with you, but guess what brother, it doesn't matter, if I want her, she will be mine.

With that, the tension between the brothers lingered in the silence as they retreated into the palace, each consumed by their own conflicting emotions. The battle for Isabella's heart had begun, veiling their brotherly bond under a shroud of uncertainty and desire.

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As the morning sun bathed the palace in a soft, golden glow, Princess Isabella stirred from her slumber. Stretching her limbs, she pushed back the curtains, allowing the warm rays to filter into her chamber. With a yawn and a graceful ease, she rose from her bed, readied herself for the day ahead.

Isabella's morning routine commenced as it always did; she washed her delicate face with rosewater, still drowsy from sleep, and meticulously brushed her long, auburn tresses until they gleamed like molten copper. Her attire, a flowing gown in hues of blush pink, embraced her figure elegantly.

As she made her way down the grand corridors of the palace, a familiar feeling of unease lingered within her heart. Yesterday's argument between Prince Sabastain and his brother Dominic, weighed heavily on her mind. She longed for peace and harmony between them, longing to see the brothers reconcile.

Lost in her thoughts, Isabella meandered through the palace gardens, escaping the noise of the court. Unbeknownst to her, Prince Dominic was also searching for solace among the blooming flowers. Clutching a bouquet of vibrant wildflowers, “Good morning Princess”, Prince Dominic said with a smile on his face giving Isabel the flowers he got, “to what do I owe this visit Your Highness”, Isabella said taking the flowers from him, “well I wanted to apologize for the commotion Sebastian caused yesterday, I hope you weren't hurt?”, he asked concerned, “No I wasn't, where is he by the way, you came alone?”, “Indeed, I came to see you, and to thank you for the advice yesterday, it really helped” Dominic said with a smirk on his face. “My pleasure” Isabel said.

Their conversation began hesitantly, but soon their words flowed freely, revealing their fears, hopes, and dreams. Dominic, feeling his heart beat with an intensity he couldn't ignore, “Isabel, am not a type of man to beat around the bush, so I will go straight to the point “ Dominic said, “I love you Isabel, yesterday when we spoke I felt this connection that made my heart tingle, I've not felt this for any woman asides from you, you are different and I want to make you my bride Isabel” he said with an emotional expression. However, Isabella, though touched by his sincerity, hesitated.

She confessed that she had fallen for someone else, for Sebastian, Dominic's own brother.

In an instant, Dominic's face contorted with a mixture of heartbreak and fury. He stormed away, his footsteps echoing through the garden, unaware of Sebastian's presence nearby. Sebastian, who had eavesdropped on their conversation, approached Dominic, smirking with a well-concealed satisfaction.

He whispered sarcastically, insisting that Isabella would never choose Dominic over him. Furious, Dominic's eyes flashed with anger. "Watch yourself," he warned, his voice dripping with malice, before turning away and striding towards the palace.

Dominic returns to his father King Aldric, “Father, I found a bride” Dominic said, his father with excitement and a big smile on his face, “and who might that be son”, “King Fredrick’s 3rd daughter, Princess Isabella, and I want the marriage to be arranged as soon as possible father” Dominic stated, His father, initially surprised by the choice, assumed that Isabella was intended for Sebastian. However, Dominic vehemently declared that he wanted Isabella for himself and no other. His father, ever conscious of the kingdom's stability, eventually relented, "Anything for the heir apparent to the kingdom of Veridia”.