Cassian's POV
Pain was barely bearable but he needed to see Isabelle. He needed to know that she was safe. He needed to see her even if he had to search the entire kingdom.
Thankfully he didn't have to. Hearing her laugh set of butterflies in his stomach and momentarily he forgot about his pain. Although her running right into his broken ribs quickly reminded him of it. He let out a grunt as he bit his tongue to not let out a scream. The world turned around him. His stomach churned and it took him a moment to ensure that he could stay on his feet.
Isabelle apologised profusely. Of course it was an accident. He didn't think even for a second to blame her for it. She never would have expected him to appear there.
Isabelle kneeled before him. He didn't have the strength to argue with her although he was already on the edge because of the pain. He nearly snapped at her.
He noticed a small branch in her hand and reached for it. She flinched. She expected him to harm her. His turmoil continued. He gently removed the branch trying to ignore her reaction. Her hair was softer than the day she arrived. It was thicker, shinier and deeper in colour. It might have been only a few weeks but she was healthier than before. Oh how he wished he could've seen her like what Samuel described.
"I don't want any more apologies." Cassian spoke in hope that maybe she'll understand that he doesn't expect her to cower before him. Maybe one day she will.
He decided not to torment her further and went ahead towards the castle.
As soon as he walked behind the gate, he stopped and bend in half, throwing up violently. Samuel squinted his eyes as he watched him from the side. Samuel was worried for Cassian but more so he was annoyed at him and disappointed at his lack of care.
He helped to help him up as he led him to the castle.
The stair climb took the most out of Cassian who was very out of breath. Samuel helped him into the dining room as per his order.
He left him there alone, walking out of the castle where he found Isabelle.
Isabelle's POV
Isabelle hesitated by the dining room door but she entered it without as much of wait as previously. She didn't want to postpone the inevitable. Not anymore. Or maybe she was becoming braver?
She walked in looking down but something felt different in her, as if something was slowly changing.
"Good evening, your highness." Isabelle curtsied before taking her place.
"Good evening, Adeline." Cassian was paler than usual. He was slightly slumped to the side, resting his head on his hand, his elbow supported on the table.
Their dinner was brought in within moments.
Isabelle looked at a beige meal due to the portioning ruled by her and now she was anxious about his reaction. She was worried that he would hate her, or kill her, for ever daring to take his place. And he definitely wouldn't condone her rulings.
Their plates consisted of roasted vegetables with a thin slice of meat. The royal chef did a good job with his cooking, but he could not replace roasted beef with anything else.
Cassian looked down at the food still feeling nauseous. He knew that he shouldn't be up now. His chest felt particularly heavy and his breathing was physically challenging. But he was very good at ignoring his own reasonings. He looked at his meal and struggled to persuade himself to eat, instead he moved his gaze to Isabelle who happened to be looking at him with her eyes wide open. Of course, she looked away as soon as she noticed him look up but not fast enough. He still managed to catch the glance of her beautiful face.
"How was your day?" He asked. His voice showed his tiredness. There was only so much he could do to hide it.
"Quite good, thank you your highness." A smile flashed through Isabelle's face as she remembered how well she got along with Jane's family.
"What did you do?"
"I went to the city to pick a few smaller items needed by the servants. My maid was going on her leave and she was meeting her family. She asked if I were to meet them, which I did. I'm sorry, your highness." Isabelle blushed.
"Why?" Cassian raised his brow.
"I understand that my behaviour was inappropriate. I can reassure you that I will never do anything like this again, your highness."
"I would highly advise you to take greater care." Cassian went silent for a moment, his thoughts struggling to come together into anything coherent. "I'm afraid that we may have to postpone the trip to Cacumina Mundi."
"Of course, your highness. Your full recovery is of utmost importance."
"There's another matter…" Cassian let out a sigh.
"Yes?" Isabelle looked up at him anxiously.
"Our wedding celebration is to be within a month." Cassian informed her. "I believe it was already mentioned to you."
"I'm aware." Isabelle looked back down at her plate.
"Do you want it?" Cassian asked bluntly.
"I want only to fulfil your wishes. If that's what you desire, I will be most honoured to oblige."
Cassian let out a sigh of despair. He slammed his fist on the table as his frustration grew, but he managed to contain it.
"Will you answer me honestly? Do YOU want to have a wedding celebration next month?"
"I do not know, your highness." Isabelle blushed in embarrassment.
"Okay." Cassian nodded. He was hurt, but he didn't blame Isabelle for it. He understood her. "Spring Equinox is a big day in Ariadna. If you wish to postpone or even not celebrate our wedding, may I suggest that we still celebrate Spring Equinox?"
"Of course." Isabelle nodded quickly. She looked up at him, her eyes landing on his for a moment. Cassian froze momentarily.
"I believe that the ball would be in good taste. I hope that by then you would have adjusted to Ariadna well enough to be able to meet my family."
"Certainly, your highness."
Cassian couldn't stomach a single bite as he stood up. He needed to leave as soon as. He didn't want Isabelle to see him buckle up and throw up his guts.
He took long slow steps towards the door when the door has opened.
"Your highnesses." The man bowed.
"Yes?" Cassian spoke first, stopping near Isabelle.
"I bring the message for her majesty. From her family."
Isabelle looked nervous as she picked up the letter from the servant. She was embarrassed to have received a message but she thanked the servant. After a short wait in anticipation of Cassian's reaction, which hasn't come, she opened a letter and started reading it.
Her stomach twisted as she read it.
"Is it bad news?" Cassian squinted as he tried to work out Isabelle's emotions.
"No, your highness." Isabelle shook her head.
"May I?" Cassian reached his hand out. He didn't expect Isabelle to give away the letter without question. She looked down shyly as she waited for him to read it. "Duchess Elisabeth?"
"My cousin, your highness." Isabelle said honestly.
"I'll send the reply on your behalf and you should set off at your nearest convenience."
Isabelle's eyes widened.
"Your highness…?" Isabelle's words couldn't escape her lips.
"I'll arrange for the appropriate gift as well. Don't worry, I'll ensure that it is generous."
"Your highness…" Isabelle still struggled to utter the word.
"Excuse me, Adeline." Cassian said quickly, walking out before she managed to compose the sentence.
Isabelle sat down in surprise. The last thing she expected was a letter from her cousins with whom she didn't speak in months, not since her cousin married the duke. She was too busy with her duties as a duchess to pay attention for someone like Isabelle.
Her cousin wrote to her to let her know that she gave birth to a healthy baby boy, and she invited Isabelle over for a couple of days.
Isabelle was conflicted. As stressed she was around the castle with Cassian, it didn't compare to the dread she felt over. A possibility of seeing her family. Elisabeth was the most bearable but it was likely that Queen Beatrice and actual Princess Adeline were invited too.