Cassian still felt uneasy at his father's presence but he did appreciate the reassurance he was given. His father married his mother who was from a kingdom of Herold. Cassian rarely showed an interest in that before but now more than ever he wondered how his parents' relationship came to be.
Cassian attended to his duties for the next few hours before he was informed that his father was awake and rested. He send the note to Isabelle and Annette to await them in the drawing room while he went to fetch his father.
Now that his father has rested and stretched his leg, he was much more confident in walking with sole support of the cane.
"I should be referring to your wife as Adeline, correct?" Artorius confirmed.
"Yes, indeed. Isabelle is much more comfortable and confident with that name."
"Are your certain that you've married the right princess?" Artorius joked.
"Very. Besides, Samuel has been using her true name with her in recent days."
"Samuel Asselin?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"He is one of the few that Isabelle is comfortable around."
"I see." Artorius didn't show his feelings about that statement, but as one might expect, he suspected something was amiss.
They've entered the drawing room where Isabelle was beside Annette.
Isabelle shot upwards immediately, curtsying in front of Cassian and Artorius. Annette did the same but her response was slower. Isabelle told herself off internally for not trying to be more graceful and careful in her actions.
"Your majesty." Isabelle said quietly.
"Oh, you must be the unfortunate soul that my son managed to entrap." Artorius joked which resulted in Cassian scowling at him.
"Oh, hardly, your majesty." Isabelle mumbled shyly. She felt the burning gaze on the top of her head.
"You do not have to lie, my dear." The king said in a loud whisper as he leaned in closer.
Isabelle blushed in embarrassment before she straightened out a bit.
"I am not lying, your majesty." Her voice was much more stern which surprised both, father and son. Neither expected Isabelle to defend Cassian.
"That's unexpected. You might be one of the few who manages to put up with him then." King Artorius laughed. His eyes studied Isabelle carefully, analysing every last part of her. Her shyness and nervousness was clear as her hands still clenched to her dress. "Shall we walk towards the dining room?" He suggested.
"Of course." Cassian responded, trying to smile to Isabelle in a reassuring way, but she didn't notice as her eyes were fixated on the king.
Cassian led the way and the king did his best to walk beside Isabelle although she tried to walk at the back. This left Annette at the very back on her own. Annette walked with a frown, upset that she didn't get any attention from the king.
"May I enquire about your interests?" Artorius asked Isabelle.
"Nothing quite as spectacular as the interests and talents of Lady Annette." Isabelle blushed again.
"Sometimes real gold is hidden in the most unsuspecting soil."
"And the real diamond is found in the darkest mine." Isabelle finished the quote, excitement flashing through her eyes as she realised the common ground between her and her father-in-law.
"So, you're familiar with the works of one of the finest writers in Ariadna?"
"Only as of recent. I have yet plenty to learn." Isabelle answered honestly, grateful that she read the books that Annette frowned upon.
"And what do you think of what you've learnt so far?"
"Horace is a wonderful writer but…" Isabelle blushed in brighter red. "In my opinion, he drags some themes for a while too long. His extensive descriptions of nature are quite exhausting."
"Are you speaking of his book on highlanders?"
"Indeed. It was the latest read I had to battle through."
"I ignore that book from his works. It is not nearly as pleasant as his books about the adventurers." Artorius waved his hand dismissively.
"I certainly agree, your majesty." Isabelle smiled at his statement, and her smile drew the king's attention. She was beautiful and charming and very well spoken. Her soft features were still clear under the powder. And even the wig didn't take away from her looks.
"Are there any Galborian writers who you enjoy the works of?" King Artorius asked. Isabelle stiffened and looked around at Annette who scowled at Isabelle with a gaze full of warning. It didn't escape Artorius who had a very observant eye, unlike his son. One of the many things he learnt as a king of many years was to read people better than anyone else. Cassian still had a long way to go as his skills were very practical and strategic. From years of battle, he learnt to deal with conflict. He was yet to learn the finer art of people.
"Your majesty, isn't it better to focus on our native writers? We should celebrate our culture and tradition more. People nowadays are so disrespectful of our kingdom's past." Annette butted into the conversation with her charming smile that was truly hypnotising, whilst she almost stepped on Isabelle's heels. Isabelle his her discomfort, not showing a single grimace on her face. She have been through years of physical abuse and Annette stepping on her heels wasn't going to cause a reaction - to Annette's disappointment.
"Celebrating one's culture and traditions is quite important to retain one's self. You can only be fully you when you're in touch with your past and present." The king said carefully. He watched how Isabelle's body language changed at Annette's comments. She lowered her head in what seemed to be embarrassment or shame. He then looked at Cassian who was too engrossed in his thoughts of the upcoming meal to notice. From that he quickly made a judgment, however inaccurate or accurate, of the relations within the court.
"I haven't read any modern works of Galborian writers in recent days, your majesty." Isabelle said carefully. She didn't lie as it has been years since she was able to read and study freely.
"I see." The king answered as he observed the interactions with interest. They've entered the dining room where the plates were set up for them. "Will you please sit beside me?" Artorius asked Isabelle as he pointed at the chair by the long dinner table.
"If you wish, your majesty." Isabelle agreed although her chest tightened. She picked the plate set up for her and moved it closer to the king. She was anxious of what impression she was making but she sat down beside Artorius who sat at the very end of the table, opposite to his son. Annette found a place in the middle of the length of the long table, on the opposite side of Isabelle. There was an air of awkwardness as they awaited the food to be brought in.