Chapter 1: Introduction
For Isabella life inside the castle had begun to become tedious, annoying, and life draining. She began to feel as if those in the dungeons had more life in them than she did. Her life was an endless cycle of playing dress up, meeting suitors, and going to bed. It seemed like nothing changed despite her desperation for it. Her life was just wasting away with seemingly no purpose of direction. And no one seemed to care. She rarely saw her family, and if she did they were in the same cycle, but they enjoyed it. She felt like every day was just draining and wasting her time. If she had one more banquet where she was forced to be as perfect as a silent caged animal she would loose her mind. So she decided to change it. She had her rumors from her servants that a man named William in town was a blacksmith. She had heard great things about him and figured a visit to the man would be a good idea. She didn’t know why she chose him. She could have chosen anyone in the city. But something about the stories she had heard about William made her curious. It felt right to go see him. That night she had a handmaiden leave scissors in her room. She claimed she needed them for a project and the servant didn’t question her. After the castle had fallen asleep Isabella took the scissors and carefully cut her long red hair into a short choppy look. The hair hovered just over her shoulders and made her look like a new person. Then she donned a cloak and bag. And made her way out of the castle. She had heard someone mention the location of William’s store. She did her best to remember them. Soon enough she could smell the forge. She made her way towards the shop and knocked on the door gently before entering the shop. “Hello. Sir William?” She called out.
In the heart of the night, William's blacksmith forge was ablaze with the rhythmic symphony of hammer meeting anvil. He was engrossed in his work, shaping molten metal into a blade. The evening seemed ordinary, but fate had other plans.A gentle knock on the door interrupted his rhythmic dance with the forge. William furrowed his brow in curiosity; nocturnal visitors were rare in his world. He set aside his work cautiously, his hands still marked with soot."Hello, Sir William?" A voice, tinged with uncertainty, floated through the door.As he pushed the door open, the dim light of the forge revealed a cloaked figure, their face veiled by shadows. Moonlight gently outlined their form, but it was only when they stepped into the forge's glow that recognition struck him like a bolt of lightning."Princess Isabella?" William exclaimed, surprised and slightly bewildered. Yet, there she stood, though transformed—her auburn hair now cropped short, and her noble attire hidden beneath a cloak. "What are you doing here? and at this hour"?
She frowned at his recognition of her. The last thing she wanted to hear was the word princess before her name. The word itself had grown irritating. “Please. No need for formalities. Frankly I find them annoying. I do apologize for the late hour. I couldn’t come see you during the day if I wanted to. Anyways. I heard you are great with a sword. And you seem to be the only person I can possibly ask to help me learn. So. Will you teach me?” She asked. She knew it was a flimsy reason. But if she wanted out of the palace she needed to be able to defend herself. The rumors she had heard marked him and a man who aspired to be a knight and she assumed from there he must be good with a sword.
Isa's frown did not escape William's notice, though he was initially puzzled by her reaction. He nodded in agreement, acknowledging her request for informality."Of course, no need for titles," he said with a respectful nod. "I understand the need for discretion." Listening to her explanation, he considered her request. Her desire to learn the ways of the sword intrigued him, and he admired her determination to seek him out."So! my skills with a sword has earned me a reputation," he replied, a touch of pride in his voice. "But teaching a princess the art of combat in secret? Now, that is something!" He moved closer to a rack of practice swords and selected one, then extended it toward her. "Very well, Princess Isa, if you're serious about learning, I'll be your instructor. But remember, this journey will require dedication and discipline. Are you prepared to embrace it?"
Isa noticed his proud expression. Well. I can’t say no after that. she thought. She looked over the sword and took hold of it. “I’m willing. However. This won’t be as easy as me just coming to visit you at night. I cannot go back to the palace. I won’t do it. So I will need you to promise that you will not tell guards or my family where I am. I will stay out of your way during the day. I’ll hide myself and make no fuss. But please. I beg of you, do not make me go home.” She said her voice serious but also pleading. It was clear that she had made up her mind. She looked determined. But also exhausted. “If you can agree to those terms, I will stay and learn. If you cannot I will find someone else. But I chose you for your reputation and from what I hear, good heart.”
As Isa took hold of the sword, William noticed the determination in her eyes. It was clear that she had made up her mind, and he respected her resolve. But as she began to explain her conditions, his brow furrowed in thought. Her request weighed heavily on him. The prospect of harboring her in secret was no small matter. But as he gazed into her determined eyes, he knew he couldn't turn her away. After a moment of contemplation, William nodded solemnly. "Very well, Isa. I understand the gravity of your situation, and I won't turn my back on someone seeking to escape the life they find oppressive. You have my word—I will keep your secret. During the day, you can hide here, and at night, we'll train." He continued, "However, there's one more condition. If you're to stay here during the day, you'll need to help out around the smithy. We'll find tasks for you to do so it doesn't raise suspicion."
Hearing his words made her expression soften. She tried to hide how happy she was to hear it. But a small smile came to her face. “Thank you William. I’m happy to help out however I can. I appreciate you doing this for me. I am already very thankful.” She said happily. She looked over the sword in her hands. “So. Should we get started? I don’t know how much time I’ll have. So I’d like to get started as soon as possible. If that’s alright with you. I don’t want to be too forward.” She admitted nervously. “Although that might already be a problem.” She joked
Isa's smile didn't go unnoticed, and it warmed William's heart to see her gratitude. He nodded, appreciating her willingness to help around the smithy."Thank you, Isa. Your assistance will be invaluable," he replied warmly. "I'm glad to have you here." As she looked at the sword in her hands, He chuckled at her nervousness. "You're not too forward at all, Isa. Your determination is commendable. But remember, in combat, it's important to expect the unexpected." With out warning, William suddenly lunged forward, trying to catch Isa off guard with a swift attack.
Isa listened to his words carefully. But barely managed to dodge him. He only missed her by millimeters. When she noticed the attack she managed to side step quickly enough I avoid it. He nearly had landed an attack on her chest. Her eyes were wide with shock and she just stared at him for a moment. “That’s unfair. I don’t know how to defend myself yet. I can only dodge. If I want to get by I’ll need a lot more than being able to dodge right?” She questioned.
As William observed Isa's narrow escape and her subsequent shock, he couldn't help but feel a pang of concern. She was right, of course—relying solely on dodging wouldn't be sufficient in the long run. His goal was to teach her not just the art of offense but also the crucial skill of defense. He took a step back, raised his training sword once more, and began to demonstrate the art of blocking. "Now, watch closely," he instructed. "When I attack, angle your sword to intercept mine. Use the flat of the blade to cushion the impact, and keep your stance steady. It takes practice, but with time, you'll become proficient." With patience and guidance, William began to teach Isa the skill of blocking, determined to equip her with the essential tools she would need to defend herself and make progress in her training. They practiced diligently into the night, the clashing of their swords echoing in the quiet forge, a testament to their determination and the bond they began to forge.October 5, 2023
Isa watched his movements with the sword very carefully. Looking at them with determination to learn and a chip on her shoulder. She mirrored him to the best of her ability and over the night they began to make a little progress. Isa was fast. But that’s about all she had going for her. She wasn’t particularly strong. She was nervous. And she was constantly on edge. But when it came to footwork she was light and quick. She picked up a few valuable tips as she worked alongside him. When she noticed the sun coming up she stopped for a moment. “You should get some rest before the shop opens.” She mentioned
William met her gaze, a sense of appreciation evident in his eyes. He acknowledged her wisdom with a nod, grateful for her consideration. "You're right, Isa," he agreed, his voice warm and appreciative. He gestured towards the wooden ladder that led up to a dingy loft above the storefront, where daylight was beginning to filter in. He chuckled lightly, aiming to lighten the moment. "Up there, we have accommodations fit for a queen." His lighthearted tone carried a hint of camaraderie, intended to make her feel comfortable in her new training environment. He understood that their training together was just beginning, and fostering a sense of ease was essential for their shared pursuit of that goal. With a final glance towards Isa, he turned and made his way to his own bedroom on the main floor, ready to catch some much-needed sleep before the day's work began in earnest.
She rolled her eyes as a comment. “Wel I’m no queen.” She said with a light laugh before putting the small bag she had brought with her up in the loft. She then crawled into it herself. She found the spot oddly cozy, and even a bit comfortable if she was being honest. She watched him walk towards his own room and took a deep breath. One night done. Now to rest before we open for the day. Hopefully he starts me off easy enough in the shop this is the most work I’ve ever done. I’m already so tired. She thought before changing and lying down. She got as comfortable as she could and quickly fell asleep.
Early morning light seeped through the cracks in the wooden shutters, casting faint patterns on the bedroom floor as William lay asleep in his bed. But his slumber was abruptly shattered by a cacophony of screams and an earth-shattering boom. He shot upright, panic seizing him as he recognized the sounds of a siege weapons and an invasion. Without hesitation, he leaped from the bed, his heart racing as he scrambled to grab his armor and sword. His voice filled the room with urgency and concern as he shouted for Isa, who was resting in the loft above the storefront. "Isa! Wake up! We need to go! we are under attack!"
The loud boom startled Isa awake as well and she scrambled to get out of the loft quickly. She heard William and grabbed her bag. “Where on earth are we going to go? Nothing is going to be safe right now!” She said. “Especially if you have me around you.”
William's thoughts raced as he considered their options. The chaos and danger that had suddenly descended upon the city left them with few choices. "We need to get out of the city," he declared, his voice resolute. "Staying here isn't an option. Grab what you can, Isa. We'll find a way to the river, from there we can make it to Ravenwood." another loud crash as the building seen out the window explodes in splinters of stone and wood as a massive boulder crashes through it.
She nodded and grabbed a few items to put into her bag. When the explosion hit she looked out the window and saw it collapse. She was startled at the sight and made her way to Williams side. “Let’s go. If that building is down this one is bound to be next.” She said as she grabbed a few different sets of daggers to put in her bag.
As they hurried towards the river, their path was unexpectedly blocked by a lone enemy soldier who emerged from the shadows, a menacing figure determined to halt their escape. William's instincts kicked into high gear, and he knew they had to face this threat head-on to ensure Isa's safety. Without a moment's hesitation, he stepped forward, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his sword, his eyes locked onto the enemy soldier. It was a tense, silent moment as they assessed each other, their fates hanging in the balance.
Isa could immediately pick up on the change of energy from William. She took a step behind him so she wouldn’t get in his way. She looked behind them to make sure they were truly only facing one opponent. “I don’t see or hear anyone else.” She said, just loud enough for only him to hear. “Do you want help?”
Isa's quick assessment of the situation didn't go unnoticed by William. He appreciated her attentiveness and the fact that she had taken a step behind him, ensuring she wouldn't impede his movements in the fight. Glancing over his shoulder to confirm that there were no additional threats lurking William's eagerness to protect Isa and emerge victorious in the battle was evident, but he knew deep down that his skills weren't as formidable as he might imagine himself. He turned slightly to meet her eyes and nodded, accepting her offer of help with a grateful look. In the chaotic streets of the besieged city, they were all each other had, and they needed to rely on their combined strengths to navigate the perilous journey ahead.
She noticed his glance and nod and smiled a bit. She nodded back and pulled a sleeve of throwing knives from her bag. She hadn’t been taught how to use them. But she knew how to throw cards at targets as a party truck back in the palace. She figured it couldn’t be much different than that right? She slipped one into her hands and took a couple steps to the side of William. Out of his way, but within eyesight of her target. The enemy took a step forward and Isa found herself not liking him attempting to inch closer to them. She lifted her hand and threw the dagger towards the man. The daggers were far heavier than cards. While she aimed for his chest, the blade embedded itself into the man’s foot.
Isa's swift action had immobilized the enemy soldier, as her throwing knife embedded itself in the man's foot. He cried out in pain and collapsed to the ground, writhing in agony. While Isa's move had been crucial, William knew that he needed to ensure the threat was fully neutralized. In a split-second decision, he stepped forward, his sword in hand, his gaze unwavering. With a resolute and precise strike, he delivered a finishing blow that swiftly ended the battle. The enemy soldier fell silent, defeated. William stood over the fallen adversary, he dispatched the villain, ensuring Isa's safety but he had never killed before. Turning to Isa, he offered a nod of gratitude and admiration. but was still processing the events as he led the way to the river.
She watched as he dispatched the villain and found d herself struggling to breathe for a moment. Like all the air had gotten trapped in her throat. When she saw him nod she found the ability to breathe again. She nodded back and made her way to his side. She looked straight ahead. And as they came ti the river they began to follow it to the next city. It took her about an hour before she would speak up. “Are you alright?” She asked. Her voice laced with concern. “I’ve never hurt someone before.” She admitted. “At least not like that. I don’t know how to feel.”
William kept his eyes on the path ahead, his face a mask of calm determination. He knew that, in times of crisis, maintaining a sense of composure was vital. He turned his gaze to Isa, offering her a reassuring nod."I'm okay," he replied, his voice steady despite the chaos that still lingered in the distance. The sight of their city burning behind them was a grim reminder of the turmoil they had escaped. But for now, they had each other, and the journey to the next city was their best hope for survival.
Isa nodded in return, she looked behind them and could still see the smoke from the city. She felt nervous and afraid all over again. She only had William now. She knew her family would assume she had suffered in the raid. Especially since she had been missing. She took a step closer to William and gently grabbed onto his sleeve. “I’m not okay.” She managed to whisper, barely loud enough for him to hear. She kept close to him as they walked a few more paces
As they walked along the riverbank, William understood Isa's unease growing with each step. He slowed his pace, drawing closer to her, his hand gently finding her shoulder. With a tender and reassuring touch, he spoke in a soft, comforting tone that held both empathy and promise."I understand, Isa," he murmured, his voice laced with an emerging sense of intimacy. The uncertainty of their situation seemed to intensify the connection between them. "I will keep you safe," he added, his words carrying the weight of his unspoken emotions and the budding bond between them.
She looked up to him and nodded. His words brought her more comfort then she had thought they would. Just a day before she was a princess who had everything at her feet. Now she was a runaway and her city was in shambles. It was a lot to take in at once. She found enough strength to muster a small bit sweet smile to her face. “Thank you. I appreciate it. I guess that makes you my knight then.” She said sweetly.October 6, 2023
As they embarked on their journey down the river towards Ravenwood, a sense of gravity weighed heavily on William's heart. The small fishing boat offered a fragile refuge amidst the turmoil that had engulfed their city. With cautious determination, he helped Isa into the boat, his touch lingering as he ensured she was secure.mand comfortable. As they pushed off from the riverbank, the ominous stillness of the night seemed to mirror the uncertainty of their path. William's gaze fixed on Isa, and he spoke, his voice a low, somber murmur as he rowed the small vessal downstream. "Isa," he began, his words heavy with the weight of their predicament, "I want you to know, no matter what darkness awaits, I'm by your side. You're not alone in this." The sincerity in his eyes conveyed a deeper connection as they sailed towards the enigmatic future that awaited them realizing she could be the last heir to the kingdom left behind he swares a silent oath. to do every thing in his power to see her back on her rightful throne.
Isa was nervous to get into the boat. But seeing William offer to help made her more comfortable. She carefully got in with his aide and sat across from him. When he spoke she seemed to snap out of whatever thoughts were in her head. “I appreciate that William. You’re not alone in this either. You’re all I have now.” She said and offered him a small smile. “It’s so odd though. I never knew a kingdom could fall so quickly. I always thought it would be a long and hard battle. But that isn’t what happened. That way terrifying.”
As they rowed towards Ravenwood, the morning sun cast a soft, golden light on the river's surface, painting a serene picture of their journey. The chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves in the nearby trees broke the silence, providing a soothing backdrop to their thoughts. Finally, they arrived in Ravenwood, a tiny town that seemed untouched by the chaos that had consumed their city. The streets were bathed in the warm glow of daylight, and quaint cottages with neatly tended gardens lined the cobblestone paths. Villagers went about their daily routines, exchanging greetings and smiles, creating a sense of normalcy that stood in stark contrast to the turmoil they had left behind. hopefully they could find rest and answers here in the quiet town of ravenwood. "put your hood up princess" William comands "keeping your identity secret might behoove us for now."
She understood his concerns about her identity. She put her hood up and secured it the best she could. She took a deep breath as she looked over the city. Her heart was aching for her home already. She wanted to be out of the palace. But not that far away. This was not what she expected. And it hurt. She looked at William and offered a small sweet smile. “Hopefully we can find someplace to rest for a day or so here. Who knows, maybe Ravenwood will be a good place for us. It’s worth a chance at least right?”
William, concerned about maintaining their anonymity, led Isa to a nearby tavern and inn. The establishment appeared welcoming and offered the prospect of shelter, a chance to rest, and possibly even uncover some information about the recent attack on their city. Approaching the innkeeper, he inquired about the availability of a room, doing his best to keep Isa out of the innkeeper's scrutiny. While securing a room for them was a priority, he also wanted to discreetly gather any information that might shed light on the mysterious assault that had forced us to flee. The innkeeper, a stout and jovial man with a graying beard, nodded in response to William's request for a room. "Aye, we have a few rooms available," he said, eyeing William with a curious but polite gaze. "Just one for the both of you?" William nodded, keeping his voice steady. "Yes, one room will do." The innkeeper handed over a key and informed them of the room's location. As William paid for the accommodation, he couldn't help but slip in a casual inquiry. "By the way, we're new in town. Heard anything about what happened in the neighboring city? The one that was attacked?" The innkeeper's friendly demeanor shifted slightly, and he lowered his voice. "Aye, I've heard rumors, but nothing solid. Folks say it was a sudden raid, and the city was left in ruins. Terrible business, it is. from the sound of it the attackers dissappered just as quickly as they arrived." William thanked the innkeeper for the information and collected the key, his thoughts filled with a sense of foreboding. It seemed that even in this peaceful town of Ravenwood, the shadow of the recent attack loomed, and unraveling the truth would not be an easy task.
Isa stayed behind William. The Fear that she could be recognized was all that she was able to think of. Once William had the keys and they made their way up to their room she seemed to relax some. She took the key from him and unlocked the room. Once he was inside she closed and locked the door and took off her hood. She let out a deep breath and sank to the floor with her back to the door. She rolled up the cloak and set it off to the side of her. Trying to control her emotions. She knew William would worry so she spoke up. “I’m alright. Or I will be. I’m just overwhelmed. I just need a minute.” She explained and took another deep breath, this one coming out more shaky. Her eyes brimmed with tears at the events of the last day. She felt weak and powerless and it made her angry
Once inside, Isa removed her hood, visibly relieved, and sank to the floor, leaning against the door. William approached her, crouching down beside her. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, understanding that the recent events had taken a toll on her."It's okay, Isa," William reassured her gently, his voice carrying empathy. "You've been through a lot. Take all the time you need." It was clear that she needed a moment to process the whirlwind of emotions that had engulfed her." ill grab us something to eat"[8:32 PM]As William continued to comfort Isa, he noticed the presence of a small, rustic bath in the corner of the room. A glimmer of relief crossed his eyes, realizing it would offer Isa a chance to relax and rejuvenate. With a reassuring smile, William rose from his crouched position and moved toward the bath. He began to draw a hot bath for Isa, considering it a small gesture to provide her with some comfort. before the bath was full, he turned to her and gestured towards the bath."I'll go find some food for us this evening. You take your time," he added, his tone filled with warmth and concern. With that, he headed out of the room, determined to ensure their evening was as comfortable as possible, despite the circumstances.
Isa felt herself relax some as he touched her. She quickly was growing attached to him. And given the circumstances she didn’t want to stop herself. She didn’t have anyone else. She had chosen to go to him, and now he was all she had. She figured that him being comforting to her was a good sign. When he left her side she watched him as he drew the bath. A small smile came to her face. The idea made her fee comforted. And after the day they had a bath honestly sounded amazing. When he left she got up and wasted no time getting into the bath. Once inside the warm wanted she sank down until the water hit her neck. She found some soap and made herself a bubble bath to soak in. The calm and silence around her finally let her release the pent up emotions inside her. She felt the tears start to fall down her cheeks and just let them. She needed to let the emotions out before the consumed her. She wanted to be clear headed and in a better mood for William. She didn’t want to hinder him or be a burden. She had asked him for help. But now she was completely reliant on him. She didn’t want to be that way. She let herself grieve her past life and all she had lost. By the time William came back the only sign she had been crying was the tear stains on her cheeks.
As William ventured out to procure food for their evening, he left Isa behind in the room, sinking into the warm bathwater. He hoped the soothing bath would provide her some respite from the turmoil that had engulfed them. While he was away, William focused on the task at hand—finding sustenance for both of them. while he was paying for bread and wine a group of soldiers, dressed in menacing black and red armor, had arrived in Ravenwood. They started systematically questioning the townsfolk, their inquiries centered on the whereabouts of the princess from the recently destroyed city. William, pulled his hood up and returned to the room. Isa was still in the bath when he returned egar to tell her of the guards he almost forgot she was bathing. "Isa we better lay low for toni... I AM SO SORRY" his face turned red as he spun around facing away from the bubbling water she was in.
Isa was startled when he came in. But laughed at his reaction. It was genuinely happy noise from her. “What did you expect?” She asked. “It’s a bath! You’re fine. Just relax.” She said, trying to comfort him some. “Sit on the bed and keep your back to me. I’ll get out and get dressed. I didn’t think you’d be back so soon.” She admitted. “Now why do we have to lay low?” She asked. “Did something happen while you were outside? We’re not under attack again right?” She questioned as she grabbed a towel from beside the bath. She waited for his back to be turned before getting out and drying off. She then quickly got dressed.October 7, 2023
obeying her request to sit on the bed with his back turned, he began to explain. "Well," he began, keeping his gaze firmly averted, "I overheard some talk in town. A group of soldiers in black and red armor arrived, and they're questioning the townsfolk, looking for someone. I caught a glimpse of their armor—it's not the sort of sight that puts one's mind at ease." He continued, keeping his tone low and serious, "I didn't want to take any chances, so I thought it best if we lay low because, I dont know why but... it's clear they're searching for you." the last words seemed hard for him to get out.
After she finished getting dressed she made her way towards the bed and sat in front of him. She carefully listened to his words, making sure she didn’t miss anything. After he was done she nodded. “We definitely need to lay low then. And possibly try to find me a disguise of some sort. A hood can only go so far.” She said. She thought for a moment trying to think it through. “If we change my hair color that would make us far less suspicious. The red is a signature of my family. If I change that it’ll be hard to tie me to the royals right?” She suggested. “After all, I already cut it. I might as well change one more thing. It’s just hair. I can always grow it back later if I want it.” She added. Her fingers played with a couple ends of her hair as she thought over the idea.
William nodded in agreement, his thoughts aligning with Isa's plan to change her hair color. "You're right, Isa. It shouldn't be too difficult to change your hair color somehow," he reassured her. He recognized the importance of adopting a disguise to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to themselves in their current predicament.As he continued to speak, William began the simple task of changing his shirt. In doing so, he inadvertently revealed the intricate network of long, faded scars that crisscrossed his back.
Isa pondered how to dye her hair when she looked up and noticed the scars. She frowned a bit. She didn’t like seeing him hurt. Without thinking one of her hands moved to his back, her fingers gently traced one of the long scars, just out of curiosity. “What happened? This all can’t be from just being a blacksmith right? How on earth did this happen?” Her voice was laced with concern.
Isa's ingers traced the scars on William's back gently as he hesitated, sending a shiver down his spine. His voice held a hint of sadness as he spoke of his childhood."These scars," he began, his voice quivering with the weight of the memories, "they're from a time when I was just a child. I grew up in a tough neighborhood, and sometimes, stealing food was the only way to survive." He continued, "One day, I got caught, and the captain of the guard decided to make an example out of me. He ordered a public lashing to deter other would-be thieves. It was a brutal punishment for a child." William's gaze was distant as he spoke of those dark days. "But in the midst of that pain, I met my mentor, Xander, an old blacksmith who saw something in me worth saving. He stepped forward and took me in and nursed my wounds. He showed me kindness and taught me the ways of the forge." As he shared this deeply personal story with Isa,there was a mixture of sadness and gratitude in his eyes. "Those scars remind me of my past, but also of the kindness of the man who saved my life and taught me everything I know about blacksmithing."
As he spoke her fingers continued to trace the scars. She hated the thought that people could do things like this to others. When he finished she pulled her hand away. “I’m sorry that happened. The guards and knights are… well were, supposed to protect you. And instead they harmed you. I’m sorry that happened.” She said softly. She felt her heart go out to him. She had never been the best at comforting others. But he had been doing his best for her. It was only fair that she returned the favor. She leaned forward slightly and rested her head against his back. “No one should be treated like that. I’m glad Xander took you in. You grew up well. Where is he now? Certainly he’s proud of you.”
Isa's gentle touch on his scars brought a mixture of emotions to the surface, but her words and her simple act of comfort eased some of the pain he carried. He could feel the sincerity in her voice, and it warmed his heart."It's in the past, Isa," he replied softly, "And you're right. Xander was like a father to me, and he taught me everything I know about blacksmithing." A faint smile touched his lips as he continued, "But he passed away a few years ago. Before he left, he entrusted me with the forge, and I've been trying to live up to his legacy ever since." William found himself drawn to Isa. her freashly bathed skin against his was making his heart beat faster.
“I’m sorry to hear that he is gone. I would have liked to meet him. He sounds like a good man.” She said. With her head against his back she could hear his heartbeat. It was strong and steady, like him. It was comforting. A small smile came to her face. “I can hear your heart.” She admitted with a light laugh. “Is it alright if I just listen for a moment or two more? I like the sound of it.”
As she mentioned hearing his heartbeat, William couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Of course, you can listen," he replied, his voice warm with amusement. "If it brings you comfort, then by all means." He didnt want her to stop. the gentle fingertips brushing his scars and her warm cheek pressed against him, he wished she was in front of him so he could wrap his arms around her. "um..." he started nervously "if you want to hear it better...you could try to listen to it through my chest."
“It is comforting.” She admitted. She pondered his offer for a moment before lifting her head and pulling away. She moved so she was sitting in front of him again. She offered him a small smile before leaning forward and resting her head against his chest. She could hear his heart better. Strong like a drumbeat. She closed her eyes and let herself enjoy the sound. “I’ve never heard someone else’s heart before. It’s nice.” She admitted
jas she rest her head on his chest he closed his eye feeling more comfort from her than he could remember feeling. His hand goes to wrap around her but he stops himself and thinks "she is a princess, she could never be with you" putting his arm back down at his side he says defeated "I'll sleep on the floor tonight you can take the bed." he breaths her in one last time savoring this moment he thought would never reoccur. "if only..." he thought to himself(edited)
She noticed his arms move like he was going to hold her, then stop. The movement disappointed her. All her life she had been an object that others couldn’t touch or be kind too. Now all she wanted was someone to hold her for a moment and be nice to her. As he spoke she took hold of one of his arms and put it around her. “There’s no point in not using the bed you paid for. You can sleep on the bed. I don’t mind. Just don’t get too handsy.” She said with a light laugh.(edited)
Isa's initiative to take hold of his arm and place it around her brought a warm smile to William's face. He hugged her gently, embracing the connection between them. It was a simple gesture, but it held profound meaning to him. In the warmth of their embrace, William murmured softly, his voice filled with sincerity, "Thank you, Isa. This means a lot." He held her a little closer, cherishing the simple comfort of her touch.
Isa lifted her head from his chest and wrapped her arms around his neck. She kept him close to her. “Anytime you need me I’m here for you. Even if it’s just something as simple as a hug. There’s nothing you can’t ask of me.” She assured him. She could feel her body melt into the hug and welcomed it.
Feeling the warmth and kindness in Isa's words, William couldn't help but be drawn to her even more. Their connection was growing deeper and he decided to take a chance. With a playful twinkle in his eye, he replied, "Well, in that case, Isa, I might just have to ask for more than hugs someday." His words carried a hint of flirtation, a small attempt to convey his growing affection for her. But as the words left his lips he realised that when he ment a a kiss, it had sounded more provocative than he had intended. His heart pounded awaiting her responce.
Isa processed his words for a second then let out a small laugh. She pulled back from the hug and looked at William accusingly, but playfully. “Now now.” She said, her tone playful and somewhat flirty as well. “At least but me dinner first.” She teased. She was growing more comfortable around William and could feel her own feelings budding in her chest as he flirted with her. She didn’t know how to respond to what she was feeling. So she just decided to roll with the situation for a moment and see what happened
William chuckled at her playful response, his flirtatious banter coming naturally as they enjoyed this lighthearted moment together. With a sly grin, he produced the food he had bought earlier, holding it up as if it were a grand offering. "Well, Isa, dinner is served," he declared, his tone filled with mock grandeur as he presented the food to her. Their playful exchange continued, creating a sense of comfort and camaraderie that they both needed in this uncertain world.
As he showed her the food Isa felt a happy laugh come from her and she hid her face into Williams shoulder. “Oh I’m bested!” She joked before lifting her head. “Let’s eat. Then we can see what else you want from me. Sound like a deal?” She asked with a small smile. She was thankful for the comfort William was giving her. Despite everything she was happy to have him around and be able to joke and play with him.
As they eat, William turned toward Isa, curiosity in his eyes. "Isa," he began, his voice gentle, "tell me more about where you come from, your upbringing. It's all so different from my world."
She nodded and finished the bite she was working on. “Well. There’s a lot.” She said and thought for a moment. “Life in the palace could be fun. At least it was when I was a kid. My parents were distant. They never really had time for me, or could be bothered. So I had free reign over the entire palace and a staff who had to do whatever I asked. I had classes but that was really my only bit of structure. Parties were fun. And as a teen other royals and I would sneak away to drink in the gardens or ply around. No one cared about us. By the time I was an older teen I realized that I didn’t know basic things. Like how to tie my shoes, or a corset. Or how to make a meal. Or bake break. I never learned. I asked the staff ti teach me and slowly over time I was able to learn basic skills to survive. But no one ever cared. Unless there was a marriage proposal I was locked in my room ti just lounge around. It felt like a prison. I was only given books about government and marriage. I wasn’t allowed to learn anything else. The men in the dungeon were given better books than me. I was spoiled. But also deprived of any communication with others or actual entertainment. So I left.” She explained
William listened with rapt attention as Isa shared her experiences. He couldn't help but be both fascinated and appalled by the contrast between her royal upbringing and his own humble origins. As she spoke about her childhood, he couldn't help but feel a surge of anger at how she had been treated, like a bird in a gilded cage."It sounds like you had a life that many would envy," he admitted, "but that doesn't mean it was any less lonely. I can't imagine growing up like that, with all the restrictions and expectations." He reached out to gently touch her hand. "Im glad you found your way to my forge that night."
She smiled a bit at the touch. “It was easy but also very hard and lonely. But I’m thankful for it. I don’t exactly know how. But I know I am.” She admitted. “I’m also happy I left when I did. I don’t think I’d be alive if I hadn’t left. In the end it was well worth it.”
Then, a sudden banging on the door startled both Isa and William. Their tranquil moment was shattered by the harsh, demanding knocks. William quickly got up from the bed, his expression filled with worry. His mind racing. "We need to find a place for you to hide," he whispered back. He scanned the room quickly, looking for any possible hiding spots. The window was small and would be difficult to fit through. They were trapped. The pounding on the door grew louder, and a voice shouted from outside, "Open up! We wont ask again!" "I'm on my way" William shouts back hopig to buy them a little time.
Isa heard the banging and immediately became afraid. She looked around for a moment. The only place she could thing of was under the bed. It was narrow but she just might be able to fit. She quickly made her way there and hid underneath. The bed was low enough that anyone walking by couldn’t see under. It was the best spot. She just hoped no one looked there.
Meanwhile, William answered the door, allowing the guards to enter and search the room. His mind raced as he tried to think of a way to divert their attention away from the hiding spot. Just as one of the guards moved closer to the bed, William skillfully led them into a conversation, creating a distraction that kept them from looking underneath. One of the guards, a burly man with a stern expression, continued to search the room while engaging in conversation with William. "We've been told to search for the princess, and we've been told she might be hiding in Ravenwood," he grumbled. "We don't want any trouble, but we have to be thorough."William, doing his best to remain calm and divert their attention, replied, "I understand, but I assure you there's no one here but me. Just a weary traveler passing through."The second guard, a younger and less experienced one, chimed in, "Sir, do you think she could be hiding anywhere nearby? Maybe you've seen anything suspicious?""I haven't seen anything out of the ordinary," William replied, trying to sound as convincing as possible. "Just a quiet night in this little town. but i wish a princess would find her way to my room tonight, you know what i mean?" William jokes with the guards.
The guards looked around the room. They checked behind the curtains and in the bathroom. They didn’t look under the bed though. Soon enough the guards seemed satisfied. “If you see anything suspicious please let us know. There’s guards searching the city. Surely you know what she looks like, if you see her find us.” The guard in charge spoke
William's heart still raced with suspense. Every second they had spent in there had felt like an eternity, and the possibility of Isa being discovered weighed heavily on his mind. Once he was certain they were gone, he hurried over to the bed and knelt down, carefully helping Isa out from her hiding spot. His relief was palpable, and he let out a quiet, shaky sigh. "You're safe," he whispered to her with a reassuring smile, his hands gentle as he helped her to her feet. It was clear that the excitment in the room had amplified greatly, and William couldn't help but feel grateful that they had narrowly avoided the guards discovering her presence.
She gave him a small smile and seemed relieved. “Thank god they didn’t check under the bed. Everything could have gone sour so quickly.” She said. She took a deep breath and rested her fire head against his chest. “We really need to get me a disguise and quickly. Every moment we wait is another risk of being caught.”
William considered her words carefully before nodding. "You're right, Isa. We need to act swiftly to keep you safe." He paused for a moment, thinking. "I know someone who might be able to help us with your disguise. We can visit her tomorrow. She's discreet... and very skilled". William's words were confident, but in his heart, he felt a sense of unease about the person he was suggesting. He wasn't entirely sure if he could trust them, but he didn't want to voice those doubts to Isa. Nevertheless, he remained resolute in his decision to seek their assistance, hoping it would lead to a successful disguise and keep Isa safe.
Isa lifted her head and nodded. “Thank you. I appreciate all you’re doing for me. You’re doing more than I ever thought you would. I am incredibly thankful for that.” She explained. She took a deep breath again and fully calmed down. She looked up at him. “Let’s eat now please. I’m starving.” She said with a small smile. “Let’s try to relax some while we can.”
William smiled back at Isa, appreciating her gratitude. "You're welcome, Isa. I'm here to help," he assured her sincerely. With her request to eat and relax, he nodded in agreement. After they finished their meal, William lit a small fire in the room's fireplace, creating a cozy ambiance. Then, he lay down beside Isa, enjoying the warmth of the fire as they settled in for the night. The events of the day seemed distant now, and the calmness of the room provided a much-needed respite from the day behind them. As they lay next to each other, the warmth of the fire casting a soft glow across the room, William couldn't help but feel a strong connection with Isa. In the flickering light, he found himself silently pining for her, yearning to protect her and keep her safe. Her presence had brought a sense of purpose and meaning to his life that he hadn't felt in a long time. "Goodnight Isa" he says letting the tiredness take over.
She laid in the bed beside him and rolled onto her side to face him. She looked over his features as he spoke. “Goodnight Will.” She said in a soft sweet voice. She reached towards him and gently rested a hand against his chest. “Tell me if this is too forward. But I want to listen to your heart again.” She admitted. “It’s comforting. And I could use some more comfort tonight.” She said sincerely.
William met her gaze, his eyes filled with a mixture of emotions. He appreciated her vulnerability and honesty, and it touched him deeply."Of course, Isa," he replied softly, his voice warm and sincere. He shifted slightly to allow her closer, as she placed her hand against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. They lay there in the dimly lit room, their closeness providing comfort to eachother. In the stillness of the room, as Isa listened to the comforting sound of William's heartbeat, he leaned down and gently pressed a tender kiss to the top of her head. It was a soft, affectionate gesture, filled with warmth and care. The kiss conveyed the unspoken emotions that had been building inside him.
She closed her eyes the second she laid her head against his chest. A moment later she felt the kiss on the top of her head. Her heart sped up, and her cheeks flushed bright pink for a moment. She found that she didn’t mind the affection. She let a happy quiet him of approval come from her. She wrapped an arm around his torso and held herself close to him. She gripped onto his shirt tightly and seemed happy about the situation
In the cozy embrace of the room, William tenderly wrapped his arms around Isa, their bodies fitting together like two pieces of a puzzle. The warmth of the fire created a soothing atmosphere as they lay there, their breaths gradually syncing with each other's, a gentle rise and fall in harmony. Their heartbeats, once separate, now seemed to merge into one rhythm, a quiet symphony of trust and affection. William's steady heartbeat echoed in Isa's ear, a soothing lullaby that cradled her in a sense of safety. Their synchronized breathing, almost imperceptible, mirrored the quietude of the night. As the minutes ticked by, their bodies relaxed, and the outside world faded away. The flickering firelight cast gentle shadows on the room, accentuating the peaceful tableau they formed together. In that tender embrace. William began drifting to sleep feeling the choas of the world melt away.
The sound of his heart, the fire, and how perfectly their bodies fit together pulled Isa into a quick and sound sleep. She slept by his side the whole night before waking up as the sun peeled through the windows. She opened her eyes and saw his chest rising and falling. She managed to work her way out from under his arm. She sat up and rubbed her eyes before looking over his sleeping form. She put a hand in his chest and gently shook him “Will.” She said in a soft tone. “It’s morning.” She added. She got up from the bed and stretched. “The sooner we leave the better. There will be less guards in the morning.” She mentioned and started to get ready for her day.
William slowly stirred from his slumber as Isa's gentle touch and soft voice roused him from sleep. He blinked, adjusting to the morning light filtering through the windows. Her words registered, and he nodded in agreement. "You're right, Isa. We should get going," he replied, slowly rising from the bed and preparing himself for the day ahead. As they readied themselves to depart, he couldn't help but be acutely aware of the intimacy they had shared the previous night. With a mix of tenderness and protectiveness, he reached out and gently pulled Isa's hood up over her face, concealing her identity from prying eyes. His fingers lingered for a moment, brushing against her cheek, before he let go.
Isa was about to put up her own hood when he did so for her. She smiled up at him. She felt his fingers linger on her cheek for a moment. She reached a hand up to capture his. She brought the hand to her lips. She placed a light kiss on his fingers. “Let’s go.” She worked her way out of the room and towards the streets with him. She carefully kept close to him and tried to avoid drawing any attention to herself. She followed his lead to the person he spoke about.(edited)
As William and Isa approached Casanova's house on the outskirts of the quiet morning town, a sense of nostalgia and uncertainty hung in the air. The small, rustic dwelling exuded an air of mystery as it stood among the trees. The early morning sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the path leading to the front door. William's steps slowed as they reached their destination, and he took a moment to glance at Isa, her hood pulled low over her face. With a deep breath, he raised his hand to knock on the door. The seconds that followed felt like an eternity until the door creaked open. An alluring figure with a captivating presence appeared. Her appearance exuded confidence and sensuality. She had long, wavy, chestnut hair that cascaded down her back in loose waves, giving her an air of casual elegance. Her eyes were a striking shade of deep green, like emeralds that seemed to hold secrets untold. Her lips were painted a shade of red that demanded attention, accentuating her sensual allure. She wore an outfit that was both revealing and stylish, with a low-cut top that accentuated her curves and a tight-fitting skirt that showcased her slender legs. Her attire was a testament to her bold and audacious personality, and she moved with a seductive grace that left an indelible impression on those around her."Cass," William began, his voice tinged with a mixture of nostalgia and caution, "It's been a long time." Cassanova's eyes widened, and without a word, she threw herself into William's arms, wrapping them tightly around him in a familiar embrace. "William!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with a mixture of joy and disbelief. "I knew you'd come back!" As they embraced, the weight of their shared history seemed to hang in the air. In the midst of their reunion, William knew he had to explain their presence and their mission to protect Isa and secure her a disguise. "Can we come inside Cass?"
Isa watched Cas with curiosity until the woman embraced William. She felt her shoulders grow tense at the sight. She washed herself of the feeling quickly. Cass allowed them inside without further question for the moment. Once inside Isa looked to William and took a step closer to him. She wanted to stay close and hopefully get the meeting with this woman done as soon as possible.
After a few moments, William cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Cass," he began, his voice steady yet filled with an underlying urgency. "We've come to you for help. We need a disguise for Isa, and we need it urgently." Cassanova looked from William to Isa, her expression thoughtful. "A disguise, huh?" she mused. "Well, that's a tall order. But I suppose I owe you a few favors." Her gaze lingered on William, hinting at the complex history they shared. Cassanova's expression darkened. She continued, "But you should know something important. There's a bounty on the missing princess. The reward is substantial, and people are desperate for any information.... you wouldn't know anything about that though right?"
She felt her heart drop as Cass brought up the bounty for her. She did her best to stay calm and let William handle her. She was worried that if she spoke up she would upset the woman. That’s the last thing she wanted. She looked towards William. Her gaze was desperate. She needed the disguise. She now knew that there was a true bounty on her. Her life was in his hands
William, his expression betraying no knowledge of the princess, replied firmly, "I'm sorry, Cass. We barely made it out of the city ourselves. We don't know anything about the princess." Cassanova leaned in closer, her eyes locking with William's as she leaned in suggestively. "Well," she purred, "I do have some information about why people are after the princess. But it'll cost you." William hesitated for a moment, knowing he had nothing to offer Cassanova in terms of money or valuables. He glanced at Isa, then back at Cassanova. Finally, he sighed and said, "I don't have much to offer, Cass, but i might be able to..." "You know what I want!" Cass interupted him, as she grinned mischievously, stepping closer to him. finally aknowledging Isa as she put a hand on his chest. "Is she going to mind?" tilting her head in the hooded girls direction "have you shown her yet?" williams face turns red quickly.
Isa watched the two interact silently for a moment. When Cass touched Williams chest Isa felt jealous. But did her best to hide it. “Will I mind what?” Isa spoke up. Her voice was confused and slightly off put. “William. Did you forget to tell me something about Cass?” She asked. She looked between them and arched a brow. She could see Williams face become red. That alone made her jealous.
"so who is your companion William?" Cass teased more "A new girlfriend? And you havent shown her?" "She is not!... I mean she is... My... she is my friend but not like that." William finally got out, stumbleing over his words. "Well then if your just friend then she wont mind waiting outside. We might be a while dear." Cass moved her hand from his chest slowly down to his belt. "Unless you want to watch?" William steps back away from Cassanova face red with a mixture of excitment and embarresment. "come on Isa lets go, this was a bad idea." he says grabbing her arm to lead her out.
Isa seemed confused for a moment until she saw Cass’s hands fall to Williams belt. A small frown came to her face. She didn’t need to wait for William to suggest leaving. She had already turned on her heels to leave. When William suggested leaving she shrugged. “Do as you wish.” She said simply and opened the door to leave when he grabbed her arm, pulling her out. She managed to pull away from his grasp as soon as the door was closed. She walked down the path at a quickened pace. She made no effort to hide her frustration
William hurried after Isa, realizing his mistake and how uncomfortable the situation had become. "Isa, wait," he called out as he caught up to her. He reached out to touch her arm gently, attempting to stop her. "I'm sorry for suggesting we go there, I guess I just didn't think it through. Let's just focus on finding a disguise for you and getting out of here. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." He looked genuinely apologetic, hoping she would understand that his intentions had been about finding help for her.
She let him stop her but held up a hand. “I am not in any mood to discuss this.” She started. “But since you seem to be I will.” She looked him in the eyes. “That was mortifying. How could you not tell me about your relationship with her. And on top of that you let her have her hands all over you. I know how men work. I know what you felt when she got to handsy. Had I gotten a warning I would have sent you in by yourself to do as you please. Instead yo dragged me in there without so much as a warning and let me be uncomfortable.” She ranted before taking a deep breath. “I am frustrated with you. And embarrassed. And confused on top of all of it. I don’t even know what to think.”
William nodded as he listened to Isa's words, realizing he had indeed made a mistake by not giving her a heads up about his past with Cassanova. He understood her feelings of frustration and embarrassment. He chose his words carefully. "I'm truly sorry, Isa. I didn't expect Cass to act that way, and I should have told you about our history but after last night..." He stopped himself. "Look, I im sorry and I promise, I won't let anything like that happen again. Let's focus on finding you a disguise and getting you to safety. That's what matters most right now." He kept his tone sincere, hoping to make amends for his lapse in judgment.
She stared at him for a moment with a look that could kill. Then let out an annoyed groan and stomped her foot. “Fine.” She said firmly. Clearly not too happy with him. But accepting that there was a more pressing issue. “Let’s get my hair dyed to start. Then we can discuss why you brought up last night.”she said and pointed at him before walking off into the woods toward a small bush. She picked some of the leaves off it before finding another and taking more until she had a good amount.
Chapter excerpt truncated at the edge.