Chapter 5 Facing Reality

"Who is hungry?" Isabella asked, smiling at Christiano. "Thank goodness you are back," he said, taking closer steps towards her.

Eyes searching hers he finally said, "I've missed you more than words can say".

With his voice breaking slightly he said looking into her eyes "You have no idea how many times I've wanted to call you within the few hours you've been gone."

As he spoke those words, it carried deep meaning, an assurance of some sort and an unspoken promise that the moment began to rekindle their bond. Isabella's eyes softened as she let out an involuntary sigh mixed with relief and affection.

Dropping the launch basket, she stepped closer to him as if drawn by an invisible force. Her hands brushing against his arm touched his open chest, a silent gesture that communicates the depth of her feelings.

With a gentle smile spread across her face, she said in a tender tone "I missed you too... more than you know". They kissed passionately after which they enjoyed their meal.

Breaking the romantic silence he said, "Will you be my wife?" Isabella felt a rush of warmth in her chest as her heart pounded. Aching with the truth of their bond which was so real and undeniable even though they recently met, her lips parted but she couldn't find the words.

Tears filled her eyes as she looked at the man she loved who made her feel truly loved and cherished, not as a princess but as a woman.

"I...I wish I could say Yes" She said looking away to clean her tearing eyes. Holding her head lovingly and looking into her eyes he said "Just say yes my love, I have never felt this way for any other woman"

I have been stripped of my inheritance and I am lonely, she thought. Breaking the silence she said, "I will marry you on one condition". letting out a sigh of relief, Christiano said in a hurry "Anything, say it my love"

Looking into his eyes Isabella said, "We need to get permission from my uncle Rolando who is the king of my Kingdom".

This request gladdened his heart which made him reply "Then we should be on our way"

"Ha ha ha" they both laughed as they hugged passionately. Softly, Isabella said "Tomorrow will be good since today is his resting day"

In response, he said, "I will quickly tell my friend Carlos to book an appointment with his majesty".

Dressed in a plain black cloak, a woolen shirt and well-worn boots with a cheap regular fragrance, Christiano walked beside Isabella as they went straight into the palace.

Nodding to accept the greetings of the few stewards who welcomed her, Isabella walked into the palace with so much uncertainty.

"I am surprised to have a commoner fix a meeting over some marriage proposal" Rolando said with so much contempt.

Still standing he motioned them to sit down which they did. The stewards served pasta carbonara made with spaghetti, egg yolks, pecorino romano cheese and black pepper.

Panna cotta was for dessert made from sweetened cream, vanilla and gelatin.

Rolando the King watched them as they sat on the dining table while he sipped his wine.

He asked, "What is your name, young man?"

"Christiano your majesty," he replied, looking very nervous.

He wanted the King to agree to his proposal because he wanted to give Isabella the world.

Earlier Christiano assigned Carlos to find out details about Rolando the King including his childhood.

Carlos informed him that they were two boys Rolando and Anthonio. Anthonio was well-behaved and diligent in everything, though both boys got the same training, Rolando was the exact opposite of his brother Anthonio.

Rolando bullied everyone including the servants, he lavished his father's wealth many times without explanations and disrespected them as well. His parents disciplined him but to no avail. Growing into adulthood he became more irresponsible with money, women and alcohol.

He was put away for five years in a correction home for rich children. This was in preparation for him to take over the throne. On the fifth year, during which he was to be crowned, though his carers said he was fit, his father felt otherwise.

After consulting knights and nobles from within and outside the kingdom, their father decided to crown Anthonio King to keep his kingdom secure and safe. Since that day Rolando developed an eternal hatred for his only brother.

"What do you do for a living?" Rolando asked, taking the last bit of his desert. Christiano replied "I am managing a small business"

Laughing out loud Rolando said, "At least you have something to feed her with".

Turning to Isabella he said, "I thought we instructed you never to return?"

"Yes uncle but being my only family, I wanted your blessings" Isabella said, unable to hide the tears from her eyes.

"He doesn't even care about me," she thought. "Make sure to eat enough so you don't starve. Ha ha ha" Rolando said sarcastically.

"Young man, I know you are a commoner but did my darling Isabella tell you about herself in detail?" Rolando asked, looking at Christiano with so much concern.

Holding Isabella, Christiano said with a charming smile "Yes, Your Majesty, but you know we keep learning about each other each passing day".

"You sound like you love her, do you?" Rolando inquired. "Yes, Your Majesty" Christiano responded without hesitating.

Christiano hardly touched his food because he focused more on the conversation as he wanted a positive response.

"Your Majesty, am I permitted to marry Isabella even as a commoner?" Christiano asked. Dropping the glass of red wine he had in his hand Rolando replied "Yes!"

In jubilation Christiano jumped to his feet saying "Thank you, thank you". Isabella's heart skipped as her uncle gave her away to a commoner because he wanted to wipe everything about Anthonio and keep the Kingdom. It has never happened in the history of this kingdom, she thought.

"Are you not excited, my love?" Christiano said as he took his seat. He held her shoulders with so much concern "Are you okay?" he asked. "Yes dear, I just feel overwhelmed," she said using the back of her hand to clean her tears.

As he walked back to his chambers he said "Young man, I am sure she told you that she had a hand in her parent's death which was why she was banished out of this palace and stripped of her royal inheritance". He laughed as he walked into the walkway.

Christiano is a 30-year-old who is not quick to judge or act. So he pretended not to hear what was said. Helping Isabella up he whispered into her ears "You are safe with me my love, come let's go home".

Simeon Isabella's trusted steward waited on her throughout her stay. On her way out he held her hands saying "My Princess, the palace has not been the same since you left. When are you coming back?"

Isabella smiled and said softly "Time will tell Simeon, thank you for your loyalty".

"Please take care of yourself my Princess" he said hurrying out to hide his tearing eyes.