Unraveling

Isabelle was awoken by the sound of her ringtone 'Princesses don't cry', which was contrasting considering how she fell asleep. She answered the phone realizing afterwards that she did not recognize the number. She found it strange because only other Royals had access to her personal phone, and she had most of the phone numbers memorized. Confused, she still answered politely, "Princesa Isabelle from the Kingdom of Roséno speaking". Her words were followed by dead silence. A minute passed before a Raspy voice echoed from the other end. "Well, Well Princesa, beauty is valuable, is it not? I'll see you in a week" he stated with a sinister chuckle.

Princess Isabelle was oblivious to what this man was hinting at. " A week? who are you and what are you talking about?", she questioned while looking around her room to see if she was being watched. He completely disregarded her questions, "Oh and one last thing, could you mention the name Authur to the King" he said smugly before hanging up. By this time every inch of drowsiness had completely disappeared from Isabelle's eyes. She was fully awake now with every single hair on her body standing at attention. She got up and sat in the bed appreciating the silence which gave her room to think. "Authur? this creep knew my father, what did he mean by valuable? But what was more confusing, how on earth did he get my personal number?", she asked herself. She was still spooked from the encounter but tried to push it to the back of her mind as she had the feeling that she had a lot to do today. Isabelle then got out of bed walking towards her night table. Suddenly, her bedroom door was flung open, and Señor Kenny came rushing in almost giving her a heart attack.

She was relieved that it was just him but annoyed with this repeated action. "Señor, I would appreciate a less dramatic entrance in the mornings please, you startled me", she scolded. "My apologies your highness" he said genuinely sorry. "Accepted of course'" stated Princess Isabelle making her way to the bathroom to carry out the same boring routine. After Señor Kenny had finished preparing her bath, he went downstairs to help with the preparations for this morning's breakfast. Princess Isabelle slid right in still thinking about the mysterious guy on the phone. She heard her bedroom door open and knew that Clara had entered the dressing room to pick out her attire. After a few minutes, Clara entered the bathroom to greet her smiling lovingly. Her smile immediately dropped after observing Isabelle. "Isa, what's wrong? ", she asked filled with concern. Princess Isabelle explained everything that happened this morning and Clara didn't like it one bit. " Isa that guy sounds psychotic! I suggest you tell the King and Queen immediately" she said in her strong Hispanic accent while helping Princess Isabelle out of the bathtub.

"I'll tell them eventually Clars, but they are going to increase security which means that it'll be almost impossible for me to leave this place", Isabelle replied wrapping the towel around her body. "I understand that, but your safety is just as important", Clara responded with obvious concern. " I know, I know, now enough about me, how's Katarina doing? I haven't seen her from the last time we went to visit", she stated exiting the bathroom. "That was two months ago, wasn't it? She's doing well, calls every now and then like a normal sister", stated Clara sarcastically. They both chuckled at the thought. It was after seeing the outfit that Clara picked out that princess Isabelle understood why she had the feeling from before. She was supposed to see the villagers today. "Ahh por supuesto", she said sighing, "you forgot, didn't you?", asked Clara amused. Princess Isabelle looked at Clara and they both started laughing again.

After an hour of getting prepped and ready, Isabelle was descending the stairs in a Sapphire blue dress that fitted her waist effortlessly before fanning out. She was wearing Diamond imprinted gloves, sapphire blue wedge heels and her silver crown with blue diamonds at the center. Her hair was swaying at her hips in an elegant throwback with a couple strands making a bow in the center. Everyone was seated at the dining table and all eyes focused on her as she greeted them. She took her seat along with a deep breath and glanced at her father. He immediately realized that something was bothering her. "What's wrong Isa?" he asked concerned, "papá, do you know an Authur?", she asked in a serious tone. "Well of course, there are a few new ones in our village. I'll have them introduced to you today, is that all that's bothering you?" he asked now smiling. "Papá, you don't understand, I got a phone call this morning from an Authur. Listen to the recording, our phone calls are still recorded right?" Isabelle asked worryingly. "Por supuesto cariña, no need to get so worked up. Señor Kenny can fetch the latest recording now if it will make you feel better" he replied still smiling. "Por favor", she replied uneasy.

The smile was wiped off King Rafael's face as his eyes began to fill with recognition and a slight presence of anger while listening to the recording. He looked over at Queen Melaine and back at Isabelle. "Papá, could you explain to me what is going on? who is Authur? the only Authur I remember is my uncle!", Isabelle stated in one stressful breath. " Isabelle, listen to me, Authur is not your uncle, he was a good friend of the family, that's first. Secondly, I am going to need you to stay under heavy security. You will not be seeing the people today, they will receive an update. Most importantly you will not be leaving our sight and that's final" he said sternly looking at Queen Melaine for approval. " I appreciate your concern, but I am future Queen. I promised the people that I would see them today and as Royalties, we always keep our promises", argued Princess Isabelle stubbornly.

"Cariña, you have a point, but you are unaware of what or let me say who we are up against," stated Queen Melaine. "Well, mamá, enlighten me, but just know I could be up against the world. I don't care if we have to travel with three times the security and the grand council. I am seeing the people, and I mean today!" Isabelle argued stubbornly. "Isabelle, please listen, we have enemies. Enemies that will hurt you to get to us. Authur turned against the Kingdoms many years ago, you have to remain here where I can be assured of your safety" explained King Rafael in a softer tone. "I will be safe when I'm with you and for that very reason you will accompany me to the village" finished Princess Isabelle matching her father's tone. King Rafael and Queen Melaine sighed in unison realizing that they weren't getting anywhere. "Vale Isa, we will accompany you, but immediately after our return, the grand council will have to come up with a new strategy of security for your safety and that's final," said King Rafael.

Even though Isabelle did not like the idea of having security follow her around, she would have to agree. "Papá, you said my safety when you should've said ours. We also need to warn the Salúve family, now that's final", Isabelle finished feeling pleased with what she had accomplished. "Since we are on this topic, I found that the little girl, Cia, is not related to the fashion expert, Mrs. Bentley. Nor is she any of the persons that matched that name, which I think is suspicious since we should have her personal information in the registry. What if she is Authur's spy, we must proceed with caution" warned Queen Melaine with a frown displayed over her features.

"Mhh, we have to look into it a bit more, let us take it to the grand council or security team perhaps" replied King Rafael. Whether it was the name that was mentioned, the discovery her mother just made or what she had just personally found out about Authur, princess Isabelle felt the color draining from her body. "Are you alright dear, you look as if you've seen a ghost" stated her mother in a worried tone. "It's just a lot to process" replied Isabelle, a good enough excuse and even though it wasn't entirely the truth, it wasn't a lie either.

After breakfast the Royalties were accompanied by heavy security and the grand council. The Royal family, two guards and the grand council entered one of the Rolls Royce. The remaining guards entered the other eight vehicles. They arrived in the central village about 10 minutes later with the people gathering and applauding joyously. Princess Isabelle was the first royalty to exit the vehicle with guards surrounding her at every turn. Her diamonds looked more like projectors than reflectors showcasing the beauty of the sunlight's contact with the jewelry. She started to greet the people, and her eyes met a familiar green one causing a faint smile to play across her elegant face. The people started approaching her with different questions about her experiences in Egypt and quarries with the kingdom. The upcoming ball was a hot topic, and questions were being thrown at her from left and right. She answered them with ease.

She was caught off guard however, by the question of her getting married. Isabelle looked at her parents before giving a polite smile and answering the question. "Well, I have not started courting as yet but I will make it my priority to keep you all updated" she replied still smiling. Brian never took his eyes off her, the weird thing was that he had this look in his eyes, like a predator studying its prey. In contrast, what caught Princess Isabelle's attention was this unknown guy not even sparing her a glance. She called him to asked him his name but to her surprise he just replied with "Luke" before walking off casually. King Rafael was ready to call him back, but princess Isabelle lifted her hand to stop him saying it was okay. This act made Isabelle very intrigued because he didn't seem to care about her status. She was snapped out of her thoughts by another question, and then another. She spent the rest of the day carrying out her royal duties and talking to members of the council. It was an eventful day after all and now she had something exciting to look forward to tomorrow.