s c o t l a n d

she felt like the joy from seeing charlotte again would keep her happy and content for all of eternity, but she was woefully mistaken. all it took for her happiness to evaporate like snow in the spring, was seeing her brother’s mistress. the look of joy disappeared from isabel’s features as soon as her eyes met the other’s. were the circumstances different, isabel might have appreciated the woman, but in this reality, the mere sight of moire vass irritated her. “ good day. “ she greeted the other, though her voice lacked all of its normal cheerfulness. “ have you settled in your rooms already? “ // @iseasttar​

despite her brother’s hatred, isabel considered the english as dear friends, perhaps even family. though she hadn’t known the two older princesses that well, their deaths had left a mark even on isabel. “ may their souls rest in peace. “ she said softly. “ oh, edmund, you’re not weak! your countenance might be delicate but you’re stronger than everyone thinks. you’re certainly not to blame. “ she exclaimed, quite confident in her opinion. “ i wish never to experience such years ago. the isolation, the fear! though i did enjoy spending time with my darling niece. mary is such a lovely girl. “

oh, she was so happy. for a moment she forgot all about her wretched brother and their familial difficulties, as her thoughts were filled with love she felt for charlotte. it was overwhelming – as if she had locked her deepest and truest feelings away for years and they were now escaping from their prison. “ you clearly haven’t looked in the mirror, my love. you’re the breathtaking one. so beautiful. gorgeous. “ she could shower the other with compliments till the end of times. after all, she would have to make up for all the lost years. the quick kiss made isabel blush violently, a look that clashed terribly with her auburn hair. “ never. we will grow old together and be happy. “ she proclaimed, once more clasping charlotte’s hands between hers. “ oh, how i have missed you. i’ve read your letters over and over again, i was beginning to be afraid that the ink would disappear! “

her fantasies and dreams could never compare to this – the reality of seeing charlotte after so many years of distance, she could barely comprehend her luck. pure happiness was coursing through her veins as she could do nothing more than stare at the other’s face. years had been kind to charlotte; isabel remembered her as a vivacious young woman, but now her features had found their maturity. as charlotte’s hand rose to touch her face, it was as if an electric current rushed through her. “ it’s been so long. “ her own palm met charlotte’s and she could only marvel at the sensation of having her darling there in flesh. “ you are more beautiful, though i do not know how that is possible, for you have always been the most beautiful woman in existence. “ she whispered, wiping the tears away from the corners of charlotte’s eyes. “ five years, lotte. i am never leaving you again, never! “

she sat in the offered place, eager to have a real conversation with a friend. it had been so long since she had talked to anyone beyond her own family, so the novelty of simply discussing hadn’t worn off yet. “ yes, indeed. so much grief in the world, so much hatred! and i must say, i was terribly saddened to hear the news of your sisters’ passing. how awful it must have been. “ from someone else the words might have sounded trite, but isabel was heartbreakingly genuine. “ and your survival! barely anything has made me so happy than when catherine told me you fought your illness. “ she continued, clasping edmund’s palm between hers. “ five years is a long time and we’ve all been through such hardships – it’s not a wonder that we all look pale, haggard and older! “

it should not have surprised anyone that isabel was idly strolling through the empty corridors. a simple change in scenery wasn’t enough to soothe her after five years of seclusion – she yearned to find newness and beauty from her surroundings. and yes, perhaps her head was filled with fanciful thoughts of meeting her beloved there. as isabel admired the extravagance around her, deep in her thoughts, she almost didn’t notice the person who was in her path. only when they were almost face to face, isabel startled out of her reverie. “ oh, i’m terribly sorry, i ... “ her words cut abruptly as she truly looked at the woman in front of her. even though years had passed, charlotte’s beautiful features had never left her mind. while they had been just girls all those years ago, there was now a full-grown woman in front of her. “ charlotte? “ the tone of her voice was terribly hopeful and her eyes brightened in a way they hadn’t done so in years. “ is it really you? “  // @charofsweden​