Isabella's POV
Little bird,
Little bird on the window,
You fly so high.
Little bird, will you take me with you?
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And the bird flew away as Isabella watched it, startled by the sound of the door opening.
Isabella turned her face towards the now open door. It was her beloved younger brother, Elliot.
"Isabella! There you are!" Elliot cheered as he ran towards her. She was sitting in a chair, sipping her tea.
"Elliot, do you need something?" She asked.
"No, I just wanted to see you!" Elliot spoke. "I heard you'll be heading out into a Bellacrest for small errand, is that correct?"
"Yes, that is correct. I'll be back shortly. Do you nee-" Before she could finish, her younger brother suddenly gave her an embrace. "...Elliot? Is something the matter?"
It's not unusual for him to embrace me, but you can never be too sure.
"No, it's just... Lucas is having his lesson right now with Count Alistair, and I'm so bored! There is nothing for me to do! Maybe I should just go with you." Elliot said, expressing his feelings.
"Oh, I see... Elliot, I'm really not doing anything fun, I'm sure it'll bore you to tears." Isabella began to explain, feeling a little guilty for rejecting Elliot. "And besides, after what happened to you after the last time you went out to Bellacrest, mother would not want you to leave Devereaux Hall until you rested a bit more, you know."
Elliot let go of Isabella, staring her in the eye. He felt blessed to be able to look into such kind eyes.
"I know, I know.... Gosh, girls really worry too much! I told you both I'm fine!"
"Oh you..." Isabella rolled her eyes, holding back a small laugh.
I pray you'll always feel that way, Elliot, for you deserve nothing but happiness.
Suddenly, another person opened the door and made his way into the room. It was Walter.
"Lady Isabella, the carriage is ready for us." Walter announced solemnly. Isabella liked Walter, for he was as kind as he was serious. She can feel how much he loves her family, the years he spent serving them being proof enough. Walter has served the von Devereaux family since Duke Ambrose, Isabella's grandfather, still lived.
"I'm coming!" She replied as she stood up and said her goodbyes to Elliot before making her way out of Devereaux Hall, Walter right behind her.
As she made her way down the stairs, she saw the carriage and its driver, alongside Devin, and a certain third unexpected presence waiting for her.
I understand why Devin is here, but....
"Leopold? What are you doing here?" Isabella's confusion was evident as she looked up at him.
"What am I doing here? Tagging along with you to Bellacrest, of course!" Leopold responded cheerfully. "I haven't had a chance to stroll around it since I arrived."
"Stroll around? Leopold, I'm not going for a stroll. I'm going to collect some dresses that my mother and I had tailored. Devin and Walter are accompanying me to carry them. I don't think you'd find much enjoyment in joining us." Isabella explained, trying to dissuade him politely.
"Nonsense! Simply being in your company brings me joy, dear Isabella!" Leopold retorted with a smile, his resolve unwavering. Isabella knew then there was nothing she could say to cause him to change his mind.
"...Very well, then. Is everyone prepared to depart?" Isabella turned to the little group around her.
"Yes, I'm ready!" Devin responded enthusiastically, eager for the outing with Isabella. It's not everyday he gets the chance to visit the town with her.
"I'm as prepared as ever, Lady Isabella." Walter chimed in, his tone respectful and assured.
"Then let's go."
Even with Leopold around, I think some time away from the mansion will help me. I need the fresh air.
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It has been a few days since Leopold made his way into Bellacrest, and 12 days since Lucas arrived to live with them at Devereaux Hall.
12 Days wasn't a long time, but Isabella already felt that her life had undergone a drastic change in such a short span, and the worst part was that she knew this was only the beginning. Her life as she knew it was going to change forever.
As the carriage rattled along the cobblestone streets of Bellacrest, Isabella sat opposite Devin, who engaged in lively conversation about the latest gossip from the town with her. Isabella couldn't believe what the Old Bell inn owner's daughter did.
How scandalous! How bold! Did she really do that?! Though I can't say I don't admire her braveness...
Leopold lounged comfortably beside Isabella, occasionally glancing out the window with a faint smile playing on his lips. Walter, seated across from Leopold, maintained a dignified silence.
"So, Isabella, tell me about these dresses you're fetching. Are they to your liking?" He inquired with a hint of amusement, his tone casual yet probing.
Isabella shifted her gaze from Devin onto Leopold, feeling the weight of Leopold's curiosity. "They are bespoke creations—mother and I have put considerable thought into their design." She replied, keeping her response brief.
"They're quite exquisite, from what I've heard!" Devin added. "Lady Isabella looks stunning in anything, isn't that right, Walter?"
Walter, ever composed, nodded politely. "Indeed, Devin. Lady Isabella has impeccable taste."
Leopold raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on Isabella. "Impeccable taste, you say? I look forward to seeing these dresses, then."
"...I'm sorry, you came all the way from Cheveralie Academy, and here we are talking to you about dresses. I imagine you don't find this very interesting." Isabella apologized, feeling a little guilt.
"Oh no, not at all. I'd rather hear about dresses than go through another math lecture!" Leopold joked. "Truly, I'm so glad I get to be away from that place for a bit."
"Is it... that bad?" Isabella asked, curious. To her, Cheveralie Academy was something out of reach, something meant for boys, and yet here was someone who had been there who could tell her all about it.
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"It's a lot more complicated than you'd imagine, I can tell you that, haha!"
I see... It is Elliot's dream to go to that place, so I can't say I like the way Leopold is wording it.
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Shortly after, the carriage came to a gentle halt outside the tailor's shop, and Walter opened the door with practiced grace. "We have arrived, Lady Isabella." He announced quietly as he helped her come down.
"Thank you." She thanked him with a gracious smile, always touched by his gentlemanly manners. It made Isabella a little sad whenever she thought how Walter didn't have a wife as she knew without a shadow of a doubt he'd treat her very well.
"Okay... Devin, Leopold, please wait here for a moment. Lady Isabella and I will inspect the dresses and call for you when it's time to bring them out." Walter explained.
"It should only take a minute!" Isabella added before she and Walter stepped into the shop, leaving Devin and Leopold alone in the carriage.
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Inside the shop, the air was filled with the scent of freshly dyed fabrics, and what beautiful fabrics they were. Isabella glanced around, taking in the rows of beautifully crafted garments displayed on mannequins and racks. It seemed there weren't that many customers at this time of the day, and yet the few that were there turned to look at Isabella the second she entered.
"Is that...?"
"It must be! The Duke's....!"
Two women whispered in the corner as Isabella awkwardly smiled at them. For better or worst, she is very recognizable around Bellacrest. It felt like both a blessing and a curse to Isabella.
Walter led her to a corner where their commissioned dresses awaited, each one meticulously draped over a padded hanger.
"These are the ones, Lady Isabella." Walter said softly, stepping back to allow her a closer inspection.
Isabella ran her fingers over the fine silk and intricate lace, admiring the craftsmanship. "They're lovely, Walter. Mother will be pleased." She remarked with a hint of relief.
These turned out even better than I had imagined!
As she continued to examine the dresses, the shopkeeper lady approached, bowing slightly. "Lady Isabella, it's an honor to have you here. If there's anything else you need or any adjustments you'd like made, please let us know."
"No, thank you." Isabella replied politely. "These are perfect."
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Meanwhile outside, back in the carriage, Devin shifted uncomfortably in his seat, stealing occasional glances at Leopold, who leaned back with a nonchalant air. The silence was too much.
"Hmm, boy, your face looks familiar for some reason..." Leopold broke the silence.
"Huh? My face?" Devin let out, confused. "Perhaps you saw me once or twice on one of your visits to Devereaux Hall, Master Leopold. My sister and I have always served the Devereaux family."
"Sister? Ohhhh, I see. Now I know why you looked familiar, you really do look like that woman." Leopold remarked, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.
Devin's brow furrowed in confusion. "You know Clarisse, my sister?"
"Why yes, I know her very well." Leopold repeated, his voice low and husky. "I'm intimately acquainted with her. You could even say we're... friends."
"Friends? But she never mentioned you to me, and she tells me everything." Devin added, not getting any less confused, which caused Leopold to let out a small laugh.
"It's a shame you're a boy, or I'm sure we'd had been 'friends' by now as well. The boys at Cheveralie Academy were pleasant enough, but I have been finding myself craving a certain... female touch lately."
Before Devin could process what Leopold was even talking about, Walter showed up.
"Devin, come! I need you to help me carry the dresses!"
"C-Coming!" He responded, dashing out of the carriage. He didn't understand what Leopold was talking about, and part of him thought it was for the best. He didn't want to think about it. He didn't want to acknowledge what Leopold was hinting at. He wanted to bury this conversation deep in his mind.
Shortly after, Walter and Devin carefully placed the dresses in the carriage, ensuring they were secure. As Isabella climbed in with Devin help, she glanced back at the shop one last time before the carriage started moving once more.
The ride back was a lot more silent, though Isabella could feel that Leopold kept looking at her all the way back into Devereaux Hall.
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Shortly later that day, in Isabella's room at Devereaux Hall.
Isabella stood in front of the full-length mirror, admiring her reflection. The new dress was a masterpiece, and the maids had expertly helped her into it. Made of the finest silk, it was a delicate shade of lavender that complemented her fair skin and brought out the vibrant green of her eyes. The intricate lace detailing along the neckline and sleeves added an elegant touch, while the fitted bodice and flowing skirt gave her an air of grace and sophistication. Her long, blonde hair was swept to one side in soft waves, cascading over her shoulder.
"Lady Isabella, you look absolutely stunning!" One of the maids said, stepping back to admire their handiwork.
"Thank you..." Isabella replied with a warm smile.
Just then, there was a knock at the door. The maids exchanged glances before one of them moved to open it. Standing there was Leopold, a charming smile on his charming face playing on his lips. The maid who opened the door couldn't help but blush.
"Leopold?" Isabella said, surprised. "What brings you here?"
"I heard you were trying on your new dress." He replied, stepping into the room. "I couldn't resist seeing it for myself."
"I-I see..." Was all Isabella said in return.
I suppose I should have seen this one coming, and here I was hoping to show mother first.
The maids quickly curtsied and excused themselves, leaving Isabella and Leopold alone.
Isabella felt a bit uneasy under Leopold's gaze, but she maintained her composure. "So, what do you think?" She asked, gesturing to the dress.
"You look breathtaking, Isabella." Leopold said, his eyes lingering on her a moment longer than she was comfortable with. "The dress suits you perfectly."
"Thank you." Isabella replied, trying to keep her tone polite. "I'm glad you think so."
Leopold walked closer, examining the delicate lacework. "The craftsmanship is exceptional. Your taste is impeccable, as always."
Isabella nodded, stepping back slightly to create some distance between them. "Yes, the tailor did a wonderful job. Mother will be pleased."
Leopold's expression shifted slightly, becoming more serious. "Isabella, there's something I wanted to discuss with you."
"Oh? And what might that be?" She asked, her curiosity piqued.
Though deep down I have a feeling I know what he wants to talk about...
Leopold hesitated for a moment, then spoke. "Isabella, how do you feel about your new brother, Lucas?"
"H-Huh? Lucas?" Isabella stammered, caught off guard.
"Yes, Lucas. His presence here is quite intriguing, don't you think?"
"I... I suppose? We were all blindsided, really." Isabella replied, recalling the day her father, the Duke, announced the sudden news. "But... I'm glad he's here now."
"Oh? Are you?" Leopold's voice took on a more probing tone. "Aren't you a little worried about what his presence means for Elliot, the brother who loves you so much? A bit too much, if you ask me, but that's beside the point here."
Isabella stayed silent, unsure of how to respond. She found it ironic how moments ago she felt on top of the world in her new dress, only for Leopold to come and dampen her spirits.
"And not just what it means for Elliot, but also for us." Leopold continued.
"...Us?" Isabella asked.
Leopold stepped closer, his gaze intense. "Yes, us, my dear. " He took Isabella's hand in his, his grip firm yet gentle. "You see, if the two of us got married... Lucas will get in the way for my claim on the duchy. He would stand in the way of you and I becoming the Duke and Duchess of Tarragon."
The duchy...
"Leopold... Aren't you thinking too far ahead? Do you really want to be Duke that badly?" Isabella asked, somewhat lost for words, feeling a mix of confusion and apprehension.
"Yes, I do. It is my birthright, after all." Leopold replied firmly. "It would pain me greatly to see it fall into the hands of a mere bastard. So please, Isabella, help me convince uncle to let us marry. He never gave me his blessings, but he also never outright rejected the idea. If you were to talk to him, I'm sure that would be the final push he needs." Leopold's grey eyes bore into hers, his sincerity evident.
"Marry you? Do you... really love me, Leopold? Or is this just about the duchy?" Isabella asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"While I can't deny the duchy is a significant part of it, I do love you, Isabella." Leopold admitted. "I've fallen for you a long time ago." His tone softened, and Isabella could sense his genuine feelings.
Isabella's heart and mind raced as she tried to process his words.
"Leopold, I... I need to be alone. Please, leave me be." She spoke, her voice weak and trembling.
I can't think clearly right now. I don't want to be around him.
"Alright, I'm sorry. I came off too strong, didn't I?" Leopold said as he let go of her hand. "I'll see you later."
Isabella nodded as he left the room, leaving her alone with her thoughts. She slowly walked to her bed and laid her head on her fluffy pillow.
Tears welled up in her eyes.
Why is this happening? I fear the days where we were a happy family continue to slip further and further away.
Despite feeling overwhelmed, Isabella's thoughts then turned both onto Leopold, and also onto a certain letter she got some time ago. She couldn't help but feel how ironic it is she got that letter alongside Leopold's letter back then.
I'm sure any girl will be lucky to have him as her husband, but... it doesn't matter what I think of him or this whole matter, as my fate has already been decided.
It was then Isabella noticed a small bird had landed on her window.
Little bird,
Little bird on the window,
You fly so high.
Little bird, will you take me with you?