James Henry-Ernest Bandeaux
“I stand warned.” The King of Effemane said firmly. Oh yes, James had heard of Isabelle’s famous outbursts. He, like so many other young bachelors, was well aware of what the Princess Isabelle was capable of. Well, perhaps not well aware, but at least well informed. He had heard through rumor of the many things she had spit out at some of the most powerful men in the world. She was a handful that was for sure.
The idea of having such a feisty date was not embarrassing in the least. A sort of adventure and challenge came from it. Not challenge in thinking that he would train her to sit tight and proper, no, a challenge of her wits and his combined. Surely there was something good to come from the strong headedness of this Princess. James was sure of it. One day Isabelle’s fearless speech would pay off in the wildest of ways.
Just as James was about to suggest they venture downstairs a servant girl interrupted him. The young thing was shocked at the sight of them, and frankly a little rosy in the cheeks. Thinking that she had interrupted some divine royal affair, she could no longer form proper sentences. A slight laugh escaped James’ lips as the frazzled handmaiden left them to their peace. How silly people were in their assumptions.
His blue eyes followed her first to the door, then his body. She was right of course; a day was never spent well up in the chambers. On top of that the King was growing hungry. Stepping into the hallway he closed her bedroom door quietly before following after her.
“I’m afraid, dear Princess, while in your chambers we seem anything but anti-social.” His eyes flickered with mischief as his words suggested scandal. He was playing with her, trying to test out the waters before he would have to deal with her the entire evening. He was good at this game, you see, making sure that while he spoke the handmaiden that walked in on them heard.
This rumor would spread like wildfire, no doubt. His eyes flicked to the servant girl that was now filled so full of juicy gossip that she giggled as she turned the corner. James smiled to himself before he smoothed past the Princess.
“Oh… And there goes our secret.” James cooed sarcastically over Isabelle’s shoulder. Now the entirety of the Mederva castle staff would think that the King of Effemane and the Princess Isabelle were lovers. He knew that these words of false facts would not bother him, but he could not say the same for the dear Princess.