Chapter Text
~ UNO ~
Princess Isabella had arrived in London no more than 10 hours ago. Her ship had arrived just in time for dinner time. The Queen had expectantly been waiting for her arrival, excited to see her niece once again.
Throughout dinner time, The Queen wasted no time in comforting her niece and welcoming her into her home, as if she was her own daughter. Having gone through such unbearable pain and loneliness the past four months, the Princess cried gently in her aunt's arms.
Just as the night had ended, the Princess' main maid knocked on her door, walking in shortly after announcing herself, getting ready to prepare the Princess for the upcoming ball that same evening.
"Good morning, Maria," the Princess said as she stretched her arms out, bones cracking as she let out a groan, "pardon me, seems like that sleep was much required of me" She let out a gentle chuckle.
"Good morning, your Majesty" Maria bowed to Isabela, "The Queen has requested your presence for breakfast this morning," she spoke as the young woman stood from her bed and went to sit down at the vanity that sat in front of the big window, "after breakfast, you have been requested to join a Lady Danbury for a promenade in the garden," she informed the royal that sat in the vanity, moving on to brush her tangled hair.
"Thank you for informing me," Isabela said as she looked outside, letting her thoughts wander around, "what do you think of London so far, Maria?"
"I think it is quite beautiful, your Majesty" the maid responded, she had been Isabela's main maid since she was a baby, she had watched her grow up and changed her diapers when her mother had been unable to.
"Do you reckon we will have a peaceful time here?" the Princess wondered.
"I do hope that we do, especially you, your Highness" she responded. Over the past 6 months, she had seen the bright girl dim down, first, her father had passed, which caused the girl to go into sadness, but she had pulled through with the help of her younger brother, Prince Israel, and her mother, Queen Rosabela, but once they passed form sickness... the bright and strong girl had crumbled down. The staff in the castle as well as the guards and stable men noticed and were saddened by this.
Once the news of the Princess deciding to spend her next few years of life in England, they were concerned with her safety but figured that with Queen Charlotte being next to the young lady, it should be fine. Especially if she took Maria and some others in the staff with her. The Heir would be safe, and hopefully, their happy and beautiful Princess would come back.
"Thank you, for reading me, Maria," the Princess said gently and she used her hands to straighten any creases that her light green dress had, "I shall request your presence if you are needed," the young woman headed towards the door of her new room, Maria opened the door for her, "have an excellent day"
"You too, your Highness" she bowed once again, before walking the other way, to the helps' chambers.
~
"Ah! My Darling girl!" said the Queen with a gentle smile on her face, "were you able to get the sleep you needed? I informed the help to allow you to get a few more hours of sleep before they woke you, I know traveling strength has never been your strong suit" she said as she stood to offer her niece a short hug.
"Good morning, Aunt Charlotte," Isabela said as she hugged her aunt back and moved to take a seat on the modern-looking chair, next to her aunt, she called a helper over, "My legs ache from all the travel I have made the past few days, would you be as kind to serve me a plate of eggs and bacon? As well as complementary fruits? Thank you" she ordered the young man who got to work rather quickly.
"I was told by Maria, that I was requested to go on a promenade this afternoon. With a Lady Danbury? Is that correct, auntie?" she asked, her voice as gentle as it can get but her eyes were dim and tired.
"Yes, my Darling girl, she is an acquaintance of mine, I would like it if you met with her," the Queen explained, Isabela paid close attention to the way she carried her words and her posture, "I would quite like it if you conversed with her, she has quite the knowledge of the town and the tenants of the Ton, you will need information as you go about your way in the Ball tonight"
As breakfast went on, the two relatives continued to talk and catch on with each other. It had been years since the two of them had conversed like this. The day went on and it was time for Isabela's promenade with Lady Danbury. Princess Isabela made her way to the garden, admiring the roses and tulips that stared up at her.
"You must be Princess Isabella of Austria," said a colored woman who stood in front of the Princess. Isabela looked down at her, Isabela unfortunately inherited her father's tall genes, standing at around 177 centimeters. Lady Danbury bowed slightly before the royal.
Isabela smiled kindly at the woman, "I am she indeed, you must be Lady Danbury?" the woman in front of her smiled, indicating yes, she started walking towards the garden, Isabela following after her.
"You are quite beautiful my dear, will you be participating in this season's competition for the diamond?" Lady Danbury asked the heir. Isabela smiled at the ground.
"I am not, I am only 7 and 10 years of age, Lady Danbury, I am afraid I do not quite meet the requirements to participate" Isabela explained, hoping that it was one of the requirements, they did not hold things like this in Austria, or Spain. That she knew of, of course.
"Sweetheart, the only requirement is to be over the age of 6 and 10 years, and to be a woman, I am pretty sure you meet both of those standards" the Lady let out a laugh, Isabela smiled, "If you are not participating, I am afraid you will still attract the many eyes of our very handsome and eligible bachelors," Lady Danbury said, "the Bridgerton boys are quite the spectacle, handsome and respectful," Isabela looked at the woman, "quite the gentlemen, they are all Lords but I am sure that if they manage to get your hand, they will be excellent Kings"
"Lady Danbury, are you trying to set me up with any of these men?" Isabela asked with a small laugh, her long hair bouncing as she threw her head back.
"Perhaps"
"While I am glad that you think so highly of these men, I can assure you that the last thing that I am looking for this season is love," Lady Danbury looked up at the Princess, curious as to what she was implying at, "with my family's passing, I am afraid that all I am currently in search for is peace and acceptance, friendship love sounds great, but any further than that, I am afraid I will need to shut down immediately" she finished explaining, Lady Danbury smiled.
"You sound as if you know what you wish for in life, and that my dear, is rich" They continued to walk in silence, observing the flowers and the birds that added to the beautiful scenery, "If you are in search of friendship then, I would love for you to attend tonight's Ball, I am the host" Isabela nodded.
"I was told, the Queen extended the invitation to me, and I will be in attendance," Isabela said, smiling as she looked at the garden that sat in front of her, taking note to fix her castle's garden as soon as she got back to Spain.
"That is quite great, your Majesty, I shall let you know" they continued their walk, "that the Bridgerton family, also offers great and beautiful friendship"
"You seem quite fond of this family,"
"I am indeed, great children and a fabulous mother, if you are not in search of a marriage, then I must help you search for strong friendship," Lady Danbury said, the two stopped walking once they heard carriages arrive at the household, "seems like the picking shall begin soon," Lady Danbury said, "let us be on our way," she said as she led them back to the big house.
~
Princess Isabela stood quietly next to her aunt, who sat comfortably on a couch, beautiful ladies surrounding the two of them, fanning them to prevent them from overheating in this room that was filled with people.
The audience whispered as they set their eyes upon the Princess. Whispering of her beauty and her plans for her stay in London.
The doormen started speaking, "Miss Prudence Featherington, Miss Philipa Featherington, and Miss Penelope Featherington" the man said, "all presented by their mother, the Right Honorable Lady Featherington" The doors opened, and there stood three girls squishing their way in through the door.
"Oh God" Isabela whispered, the Queen chuckled at the comment.
The three women, who were accompanied by their mother walked their way down the aisle over to stand before the Queen and the Princess, as they walked Isabela noticed the little one's head turn toward the crowd, smiling at someone.
Curious, she let her eyes wander towards the person the small girl had smiled at. There stood a brunette girl, wearing a light pink dress while standing between rather handsome-looking men. Said the girl looking from the group of girls towards the Queen and herself. Her eyes widened as she saw the Princess looking straight at her.
Isabela sent her a small smile, Eloise returning it slightly before returning her eyes towards Penelope. Isabela did the same, only to be met with the little one scrambling to bow before her and her aunt, who looked as bored as ever. The Queen waved them off. Isabela offered them a kind smile just as one of them fainted on the floor.
"Oh Lord," Isabela said as she walked down the stairs to help the young lady out, her leg twitched as she lay on the floor, "Arthur, please help this young lady, and offer the family some seats so we see this will not happen again," she said as she helped the young girl sit up, the mother looking as embarrassed as ever. The man offered help to the young lady who fainted.
~
"Miss Daphne Bridgerton," the doorman said loudly, Isabela stood tall next to her aunt once again, hoping that this next one wouldn't faint of make a fool of herself like the past few girls had, this was such a disaster, "presented by her mother, the Right Honorable, the Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton" the door opened to a beautiful girl, who elegantly walked down the isle.
Isabela was taken aback by the girl, she was poised and fresh looking, she was perfect. As the girl bowed before them she felt her aunt stand up, a smile came to her face, walking down the steps slightly behind her aunt.
The Queen held the girl's chin as she pulled her up, Daphne looked in schock as she stared at the Queen. Isabela watching with a kind look, offering the mother a kind smile, which was retunred almost immediately, "Flawless, my dear," she kissed her forehead, heading back to her seat as the Princess offered the girl a smile.
"You look rather beautiful, Miss Bridgerton," Daphne looked at the Princess in shock, Isabela let out a small chuckle, "I look froward to developing a friendship with you, if you allow me to" she smield at the mother and the Diamond of the season before heading back up with her aunt.
The eyes of a certain Bridgerton sibling, following her every move, already planning on finding out exatcly what the Princess had told her sister.
~
Maria and a few other maids helped her ready the Princess for the upcoming Ball. Lady Danbury was the one hosting and the Queen had specified to make sure the Princess looked marvelous, as she was also attending in place of the Queen. She was to look splendid and act well on the Queen's behalf.
Dressed with a beautiful silky red gown, Isabela's neck was adorned with a necklace that held rubies, her earings had the same jewel stones on them as her make-up matched her outfit. Her hair was pinned up in an elegant bun with a few strands hanging down, creating a more exquisite look.
With that the Princess and her Chaperone, Sir Lucas Domingez, sat on the carriage on their way to Lady Danbury's estate.
~
As they arrive on the premises, Sir Lucas got out of the carriage first and offered his arms to support the Princess out. There was clearly many people in attendance already.
As she walked up the stairs those around her bowed before her, she offered kind smiled to all and to those who opened the doors for her. She did not expect many to know that she was there, apart from Lady Danbury and the help, assuming Lady Danbury had announced her presence to ensure her stay was mroe than splendid.
As she walked in whispers started, she held her head high as she walked down the path that people made for her, all bowing before her and trying to charm her by sending her smiles. None caught her attention.
"Ah, your highness" Lady Danbury said as she bowed lightly before the girl, the men around her all bowed at the same time, she offered a smile to them all. "Allow me to introduce you to the Bridgerton gentlemen," the lady offered a smile, Isabela nodded, "Lord Anthony Bridgerton, eldest son, and viscount of the Bridgerton household" the man on the left smiled lightly at the princess, he was quite handsome, "Mr Benedict Bridgerton, second born in the family, and quite the artist" Benedict offered a slight bow once again.
"We shall look forward to converse about art sometime, Mr Bridgerton," the Princess said with a smile. Benedict smiled to himself and nodded at her.
"It would be a pleasure, your Highness"
"And finally, the youngest of them all, Mr Colin Bridgerton" Lady Danbury finished, the boy looked at her and offered her a bright smile, which she returned gladly. Lady Danbury moved to look at the man that stood behind the Princess, immediately noticing the sword that sat on the man's belt.
"Might I ask who that behind you is, your Majesty?" the woman asked, Lucas looked a the woman.
"This is Sir Lucas Dominguez, my Chaperone during my stay in England, and also my personal guard," Isabela responded, the man nodded at the group in front of him.
"Right, while I do know that this is procedure in Spain, I would kindly like to ask that the sword were to stay outside the house? We wouldn't want any accidents, would we?" Lady Danbury asked kindly, Isabela's eyes widened, Benedict smiled at her response.
"Why of course! Lucas might you be as kind as to leave your sword in the carriage?" the Princess asked.
"Yes your Highness, I shall return in just a moment" Isabela smiled kindly at him. Watching him walk away.
"This has been a lovely meeting, but seeing as this is my chance to be free, I shall go fetch a dancing card, and a drink" Isabela said as she smiled, Lady Danbury allowed her to leave. As she walked away Benedict found himself following after her.
"You will dance tonight?" he said as he caught up with the Princess, she smiled and nodded at him, "May I ask if you are participating in this season? I am afraid I did not see you at the presentation"
"I am not participating, not this year" she said, accepting the card that was given to her, "but I do enjoy myself a nice dance, it has always been one of my favorite things to do" she explained to the man, giving him a fun look. "So you are the artist, am I correct?"
"Yes, I would not consider myself a full artist, but I do enjoy a bit of painting or drawing every now and then-"
"Do not believe him, he spends hours in that studio of his, drawing a single apple, 7 hours he took, 7, and it was the most horrid apple I have ever seen" a woman shorter than the two of them said. Isabela looked at Benedict amused, while the man shoved the woman off to the side lightly.
"Is this true now?" Isabela asked, her tone amused as Benedict rolled his eyes at the woman.
"Yes, it is, do not believe whatever he tells you, I would not waste my energy flirting with him, he is useless" Eloise said. Isabela laughed.
"Quite the information, let me introduce myself, my name is Isabela, Princess of Austria" she said as she extended her arm out to the woman, who she now recognized to be the one from earlier today.
The womans eyes widened, "this is my little sister, Eloise Bridgerton, she is a pain" Benedict said, noticing his sister's state of shock, Isabela smiled at her.
"It was a pleasure meeting you Miss Bridgerton, I hope to see you once again, whether that be tonight or some other time," Isabela said towards the shorter girl, who's mouth was slightly ajar, still in shock from telling the future Queen to stop flirting with her brother, "as for you, Mr Bridgerton, I would love to have a dance with you later tonight, if you would like to do so of course" she said, Benedict smiled brightly at the woman.
"Of course, your Majesty, I shall have your very first dance, and if you permit, also your last" Benedict said, Isabela laughed.
"We will see, if your dancing skills are good, you might gain that spot" she said before walking off.
"You, sister, are a fool" Benedict told his little sister, she hit his shoulder.
"Why would you let me speak to her like that, Benedict? Did you know she was royalty?" she asked, still perplexed at her own actions, Benedict laughed.
"Of course I did," he said with a laugh, Eloise glared at him and hit his shoulder once again.
"You mean to tell me that I just told the future Queen of Spain, to stop flirting with my older brother?" Eloise said, her voice small and embarrassed, Benedict laughed once again "Am I to be beheaded?"