Long May We Reign

[isax]

Mary, Queen of Scotland, had been bethrothed to the future king of (your country) since the age of six. They spent four perfect years together where they were carefree but when they were separated, Arabella spent six years at a nunnery. She adored the nuns who cared for her but on her sixteenth birthday she watched Sister Adele die in her place. She wasn't running from her enemies anymore and she was going to arrive back at court to be with her fiancé along with taking up her crown. She was of age to rule now and she couldn't let her emotions affect how she ruled. 


Upon arriving back at (your countries) court, Arabella got out of her carriage and smiled as she remembered all the memories from the times she spent here. She was excited to see her fiancé after six years, along with his parents, The King and Queen. She followed one of the knights toward the throne room and upon walking in, she smiled brightly before she curtsied before the King and Queen, people she considered to be like parents. "Your majesties, it has been too long. It is great to see you again." She said gently before she heard the throne room doors open and she looked back to meet the gaze of the man she loved. Her fiancé. She took in a deep breath as she noticed how handsome he became over the years and she smiled gently before she curtsied again. "(Your name), it has been quite awhile. You have become very handsome." She said with a gentle smile. 


@Lexxy

 

[Lexus]

In the six years since they had been separated, Jasper never forgot Arabella. It was branded in him that his fiancée was the most beautiful lady he was to ever lay his eyes on, and even though, at the time of the separation, they were both so young, it still was still a devastating idea to watch Arabella depart  without him after all the innocent years they spent together. As he watched her leave him, he knew he would never love anyone else the way he loved her but the time they spent apart helped Jasper cope with his devastation. Since Arabella's departure, Jasper found himself again but suddenly, as he watched a gorgeously elegant woman present herself to him, he recognized her immediately and was brought into a self-inflicted shock. Catching his gasp, he held it under his breath as he looked down upon her and smiled. Looking to her and then to his parents before Jasper's gaze met Arabella's again. "Arabella? Is it you?" The man asked in pure disbelief, taking her hand in his own and bringing her back to feet as he admired her every changed feature that he still somehow managed to recognized and remembered to be familiar.  It was her. She had been returned to him. 

 

[isax]

The years apart we're long and hard for Arabella. They were so young when she and Jasper had been separated and at that age she couldn't grasp why she had to leave. Now that she was of age and matured, she understood why her departure was necessary. The British were after her because they sought to take her kingdom. They wanted her dead and Jasper's parents wouldn't allow it. That's why it was vital for her to be sent far away from court, out into the farmlands in a nunnery. The sisters were nice, caring people but they did not deserve to meet death like her "taster" did for her. She smiled as she looked at the man she could remember so vividly. Every feature of his had changed and he had become a man. She was proud, though she wished they could have been together through the years they changed. "It is I." She said softly, her voice holding much more confidence and authority than the meek little voice she had as a child. "I have returned to take my kingdom under my name but to also rule beside you as promised." She added before gripping his hand as her eyes never once left his. Her navy and gold dress complimenting her features. She was back where she needed to be. Here with Jasper and ruling not only her kingdom but Jasper's as well when the time was right. 

 

[Lexus]

This time, Jasper released the gasp he had been withholding. "The years have been more than kind to you, I see." Jasper was so delighted to see this young woman in his presence, so much so, he was still struggling to grasp this as reality. "I have missed dearly missed you, my sweet Arabella, but I must say, I was not expecting your return for quite some time, if it all." Turning to his parents, Jasper approached them respectfully, taking Arabella's hand to follow him. "Mother, Father, did you know about this?" 

 

[isax]

Arabella followed Jasper closer to the King and Queen who looked at their son and nodded. "Of course we did. She's of age to rule her kingdom now." His mother said sweetly before his father cleared his throat. "She is so and the alliance between our country and hers is something Scotland still needs. We could use the alliance as well as both our countries take on England." He said softly and Bella gasped softly at what he said. "Scotland has no men for that, your majesty. We still lack a strong front." Bella began as the King sighed. "Yes, we are aware. We will further discuss politics tomorrow morning. Tonight, we celebrate your arrival back to court. Your ladies will be arriving shortly and a ball will be held in the ball room tonight all in your honor. We will also release lanterns just as you enjoyed when you were younger." He said with a bright smile. "Let us enjoy the day before being you begin talking politics, Queen Arabella." He added and Bella sighed softly before she nodded. "Of course. Thank you for the festivities to be held tonight." 

 

[Lexus]

The disbelief in Jasper's expression was now fully evident as his eyes went wide and his jaw nearly dropped to the floor at his parents admissions of knowing Arabella's return and the ball he had no knowing that they were throwing in her honor. It was all beginning to set in for Jasper and he was both anxious and uncertain for it, after all, he just had been blind sided.  "I see," Jasper replied, nodding in understanding to his parents reply. He was just curious as to why the King and Queen never mentioned any of this to him. 

 

[isax]

Arabella didn't know how to react to all the activities taking place but she rather enjoyed it. When the King and Queen left the throne room, Bella sighed softly as she looked at Jasper and smiled gently. "Time has been good to you." She said softly before she rubbed her arm from nervousness as she felt butterflies fill her stomach. "Do you care for a stroll through the garden? One of the gardeners told me the poinsettias are in full bloom." She added before she smiled softly. 

 

[Lexus]

Jasper smiled in appreciation at Bella's comment and nodded, "If you wish."Leading her out of the throne room and towards the garden she mentioned. Jasper remained particularly quite as he strolled beside Bella, not certain on what to say to her. So much had changed since they separated. "It is like you remember it?" Jasper asked Bella curiously motioning to everything surrounding then as their steps matched one another's. 

 

[isax]

Arabella smiled as she followed him out to the garden and admired the flowers she adored most. The harsh winters would be upon them soon but she loved the snow. She loved the cold and she smiled before looking up at her fiancé and nodded. "Exactly how I remember it." She said softly as she matched his steps and sighed softly. "Are you nervous to rule? We are rulers of not only our own country but the others as well." She added. "Scotland will enjoy having you as their king." 

 

[Lexus]

I have not put much thought into ruling, Bella." Jasper answered honestly, placing hos hands in his pockets as he continued  to stroll along the brick pathway. At her persistent compliment he laughed humorously to hide the faint blush on his cheeks. "My dear, it sounds as though you've been trying to flatter me since your arrival," Jasper replied with a slight smirk in her direction to tease. "But no King has been known to be a notable ruler without his Queen at his side, yes?" 

 

[isax]

At the statement Jasper made, her face turned a bright red and giggled gently before she looked at him. "I suppose so." She said softly. "A queen, however, simply works in the background. She supports her king no matter the issue and I promise to do so for you." She added gently as she sat down at one of the benches in the brick path and smiled as she gazed at a poinsettia. They were so gorgeous and when she heard some of the maids chattering about her and Jasper, she smiled innocently before she plucked one of the flowers and handed it to her fiancé. "What color shall we wear for the ball tonight?" She asked softly. "Gold and white perhaps? A dashing crimson?" She was nervous for the festivities because she heard rumors of Jasper having an affair with Claude who would be attending tonight's festivities. She never believed the silly rumors but her and Claude never have gotten along. 

 

[Lexus]

"I am certain you will." Jasper replied with a gentle smile, taking the flower from her hands and began twirled it in his fingertips. "I will leave the color up to you, love, the ball, after all, is in your honor." Sitting down carefully beside her Japer took the flower she gifted him and placed it delicately behind her ear, securing it by placing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I am delighted by your return," Japer announced, the excitement evident in his cheerful expression, accompanied with a genuine smile, something no one in these walls had seen in quite some time. 

 

[isax]

Arabella smiled a bright, genuine smile as she watch him place the flower behind her ear. She sighed softly from contentment before she looked at him and took his hands in her own, rubbing her thumb along the back of his hand. "I am delighted to be back. I missed being here at court. Being with you and my ladies." She said gently. As she held his hands in her own, she remembered all the great memories they had as children. All the mornings they spent out in the very garden they sat. It brought a warm smile to her face and she sighed once more before she looked around at the garden surrounding them. "We were so innocent when we were bethrothed." She began. "Innocent and pure. We were free, free to do as we pleased. Time has been kind to us but we are rulers now. Rulers of two countries. Let us enjoy the festivities tonight. It is our last night to truly do as we please." She said gracefully with a meek smile. Realization was hitting her and eventually their lives will be full of politics. Something she always despised. 

 

[Lexus]

"I see as you have matured you take responsibility greatly, but it is not as bad as you are implying it to be, look around and you'll see for yourself." Looking out onto the garden with her Jasper took Arabella's hand in his own again and looked back towards her. "Your return is reason enough for me to not even consider denying being a leader of this fine country and others. I know you most certainly have changed Bella, as you are not a young girl anymore, but I still am fond of you and would am certainly looking forward to getting to know you from the start. But, you must understand, since you stepped foot back on these grounds, it is not my parents responsibility any longer to protect you. Alas, it is mine, from now until my last breath. So please, don't be discouraged by the courts or the throne, for you have me."  Leaning over he kissed her forehead affectionately and looked down upon her with loving eyes. "Welcome home, your majesty." 

 

[isax]

Bella smiled a gentle smile as she looked up at her future husband, their countries future king. She was glad she had him because days at court would not be pleasant without him. "You are kind." She said gently before she kissed his cheek gently. "Thank you, for my welcoming. May our years together be bright." She added with a smile and stood up. "Now, my ladies should have arrived. I should go greet them. Let's wear a dashing crimson with gold accents for tonight's festivities?" She asked him softly before she kissed his cheek. "Until tonight, my king." She whispered them curtsied before she turned to take her leave. She was excited to have her ladies back at court with her. They were dear friends that she missed dearly. 

 

[Lexus]

Jasper watched Arabella run off happily to meet all her old friends before he retired back to the throne room to have a word with his parents. His anger now about to burst as he balled a fist "How could you not tell me?!" There was so much Bella didn't know. Claude included. "How could you put me in such a predicament? You told me Bella wouldn't return and then I discovered her standing right here and you knew all along? How could you?" 

 

[isax]

Both his parents looked at their son in shock and before his mother could speak, his father did. "Jasper." He said softly. "Arabella was always set to return. She was always going to come back but we told you she was to stay away for one reason. Alliances. We were in need of an alliance when Claude came to us. A secret marriage between you and Claude was to be arranged but you have are bethrothed to Arabella and the Vatican does not wish to see France's future king wed a Protestant such as Claude. We celebrate Arabella's  arrival back tonight and tomorrow we discuss politics. Scotland is such a little country. It should do Arabella good to hand over reign to you. If an alliance with the Irish is something France still needs, then Arabella will have to let you go. You will have to let her go but that does not worry me. For I know of the affair you grasped with Claude." 

 

[Lexus]

"And what do you suppose I do when they both come looking for me to escort them? Are you expecting me to chose?" Jasper asked impatiently., obviously flustered about tonight's event. He was conflicted and confused. 

 

[isax]

The king laughed as he looked at his son and shook his head. "Of course we do. The Vatican does not approve of Claude but we are well respected. We can work the details out if she is who you choose. Just remember your choice affects the future of France. You need an army, men to fight for you and conquer land. Scotland lacks a strong front." He said before standing up. "Excuse your mother and I. We must finish preparing the festivities for Arabella but most importantly, for your decision as well." He said before walking out of the throne room with his wife. The only thing the king and Queen failed to realize is that one of Arabella's ladies heard the entire discussion and went to warn her Queen at that very moment. Arabella didn't deserved to be embarrassed like that. 

 

[Lexus]

Jasper looked in disbelief to his father and watched him leave before he turned to his mother. "Mother, this is absurd! How could you let father do such a horrendous  thing as to convince me of Claude and then bring Bella in here like nothing has changed?! What in God's name do you expect me to do? No choice here is just and you know how I feel about both Claude and Bella." 

 

[isax]

The Queen sighed as she looked at her son and bit her lip. "Oh Jasper. With time you will come to realize that ruling is not easy. You have to chose but chose wisely. You have a strong affection to both Claude and Bella. Claude and Ireland are a strong nation, one with power. Bella's nation hold vast amount of goods but Scotland lacks a strong front. You can do this love. It's a choice only you can make as future king of France." She said before she herself left as well and the only one standing alone in the throne room was Jasper. 


Later that night, rulers and noblemen gathered around for the ball in honor of Bella. Bella had been told everything that was to happen and because of this, she wore the dress she had intended but stayed close to her ladies. She greeted everyone and thanked them for their company but the moment her eyes landed in Claude, she took in a deep breath and let her walk to Jasper and hold his hand. "Hello love." Claude said softly as she looked at Jasper and glanced at Bella who was enjoying herself alone. She wasn't going to let France embarrass her like they planned. She refused but as the music played, Bella sat at her table with ladies while Claude dragged Jasper out onto the floor. 

 

[Lexus]

Jasper was caught between what was right for his country and what was right for him.  France needed an ally with a strong military power to have a fighting chance against Britain in future affairs. Jasper however, suddenly could not see himself ruling an honorable country with Claude by his side. That was obvious to him now, because as hard as he tried to concentrate on the woman he thought he loved, he couldn't help but notice he was always looking for Bella the entire night. Even now, as he held Claude's hand and stood with her in the center of the ballroom floor, he found himself looking over her shoulder to stare affectionally over to Bella who was sitting elegantly across the room trying not to notice. 

 

[isax]

Bella didn't know what was going to happen. She had her doubts about Jasper leaving her to rule with Claude. She was waiting for it happen but she carried herself with such elegance and she enjoyed the small talk she made with her ladies and a few of the lads that came to talk with her. She stood when it came to the time of her presentation and she walked to the middle of the ballroom where she gazed at Jasper and smiled softly but looked away before she was welcomed back by the king and Queen. After she was given recognition, she walked elegantly back to her table and smiled with the Prince of Spain asked for a dance. She happily took his hand and let him lead her to the floor where they danced together. She could feel Claude staring at her but her gaze would always meet Jasper's and when she witness Claude kiss him, she looked away fast and excused herself from the ball. She needed air and she ran out to the gardens where she sat at the bench and admired the poinsettias while crying. 

 

[Lexus]

Jasper watched in irritation when he watched another male show his Bella affection. They may have spent an elongated duration of time apart, but his feelings for her neve really faded, they were just pushed aside forcefully by the court in fear that Bella wouldn't return in time before Jasper was to take over his father's country. But now that Bella was back, so were Japser's feelings for her and they came back in full bloom. These were the thoughts that consumed him when Claude kissed him.  Pulling away, he pushed her away from him unapologetically as he ran after Arabella, calling out to her. "Bella!" Following her out into the garden his dress shoes clipped against the brick path as he tried to catch up to the beautiful woman who's heart he just hurt. "Bella please don't cry," Jasper pleaded sympathetically, crouching in front of her and taking her hands. "This isn't what it looks like my dear, please don't be so hasty to push me away."                                                                                                                                                                                      

 

[isax]

Bella continued to cry even though her bethrothed was holding her hands in his own. She stayed quiet as she focused her gaze in the beautiful flowers and took a deep breath before she looked down him and bit her lip. "Is it not you pushing me away? Pushing me away from France? From our engagement? I understand Scotland lacks a strong front but together we could build her up once more. Make her a dominant nation but Claude and Ireland are a far better choice for your affairs with England that lie ahead. I apologize for Scotland and myself not being what you need."