Unpleasant Surprises at the Exhibition

They finally arrived at the Verdesaint stands where they meet with Lady Nuria. They walked through the stands as Lady Nuria introduced Isabella and Sophia to each of the artisans. Large statues that we carved with precision stood all around, surrounded by smaller statues of assorted gemstones. They then saw raw blocks of stone that would be carved throughout the event so that passing folk could watch how the carving of gemstones was done.

"Princess Isabella, please meet our five impressive teachers for the event, they will be showing folks how to pick gemstones, which tools are needed and the basics of carving. We have collected off-cut material from all the artisans that could not make it, as materials for the passing folk to use for practice. " Lady Nuria spread her arm out as she introduced the teachers, " Lady Mabel, Lady Teresa, Lady Evangeline, Lord Hugo and Lord Sean."

They all stopped what they were doing to bow to the Princess in greeting. She could tell that they had dressed up more than what an artisan usually would as they would be working with people and had to look good whilst teaching. Isabella felt a sense of pride that these would be the people to bring new talent into the artisan world.

"Thank you so much for the time you have taken to help us with this project. Please let me know if there is anything you need." Isabella smiled warmly, hoping they knew just how grateful she truly was.

"Princess, it's nearly time to start, I believe you should be meeting with the Prince to announce the start of the event." Lady Nuria reminded her.

Isabella and Sophia greeted and hurried to the stage of the event, it had already started getting busy as folk began to enter to attend the opening. Isabella noticed that there were people from other neighboring kingdoms and not just Arcoi folk attending. Once they made it to the stage it was not long before they found Prince Alexander.

"Good evening Alexander," Isabella greeted the prince with a curtsey. Sophia curtseyed in silence.

"Don't be so casual Princess Isabella, and why are you so late?" he growled irritated at her tardiness.

"I apologize, Prince Alexander, I had to meet with the artisans before the event started." Isabella whispered, glancing at Sophia for help.

"Then you should have gotten here earlier." he countered, clearly annoyed.

"My apologies your majesty, we came earlier for the meeting, but we had some trouble getting to the stage with the folk that blocked the way. We are not accustomed to such large crowds of commoners." Sophia glared at the prince as she stood up for her friend.

Prince Alexander grunted, turning away from the two of them, moving toward the head of the stage to start the announcements.

"What the hell is his problem?" Sophia asked Isabella.

"I have no clue, I have never seen him like this." Isabella shrugged as her stomach turned anxiously.

"Did you say something bad to him earlier?" Sophia pried out of concern.

"No, I thought we were doing well, we were laughing and getting to know each other. I was looking forward to seeing him." Isabella felt defeated. "Another problem to my list I guess, I have to go now, I will see you later."

"Be careful!" Sophia shouted as Isabella went on stage to meet with the Prince.

Princess Isabella strode to the Prince's side, she felt confused over his sudden harshness with her. She decided it was best to leave it for now as they had to announce the opening of the Grand Artisan Exhibition. A wave of stage fright washed over her as she saw the huge crowd that had gathered below them, she smiled and remained calm until the prince addressed the crowd.

"Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen, we thank you for traveling from far and wide to enjoy the Grand Artisan's Exhibition. Though this event is held every year, we have special guests from Verdesaint joining us this year. Please give them and their artisans a warm welcome!" He smiled charmingly at the crowd as though nothing troubled him.

The crowd burst into cheers as they applauded his welcoming speech. Isabella felt eyes watching her from behind, glancing back she saw Queen Helene watching her with a wicked smirk across her face. Seconds later the smirk was gone as if Isabella had all but imagined it. Isabella smiled politely, further confused. The Prince took her arm stiffly, his smile and focus was only on the crowd as he walked her off the stage and into the crowd to introduce her as the princess of Verdesaint in person. The crowd swarmed to them like bees to flowers, Isabella had never experienced so many people so close to her scream and shouting to see her. She ripped her arm away from Prince Alexander and fled from the crowd, tears pouring down her cheeks as she rushed away. She found closure on a stone bench under a broad tree, she sniffled as she patted her cheeks dry. She felt utterly humiliated, she had never been treated with such disrespect before, she wished Sophia could find her. She always knew the right thing to say to keep her going, but it felt like everything was falling apart even more so with each passing day.

"Princess Isabella, I apologize for Prince Alexander's actions." A man came up to Isabella. His light brown hair neatly combed to the side, his eyes a bright blue. "I don't think we have ever spoken to one another, but you may call me Prince Lucian."

"Good evening my lord," was all she managed to say.

"May I take a seat?" He gestured next to her. Isabella Reluctantly nodded before he sat and continued. "I feel partly to blame for all of this, you see I went to Queen Helene when I felt the prince had become infatuated with you. With our past history I could never stand the two of you getting together. I expected the Queen to stop the Prince from considering you a possible partner, only to find the Queen encouraged it. They spoke again today and since their meeting the Prince has been in a foul mood. I'm sure you are aware that I cannot divulge any further information on that, but I came here to warn you to leave. Take the King and your attendants and leave!"