I'm not a slouch, I'm just unwinding

"Octavian!"

The poor prince whom she'd suddenly shouted at - instinct, really.

She hadn't seen in him what felt like so long, because he'd been the one stuck preparing the wedding while she was sick - startled visibly, jumping, pressing a hand to his chest, and then slumping against the wall.

"Good god." He huffed, giving a nervous little laugh. "Empress..." He shook his head.

She couldn't help it. She giggled. "Sorry, Prince. I was so excited to see you."

Octavian drew in a breath. "I am also happy to see you." He arched a brow at her. "But you didn't need to shout...quite so loud..."

Isabelle laughed again. "Oh. Sorry. Again. I promise I'm happy to see you and didn't mean to be rude." She stepped forward and leaned up, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Better...?"

"Much better." He sighed and smiled, patting her head lightly.