Chapter 5

"Crown Prince?" I asked. That's why his name sounded so familiar; he was one of the princes of Avalon. I knew that the royal family of Avalon had seven princes fighting for the position of crown prince, but I didn't know that they had chosen their crown prince already. And to think the youngest son was chosen to be the crown prince. As far as I knew, he was twenty years old.

"It's my pleasure to be here, Your Majesty, King George De Novia of Wales," Ragnar replied.

"You are very bold, as the rumors had said, stealing the first dance of the third princess tonight from her father." Isa's stepmother, the queen, just arrived at the scene. She was staring daggers at Isabella and Ragnar.

"I am sorry. I didn't know that there was a custom here in Wales that the first dance of the princess should be with her father," Ragnar said with pride, as if he wasn't sorry at all. "I just thought that I would like to dance with the third princess, so I asked her. I hope this didn't offend you, King George."

"Haha, not at all, young prince. I know that the royal family of Avalon is known for their impulsive nature. I'm sure my daughter's beauty has taken you," her father said.

"Yes, my king, we are indeed impulsive. We are sure to get what we want," Ragnar said sarcastically.

There was tension between her father and the crown prince. Their words were coated with respect, but deep down, she could feel that they were insulting each other.

"Crown Prince," a very tall young man approached Ragnar. He was much taller than the crown prince and had long dark brown hair tied in a ponytail. He whispered something in Ragnar's ear. He must be the prince's aide.

"I guess I have to cut this visit short. An important matter came up. I am sorry to leave early from your ball, Princess Isabella," Ragnar said to Isabella.

"It's okay, Crown Prince. I wish you safe travels," she replied.

"Thank you, Princess, for letting me dance with you. King George, Queen Charlotte, I will take my leave." Ragnar made a slight bow and left with his aide.

"Disrespectful young man," the queen murmured.

"Now, Charlotte, don't make a scene," the king said. "Their country is still much stronger than ours. Their military might is very big, and we can't dare to offend them directly."

"Hmph," the queen turned to leave. She gave Isabella an angry stare when she passed by her.

Prince Ragnar and his aide entered a carriage, and it drove away from the castle.

"Your Highness, everything has been arranged according to plan," the aide said.

"Very good, Kyler," Ragnar said. "They have something up their sleeve. I want to know what it is."

"Your Highness, about the third princess of Wales, are you sure about this?" Kyler asked in curiosity.

"Princess Isabella De Novia. Yes, I never had second thoughts. You know that, Kyler," Ragnar said with confidence.

"I understand, Your Highness," Kyler bowed.

In the royal family of Avalon, a king having many wives was a custom. They spread their seeds and broaden their lineage. But for a prince of Avalon to give a purple passion to a lady of noble birth or of royal lineage means he chose her to be his first and legal wife.

The first time Ragnar set his eyes on Princess Isabella, seeing her platinum blonde hair and silver eyes, seeing her unmatched beauty, he knew that she was the one who must stand by his side as queen.

Ragnar opened the curtains of the carriage and stared at the night sky. The stars were twinkling brightly. He remembered the silver eyes of Isabella that were shining under his embrace.

"Princess Isabella, I will surely make you my queen and stay by your side," he whispered to himself.