[hr][hr] [center][h1][color=IndianRed]Isabella De’ fortesque[/color] and [color=Gold]Adam Potts[/color][/h1] [img]http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/o620/Vicier/Vicier%20-%20Through%20The%20Pages%20Roleplay/Character%20Collab%20Gifs%20-%20Everyone/Isabella_zpsnmtbryqf.gif[/img][img]http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/o620/Vicier/Vicier%20-%20Through%20The%20Pages%20Roleplay/Character%20Collab%20Gifs%20-%20Everyone/Adam_zpsvmexesxg.gif[/img] [h2]♦ Lupinis Castle - Lupinis, Rivenspire ♦[/h2] [b]Interacting With:[/b] Each other, and Queen Mother Agatha Potts (Mrs. Potts). ⚜⚜⚜[/center] [hr][hr] The journey had been a long one… though the very sight of the beautiful castle looming overhead was a godsend in both her heart and mind- she was tired… and was more than sure that Phillipe was just as in need of a rest as she was. Letting go of the reigns with one hand, Isabella lifted it up to the hood of her cloak, holding the material for a few moments before she pulled it further down over her face, shielding it almost completely from view before she continued onward, gently nudging her horse in the sides with her heels in an attempt to urge him forward and through the gates that led up to the castle itself. She couldn’t say exactly what had drawn her to the Kingdom of Lupinis- the constant dreams showing her the exact path to take… the rumors of a monstrous beast roaming the lands... maybe it was just a combination of the both of them; she couldn’t tell, but there was just something that had pushed her to make the journey... and whatever it was, she was going to find out. Slowing to a stop once she was at the foot of the stairs to the castle, Isabella drew her leg back over the horse, stepping down before she turned to look up at the stunning grand structure standing tall in front of her- it was daunting… It wasn’t as though she hadn’t been to other Kingdoms before; she lived and worked in a castle that once used to be her own… but this-… this felt different somehow… Turning her gaze over to a few men from under her hood as they approached her, she hesitated but a moment before reluctantly handing the reigns over to them so that they could tend to Phillipe; letting her attention turn back up to the castle, Belle lifted her head up, her hand coming up to slowly lower her hood down off her head so that she could get a better look at it- even if she didn’t get the chance to hunt down the beast that roamed the Kingdom, then maybe… just maybe she might be able to get some answers about the dreams she had been having for as long as she could remember… [color=Gold]"Hey hey hey! Easy! Take proper care when receiving the animal, [i]especially[/i] from a guest!"[/color] a lone voice rang out. Though not entirely reprimanding, it was full of passion. Clearly the speaker showed more concern for Isabella's horse than the guards did. A man hurried towards their location, tall in stature but even underneath the scarves and layers of colorful cloth, it was clear that he was built well. He approached the armored guard who held the reigns and began to point things out on Phillipe. [color=Gold]"See there? The ears are back, and the tail is swishing... you're causing him a lot of stress guiding him like that. Relax your hold on his reigns - don't sneer. Horses are to be respected and will respect you in return."[/color] Adjusting one of his scarves, watching on with bright blue eyes, the man sighed softly as the guard and a few others resumed by taking Phillipe into the stalls. [color=Gold]"And get him a bushel of apples!"[/color] Those eyes… Staying silent through the exchange, Belle let her gaze flick from the man who had come to intervene in her horses care, and the castle guard whom had come to take and care for Phillipe after their long journey across both Kingdoms and waters, before she once more settled her attention upon the man standing before her- but there was just something about those eyes of his… they were so perfect, so blue; so-… so [i]familiar[/i]… [color=IndianRed]“..détendre mon cher, Phillipe…”[/color] Her voice was soft… gentle as she spoke out to the creature, taking another moment to just stare at the man before finally, her attention tore away from him, settling on her horse who had calmed down enough to stop and look back at his master, [color=IndianRed]“..I shall tend to you soon at the stables; until then, be patient and be good…”[/color] [color=Gold]"He's a fine steed, miss."[/color] the man admired, still watching the horse until it was out of sight before turning to look at her fully for what seemed like the first time. [color=Gold]"Rest assured, he will be taken care of well while he is here."[/color] Crossing his arms over his chest, he gave her a firm nod. There was barking in the distance, causing his gaze to break with hers and for his head to turn back, watching as a rather large [url=http://images.champdogs.net/breeds/otterhound.jpg]dog[/url] came bounding their way, kicking up the snow as it plowed through it. The barks were happy, and it's prancing joyful as he finally came to the man's side. The small tail was wagging furiously, and the happiness in its eyes gave no indication that the hound was cold despite clumps of snow clinging onto sections of its thick fur. [color=Gold]"I was starting to wonder where you went off to... find some squeaks, didja boy?"[/color] the man asked the animal, taking a minute to ruffle the fur on the top of his head. He was then met by a simple, singular bark before the dog ventured off towards Isabella, sniffing at her feet. Nodding softly in understanding to his words about her horse, Isabella turned her attention down to the dog sniffing about at her feet, the large canine’s antics and tail whipping back and forth quickly out of its excitement causing a small smile to play over her lips as she crouched down, bringing herself down to its level before she reached out, allowing it a few moments to grow used to her before finally, she began to shower it with attention, her hands rubbing over its fur as she once more spoke out loud, her voice keeping the soft bell like tone to it as she did. [color=IndianRed]“..I shall be sure to hold you to your word; Phillipe is my pride and joy… it would break my heart to see him treated as anything less than family…”[/color] Waiting a few moments longer after she had finished speaking, she lifted her attention up from where she had been looking at the dog, her gaze once more meeting with that of the man in front of her before she stood up tall, her arms once more returning to her side and back under her cloak as she let her head bow lightly in respect, [color=IndianRed]“..you have my gratitude for your kindness.”[/color] The man held up a hand, as if to stop her words. [color=Gold]"No thanks are necessary. I know what you mean. I've a horse of my own I would consider the same. Traveling here and there... he hasn't been tended to with the respect and provisions he deserves. I simply can not stand by and watch while I witness another's being treated in the same way."[/color] Shifting in the snow a bit as a brisk breeze suddenly blew through, though only to die off again, the man returned his hand to his chest, tucking it under his opposite arm. [color=Gold]"Where do you travel from, Miss-?"[/color] [color=IndianRed]“De’ fortesque.”[/color] Lifting one of her hands up from where it was rested down by her side, Isabella lightly brushed some stray strands of her long and wavy dark locks back off of her face, neatly tucking them back behind her ear before nodding her head in respect of the introduction she was making, [color=IndianRed]“My name is Isabella De’ fortesque- I travel from the Kingdom of Avonlea.”[/color] Something lurched in his stomach then. That name... The man found himself staring at Isabella even more intently than he had been before, his ice-blue eyes almost piercing her browns as though he were trying to see through her. [color=Gold]"You don't say..."[/color] It was a single, almost empty reply, but before either of them had much of a chance to stew on it, the man uncrossed his arms, pressed a fist to his chest and bowed slightly to her. [color=Gold]"And I am Prince Adam Le- uh- Potts..."[/color] Adam winced at his own stupidity. Thirteen years of being the adopted son of the family he now knew to be his, even having taken on their name, and now, of all times, for that fractional second he almost reverted to his birth-given name. But it couldn't be. Belle? [I]His[/i] Belle that belonged to him the duration of a single day before... No. He wouldn't think about what happened. Not again. His eyes met intently with hers again, looking for a fraction of recognition to his name, who he was... [i]something[/i]! He didn't want to believe the stories to be true... didn't want to believe that everyone from his past had forgotten about him. But when there wasn't anything, Adam held his face and pushed forward. It was entirely possible that he wasn't asking the right questions. [color=Gold]"What brings you to Lupinis, Isabella of Avonlea?"[/color] His eyes looked over her once more, though much less steely. This time, he took a moment to simply look at [i]her[/i], trying to find the soft, fourteen-year-old girl he had fallen in love with. It was difficult - her face held strong lines, her complexion almost hard. Her body had filled out to a woman's (not that he minded) making him wonder for that brief moment just what the hell Gaston had done to her to make her this way. [color=IndianRed]“I have heard tale of a fearsome beast which roams these lands… I am the Kings ward; however, I am also a head Knight by occupation, and a hunter by trade.”[/color] She couldn’t help it… the small smirk that then played over her lips at the thought of such a magnificent kill- one that she would proudly remove the head of, before mounting over the mantle in her study as a trophy, [color=IndianRed]“How could such a challenge not draw my attention..? I have learned everything I know from the best- both the current, and late Kings of Avonlea; and I never miss a kill…”[/color] Her smirk grew, her arms both lifting up to cross over her chest, pride seeming to emanate from every inch of her very being as she thought over the years of hunting she had been put through; all the hard work, all the training… it had all been worth it the day she had first been taken out only to return with her first kill, [color=IndianRed]“I look forward to mounting another head upon the mantle of my study.”[/color] It would be glorious- the look upon Gaston’s face when she returned victorious to Avonlea; though the feeling remained short lived as thoughts of her ever occurring dreams filled her mind, causing her smirk to falter slightly and for her to turn her head down and away from him, [color=IndianRed]“..I have… other reasons for finding myself in your Kingdom, Prince Adam… though I fear you would not believe me should I speak them aloud…”[/color] The beast? Of course that's what would bring the two of them together again - the very thing that drove them apart in the first place. Adam tried not to react to her reply, though his mind was reeling with the new information she had just given him. Clayton, Gaston... they had trained her, molded her into the person they had lost. Though he couldn't help but to believe that this would of happened anyway if she had chosen Gaston instead of him. Finally, nodding his head, Adam relaxed his arms back down to his sides, another brisk breeze picking up, causing the soft snow to flurry. [color=Gold]"Come inside and out of the cold. You can tell me more over a hot pot of tea."[/color] He extended his hand out for her to take off towards the castle before he did the same. [color=Gold]"Come on, Sultan."[/color] The dog, who had become enamored with a patch of yellow snow, barked happily and bounded after them. [center]⚜⚜⚜[/center] The warmth of the castle was a welcome reprieve from the otherwise bitter, cold air from outside. Snow was already melting off their boots and Sultan's fur as Adam led Isabella through the halls and past a few on looking guards. Eventually, they arrived in a cabinet room, a fire already roaring in the hearth and illuminating the walls of filled bookshelves and few select lounge chairs. There was even a desk tucked into the corner, a mess of papers sprawled around with the ink pot and quill lain askew. Sultan pushed forward to cuddle up on the over-sized, red, plush pillow by the fire. [color=Gold]"Le Palais des Thes Melange du cap."[/color] Adam stopped at the door frame, speaking to the servant that was stationed there, though his voice was rough, demanding even as he continued. [color=Gold]"And tell them not to overuse the vanilla again. My tongue has yet to recover."[/color] His blue eyes narrowed a bit as the servant nodded again, hurrying off to fetch their tea. Sighing, Adam looked back to Isabella and gestured for her to take a seat. [color=Gold]"Please, make yourself comfortable."[/color] She had almost forgotten that she was in the company of a Prince… her eyes had been drawn to the many bookcases that surrounded them, the sound of his voice becoming little more than background noise as she slowly but surely made her way over to one of them, her hands both coming up to unclasp her cloak and to remove her gloves, placing both items down onto one of the armchairs as she passed it by, her eyes sparkling with a slight excitement and curiosity as she drew to a stop, her touch hesitant… delicate as she reached out, allowing her fingertips to lightly brush over the beautifully bound covers before her. She-… she had never before seen so many books… It was a magnificent sight- so many titles that she could choose from… so many worlds that she could lose herself in... Barely paying attention to anything that was going on around her, Belle slowly began to move around the room, going step by step so as to allow herself the time to read over as many of the titles as she possibly could in the moment, [color=IndianRed]“..mon Dieu… it is beautiful…”[/color] Adam watched her carefully. Truthfully, he hadn't brought her to his cabinet to show off his books - he would have taken her to the library for that. But the moment he saw her gravitating towards the shelves, he couldn't help the flickering smile. He had almost forgotten about her younger self's obsession with books. With everything else that had changed about her, he was slightly surprised to see that spark lighting up within her again. [color=Gold]"You like it?"[/color] Adam crossed the threshold and into the cabinet, moving to stand behind her, watching her fingers brush against his private selection of favorites he kept in that room. [color=Gold]"Do a lot of reading in Avonlea?"[/color] [color=IndianRed]“..not since I was much younger…”[/color] Shaking her head lightly from side to side in answer to his question, Isabella continued to gaze almost longingly at the books that were so neatly lined before her very eyes, though at her words, a flicker of sadness crossed the iris’- it was something that Gaston had long ago tried to stamp out of her… [color=IndianRed]“..’it is not right for a woman to read. Soon she starts getting [i]ideas[/i] and [i]thinking[/i]’…”[/color] Sighing softly and almost inaudibly, she took another moment to herself before finally, she turned her head back so that she was able to meet with his gaze from over her shoulder, a small and rather shy smile playing over her lips though it was clear that her features were tainted by sadness, [color=IndianRed]“..the King does not like my reading… the library doors have been sealed; the book keep is no longer to send books to the castle… though what books I do possess are hidden away within my chambers…”[/color] Lowering her gaze from his, she brought it back around, her head and (in turn) her smile dropping both as she brought her hands together in front of her stomach, her fingers playing with each other as she spoke softly, [color=IndianRed]“..though I am kept busy with my work- I have no time for such childish hobbies…”[/color] [color=Gold]"Hmm..."[/color] Adam was quiet for a few moments before retreating from her backside and casually sauntered over to the desk in the corner of the room. [color=Gold]"I found a passion in books when I was very young. A childhood friend of mine got me into them, got me into their stories. For a while, I'd just let her read out loud to me, pretending not to be interested..."[/color] he paused to chuckle. [color=Gold]"she saw right through that. But eventually I got my own books, read them quietly to myself when I had moments to be alone."[/color] He turned back to face her and gestured towards the bookshelves. [color=Gold]"These are my favorites I've collected over the years, but one has always stuck out to me..."[/color] He turned back to his desk, spreading the papers around until he found a book. It was well read; the spine was flimsy and the edges worn. The paper had even taken on a yellowish tint from the age, but it was clear that any and all damage given to it was nothing more than being read time and time again. [color=Gold]"But... if you're no longer interested in... 'childish hobbies' as you called it... ah, well forget it..."[/color] He shook his head and turned to look away from her again. The moment the words left his lips, she was already hooked on the bait; her head lifting up and turning back over to look at him, hesitating for only the briefest of moments before she made her way over to his side, seemingly not even allowing herself time to think as she reached out, her touch gentle as she let her hands both come to a rest over his arm. [color=IndianRed]“..Adam… please show me…”[/color] The sparkle was once more back in her eyes as she met with his gaze, her fingers curling lightly over his skin as she took a step closer in her curiosity, her head tilting lightly to the side, [color=IndianRed]“..please…”[/color] Adam. She said his name. It was the first time in thirteen years he had heard those words slipping through her lips. He turned his head to look back at her, his eyes once more meeting with hers intently for a few moments. Did she truly feel nothing? Had he really been so easy to forget? An entire childhood of memories, gone. Pain tugged at his heart. There had to be a way. He was just hoping... Adam picked up the worn book and handed it over to her. [color=Gold]"You're welcome to read it during your stay here, Isabella from Avonlea. Far off places, daring sword fights, magic spells, a Prince in disguise..."[/color] A brief smile lit up his face. [color=Gold]"Childish, perhaps... but it's our inner child who keeps us who we are..."[/color] This book… she knew this book..! Reaching out slowly with one of her hands, Belle took a delicate hold of the book, drawing it into her body so that she could look at it for a few moments- he was right… far off places, daring sword fights, magic spells, and a prince in disguise; this was… [color=IndianRed]“..my favourite book…”[/color] The grip she had over his arm tightened slightly, though remained soft to the touch as she turned her head to shoot him a quick look, her eyes filled with her excitement and gratitude as she held the book in close to her chest, practically hugging it into herself as though she never wished to be parted from it again, [color=IndianRed]“Oh, is it not amazing..!”[/color] Pulling her hand back from him, she dropped her attention back down to the book, quickly thumbing through the pages with enthusiasm, seeming to search for a certain part before holding it out so that he could see exactly what it was that she was talking about, [color=IndianRed]“..this is my favorite part because; well, you know… it is where she meets her Prince charming- but she doesn’t discover that it’s him till chapter three..!”[/color] Pulling the book back into her, she once more hugged it into her chest, her expression seeming to light up completely as she allowed he mind to wander almost dreamily over what it would be like is she was the heroine of some grand tale such as the one she held, [color=IndianRed]“..I have not seen this book since I was fourteen years of age… Gaston-… the King; he confronted me about something while I was reading… I do not remember the nature of the argument, but he took my copy and threw it away… I was never able to find it…”[/color] He had been right. The very copy of the book she held in her hands was one in the same with the copy that Gaston had thrown out. It was the last thing Adam saw of his childhood before being cast from his home. Being that it belonged to Belle, he simply couldn't part from it. He needed [i]something[/i] to remind him of his past... of her... So he cleaned it up of the mud it had been thrown into, and held onto it fast as he was cast into the forest, to be hunted down like some kind of animal... Smiling softly, though not entirely into it, Adam crossed the room to sit down in one of the lavish chairs, kicking his feet up on the stool in front of him and relaxed back. Slowly, his fingers worked off his scarves, tossing them to the side by the fire without much care. [color=Gold]"If you like it so much... its yours."[/color] he offered. Really, it was hers to begin with... but it seemed she couldn't remember even that. He… was giving it to her..? Unable to hide the way that her smile seemed to grow even wider over her features, Isabelle couldn’t help herself as she hurried after him, her legs folding up underneath her as she took up the place at his feet, her eyes seeming to sparkle happily as she reached up, her hand resting softly upon his thigh as she looked up at him, her other arm hugging the book close against her chest, [color=IndianRed]“..oh, Adam… do you really mean that..?”[/color] Her dark eyes met with his own, searching the beautiful blues for any sign that he was jesting with her in some way, though when she saw nothing but honesty behind his gaze, she turned her body back to the front, her hand slipping from his person to instead drop down to the book she held, lowering it to her lap as she flipped open the cover, her attention dropping down to the first page as she began to read the words written before her. [b]“Adam..!”[/b] The sound of a woman’s voice seemed to fill the room, causing Belle to lift her attention up from the book before she had even entered the room, [url=http://tellyspotting.kera.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Dame-Maggie-Smith-at-80.jpg]the woman's[/url] lips pursing slightly in disapproval as she let her gaze fall upon her son's figure lounging in the armchair; shifting her grip over the silver tray she held in her arms, the woman made her way forward, stray strands of her greyish-blonde locks falling down over her face as she placed the tray down, moving over to stand in front of where he sat so that she could begin to fuss over her adopted son, [b]“Adam; you are yet to decide on a partner for this years ball… It is traditional; and I will be seriously displeased should one of my sons embarrass the Kingdom in any way…”[/b] Seeming complacent with what she had done with the front of his top, the woman reached out to run her fingers lightly through his hair, trying her best to flatten it before she turned back to the tray she had brought in, picking up the tea pot and using the hot contents to fill up two separate tea cups as she continued to speak, barely even noticing the young woman sitting at her sons feet with her face hidden behind a book, [b]“..and do not think to give me the ‘I do not dance’ spiel; I have already heard it from your brother, and I know you both to be lying. You will do what is expected of you; so be sure to get yourself a partner.”[/b] That voice... Adam sunk lower into his chair, hoping that it would simply just swallow him up so he wouldn't have to hear his mother's fussings. He should of expected that once she caught wind that he was home, she would take it upon herself to see to his needs. After coming to Lupinis, Adam could want for nothing - could do no wrong. He was the perfect child in hers and the Kingdoms eyes. But now she was going off on him on a subject he had specifically left the Kingdom for the day for - the ball. When would his mother get it in her tight-bunned head that he simply wasn't interested? Oh sure he knew how to dance, she saw to that herself by bestowing lessons on him almost immediately. Didn't mean that he liked it... [color=Gold]"Mother..."[/color] Adam warned, sinking even further into his chair. [color=Gold]"...we have a guest..."[/color] [b]“Adam; do not test me, dear boy…”[/b] Pausing in her actions, Agatha turned her head sharply so that she was able to look over at her son, her lips seeming to purse even more than they already were, and her eyes narrowing slightly as though trying her best to tell him that she wouldn’t be budging or letting him get out of the conversation as easily as he seemed to think he would be. [b]“The noble house of Potts has commanded the respect of this Kingdom for centuries- I will not have you and your brother, in a single night, besmirching that name by behaving like a babbling, bumbling band of baboons..!”[/b] She couldn’t help herself- the very moments that the words had left the woman’s lips, she knew she wouldn’t be able to hold it to herself any longer. Lifting the book up from where she had been holding it rested in her lap, Isabella did what she could to hide herself behind the worn and well-read pages, a soft and rather amused giggle slipping out through her lips as she listened to the conversation going on between mother and son- she could understand… hell, she could sympathize with the guy… her own father had been the very same way with her after her mother had passed away; fussy, overbearing… but above all, pushy about keeping the De’ fortesque blood-line alive by continuously speaking with her about suitors… it had grown old quite quickly. [color=Gold]"Yes mother."[/color] Adam answered in a monotonous tone, shifting his eyes down to look at Isabella for a moment. He could have sworn he saw a flickering smirk on her face before she once more disappeared behind the book. God... if only he could do the same... Sitting up in his chair, Adam took his cup of tea Mrs. Potts had poured him and inhaled the scent deeply before taking a sip. It was perfect. Which meant she had made it for him specifically. [color=Gold]"If you want to scold a parade of baboons, mother, look to the greeting guards. I caught them mishandling our guests steed as she came in."[/color] He paused to clear his throat, one hand gesturing to his feet where Isabella was positioned. [color=Gold]"This is Miss Isabella from Avonlea, Province, by the way mother."[/color] he finished in an almost scolding tone, reprimanding her for not noticing sooner. [b]“Well, thank you for that assessment, Adam dear.”[/b] Standing up straight, Agatha brought both of her hands together in front of her body, her lips pursing as she looked down her nose at the young man giving her attitude, though her attention only lasted a moment longer upon him before she turned her gaze down to the young woman curled up contently at his feet with a book in her hands- curious… the one time he brings home a woman, and he hides her from the rest of them… [b]“I should have known… Dark hair, beautiful eyes, and a nose stuck within the pages of a book- you most certainly are the type to give my young Adam here a run for his coin. I cannot begin to fathom how he has managed to draw you across the seas to our little Kingdom…”[/b] Pausing for a moment, she allowed her gaze to flick back up to meet with her son’s for only a moment before it was back upon Isabella, watching on as the girl lowered the book back down to her lap, [b]“..I know it cannot be his charm, for he has never once spent an evening with the same woman twice…”[/b] Chuckling softly as she listened to the older woman speaking about her son so openly, Isabella shook her head lightly from side to side, the smile never once fading from her soft features as she gazed up at her from where she sat, [color=IndianRed]“I find your son to hold a certain charm that many a man lacks within the Kingdom of which I hale… however, I cannot say you are not correct in your judgments my Lady. I sit here before you now with the excitement of the hunt filling my being, and-… well, and with the hope that I might find answers I have been searching for now for quite some time…”[/color] Adam's face flushed a soft shade of pink that extended all the way down his neck and to his chest, though it had nothing to do with the warm tea he felt soothing his chilled skin. Shifting in his seat, Adam cleared his throat and gestured for his mother to hand over her cup of tea, since there wasn't a third. [color=Gold]"The two of you would have been introduced sooner, but I'm afraid I was too busy undergoing damage control from your guards' incompetence."[/color] Adam retorted with a bitter bite. Really, how could she simply let something like that go? Though talk of the hunt... of why she had told him she was there... he couldn't help the sideways glance he gave Mrs. Potts. The subject of the Beast was a touchy one in the castle, and most tended to ignore it altogether. But she would find out sooner than later... [color=Gold]"Isabella is Province's head knight, and quite the Huntress to my understanding."[/color] Adam paused to take a sip of his tea. [color=Gold]"She's here for the Beast."[/color] he then finished, as casually as though he were discussing the weather. [b]“The beast..? I see…”[/b] Narrowing her eyes slightly, Agatha kept her gaze fixed upon the young girl that seemed to have taken the interest of her son in some way or another- of course this was why she had come… she was not the first hunter to try her hand at ridding the Kingdom of its beastly issues, and it was clear by the look in her eyes that she knew for a fact that the girl wasn’t going to be the last either, [b]“..many have tried and failed; I fear you might be out of your league with this one young Lady…”[/b] It was Belle’s turn to go red- the moment he had turned the conversation over to her, the very moment he had told his mother why she had come to Lupinis in the first place… he was making her out to be some mighty huntress that was only in it for the kill… the thrill that came with ending a life… That just wasn’t who she was… [color=IndianRed]“..you make it sound as though the beast is my one and only reason for stepping foot within your most beautiful Kingdom. I give you my word that is not the case- it is not even the main priority…”[/color] Sighing softly though mostly to herself knowing that if she went into her reasons for being there they wouldn’t believe her, Isabella dropped her gaze down to her lap, her thumb lightly brushing over the cover of the book that he had given her earlier as she fell into silence- what was the point..? It wasn’t as though they would be able to help her anyway; this was something she had to figure out on her own… Adam tried to suppress a chuckle from his mother's reaction by taking another sip of his tea but ended up sputtering a bit as it went down. Using the back of his hand to wipe his mouth, Adam sat up properly in his chair, set his teacup and saucer down on the end table and reached forward to pluck his mother's from her hands. God, did he have to do everything here? Sitting back, Adam handed Belle the cup and saucer before picking his back up again. It was true. For thirteen years now he had been hunted. Hunters from across all Lands, even his own father back in Avonlea... but no one had managed to bring him down. They were lucky enough to even see him. Mostly, it was a week of shutting himself away in the dungeons of the castle, away from prisoners. His friends, Cogsworth and Lumiere - servants - his only company during the otherwise isolated time. Mrs. Potts would check on him once on a while, but never to stay. He knew she loved him, unconditionally, but he also knew she feared him. Why wouldn't she? His temper was unruly, the beastly nature forcing him to do things he did not want. Once in a while he would work up such a rage he would leave the castle and take to the villages or surrounding forests. It was these times that gave those hunters hope. It was those times that created stories - the very same stories that brought Isabella back to him. Though it wasn't with open arms and a warm kiss like he had always dreamt. It was to kill him. [color=Gold]"Yes... you mentioned that before..."[/color] Adam noted, biting his tongue from making a bitter remark on how all hunters were the same. If Gaston and Clayton had trained her... it most certainly was about the kill, the bragging... the trophy. She could hear it in the tone of his voice… the way that he spoke… he didn’t believe her. But why would he..? Even if she told them the truth about why she had actually taken the long journey from Avonlea to Lupinis, she knew it would do no good. They would just think her insane or over-imaginative. [color=IndianRed]“..it matters not… I shall not burden you long with my presence…”[/color] Closing the book slowly, Isabella slowly lifted herself up so that she was once again standing, her actions reluctant as she reached out towards him, placing the book he had allowed her to read down upon the arm of his chair before she moved to collect her cloak and gloves, holding them folded over her arm as she bowed her head to the both of them out of respect, [color=IndianRed]“..forgive me; I made a promise of which I intend to keep... my steed awaits me. I apologize for having wasted your time; it is clear that those of my trade are not welcome in these lands. It has been a pleasure, my Prince… my Lady…”[/color] Standing up straight, she shot another quick glance over at the Prince before finally, she turned on her heel, holding her things close against her body as she began to cross the room, doing what she could to remember the path that they had taken when they had first come into the castle. Adam closed his eyes softly, exhaling a short breath and relaxed further into the back of his chair. Sultan perked his head up, watching Isabella leave and let out a few short whines of not understanding. She was leaving, but what could he do to stop her? Short of coming across as a madman, forcing her to listen to his tale of how they knew each other and belonged together, he could do nothing but let her go. Quietly, he finished his tea and sat up from the chair, setting the empty china down on the end table and stood. [color=Gold]"No mother. I don't yet have a partner for this year's ball. And I don't think I ever will."[/color] Whistling to Sultan, Adam left the cabinet to retreat into his chambers for the rest of the day, the large dog quickly catching up to him. [color=Gold]"Have supper sent to my room."[/color] He pushed open his door, waited for Sultan to go in first, and then followed, slamming it shut behind him.