Isabelle
The summer festival was lit by hanging fire braziers. Plenty of fruits and wine scattered everywhere the eye could see. The fruit of choice was the pomegranate, which was in bountiful supply. Every participant looked the same in their roman apparel. Some were roman soldiers, others wore modest togas. Only a few military wore more revealing togas showing off their well defined pale chests.
The women all wore togas as well, tightly wrapped at the top and long flowing at the bottom. Isabelle wore a looser fitting brown tunic. The medium brown tone made her features come to life. Her hair was in loose curls, falling about her shoulders in a disheveled manner.
As the night grew darker and the guests were more at ease, a lion was brought out for entertainment.
The lion roared loudly.
Several guest scampered away to the safety of the chateau.
Isabelle found herself walking towards the lion’s roar. She wanted to see the king of beasts.
A small crowd was gathered now in one of the inner courtyards.
The lion jumped from platform to platform with such grace and ease.
Isabelle glanced to the far right of the courtyard, several guests were seated enjoying the performance. One in particular stood out.
Isabelle felt her heart skip a beat as her eyes landed on a bronzed Adonis. He had flowing hair the color of lightened gold. His muscled physique rivaled the military’s best man. He was also surrounded by a small group of attractive young women. They fawned, flattered, touched, brushed against, and giggled relentlessly. The man seemed to take little notice, only a small smile was prevalent. Just enough to let the females know he was enjoying their affections.
The lion roared loudly causing Isabelle to jump and glance back to the entertainment.
The show was over and the lion was returning to his cage.
Isabelle glanced back over to the Adonis only to see his eyes resting solely on her.
Isabelle felt her face flush. She was frozen in his gaze. Her heart beat inside her quickly. Her whole body felt like an empty shell with only a heart beating furiously inside. Was this trepidation?
It’s pounding was all she heard now as the stranger never broke his stare.
The other women were beginning to realize they were no longer welcome. Slowly they moved away to other prospects amidst the crowd.
Margaret walked up from behind her dear friend and saw she was eye locked with the exact handsome stranger she had envisioned. She rushed to Isabelle’s side and knelt beside her, “Quick! We must go and say hello. He will think us rude or ill-mannered” she pulled Isabelle out of her seat.
“No!” Isabelle shouted, shocking even herself with the forcefulness of it.
The stranger took note of the event and stood.
Margaret reached out to grab Isabelle’s arm again, “Don’t be silly. He’s only a man. What harm can it do?”
“No.” Isabelle said as she noticed the stranger walking towards them. Isabelle turned quickly and ran away from the courtyard.
“Is your friend quite alright?” the stranger asked.
Margaret turned around and looked into the stranger’s eyes. They seemed so familiar to her, but she could not place where from. “Do I know you from somewhere?”
The stranger smiled and chuckled, “I lived here as boy, maybe we met in our youth. I inquired about your friend.”
“No, I…” Margaret was sure that wasn’t it, but she was unable to make any connections. She shook her head, “No, she’s fine. A little too much wine perhaps.”
“She looked absolutely lovely, a stunning vision of glory. Might I have her name, and inquire of her residence.” He paused and then explained, “So that I may call on her.”