Isaac ached to help Rafael tidy up the breakfast dishes, although it wasn’t his place — it appeared that even after all of this time, he was conditioned to obey the rules that his father had set in place when he was a child. Even after his demise, Isaac still maintained that same character flaw to behave and seek approval and praise for his actions.
But, he was relieved that Summer had been taken away for a few hours of fun — or as much fun as one could have when been dragged from stall to stall by Cora. But hopefully the other girl would be in her element there, and perhaps she would in fact enjoy herself. He would question her all about it later on, he decided then, eager to know how she found the Princess to be.
He plodded up to the castle, casting it a fond glance, still unable to believe it could be his home, if only he stopped being so stubborn. But he adored his little paradise, and perhaps, in time, if Summer grew to like him more, perhaps he would be willing to share that with her.
Some time later, he could be found conversing in-depth with the man he’d claimed to be an older brother and his truest friend. He revealed the truth about their journey, how it had came to be and he detailed each of his actions, constantly seeking approval from the older male. Derek appeared to be satisfied with his explanation, thankfully, and it was then that the two young men set off to do some training, Isaac feeling like he could desperately use the practice as he was repeatedly knocked to the ground.
It was late into the afternoon before Summer discovered the other reason why this room was the sewing room — the light was good, and it overlooked the training grounds. A number of the ladies, including the princess, left off their handwork to cluster at the windows. She was surprised to discover that most of them had a fair idea of fighting, commenting knowledgeably on their favourite knights.
Abandoning her handwork as well, she came to the window, and immediately her eye caught on Isaac and Derek. Isaac seemed to be distracted, or Derek was extremely skilled, since the dark Prince had the other on the ground nine bouts out of ten. So absorbed was she in the swordplay, she didn’t notice Cora beside her until the princess spoke.
“You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”
Summer startled, hastily stepping away from the window. “I — ” she stammered, then hung her head. “Is it so obvious?”
“Only when you look at him.” Cora’s voice was low and a bit wistful.
Summer pressed her lips together. “I shouldn’t,” she admitted. “My class — he is too good for me.” She glanced up at Cora. “It should be you.”
But the dark-haired princess shook her head. “I had my chance. He doesn’t see me that way, he never has. I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you.”
“But you — “
Cora cut her off. “You’re here now. You are free, and you can be anyone you want to be. I have said so — you are not a serf any longer. Tonight we’re going to make him see you in a whole new way.” She took Summer’s hand again and pulled her away from the window. “It’s almost dinner time, and I want his jaw to drop when you go in.”