Now that he is finally alone Augustus settled down into his routine and work his way into the pile of paper, and as the mountains grew smaller and smaller he felt a sense of accomplishment wash over him. The soft flickering light of the candles provided a warm ambiance, and the sound of the fire crackling in the hearth was soothing. He took a deep breath, feeling the tension in his shoulders slowly release. As he continued to work, he couldn't help but get lost in the rhythm of his tasks. The only sound in the room was the occasional rustle of paper as he shifted through documents.

 

The tranquility of the moment was broken by a knock at the door. Augustus looked up, momentarily annoyed at the interruption. He sighed and called out, "Come in."

 

Ostrava poked her head into the study and cleared his throat. "Pardon the interruption, young lord," she said, "but Madam Lefleur is expecting you in the hall for your dance lesson."

 

Augustus groaned, "Another dance lesson? Can't I just skip it this time?"

 

Ostrava raised her eyebrows, "You know how important this event is, young lord. It's the Prince's birthday gala, and all of the nobles will be there. Your family's reputation is at stake, and you must show off your skills to honor our house."

 

Augustus rolled his eyes, "Fine, fine, I'll go. Just give me a moment to finish up here." He shuffled through the papers on his desk and sighed, "It never ends, does it?"

 

Ostrava giggles, "No, young lord. That's the life of a noble. But don't worry, I'll make sure to bring you some tea to keep you going."

 

Augustus smiled, "Thanks, Ostrava. You're a lifesaver."

 

Augustus groaned inwardly, the idea of dancing making him feel awkward and uncomfortable. However, he knew he had no choice but to attend. "Very well, Ostrava. Thank you for letting me know."

 

As Ostrava left the room, Augustus couldn't help but feel a bit of fondness towards the maid. She had been with him since he was a child, and to add that she was his first friend. Despite their difference in status, Ostrava had always treated Augustus like anyone else in a private setting, sometimes he valued the most about her.

 

With a sigh, Augustus stood up from his desk and stretched his limbs. He made his way to the hall where Madam Lefleur was waiting for him. He had been looking forward to having a few moments of peace to himself doing what he enjoyed the most paperwork. But duty called, and he knew he couldn't keep Madam Lefleur waiting. He made his way to the grand hall where he could hear the soft notes of a piano being played.

 

As he entered the hall, he saw Madam Lefleur standing in the center of the room. She was a petite woman with a no-nonsense demeanor. "Ah, there you are, Your Highness," she said with a curt nod. "We have much to cover today if we are to have you ready for the gala."

 

Augustus could feel the tension building in his body. He was never one for dancing and had always been awkward on his feet and even with all the extra lessons he took with Alexandria and Ostrava he had not improved by a large margin. But he knew that this was something he needed to do for the good of the house.

 

Madam Lefleur began with the basic steps, demonstrating each movement with precision. Augustus tried his best to follow her lead, but his feet kept tripping over themselves. He could feel his face flushing with embarrassment as Madam Lefleur let out a sharp sign.

 

"Your Highness, this won't do," she scolded. "You must concentrate and put more effort into your movements."

 

But as they continued to practice, Augustus' frustration grew. He couldn't help but feel like he was making a fool of himself in front of Madam Lefleur.

 

"I'm sorry, Madam Lefleur," he said, his voice strained. "I'm just not very good at this."

 

Madam Lefleur let out a sigh. "Your Highness, dancing is an essential skill for a noble. You must put more effort into it if you wish to succeed."

 

Augustus gritted his teeth, feeling a mix of annoyance and shame. "I am putting effort into it," he said. "I just don't seem to be improving."

 

Madam Lefleur gave him a stern look. "Well, you can't give up now. Keep practicing, and you'll get there eventually."

 

Augustus nodded, trying to stay positive. But deep down, he felt like he would never be good enough.

 

After a few more failed attempts, Madam Lefleur called for a break, and Ostrava brought in some drinks and snacks. Augustus took a sip of his tea, trying to calm his nerves.

 

"I have an idea," Madam Lefleur said suddenly, breaking the silence. "What if we had you dance with someone your age? Perhaps that would help you improve."

 

Augustus raised an eyebrow. "Who would I dance with?"

 

Madam Lefleur paused for a moment as if considering. "Well, there is Lady Isabel, my assistant. She is around your age and is quite a jewel. Perhaps she would be a good partner."

 

Augustus felt a jolt of anxiety at the thought of dancing with Alexandria. He had already made a fool of himself in front of Madam Lefleur, and now he would have to do the same in front of someone he doesn’t know.

 

"I don't know if that's such a good idea," he said, hesitantly.

 

Madam Lefleur gave him a sly smile. "Nonsense, Your Highness. It's a perfect idea. Trust me, I know what I'm doing."

 

Augustus let out a sigh, feeling like he had no choice. "Fine, I'll give it a try."

 

Madam Lefleur clapped her hands together, looking pleased. "Excellent. Now let's take a break while I get her from wherever she may be." And as she turned to leave, Ostrava noticed Augustus struggling with the dance steps and could see the frustration building up in him. She knew how much he disliked dancing and wanted to do whatever she could to help him.

 

"Your Highness, don't be too hard on yourself," Ostrava said with a kind smile. "Dancing takes time and practice. And besides, it's not like you're going to be performing in front of a large crowd."

 

Augustus let out a small sigh, appreciating Ostrava's words of encouragement. "I know, Ostrava, but it's still embarrassing to be so clumsy."

 

"Perhaps," Ostrava said thoughtfully. "But you mustn't let that stop you from trying. Remember, practice makes perfect."

 

Augustus nodded in agreement, feeling slightly better. Just then, there was a knock on the door and Madam Lefleur announced that Isabel had arrived.

 

Ostrava smiled at Augustus. "See? Help has arrived."

 

As Isabel entered the room, Augustus was taken aback by her beauty. She had long, flowing dark hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to sparkle in the light. She was dressed in a flowing, elegant gown that accentuated her curves and gave her an ethereal look.

 

"Your Highness, may I introduce Miss Isabel," Madam Lefleur said, gesturing to the young lady.

 

"Isabel," Augustus repeated, giving her a polite bow. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

 

Isabel smiled, giving a curtsy in response. "Likewise, Your Highness."

 

Madam Lefleur then explained her idea to have Isabel dance with Augustus, to which Isabel nodded in agreement. They stood facing each other, Augustus holding her hand in his, as Madam Lefleur counted out the steps. Augustus found himself moving more fluidly, following Isabel's lead. She was light on her feet, and her movements were graceful, like a swan gliding across a pond.

 

Augustus felt a strange flutter in his chest at her words and actions. He had never felt this way before in his life before, well does the fluttering when he saw Alexandria count? "Yes, I could use some help," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

 

Isabel smiled warmly at him. "Don't worry, Your Highness. We'll have you waltzing in no time."

 

Isabel was a vision of elegance as she glided into the room. She was around the same age as Augustus, with long flowing hair that cascaded down her back in soft waves. Her gown was a deep shade of blue, with delicate lace detailing that hugged her curves in all the right places. As she approached Augustus, he couldn't help but feel a flutter in his chest.

 

Madam Lefleur introduced Isabel to Augustus and soon they were waltzing across the dance floor. Isabel moved with such grace and fluidity that it was impossible for Augustus not to be swept up at the moment. Her hand was warm in his, and he could feel her soft breath on his neck as they moved together in perfect synchronization.

 

The music swirled around them, a soft and romantic melody that seemed to echo their every move. Isabel's eyes sparkled with amusement as she led Augustus through a series of complicated steps, her laughter ringing out like a gentle bell.

 

Augustus couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for this stunning young woman. She was confident, yet gentle, and her touch was like a warm embrace that enveloped him completely. As they twirled across the dance floor, he could feel his heart racing in his chest.

 

For a brief moment, the world around them seemed to fade away, and it was just Isabel and Augustus, lost in the moment of the dance. The mood was romantic, and the air was charged with a sense of magic and possibility. As the song drew to a close, Isabel dipped into a graceful curtsey, and Augustus could feel himself falling under her spell.

 

As the music slowed to a stop, Augustus let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Miss Isabel. You're an excellent dancer."

 

Isabel smiled. "Thank you, Your Highness. You're not so bad yourself."

 

Madam Lefleur applauded their efforts and complimented Augustus on his improvement. Isabel grinned at him, her eyes alight with mischief. "Perhaps we should practice together more often," she suggested with a playful wink.

 

Augustus couldn't help but smile at her. He knew that this dance lesson would be a memory he would cherish for years to come.

 

Ostrava with envy in her eye re-entered the room, carrying a tray of drinks and snacks. "Excellent work, Your Highness. With Miss Isabel's help, I can see you improving already."

 

Augustus couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment as Isabel took her leave. He had enjoyed her company, and her graceful movements had entranced him. He shook his head, trying to dispel the thoughts. He had more pressing matters to attend to, and he couldn't let himself get distracted.

 

While in the distance a girl watches in jealousy she mutters ‘How can she break his exterior this fast’ as she takes note.

 

Maid POV (Ostrava)

 

Ostrava watched with a mixture of jealousy and admiration as Isabel and Augustus waltzed gracefully across the ballroom floor. Their movements were fluid and effortless as if they had been dancing together for years.

 

She couldn't help but feel envious of Isabel's beauty and poise. Her long, auburn hair was tied up in an elegant bun, and her emerald green dress flowed around her in a mesmerizing manner. Ostrava couldn't help but feel plain in comparison, with her simple brown hair and plain, functional dress.

 

As Isabel spun into Augustus's arms, Ostrava couldn't help but let out a small sigh. She knew it was foolish to feel this way, but she couldn't help but wish she could be the one dancing with him.

 

But as the dance came to an end, Ostrava pushed aside her feelings and put on a smile. "You did very well, Your Highness," she said, trying to sound enthusiastic. "I can see that you've improved a lot since we first started."

 

Augustus smiled back at her, his eyes shining with satisfaction. "Thanks, Ostrava," he said. "I couldn't have done it without your help."

 

Ostrava felt a warm feeling spread through her chest at his words. Despite her jealousy, she couldn't help but feel proud of him. She knew how hard he had been working to improve his dancing, and it was paying off.

 

Isabel approached them with a smile, her green eyes sparkling. "You were wonderful, Your Highness," she said. "I can tell that you're starting to get the hang of it."

 

Augustus blushed at her praise, but Ostrava couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy once again. She knew she shouldn't feel this way, but it was hard to push aside her feelings.

 

As they left the ballroom, Ostrava tried to push aside her jealousy and focus on the positive. She was grateful to be working with such a dedicated and talented person lord well future lord she remarked in her head., and she knew that she had a lot to learn from him.

 

Back to normal POV

 

And as Augustus leaned on the battlement he gazed out at the breathtaking view from the battlement, his mind was filled with conflicting thoughts. He couldn't help but think about both Alexandria and Isabel and the different feelings they stirred within him.

 

On one hand, there was Alexandria - the fiery, determined girl who had caught his attention from the moment he met her. He admired her spirit and tenacity, and couldn't help but feel drawn to her. But there was something about her that also intimidated him, and he found himself struggling to keep up with her in more ways than one but she was also his betrothed.

 

On the other hand, there was Isabel - the elegant and graceful lady who had come to his aid during his dance lesson. She had an air of sophistication and poise that he found alluring, and he couldn't help but feel at ease in her presence. But at the same time, he couldn't help but feel guilty for even considering her, as he had already formed a connection with Alexandria.

 

Augustus let out a deep sigh, his thoughts in turmoil as he tried to make sense of his feelings. He knew that he needed to be careful and not lead either of them on, but at the same time, he couldn't ignore the emotions stirring within him.

 

As he stood there, lost in thought, he felt a gentle breeze blow past him, causing his hair to ruffle in the wind. For a moment, he closed his eyes and simply let himself be at peace, enjoying the serene atmosphere of the battlement and the beauty of the world around him.

 

Augustus let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair. Why did matters of the heart have to be so complicated? He longed for a simpler time when his only concern was the well-being of his people and the security of his or to be his Marquise.

 

But deep down, he knew that he couldn't ignore his feelings forever. Eventually, he would have to make a choice - between Alexandria and Isabel, duty and desire. Until then, he would continue to stand on the battlement, enjoying the peaceful view and trying to sort through his conflicting emotions.

 

With a newfound sense of resolve, Augustus opened his eyes and took in the view once more, feeling hopeful for the future and whatever it may bring.

 

Isabel approached Augustus slowly, her steps soft against the stone floor. "Good evening, Your Highness," she said with a small smile.

 

Augustus turned to face her, his heart beating a little faster at the sight of her. "Good evening, Isabel," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady.

 

The two of them stood in silence for a moment, just taking in the view. The sun had set by now, and the sky was painted with hues of orange and pink. The stars were starting to twinkle in the sky, and the lights of the town below were flickering to life.

 

"It's a beautiful view, isn't it?" Isabel said, breaking the silence.

 

Augustus nodded, his eyes still fixed on the horizon. "Yes, it is," he said softly.

 

Isabel took a step closer to him, her body just barely brushing against his. "Do you ever get lonely up here?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

 

Augustus turned to look at her, his heart racing. He could see the way her eyes shone in the light of the stars, and he couldn't help but feel drawn to her. "Sometimes," he admitted.

 

Isabel reached up to brush a strand of hair away from Augustus's face. "I know what it's like to feel alone," she said softly. "But you don't have to be. You have people who care about you, who want to be with you."

 

Augustus's heart swelled with emotion. He knew that Isabel was right, that he did have people who cared about him. But there was still a part of him that felt lost, that wasn't sure how to connect with the people around him.

 

Isabel leaned in a little closer, her breath warm against Augustus's cheek. "You don't have to be alone, Augustus," she whispered.

 

Augustus turned to face her fully, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel the heat rising to his cheeks as he looked into her eyes. "Isabel," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

 

Isabel smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Yes, Augustus?" she replied.

 

Augustus took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I don't know what to do," he said, his voice shaking slightly. "I don't know how to connect with people, how to let them in."

 

Isabel reached out and took Augustus's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "It takes time," she said softly. "But you'll get there. And in the meantime, you have me. You're not alone, Augustus."

 

Augustus felt a warmth spreading through his chest at Isabel's words. He knew that she was right, that he did have people who cared about him. And maybe, just maybe, he was starting to realize that he cared about them too.