Chapter 18: Lie to me, My king Isabel and Lucian stood at a secluded spot in the palace grounds where they were hidden from prying eyes. The moonlight filtered through the leaves as Isabel's heart pounded in her chest. Although the king has reassured her not to worry about anything at all but Isabel's mind was racing with questions she dreaded to ask. "Your Majesty," she began tentatively, her voice barely above a whisper. "Are the rumors true? That you are to marry the princess of the West Kingdom?" Lucian's breath caught, and for a moment, he remained silent. The hesitation was enough to make Isabel's heart sink. When he finally spoke, his voice was flat, devoid of emotion. "The rumors are true." He couldn't bring himself to look at her. He knew what he would see—pain, betrayal, and heartbreak. Isabel's heart ached at his words, and as she decided to step closer, her eyes searched his face for any sign of deceit or hope. "Why won't you look at me?" she asked with trembling voic
Chapter 19: The food she makes The next day, Princess Victoria woke early with her mind set on a particular mission. She wanted to surprise King Lucian with a breakfast she had prepared herself, hoping to impress him and solidify their budding relationship. She was dressed in a simple gown and determined to show her domestic side. She then made her way to the palace kitchen with a few attendants following her. As she entered, the kitchen was quiet and seemed empty. She smiled, pleased that she would have the space to herself. But then she heard a soft clinking sound, like that of a spoon against a pot. It made her frown as she decided to follow the noise to its source, walking quietly through the large, ornate kitchen. When she turned a corner, she was startled to see a palace maid with an apron on, standing at one of the stoves and carefully stirring a pot. The maid had golden hair and a serene, focused expression. It was Isabel. "Excuse me," Victoria said, trying to keep her vo
Chapter 20: Stand on my groundVictoria watched closely as Lucian began eating the food she had brought. But to her dismay, he looked as though he had no appetite. He took small, unenthusiastic bites, his mind clearly elsewhere.The food, though delicious, seemed tasteless to Lucian. His thoughts were consumed by the memory of Isabel’s hands preparing it, her familiar touch on the food, and the ache in his heart knowing that she must have been thinking about him spending his time with Victoria and not her. Victoria watched with growing frustration as Lucian picked at his breakfast, barely making a dent in the meal she had worked so hard to prepare. She could see that his mind was far away, and it stung to realize that even in this intimate moment, he seemed distant and uninterested."Is the food not to your liking, Your Majesty?" she asked, trying to keep the disappointment out of her voice.Lucian looked up, startled out of his thoughts. "No, it’s not that," he said quickly. "The fo
Chapter 21: Embroider me to your heartAfter the tense meeting in the throne room, King Lucian retired to his royal study, hoping to find peace alone. As he delved into the documents spread out before him, there came a hesitant knock on the door."Enter," Lucian called out. The door creaked open, revealing the imposing figure of Head Minister Marlowe. His expression was unreadable, but there was a glint in his eyes that sent a shiver down Lucian's spine."Your Majesty," Marlowe began, his tone deceptively calm. "We need to talk."Lucian's eyes became that of someone on alert. "What is it, head minister Marlowe?" Lucian asked, trying to keep his voice steady."It seems you underestimate the consequences of your defiance, Your Majesty," Marlowe's voice dripped with menace as each word carried the shadow of a looming storm. "If you persist in your obstinance, the kingdom will suffer. And so will you."Lucian's heart thundered in his chest and a cold dread settling in the pit of his sto
Chapter 22: His choice Isabel's POVAs the news of the king's marriage reached me, I immediately headed to see him urgently. I couldn't quite understand what I was feeling at the moment, but one thing was for sure —I could feel the coldness of the coming winter, and the feeling in my heart was even colder.I rushed through the palace with my mind in a whirl of confusion and heartache. I searched every place where the king could be, my desperation growing with each empty room. Finally, as I rounded a corner, I came face to face with Princess Victoria, who was humming happily as she walked through the corridors on the way to the library where Lucian had once shown me.Before I could bump into her, I immediately stopped in my urgent steps and curtsied. "Your Highness," I weakly spoke with my ragged breath."Ah. It's you," Victoria replied flatly, her eyes narrowing with a hint of disdain. "What is the matter? You seem distressed."My voice trembled as I tried to steady myself. "I need t
Chapter 23: Matrimonial PreparationsFor the next few days, preparations for Lucian and Victoria's royal wedding became the kingdom's priority. The palace buzzed with activity as maids, servants, and courtiers worked tirelessly to ensure every detail was perfect for the grand event. The excitement was evident, and the air was filled with anticipation.But for Isabel, there was no joy in these preparations. The happiness that seemed to envelop everyone else only deepened the cold emptiness inside her. While everyone wished for the king and future queen's good health, Isabel's body, on the other hand, began to feel weak and fragile. Her once-rosy cheeks were now pale as if the very life was draining out of her. Yet, no one noticed her deteriorating condition. Everyone was too consumed with their tasks, too absorbed in the upcoming celebration.Lucian, meanwhile, was consumed by his own struggle. It had been weeks since the last time he saw Isabel, ever since he had turned his back on h
Chapter 24: A vow to anotherFinally, the most awaited day had arrived. It was the day King Lucian and Princess Victoria would be united as one. Nobles from the east and the west, the north and the south, had gathered to witness the grand union. The entire kingdom of Montebello was filled with excitement. Tales of the king's love for the princess filled the air, and new songs were sung in the taverns and marketplaces. The people celebrated what they believed to be a love story for the ages. Little did they know that the truth was far from what they believed.In his private chambers, Lucian sat alone, staring at a small, neatly wrapped gift on his desk. It was the gift from Isabel, given to him the night before. He had wanted to open it immediately, but something held him back. Now, on the morning of his wedding day, the sight of it made his heart ache. What could Isabel have given him? What could it mean on this day of all days?His mind was in a turmoil. He felt a strong pull toward
Chapter 25: His little sisterIsabel watched as Lucian leaned in to kiss Victoria in front of the congregation. Her heart ached with every second that passed, but she forced a smile and clapped along with the crowd in congratulations. It had taken days—no, hours—of thinking, but she had finally come to a decision. She would be happy for Lucian. He deserved joy, and she didn't want to be a burden to him by showing too much of her emotions.As the newlywed king and queen turned to face everyone, Lucian's eyes met Isabel's. She smiled at him, a smile she hoped looked peaceful. Inside, she felt anything but. There was a storm raging within her, but she had made her choice. She would support him, no matter what. Lucian looked at her with an expression she couldn't quite place. It looked like a flicker of something deep and painful in his eyes. But in Lucian's head, he wished he was seeing her cry, rather than this mask of serenity she wore.As she noticed his intense gaze, she immediately