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
Chapter 26: In Hopes for his HappinessLeticia smiled as her eyes reflected the calmness of the setting. "I find this place very peaceful. It's a perfect spot for sharing stories, don't you think?"Isabel nodded respectfully. "Yes, Your Highness. It is indeed.""Please, call me Leticia," she reminded Isabel with a gentle smile. "I want us to speak as friends, not as a princess and a maid."Isabel hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright, Leticia."Leticia leaned back, her gaze drifting over the pond's surface. "My time overseas was both challenging and enlightening. I studied medicine in a bustling city far from here. It was a place where people from all walks of life came together, sharing their knowledge and experiences."Isabel listened intently, captivated by Leticia's words. "It must have been quite different from life here in the palace.""It was," Leticia agreed. "Back there, I was just another student, not a princess. I had to earn my place among my peers through hard w
Chapter 27: To Hurt HerThe day after the royal wedding, Lucian did everything he could to see Isabel and check on her. He wandered through the palace with urgency with his mind consumed of thoughts of her. But just as he found Isabel, Victoria appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, doing her best to keep the king away from Isabel. It was as if she knew right from the start what was going on between the two."My love, where are you going?" Victoria asked in a slightly loud voice that drew the attention of almost all the palace maids, including Isabel, who was busy cleaning up the grounds.Isabel turned to look, and Lucian's heart sank. He immediately tried to push Victoria away, but it was already too late. Isabel had already seen them so close together. But instead of seeing a pained expression on her face, Isabel only curtsied in respect, showing no emotion, not even a smile. She didn't even look him in the eye.Lucian was taken aback by what he saw. After Isabel curtsied and stood bac
Chapter 28: Failed Jealousy Isabel quietly headed to the royal kitchen as per the king's orders. As soon as she arrived, the palace maids immediately surrounded her with questions full of curiosity."What was that, Isabel? It was the first time I've heard the king desperately call out to someone!" one of the maids exclaimed, looking to the others for confirmation.Everyone else instantly nodded in agreement as another maid spoke, "True. Maybe the king was too uncomfortable with..." She paused and cleared her throat before continuing in a hushed tone. "...the new queen. I mean, everyone in the palace can see that ever since the wedding, the king has seemed reluctant to wed her."But then, her statement was immediately cut off by Emily."Ladies, please. Mind your words! If the royal guards hear us, they will have our heads!" she warned almost in a whisper, and the maids immediately fell silent. But Anne, the oldest among them, took Isabel aside."What do you need, Court Lady Isabel?" s
Chapter 29: It is my dutyIsabel slightly bowed to the kitchen staff, including the royal chef, for their attention and cooperation during her little tutorial. "Thank you all for your hard work and patience," Isabel said warmly with a gentle smile gracing her lips. The staff responded with nods and smiles of their own, clearly pleased with the efforts.As she was about to grab the tray to bring it to the king and queen, Isabel suddenly felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. Her vision blurred, and she swayed on her feet. The room seemed to spin, and she reached out to steady herself, but her strength faltered.Anne, who had been watching Isabel closely, noticed the sudden change in her demeanor. "Isabel!" she called out, rushing forward just in time to catch her before she could fall back.The royal chef, Henri, hurried over with concern etched on his face. "Isabel, are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.Isabel blinked rapidly, trying to shake off the dizziness. "I
Chapter 30: His Majesty and his jealousyLater that day, Lucian finally parted ways with Victoria, who now had court matters to attend to as the newly crowned queen. The moment he was free, Lucian made his way to the outer court, heading directly to the maids' chambers where Isabel was supposed to be resting. His mind was filled with worry and the need to see her, to ensure she was truly alright.When he arrived, however, the sight that greeted him made his blood boil. Isabel was seated on a bench, speaking to the palace physician who stood beside her with a gentle expression. The sight of Isabel being accompanied by another man brought Lucian to the brink of insanity, but he chose to remain composed.He clenched his fists behind his back and carefully walked towards the two, each step measured and controlled despite the emotions raging within him. His jaw tightened as he approached with his eyes fixed on Isabel and the physician who was unknown to him.The physician noticed Lucian fi
Chapter 31: PursuitAs Leticia's concerned voice echoed in the air, Lucian felt a wave of determination to not let Isabel slip away without addressing the questions burning within him. Ignoring his sister's presence, he swiftly left her side and ran after Isabel, his heart pounding with urgency."Isabel!" he called out with his voice echoing through the corridor as he pursued her. In his haste, he left behind the regal demeanor expected of a king, with his sole focus was on catching up to Isabel.Isabel's footsteps echoed ahead, quickening with each passing moment as she tried to put distance between herself and the king. Despite her attempt to flee, Lucian's strides were long and determined, closing the gap between them with each step."Isabel, please wait!" he pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation as he reached out towards her retreating figure. His heart raced of anxiety and longing, unwilling to let her slip away before he could understand the truth behind her sudden illness
Chapter 32: Be My ConcubineIsabel slowly stirred from her sleep as the cool night air brushed against her skin. She blinked, adjusting to the dim light, and realized she was lying in the secluded garden while wrapped in the warmth of a robe that smelled strongly of Lucian. Her body felt languid and sore, the remnants of their passionate night still lingering. She turned her head and saw the king beside her, his face peaceful in slumber.For a moment, she simply watched him even when her heart was torn between her love for him and the truth that he will forever love him from afar. She gently shook his shoulder, trying to wake him without startling him."Your Majesty," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You need to return to your chambers."Lucian's eyes fluttered open, and the moment he saw Isabel, his expression softened into one of profound tenderness. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face."Isabel," he murmured, his voice husky with sleep. "I can't leave yo