Chapter 39

Chapter 39: Lies and Schemes

Lucian stood on the balcony of the west hall, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The vibrant colors of the sunset painted the sky, but his thoughts were far from the beauty before him. His mind was a storm of questions and doubts.

Why had he been so enraged at the mere thought of Isabel hurting Victoria? What had driven him to imprison the woman he loved? The memory of her tear-streaked face haunted him and her pleas echoed in his ears. Was it wrong for him to have acted so harshly, even if it was to protect the Isabel?

The questions gnawed at him relentlessly. Had he been too cruel? Too quick to judge? The doubt unsettled him, breaking the confidence he usually carried as king.

"No," he muttered to himself, trying to silence the uncertainty. "I did what I had to do."

For him, his duty was clear and that is to produce an heir to secure the throne. That had been the deal with Head Minister Marlowe. After that, he could pursue his desires freely. At le