Chapter 47: Wish it was not pretendThe first light of dawn crept through the curtains as Tristan stirred from his sleep. With careful movements, he slipped out of bed, being mindful not to disturb Isabel, who still slept soundly beside him.As he dressed quietly, Tristan couldn't shake the nervousness that coursed through him. Today was the day he would make the final preparations for their wedding. With each button fastened and each shoelace tied, he felt a sense of anticipation building within him.He left a gentle kiss on Isabel's forehead as he paused for a moment to admire her peaceful expression before quietly slipping out of the room. He made his way down the hallway, the floorboards creaking softly beneath his feet as he descended the stairs.When he reached the bottom, he was startled by Teressa's presence, and she was equally surprised to see him."What? Where are you off to?" she asked, lifting a basin filled with water."Mother-in-law," he greeted, "I am heading to the ne
Chapter 48: The WeddingThe most awaited day had finally arrived. Although the weather had been particularly cold recently, this day felt different. The sun was warm, casting a golden hue over the snow-covered village, and the birds chirped merrily as if the heavens themselves were celebrating Isabel and Tristan's union.Inside the small, cozy chapel, the air buzzed with quiet anticipation. The few guests—close friends and family—whispered among themselves, their breath visible in the chilly air. The soft light filtering through the stained glass windows bathed the room in a kaleidoscope of colors, adding to the mild atmosphere.Tristan stood at the altar as his heart pounded in his chest. His eyes kept darting to the door with each second feeling like an eternity. The priest, Teressa, Mrs. Hawthorne, and the gathered guests all watched him with varying degrees of curiosity and concern.Minutes ticked by, and Tristan's anxiety grew. Where was Isabel? Had she gotten cold feet? Doubts g
Chapter 49: Mrs. GayleThe village celebrated a humble reception for the newlyweds. Mrs. Hawthorne danced with infectious energy as Teressa clapped her hands, encouraging everyone to join in with the lively music.Despite the vibrant atmosphere of music, celebration, and singing, Isabel remained unusually quiet throughout the festivities. Tristan noticed her detachment almost immediately."Isabel...?" he called out gently, hoping to catch her attention.Isabel seemed lost in her own thoughts, her eyes distant. Concerned, Tristan reached out to hold her hand, but her reaction shocked him—she immediately slapped his hand away, a reflexive action that left them both stunned."I... I am sorry. I did not mean to do that," Isabel quickly apologized, avoiding his gaze.Tristan's brow furrowed with worry. He didn't know what was troubling her and reached out again, only for Isabel to abruptly stand from her seat, obviously avoiding him."I feel cold. Can I go inside?" she asked. But before Tr
Chapter 50: GoneDays passed into weeks, and while Lucian believed Isabel had been released from her cell, he endeavoured to avoid any encounters with her. Little did he know, Isabel had long departed from the palace.Yet, each day, he found comfort in enjoying his favourite pastries, those Isabel used to make for him. Their presence gave him a sense of relief, allowing him to believe that Isabel harboured no ill will towards him.As Victoria's belly grew and became visibly pronounced, Lucian redoubled his efforts to fulfil his duties as a husband. He wished for this ordeal to end swiftly, yearning to see Isabel once more.Lucian groaned softly, rising from his seat to check on Victoria, who was with the royal physician for her monthly check-up. As he arrived at her bedchambers, he was greeted by Victoria's maidservants."Your Majesty," one of the maidservants curtsied, her voice respectful yet tinged with nervousness. "The Queen is with the physician. May I fetch her for you?"Lucian
Chapter 51: Her Golden LocksOnce Lucian finally reached the servants' quarters, he burst through the door without a second thought, startling the women inside."Where is Isabel?" he demanded, his voice strained with barely controlled fury.Anne, who had always been close to Isabel, was taken aback by the king's sudden appearance and his intense demeanour. Gathering her courage, she stepped forward and made a respectful bow."Your Majesty, I am a friend of Isabel. I apologize, but we cannot answer your inquiry," she replied, her voice tinged with worry.Lucian's fists clenched as his anger boiled over. "What do you mean? Why not?" he pressed, his tone growing more impatient."The rumor of Isabel's imprisonment spread throughout the palace. No one was allowed to visit her. Some say she..." Anne hesitated, cautious of her words, but Lucian's impatience was palpable."Speak," he demanded, causing her to flinch."Some say she died, Your Majesty. With such a severe punishment, anyone would
Chapter 52: A Blossoming LoveKing Lucian sat alone as his hands trembled with both anger and disbelief. His mind was a storm of thoughts, each one more chaotic than the last. How could Letecia, his sister, dare to betray him? And Isabel... Isabel, the woman he loved and had tried so hard to protect that he would even sacrifice his own freedom, had now left him. And then there was Isabel. The memory of her haunted him, her absence an open wound in his soul. He had tried to protect her, to keep her safe from the dangers that lurked within the palace walls. But in the end, she had slipped through his fingers, leaving him alone and broken.He paced the room as his footsteps echoed in the silence. The burden of this betrayal hung heavy on his shoulders, threatening to crush him with its weight.As he sank into a chair, a deep sense of despair washed over him. How could he have been so blind? How could he have allowed himself to be deceived in such a way? The realization of his own naivet
Chapter 53: Birth of the False KingKing Lucian sat at the head of the grand table in the council chamber while his fingers were massaging his temples in frustration. The room was filled with the heated voices of his ministers, their arguments blending into a cacophony of dissent. Seated beside him was Queen Victoria, her serene demeanor contrasting sharply with the chaos around them."Your Majesty, the northern territories are demanding increased military support," one minister insisted, his voice rising above the others."And what of the southern provinces? They are on the brink of rebellion due to the latest tax impositions," another countered, slamming his fist on the table for emphasis.Lucian's head throbbed with the intensity of the debate. The pressures of the kingdom's affairs weighed heavily on him, and he could not find the right peace he once had when he knew Isabel would be there to comfort him. He glanced at Victoria, who sat composed and poised, her deep blue eyes watch
Chapter 54: Birth of the True King "Tristan! It hurts!" Isabel screamed while her voice was filled with agony. "I'm here, my love. I'm right here," Tristan replied with a voice steady yet laced with worry. He held her hand tightly as his thumb brushed soothingly over her knuckles. "Breathe, just like the midwife said." "I can't, Tristan, I can't!" Isabel cried out, her grip on his hand tightening as another contraction wracked her body. Teressa who was bustling about the room, anxiously called out, "Tristan, get a basin of water! Quickly, now!" Tristan immediately nodded with a pounding heart, and rushed obediently to comply. He filled the basin and brought it to Teressa, who was already wiping Isabel's forehead with a damp cloth. "Just breathe, dear," Teressa said, her voice gentle yet firm. "You’re doing wonderfully. We’re almost there." Mrs. Hawthorne, hovering nearby, added, "We need another pillow. Tristan, fetch it quickly!" Tristan darted out of the room and returned wi