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
Chapter 55: Five Years Later"Come on, Liam! Show me your best move!" Tristan called out, feinting left and then right, impressed by Liam's growing agility and skill.Tristan laughed heartily as he swung his wooden sword in playful arcs, facing off against his energetic five-year-old son, Liam, who wielded his own miniature version with fierce determination. The sun was low in the sky, casting a warm light over the quiet street where they played outside their home.Liam giggled mischievously, darting forward with a flurry of swipes that Tristan expertly parried. The neighborhood echoed with their laughter and the clatter of wooden swords meeting in mock combat.As they continued their spirited duel, Tristan couldn't help but marvel at how quickly time had passed. It seemed like just yesterday that he held Liam in his arms for the first time, marveling at the tiny fingers and wisps of dark hair."Slow down, Father!" Liam exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement as he lunged forward
Chapter 56: Shatter Me Isabel sat by Liam's bed, gently smoothing the covers over him. The room was dimly lit by a soft, flickering candle, casting a warm glow on the walls. Liam, however, was restless, his wide blue eyes darting towards the door every few seconds. "Mother, where is father?" he asked, his voice tinged with impatience. Isabel smiled softly and brushed a curl from his forehead. "He is securing the house for the night, my darling. He will be up shortly." Liam frowned and crossed his arms. "But I want him to tuck me in. I want to say goodnight to him." Isabel sighed gently, understanding her son's attachment. Deciding to tease her little prince, she pouted dramatically. "Oh, I see how it is. You love your father more than me, do you not?" Liam's eyes widened, and he quickly shook his head. "No, mother! I love you too!" Isabel chuckled softly at his earnestness. "You are very much like your father, you know that?" She then ju leaned down to kiss his forehead. "Very
Chapter 57: Married LifeTristan jolted awake while his heart was pounding as if trying to escape his chest. He blinked against the bright morning light streaming through the window, momentarily disoriented. He immediately glanced beside him and found Isabel's side of the bed empty, with the sheets neatly arranged. Panic surged through him as he threw off the covers and swung his legs over the side of the bed."Isabel?" he called out, his voice hoarse and tinged with urgency. But there was no response.He quickly dressed himself and rushed out of their room as his mind raced with fear. Once he descended the stairs, the scent of freshly baked bread and the sound of soft laughter reached his ears. And when he entered the kitchen of their humble home, he saw his mother-in-law seated at the table, feeding Liam breakfast."Good morning, Tristan," Teressa greeted warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Have some breakfast.""Where is Isabel?" Tristan asked, barely able to mask his anxi