Chapter 10: Growing Desire The king watched as Isabel's eyes widened in shock at his decree. He had to stifle a smile as she stumbled over her words while her face paled with worry. In truth, King Lucian had no doubt about her loyalty. He was merely teasing her. There was something about her that roused a sense of delight within him, something he couldn't quite put into words. Lucian knew Isabel wasn't a spy. He had already had her background checked thoroughly after last night's encounter. Her story checked out—she was a simple young woman from the kingdom's slums, seeking work to support her ailing mother. But her presence intrigued him in a way he hadn't felt in a long time. The way her icy blue eyes sparkled under the moonlight at the banquet had left an indelible mark on him. She was different, and that difference was what drew him to her. As he continued to observe her, he noticed the slight tremble in her hands and the way she bit her lower lip, trying to maintain her compos
Chapter 11: Love knows no bounds Now, Isabel had been moved to a small, yet elegant chamber adjacent to the king’s own quarters. The room was modest, yet far more luxurious than anything she had ever known. It was adorned with soft linens, rich tapestries, and a window that overlooked the palace gardens. Though initially overwhelmed, Isabel quickly found comfort in her new surroundings, especially as her interactions with the king grew more frequent and intimate. Night after night, King Lucian would visit her chamber, often under the guise of seeking counsel or simply sharing the day's events. Their conversations were filled with laughter and shared secrets, gradually dissolving the barriers between monarch and maid. Lucian’s nightly visits became a sanctuary for both of them—a place where titles and formalities were set aside, replaced by genuine companionship. One evening, when Lucian entered Isabel’s chamber, his expression was softer than usual. "Isabel," he said with a voice t
Chapter 12: The King's lover Isabel stirred from her sleep as the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains and touched her skin. She found herself wrapped in the warmth of the king's embrace. With a soft sigh, she shifted slightly as the memories of the night before flooded back with a rush of warmth and desire. She carefully pulled the blanket upward and covered her unclothed body as she prepared to leave the king's bed. Her movements were slow and deliberate. Her every breath was quiet and gentle to avoid disturbing his rest. But just as she reached the edge of the bed, she felt a stir beside her. "Isabel?" Lucian's voice cut through the silence of the room. "Where are you going?" Isabel's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly composed herself, "I need to attend to some tasks," she replied softly as her voice was barely above a whisper. "There are tasks I must attend to." The king's brow furrowed in confusion as he reached out to gently grasp her hand. "But you've been
Chapter 13: The Kingdom's Guest "How did your day fare, my love?" Lucian asked earnestly, causing Isabel to flinch. It was the very first time she had ever heard the king call her that way, and it made her heart flutter with happiness. "It was good. I received my wage today, and I felt overjoyed knowing I can finally help my mother." Isabel smiled genuinely as Lucian brushed his thumb against her lips. "And you, my king?" she asked. "Hm... I felt lonely. Court affairs are such a burden for me, and all I could think about was you." "Me? It is such an honor to have been in your thoughts, my king," Isabel responded, a warm blush spreading across her cheeks. Lucian's eyes softened as he looked at her. "You are more than just a fleeting thought, Isabel. You are my comfort amidst the chaos." She leaned into his touch, savoring the closeness. "I never imagined my life would lead me here, to you." He chuckled softly and the sound sent shivers down her spine. "Fate has a way of bringin
Chapter 14: Keep Isabel Away Time seemed to fly by as the kitchen staff worked in harmony. Each person was contributing to the preparation. Isabel felt a sense of pride in being part of such an important event, knowing that her work would be enjoyed by the palace's esteemed guest. "Isabel, pass me that bowl of berries," one of the assistant chefs called out. Isabel quickly grabbed the bowl and handed it over, exchanging a brief smile with her colleague. "Thank you. You really have a knack for this," he said with a hint of admiration in his voice as he looked at Isabel's work. "Thank you... as well?" she replied, feeling a blush rise to her cheeks. "I've learned from the best." Chef Henri overheared their exchange and gave a satisfied nod. "Indeed, she has. You've come a long way since you first joined us, Isabel." Isabel's smile widened. "I'm just grateful for the opportunity, Chef Henri. I never imagined I'd be here, working alongside all of you." "It's well-deserved," Chef H
Chapter 15: Threat to the Ruler "Why did I not know about this?!" Lucian roared, throwing across the room the sealed paper informing him of the West Kingdom princess's impending visit. His face was flushed with fury, his eyes blazing. His minister, Lord Cedric Marlowe, stood calmly before him, secretly snickering in a sinister way before composing himself and speaking in a measured tone. "Your Majesty, as your head minister, I have the authority to give permission to such visits. After all, a visit directly initiated by the West Kingdom's princess? It could mean an alliance." Lucian glared at Lord Marlowe with his jaw clenched. "An alliance? Without consulting me? This is unacceptable! Our kingdom is strong by itself and it does not need another kingdom's service!" "Your Majesty," Marlowe continued smoothly, "consider the potential benefits. A marriage alliance with the West Kingdom could strengthen our position significantly. It was in the kingdom's best interest to expedite the
Chapter 16: The Future Queen The distant sound of hooves clattering against the cobblestone path reached the ears of those within the palace walls. The princess of the Western Kingdom had finally arrived with her entourage that marked the beginning of a pivotal moment for King Lucian's realm. The majestic horses which were adorned in rich finery, pulled an ornate carriage towards the grand entrance of the palace. The crest of the Western Kingdom gleamed brightly on the carriage door. Nobles and servants alike gathered in anticipation with their faces evident of both curiosity and reverence. As the carriage came to a halt, footmen in resplendent livery swiftly moved to open the door. Princess Victoria Westford emerged, her regal bearing immediately commanding attention. She was dressed in a gown of deep emerald silk that accentuated her auburn hair and fair complexion. Every movement she made was a testament to her royal upbringing as King Lucian. King Lucian on the other hand, fl
Chapter 17: To the Garden You Confessed As their meal came to a close, Victoria's eyes sparkled with excitement as she turned to Lucian. "Your Majesty, would you be so kind as to give me a tour of your magnificent palace? I am simply dying to see more of it." Before Lucian could even consider rejecting the request, Victoria was already on her feet with her hand wrapped around his arm, pulling him up with her. "Come now, Your Majesty, there's no time to waste. I simply must see everything!" Lucian tried to protest, but Victoria's determination was relentless as she led him out of the dining hall and into the grand corridors of the palace. Despite his best efforts to remain composed, Lucian couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of his stomach. Victoria's insistence on exploring every corner of the palace only served to exacerbate his discomfort, and he silently prayed for the tour to come to an end. But not until they wandered through the palace gardens wher