The dinner was eaten in peace, much to my relief. I heard from Darius that the knights from earlier that offended me were punished with fifty lashes of the whip each. It was said that Darius wanted to punish them with death but the high priest Haden opposed to it. Being that the knights were under the queen’s command, she is the only one to give a death penalty. So for now Darius gave them other harsh punishment.I was lying on bed but wasn’t able to sleep. I was thinking of the coming of age ceremony that will be held just a few days from now. We will be executing our escape plan at the same day as the ceremony is being held.I was also thinking about the information that Ragnar was coming to get me. I was excited to know that in just a few days time I will be seeing him once again.I heaved a sigh and sat up in my bed. Sleep won’t be coming anytime soon and so I stood up and got my robe and put it on. I walked towards the door and opened it.“Is something matter Isabella?" It was P

"Princess Isabella, are you sure you are fine?" Philip asked worriedly. He might have seen my face looking sad just now."It’s okay, I am fine." I replied with a forced smile.What I need to focus right now was to get through this breakfast with Darius safely. It is true that he had been docile these past few days, but that was because I never met him alone. I know that we will be having breakfast in his private quarters but for sure there will be maids to assists us, so that at least made me calm down.I was walking towards Darius’ private quarters with Mary and Phil accompanying me. We passed by busy employees decorating the palace for the event today. I can see different kinds of flowers being put into beautiful vases, the curtains on windows are being replaced with ones that looked even grander, and the maids are cleaning every inch of the palace diligently. Everyone we passed by stopped, giving me a respectful bow. Of course the news that I was to be wedded to their crown prince

"Hmm...no..mhmm." I tried to push him hard but my strength is nothing compared to his.Darius’ arms locked around me and I cannot get out. My lips are in his possession and I cannot do anything but to squirm in his embrace. "Haah..haah..." I took in breaths when Darius let go of my lips. His lips trailed towards my neck. "P-Please no...*sob*...E-Erik." I unknowingly called for Ragnar’s name. Darius’ attacks stopped midway. My tears were falling and a sob was breaking out of my lips. When I looked at him, his face was full of rage that froze me in place. "You.Are.Mine..." Darius seethed in his anger. He carried me abruptly and took me by surprise. "No... let go of me..." I tried to punch and kick him but to no avail. Darius took me to another room and closed the door behind him. He laid me down in bed forcefully. "W-What are you doing?" Fear had taken over my whole body. "I will take you here and now." Darius face looked dark, unlike the one that expressed his love for me just

After the whole ordeal was over, Philip took me back to my private quarters. He laid me down in bed gently but his face was full of rage like he was about to kill somebody. "Mary, please prepare me a hot bath please." I ordered Mary. With what had just happened, I felt quite dirty all over my body. "Y-Yes, right away your highness." Mary hurriedly went out to prepare my bath. "Phil..." I called out to him but didn’t answer. It was like he was not in his body. "Philip!" I called with a more clear volume.Philip snapped back to himself and looked at me worriedly. "Isabella , h-how are you?" He asked. "Why didn’t you call me when that happened? You should have called me. I should have..." He trailed off looking so fierce. "You should have what, Phil?" I asked with knowing the answer. "I know what you would have done. You would have pointed your sword against this country’s crown prince."Philip shook with what I have said. "I should have been there to protect you Isabella. It is my j

"Philips ..." I walked towards him. He was still giving me the cold shoulder. "I am really sorry. I have my reasons why I didn’t call for you for help." I said apologetically. Philips was still silent and with a frown on his face. I held his hand and squeezed it gently. "I am really sorry Phil." I looked up at him. Philip sighed after some time. "How can I be angry at you for so long if you do that?" He looked at me with a sad smile. He pressed his big palm on my cheek and caressed it gently. "I was just angry that I wasn’t able to stop that b*stard from getting his hand all over you. It is my job to protect you Isabella, so please let me do my job properly." His eyes were pleading towards me.I know that I am also in the wrong. I am always taking Philips kindness for granted. I feel that I am a bad person towards him. "I... I am sorry Phil. That would never happen again, I promise." I said while trying to fight back the tears.I felt Phil’s thumb wipe the tears starting to gath