Chapter 32: Be My ConcubineIsabel slowly stirred from her sleep as the cool night air brushed against her skin. She blinked, adjusting to the dim light, and realized she was lying in the secluded garden while wrapped in the warmth of a robe that smelled strongly of Lucian. Her body felt languid and sore, the remnants of their passionate night still lingering. She turned her head and saw the king beside her, his face peaceful in slumber.For a moment, she simply watched him even when her heart was torn between her love for him and the truth that he will forever love him from afar. She gently shook his shoulder, trying to wake him without startling him."Your Majesty," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You need to return to your chambers."Lucian's eyes fluttered open, and the moment he saw Isabel, his expression softened into one of profound tenderness. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face."Isabel," he murmured, his voice husky with sleep. "I can't leave yo

Chapter 34: I will take her away from youDays turned into weeks as the kingdom basked in the joyous news of Queen Victoria's pregnancy. The announcement of a future heir brought a sense of celebration and relief to the people, who eagerly anticipated the continuation of the royal lineage. Festivities filled the streets, and the palace buzzed with excitement, with every corner adorned in vibrant decorations and echoes of laughter.For Isabel, however, the days were a blur of longing and heartbreak. She had hoped for even the smallest acknowledgment from Lucian, but his attention was firmly fixed on his queen. Desperation gnawed at her heart as she tried to find any opportunity to speak with him, to remind him of their love and the promise he had made. She waited by his bedchamber door while her heart pounded with anticipation each time a shadow moved nearby, but Lucian never called for her. His absence weighed heavily on her, the once warm and tender king now seemed like a distant mem

Chapter 36: The UltimatumAs Letecia predicted, Lucian couldn't rest. The guilt and concern gnawed at him until he could no longer ignore it. In the dead of night, he silently slipped out of his chambers, moving through the palace with stealth. His thoughts were consumed by Isabel and the state he had left her in, desperate to see her and assure himself of her well-being.When he finally reached the clinic, Lucian approached the door anxiously. Just as he was about to push it open, two of the palace physician's apprentices stepped forward from the shadows, blocking his path."Your Majesty," one of them began, bowing deeply. "We must insist that you do not enter the clinic."Lucian frowned with his hand still poised on the door. "And why is that?" he demanded, his voice filled with frustration but with authority.The second apprentice, a young woman with a calm demeanor, spoke up. "Sire, the clinic is currently being disinfected. The recent illness that struck Lady Isabel has necessita

Chapter 38: Leave, Isabel!Victoria approached Letecia and Isabel who were sitting on a bench. A devious smile curled on her lips."Ah, what a lovely scene," Victoria said loudly, her voice dripping with false sweetness.Letecia and Isabel turned, startled by her sudden presence. Letecia's eyes narrowed knowing there will be trouble when Victoria is around."Victoria," Letecia greeted coolly, standing up. "What brings you here?""Oh, just taking a walk and enjoying the fresh air," Victoria replied, her eyes fixed on Isabel. "I see you’ve found yourself some company."Isabel bowed her head, avoiding Victoria's gaze. "Your Majesty."Victoria stepped closer as her expression turned cold. "Isabel, you seem quite comfortable here, don’t you? Forgetting your place, perhaps?"Isabel looked up, confused and wary. "No, Your Majesty. I am just—""Just what? Enjoying privileges beyond your station?" Victoria interrupted with her voice sharp and criticizing.Letecia stepped in, speaking a firm to

Chapter 40: Farewell, My KingIn the middle of the night, Letecia moved swiftly and silently through the shadowed corridors of the palace, her form hidden beneath a hooded robe. Her heart pounded in her chest as she made her way to the dungeons, driven by an urgent need to see Isabel.As she approached the entrance to the dungeons, she slowed her pace, calming her breath. The guard on duty straightened at her approach, his eyes narrowing with suspicion until she pulled back her hood and revealed her identity."Let me inside," Letecia commanded, her voice firm as she held up her royal seal. The guard's eyes widened in recognition, and he immediately stood at attention, bowing respectfully."Yes, Your Highness," he replied, quickly unlocking the heavy wooden door. The iron hinges creaked as it swung open, revealing the cold, dark corridor beyond.Letecia stepped inside, her eyes adjusting to the dim light. The air was thick with the damp, musty smell of the underground, and the distant