Chapter X: Intact
Isabella's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the King's chambers, confusion clouding her mind as she tried to make sense of the information. The Duke's gaze snapped to her, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is that so?" he replied, his tone icy as he regarded her with a penetrating stare.
Lady Theda's expression turned even more anxious as she struggled to maintain her composure. The Duke's jaw clenched with frustration at the news, his anger simmering just below the surface as he realized his plans had been thwarted. Lady Theda's voice wavered as she addressed the Duke. "Your Grace, if you'd like, you may choose another girl to serve you tonight," she suggested, her tone conciliatory yet tinged with reluctance. She proceeded to motion to the other four girls to enter the room again.
The Duke's gaze swept over the remaining girls, his expression contemplative as he weighed his options. After a moment's consideration, he pointed towards a blonde girl named Farah, indicating his choice. "You," he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Farah stepped forward, her demeanor a mix of apprehension and resignation as she prepared to fulfill the Duke's desires. But before she could take another step, the Duke's finger shifted to another girl, his intentions clear as he made his request known.
"I want her as well," he declared, his voice leaving no room for negotiation.
Lady Theda's expression fell, her discomfort evident as she glanced between Isabella and the other girl. Reluctantly, she acquiesced to the Duke's demands, gesturing for Isabella and the two remaining girls to follow her out of the room.
As they were escorted away, Isabella couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over her. "But... I was never summoned to the King's chambers," she interjected, her voice betraying her bewilderment. As they walked through the dimly lit corridors of the palace, Isabella's heart hammered in her chest with a mixture of fear and uncertainty. She cast anxious glances at Lady Theda after she sent off the other two girls back to the Harem and they continued walking towards the royal quarters.
"Lady Theda, what is happening?" Isabella asked, her voice trembling with apprehension. "Why am I going to the King's chambers?"
Lady Theda's expression remained impassive as she continued to lead Isabella through the halls. "Quiet, child," she replied cryptically, her tone devoid of warmth or reassurance.
Isabella's stomach churned with dread as they approached the imposing doors of the King's chambers, the memories of her previous encounter with him flooding back with overwhelming intensity. She remembered the pain of his punishment, the humiliation of her submission, and the lingering fear that had haunted her ever since. She had just escaped a nightmare with the Duke, but perhaps she was just entering another.
As Lady Theda knocked on the King's door, Isabella's heart raced with apprehension, her mind swirling with a jumble of emotions. As they entered the chamber, Isabella's eyes met the King's gaze, and she was surprised to see concern flicker in his eyes. It was a stark contrast to the anger etched on his features, directed not at her, but at Lady Theda.
The King's voice boomed through the chamber, his anger palpable as he confronted Lady Theda. "How dare you send one of my virgin concubines to the Duke's chambers?" he thundered, his tone laced with fury.
Lady Theda bowed low, her voice trembling as she offered a hurried apology. "I... I thought you wouldn't mind, Your Grace," she stammered, her eyes brimming with tears. "You never cared for Lady Bella, I thought..."
The King's expression darkened with rage at her words, his voice cutting through the air like a whip. "I decide when I deflower my girls," he declared, his tone icy with anger. "But their virginity belongs to me and me alone. She could die untouched if I decided so, but no one but me has the right to deflower her!"
Turning his attention to Isabella, the King's gaze softened slightly as he addressed her directly. "Did he touch you?" he asked, his voice surprisingly gentle.
Isabella's throat tightened with fear as she struggled to find her voice. "He... he grabbed my arms and threw me on the bed," she replied, her words coming out in a shaky whisper.
The King's jaw clenched with barely contained fury. His expression hardened at her words, his eyes flashing with a fierce protectiveness. "And what else did he do?" he pressed, his voice low and menacing.
Isabella shook her head, her fear mounting with each passing moment. "Nothing else," she replied, her voice trembling. "Lady Theda knocked on the door and…”
With a curt nod, the King turned to Lady Theda, his voice cold as he issued his orders. "Have Isabella checked out to ensure she's intact," he commanded, his tone brooking no argument.
"You’re dismissed."