Chapter XVIII: Hidden
As Isabella laid in bed, her body bruised and battered, she felt like she was on the brink of death. Every movement sent waves of agony coursing through her, and she wondered if maybe dying would be a welcome relief from the torment of life in the harem.
The maids who had assisted Lady Theda in her cruel punishment now tended to Isabella's wounds with gentle hands, their expressions filled with pity. Lady Theda had ordered that Isabella be kept hidden away in Alicent's old quarters, away from everyone’s eyes. It was a calculated move to ensure that when the king came to visit, he wouldn't see the extent of Isabella's injuries and ask questions that could potentially expose the truth. Lady Dara seemed confident that the king would believe her version of events, but Lady Theda wasn't so sure. She had witnessed the king's protective behavior toward Isabella before, and it left her with a lingering sense of uncertainty by helping Dara harm her once again.
Lady Theda's loyalty to Lady Dara had been unwavering for years, fueled by the belief that Dara would eventually ascend to the throne as Queen Consort. It seemed like the safest bet to align herself with the one who would become the most powerful woman in the kingdom.
However, as the years passed without any sign of marriage or even pregnancy for Lady Dara, doubts began to creep into Lady Theda's mind. Was it truly wise to continue pledging her loyalty to someone whose prospects of power were dwindling with each passing day?
The King’s entrance into the harem was met with the usual display of affection from his concubines. Their smiles and seductive gestures enveloped him, each vying for his attention in hopes of being chosen to join him in his bed. Exhausted from the day's affairs, Alaric made his way to the bathing house, where Lady Dara and her companions were already naked, being bathed by their maids.
His other concubines promptly helped him to undress and hurried to take off their own clothes to join him in the bath. Their delicate hands reached out to him, eager to assist in washing his skin and massaging his muscles. As he settled into the warmth of the bath, surrounded by the eager presence of his concubines, Alaric couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. These women, once prudish and noble princesses and queens, had been transformed into these sweet little whores, beings entirely devoted to him, who now existed solely to fulfill his every desire. Their eagerness to please him served as a testament to his power and he loved how this made him feel, more than he was capable of loving any of them. They were all beautiful, devoted and versed in the art of pleasing him, they knew exactly how to touch his body but never his heart; he preferred it that way, love was a foolish weakness, lust was much more reliable. He then noticed one of his girls wasn’t there.
In the midst of his concubines' pampering, the king's thoughts drifted to Isabella, against his will. It dawned on him that he hadn't laid eyes on her for quite some time. Intrigued, he summoned Lady Theda, who hurried into the bathing house, her demeanor betraying a hint of anxiety.
"Lady Theda," he called, his tone firm yet tinged with concern. "I haven't seen Isabella in quite some time. Where is she?" he inquired, his gaze piercing through the mist.
Lady Theda hesitated for a moment, her mind racing as she searched for a plausible excuse. "Your Majesty," she began, her voice trembling slightly, "Lady Isabella... she's not well. I'm afraid she's... indisposed at the moment."
The king's brow furrowed in annoyance. "Indisposed?" he repeated, his tone sharp. "What do you mean?"
Lady Theda glanced nervously at the other concubines, who were watching the exchange with keen interest. "She... She became ill suddenly, Your Majesty, and I'm taking good care of her recovery," she stammered, desperately hoping he would not press further.
But the king's gaze was unwavering. "I want to see her," he declared firmly. "Sick or not. Bring her here. Now."
Lady Theda swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew she had no choice but to obey. "Yes, Your Majesty," she murmured, her voice barely audible above the sound of rushing water.
Lady Dara interjected, her voice dripping with disdain. "My king, why should you concern yourself with a mere sick girl when you have me and all your other women?" she questioned, her eyes narrowing with jealousy.
The king's expression hardened, his patience wearing thin. "I don't owe you or anyone else an explanation for my desires, Dara," he retorted sharply, his voice laced with irritation. “Lady Theda, just bring her at once.”
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