Chapter XLIII: Rest

After a long day of royal duties, the king wearily entered his chambers. The flickering firelight cast a warm glow, revealing Isabella seated by the hearth, cradling their newborn son in her arms. Her serene expression softened the king's tired heart as he approached them.

Taking in the scene before him, the king couldn't help but marvel at the sight of Isabella and their precious child. Isabella's eyes lit up with a tender smile as she noticed him, her gaze filled with love and exhaustion mingled.

"You care for him so tenderly," the king murmured, his voice filled with awe and affection.

"It is my privilege and my duty," Isabella replied softly, her voice carrying a hint of weariness.

Concern etched the king's features as he observed the fatigue in Isabella's eyes. "Are you feeling weary, Isabella?" he inquired gently.

Isabella nodded, her expression tinged with apprehension. "I do, but I fear entrusting him to the maids. I don’t want him back in the harem out of my sight, not even for a second. The jealousy within these walls is palpable, and I cannot risk harm befalling our little prince."

Understanding dawned in the king's eyes as he grasped Isabella's concerns. "You deserve some rest," he declared with conviction, his voice tender yet resolute.

Reluctantly, Isabella relinquished their son into the king's waiting arms, her heart heavy with exhaustion and gratitude. She got up from the chair and laid in bed, relieved. "Thank you," she whispered softly as she settled into bed, her eyelids growing heavy with sleep.

As Isabella drifted into slumber, enveloped by the warmth of the king’s chambers and the soothing crackle of the fire, she found solace in the sweet vision of the king watching over their child with unwavering devotion.

In the bustling hive of the harem, the king's decree echoed like a clarion call: Isabella's possessions were all to be permanently relocated from the harem to the opulent chambers adjacent to his own at the royal quarters.

Isabella stood amid a whirlwind of activity, her heart aflutter with surprise and gratitude at the king's grand gesture. As her belongings were meticulously transferred, she found herself enveloped in a cascade of lavish gifts—glittering jewels, sumptuous garments, and an array of literary treasures to adorn her new abode.

The room itself carried an air of regal elegance, its walls adorned with rich tapestries and gilded accents. Isabella couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as she realized the significance of her new quarters—the very same space once inhabited by the late Queen, the king's beloved mother, the very last woman to ever occupy that room.

With each passing moment, the weight of the honor bestowed upon her by the king grew heavier, yet more comforting. There, in that sacred space, Isabella would begin a whole new life, as the mother of the heir. Her presence there, her new status, was a testament to the bond between herself and the king.

Lady Belet's voice carried a note of excitement as she announced the arrival of a special guest for Isabella. Turning around, Isabella's eyes widened in surprise and delight as she beheld Alicent standing in the doorway, her face radiant with joy.

"Alicent!" Isabella exclaimed, her voice filled with emotion as she rushed forward to embrace her friend.

Alicent's laughter rang out like music as she returned Isabella's embrace, holding her tightly as if she never wanted to let go. "Isabella, my dear friend," she said, her voice filled with warmth, "it's been far too long."

Tears welled up in Isabella's eyes as she pulled back slightly to gaze at Alicent's familiar face. "I've missed you so much," she confessed, her voice trembling with emotion.

"And I've missed you," Alicent replied, reaching out to wipe away Isabella's tears with gentle fingers. "Congratulations on your baby, my dear!"

Isabella nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude wash over her at the sight of her dear friend. "Thank you," she said, turning to Lady Belet with a smile.

Lady Belet returned Isabella's smile with a nod of her head. "I'm glad to see you happy, my lady," she said, her voice soft with affection. "Now, I'll leave you two to catch up. Enjoy your time together."

As Lady Belet made her exit, Isabella and Alicent sank down onto the plush cushions of Isabella's new chambers, their laughter mingling with the warmth of their friendship.

With the baby nestled in her arms, Alicent shared the reason for her sudden return to the palace. "The king summoned me back to help you with the baby," she explained, her eyes shining with excitement as she glanced at the little prince. “When you arrived, I told you to lay low and stay out of trouble… And look at you now! The mother of the Dragon Prince!”

Isabella's smile widened at the news. "I'm so glad you're here," she said warmly, her heart swelling with gratitude towards her friend.

As they sat together, Isabella's thoughts turned to Alicent's father. "And what about your father?" she inquired gently.

Alicent's expression softened, a hint of sadness flickering across her features. "He passed away a few months ago," she replied softly, her voice tinged with sorrow.

Isabella reached out to squeeze Alicent's hand in sympathy. "I'm so sorry for your loss," she murmured, her heart going out to her friend in her time of grief.

Alicent offered a faint smile. "Thank you," she said quietly. "But he went peacefully, surrounded by all his living children. I'm grateful for the time we had together."

Isabella nodded, touched by Alicent's words. "That sounds beautiful," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth and compassion.

Alicent's gaze drifted back to the baby in her arms, a joyful twinkle lighting up her eyes. "I'm excited for this new phase," she said eagerly, her voice filled with anticipation. "To be able to care for the prince is such an honor. He’s so perfect!"

Isabella smiled, feeling a rush of happiness at the thought of sharing the joys of motherhood with her dear friend by her side. "I couldn't agree more."

As they sat together in the cozy comfort of Isabella's new quarters, Alicent's curiosity about life in the harem bubbled to the surface. Her voice, tinged with genuine interest, cut through the air.

"How are things in the harem these days?" she inquired, her gaze fixed intently on Isabella.

Isabella paused, a small, knowing smile gracing her lips as she contemplated her response. "Truth be told, I haven't frequented the harem much since I gave birth," she admitted, her tone laced with a hint of relief for the life she had left behind becoming a memory. "But Lady Theda's reign has come to an end, so everything has been much better since you left."

Alicent's eyebrows shot up in surprise, her curiosity piqued by Isabella's revelation. "Lady Belet now oversees the harem…" she mumbled, her voice laced with intrigue. "It's a rather unexpected turn of events."

Isabella's interest was piqued, her mind swirling with questions. "Why do you find it surprising?" she probed.

Alicent leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Well, you see, Lady Belet's daughter, Princess Rhea, is wed to the Duke of Ingran," she divulged, a hint of conspiracy in her tone. "With such a prestigious alliance, Lady Belet has ascended to the upper echelons of nobility, she was given the title of Baroness of Deravan. It seems peculiar that she would choose to come back and immerse herself in the affairs of the royal harem when her station is already so wealthy and secure."

Isabella's brow furrowed in contemplation, her thoughts drifting to the enigmatic figure of Lady Belet. "That is indeed curious," she mused aloud, her words tinged with a sense of intrigue. "But Lady Belet has always been a woman of unwavering dedication to her duties. Perhaps she views her role in the harem as a matter of honor. Maybe serving the king is more important than her titles."

Alicent nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful as she considered Isabella's perspective. "You may have a point," she conceded, her tone tinged with a note of respect for Lady Belet's steadfastness. "But it is still very strange."