Chapter LI: Share
Alicent entered Isabella’s room, her face etched with concern. "Isabella, I have news you might not want to hear."
Isabella, sitting by the window with Ikkar in her arms, looked up. "Tell me at once, Alicent."
Alicent hesitated, taking a deep breath. "I heard the king has summoned Jia to his chambers tonight."
Isabella felt a surge of jealousy and heartbreak, her chest tightening. She clenched her jaw, trying to maintain her composure. "I see," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.
Alicent placed a comforting hand on Isabella's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Isabella. I thought you should know."
Isabella nodded, her mind racing. She knew it was better for everyone if the king forgot about her, yet the thought of him with Jia was almost unbearable. The thought of him with any woman was unbearable... But it wasn't reasonable for her to believe that the king would keep himsef from taking other women when she made it clear that he couldn't have her anymore. Her heart ached because she wanted to be the one in his bed again. And it hurted even more to know that she couldn't, not because he didn't want her, but because she was warned to not be with him again unless she wished for a war. She stroked Ikkar’s hair gently, forcing herself to stay calm. "Thank you for telling me, Alicent. It’s better this way. Perhaps now, he’ll finally let me be."
Alicent looked at Isabella, her confusion evident. "I don’t understand you, Isabella. You reject the king like this, yet it’s clear you have feelings for him. Why do you push him away?"
Isabella sighed, her resolve wavering. She knew Alicent deserved the truth. "There’s something I haven’t told you," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "It’s about a prophecy."
Alicent's eyes widened. "A prophecy? What do you mean?"
Isabella took a deep breath, recalling the unsettling encounter with the high priestess. "After Ikkar’s baptism, one of the high priestesses summoned me to a dark chamber. She took my hands and whispered in a language I didn’t understand. Then she told me I could soon be expecting another child."
Alicent listened intently, her brow furrowing. "But... isn't that a good thing? You love being a mother and having another child would only strengthen your position in court."
Isabella shook her head. "That’s not all she said. The priestess warned me that if I chose to lay with the king again, there would be war. She said, ‘You fell once and rose again. When you fall once more, you will rise even higher.’ I don’t fully understand what she meant, but it scared me. It felt like a warning. Well, it was a clear warning I guess."
Alicent looked at her friend, trying to comprehend the gravity of the situation. "So you’re avoiding the king because you fear this prophecy?"
Isabella nodded. "I can’t risk it, Alicent. If there’s even a chance it could lead to war, I have to protect Ikkar, the kingdom, and myself."
Alicent placed a hand on Isabella’s shoulder, her expression softening. "I had no idea. I don't quite understand, but I’m so sorry you’ve been carrying this burden alone."
Isabella smiled faintly, grateful for her friend’s understanding. "Thank you, Alicent. It’s been difficult, but knowing you’re here helps."
Alicent squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "We’ll get through this together, Isabella. I’m here for you, no matter what."
Isabella nodded, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. She still had a long and uncertain road ahead, but at least she wasn’t alone.
Isabella diverted from the topic and asked, "Alicent, can I ask you about something else?"
"Of course," Alicent replied, her tone warm and attentive.
"Do you know if any servants in the palace wear brown?" Isabella inquired.
Alicent considered the question for a moment. "The stablemen do I think. It's not exactly a distinct color," she answered.
"What about female servants?" Isabella pressed further.
Alicent thought for a bit longer. "I think I've seen women who tended the harem's gardens wearing brown," she said. "Why do you ask?"
Isabella hesitated, debating whether to share her concerns about the mysterious letter. "I received something strange, a letter, and I’m trying to figure out who might have sent it," she explained, keeping the details vague for now. "The person who left it at my door was wearing a brown dress if I'm not wrong. Anyway, I might need your help to investigate it further."
Alicent nodded, her curiosity piqued. "Of course, Isabella. Whatever you need, I'm here to help."
Isabella felt a sense of relief knowing she had Alicent by her side. "Thank you, Alicent. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Alicent smiled reassuringly. "We'll figure it out together, Isa. Just let me know what you need."
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