Chapter LXI: Roses
It was time for the Alduramend again, and the palace buzzed with activity. Courtiers and servants scurried about, preparing for the grand festival that would soon engulf the kingdom in celebration. The air was filled with the scent of freshly baked pastries and the sound of musicians tuning their instruments.
In the midst of the preparations, the king made an unexpected visit to Isabella’s chambers in the middle of the day. He found her sitting on a plush carpet, laughing and playing with Prince Ikkar. The sight of them filled him with a warmth that momentarily eclipsed the burdens of his duties.
“Isabella,” he called softly, stepping into the room. She looked up, surprise and delight lighting up her face.
“Your Majesty,” she greeted, rising to her feet. He closed the distance between them with a few strides and greeted her with a tender kiss. The king then knelt down and scooped up his son, lifting the giggling prince into his arms.
“Hello, my little warrior,” he said, his voice filled with affection. Ikkar responded with a happy babble, reaching out to touch his father’s face.
Isabella watched them, a serene smile on her lips. “It’s not often you visit us during the day like this,” she remarked.
The king nodded, still gazing at Ikkar. “With Alduramend approaching, I wanted to see how you both were doing. And to take a moment to enjoy what truly matters.” He turned to her, his eyes softening.
She felt a rush of emotion at his words. “We’re doing well, just enjoying some playtime before the festival begins. See how Ikkar is getting stronger every day.”
The king chuckled, holding Ikkar up so he could stand on his lap. “With a good mother like you, he’ll grow into a fine man, strong and wise.”
Isabella blushed at the compliment, her heart swelling with pride. “Just like his father.”
They spent the next few moments in quiet contentment, the king playing with Ikkar while Isabella watched, feeling a profound sense of peace. Despite the whirlwind of activity outside their doors, in this room, everything felt perfect.
As the time drew on, the king reluctantly handed Ikkar back to Isabella. “I must return to my duties, but I will see you both at the festival tonight. We will celebrate together.”
Isabella nodded, cradling Ikkar. “We look forward to it.”
With a final kiss to her forehead and a tender caress of Ikkar’s cheek, the king left the room, his heart lighter from the precious moments spent with them. As Isabella watched him go, she felt a renewed sense of anticipation for the festival, eager to share in the joy and splendor of Alduramend with the two people who meant the most to her.
Unlike the past year, Isabella had the time and resources to carefully work on her costume for Alduramend. She chose an elegant design adorned with white roses and feathers, perfectly complementing the stunning diamond set the king had gifted her, to represent a white dove, like the story she told the king. She knew this festival would be special, as she had been granted the honor of a seat by the king's side during the grand feast.
Isabella took extra care preparing herself, ensuring she looked her absolute best. Her maids bathed her in scented water, styled her hair into intricate braids, and helped her into her exquisite gown. As she looked at her reflection, she felt a surge of confidence. It would be a lovely night.
Stepping out of her bedroom, she began to walk the hallways towards the main hall. The palace was buzzing with anticipation, servants and courtiers hurrying about with last-minute preparations. As Isabella approached the grand corridor leading to the feast, she noticed all the concubines lined up, waiting to be escorted to their places.
Her steps faltered slightly when she saw Jia, Lisanne, and Dara among them. All three were wearing white roses and feathers, identical to her own. The malicious glances they shot her way were unmistakable, their eyes filled with a mix of envy and spite. It was clear they had coordinated this as a deliberate act to unsettle her.
Isabella felt a mix of nervousness and anger when she saw the three girls wearing costumes identical to hers. It wasn’t just the fact that they copied her, it was them wearing something that represented something special and intimate between her and the king. Determined to address the situation, she returned to her room and asked a servant to call for Lady Belet. The moments stretched as she paced back and forth, her mind racing with questions and frustration.
When Lady Belet finally arrived, she found Isabella standing by the window, her expression tense. "My lady, you called for me?" Lady Belet said, her voice calm and respectful.
Isabella turned to face her, her eyes flashing with indignation. "Yes, Lady Belet. I want to know why you allowed three girls in the harem to wear the same costume as me for Alduramend."
Lady Belet's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "My lady, I was not aware that they were wearing the same design. The concubines have a degree of freedom to choose their attire for the festival."
"Freedom?" Isabella scoffed, her voice rising. "This wasn't a coincidence! I bet one of the maids did this, they told Jia, Lisanne, and Dara what I was wearing so they could steal my costume deliberately. They knew exactly what they were doing!"
Lady Belet took a deep breath, her expression thoughtful. "I understand your frustration, my lady. It seems they are trying to undermine you, to provoke a reaction."
"Well, they've succeeded," Isabella said, her voice trembling with anger.
Lady Belet stepped closer, her voice soothing. "Lady Isabella, you are still the king's favorite. That is why they envy you. They see your position and wish to challenge it. But remember, their actions do not diminish your standing with the king. Just let them be."
Isabella sighed, her anger giving way to a weary sadness. "I just wanted this night to be perfect. To honor the king and enjoy the festival without any of this petty jealousy!"
"And you still can," Lady Belet said gently. "You are strong, and you have the king's favor. Do not let their actions ruin your night. Just keep your head up, show them that you are above their games."
Isabella nodded slowly, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "You're right. I won't let them win."
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