Chapter LXV: Manners
A hurried soldier approached the king, his expression urgent and tense. "Your Majesty, something urgent has come up," he announced, his eyes flickering towards Isabella and the prince.
The king's brow furrowed in concern. "What the hell is going on?" he demanded, his voice firm.
The soldier hesitated for a moment before delivering the alarming news. "The royal port is under attack, Your Majesty. Gresaline ships have arrived at shore, and they're attacking the people in the village. They're moving towards the castle."
The king's jaw clenched with resolve as he listened to the soldier's report. He knew that time was of the essence, that the safety of his people depended on his swift and decisive action.
Turning to Isabella, who stood nearby with their son cradled in her arms, the king's expression softened. He could see the fear in her eyes, the concern etched on her face. Without hesitation, he knew what he must do to ensure their safety.
"Take Ikkar to the harem and stay there with him," he instructed gently, his voice steady despite the chaos unfolding around them. "It's the safest place in the palace. I'll handle this."
He pressed a tender kiss to Isabella's forehead, his touch a comforting reassurance amidst the turmoil. "Stay strong," he whispered, his words a vow of protection and resolve. "I'll return to you as soon as I can."
Isabella clutched Ikkar close to her chest, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and worry. The sounds of battle echoed in the distance, the clash of swords and the thunder of cannons sending shivers down her spine. She instantly remembered the dreadful days she spent in her castle back in Allendor under the Dragon King's siege. Now, it was the Dragon King himself who she prayed that could keep her and son safe.
As Isabella made her way into the harem, her thoughts drifted back to the ominous prophecy spoken by the priestesses. The weight of their words hung heavy on her heart, filling her with a sense of guilt and dread. She couldn't shake the feeling that her actions had somehow contributed to the chaos that now engulfed their kingdom. Was that the war they were talking about that it was bound to happen if she ever laid down with the king again?
Closing her eyes, she tried to calm the tumultuous emotions swirling within her. She recalled the king's words, his steadfast assurance that war was inevitable, regardless of their intimate moments together. He had vowed to protect her and Ikkar at all costs, his unwavering commitment a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of uncertainty. Drawing strength from his promise, Isabella sought to banish the shadows of fear that threatened to consume her.
As Isabella entered the harem, she was met with a scene of chaos and confusion. Women and children huddled together, their voices rising in a cacophony of fear and uncertainty. Among them were other women from the court and even some elderly men. Their faces etched with worry and confusion as they sought refuge from the turmoil outside.
The heavy metal doors of the harem were sealed shut by the soldiers, a barrier against the dangers that lurked beyond. Isabella's heart clenched with a mixture of relief and apprehension as she realized the gravity of the situation. If the castle was invaded, there was no way to predict what would happen to her and her son.
In the midst of the commotion, Lady Dara's sharp voice cut through the air like a knife. With narrowed eyes, she approached Isabella, her demeanor cold and accusatory. "What the hell is she doing here? I don’t want her here!" she demanded, her tone dripping with disdain.
Isabella bristled at the hostility in Dara's voice, her jaw clenched in frustration. Despite the urgency of the situation, she refused to allow herself to be intimidated. "Shut the fuck up, Dara," she retorted, her words laced with a steely edge. "I’m not a common whore such as you! You’re addressing the mother of the Crown Prince and you owe me respect. Weren’t you once the fucking Queen of Tzal? Or you completely forgot how to behave with your peers? Stop acting like a bitch and have some manners!"
Before Dara could respond, Alicent appeared, her presence a welcome sight amidst the chaos. With a sigh of relief, Isabella embraced her friend, grateful for the familiar warmth of her embrace.
"I'm glad to see you're both safe," Alicent murmured, her voice tinged with concern. "We've all been on edge since the attack began. I tried to look for you and the prince, but the soldiers escorted me back here."
"We're safe, Ikkar is safe, that’s all that matters," Isabella replied, her tone firm but tinged with apprehension. "Let's pray that the king can bring an end to this madness soon."
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