Chapter LXVII: Pawns
The siege was about to complete two weeks. In the harem, now crowded with all the women of the court, news was scarce and anxiety ran high. Lady Dara watched Isabella as she carried her son, Ikkar, letting him play with the other children. Isabella’s composed demeanor and the tender way she cared for Ikkar only seemed to heighten the tension.
Dara’s eyes narrowed as she observed Isabella from across the room. Turning to Jia, who stood beside her, she muttered with bitterness, “Look at that pathetic whore, always showing off the prince, acting like she’s the queen.”
Jia glanced over at Isabella and then back at Dara, a smirk forming on her lips. “She’s certainly making the most of her position. I wish someone would put her in her place.”
Dara’s eyes flashed with determination. “She will be put in her place, one way or another. The king may be infatuated with her now, but it won’t last. I’ll get him back. I always do.”
Jia nodded, a hint of anticipation in her expression. “It’s only a matter of time. The king’s attentions are fleeting, everybody knows that. Isabella’s reign as his favorite won’t last forever.”
As they spoke, Isabella remained unaware of their plotting, focused entirely on her son. She knelt down to help Ikkar with a toy, her face lighting up with a smile as he giggled. The other children gathered around, drawn to her gentle nature and the way she made each of them feel special.
Dara’s bitterness grew as she watched the scene. “She acts so innocent, so perfect. She’s dumb, but that bitch is far from innocent. What she doesn’t seem to understand is that she’s just a pawn in this game.”
Jia nodded in agreement. “And pawns are easily sacrificed.”
Isabella looked up briefly, catching a glimpse of Dara and Jia. Their expressions were masked by polite smiles, but she could sense the undercurrent of hostility. She took a deep breath, reminding herself to stay strong for Ikkar’s sake. The harem was a dangerous place, filled with intrigue and rivalry. She had to be vigilant, for her sake and her son’s.
Meanwhile, Dara’s resolve hardened. She would find a way to reclaim the king’s favor, no matter what it took. The battle for the king’s heart was far from over, and she intended to emerge victorious.
The sealed door of the harem creaked unexpectedly in the middle of the night. A sense of fear and panic surged through the place, leaving the women trembling as they grabbed small knives and makeshift weapons to protect their children, their elders, and their honor.
Lady Belet hurried to calm the frightened women, her voice steady despite her own anxiety. "Stay together. Protect the children."
The heavy door groaned open, revealing a figure cloaked in shadow. Gasps and whispers filled the air, the tension palpable as everyone strained to see who or what was entering.
As the figure stepped into the dim light, it became clear—it was the king himself. His silver armor was splattered with blood and dirt, his face a mask of exhaustion and grim determination. The room fell silent, the women's panic giving way to awe and confusion.
A collective gasp filled the air. The king, seeing their terrified faces and the glint of their small knives, raised a hand. “Put down your weapons,” he commanded, his voice carrying the weight of authority and exhaustion.
The king’s concubines ran to him, surrounding him like a swarm of bees, their voices a cacophony of concern and questions. He ignored them, his eyes scanning the room urgently. Spotting Isabella across the chamber, carrying Ikkar in her arms, he pushed past the other women, his focus unwavering.
"Isabella," he called out, his voice thick with relief and emotion.
Isabella, seeing him approaching, felt her heart leap. The king reached her, and without hesitation, he kissed her passionately on the lips, a kiss filled with relief and longing. He then embraced both her and Ikkar, holding them close as if he could shield them from all harm.
"I'm so glad you're safe," he murmured, his voice raw with emotion.
Isabella clung to him, feeling the weight of his armor and the warmth of his presence. "We were so worried," she whispered, her voice trembling.
The king pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes before turning to the gathered women. "The siege is over," he announced, his voice strong and reassuring. "The Gresalines have been defeated, and the palace is safe once more."
A collective sigh of relief swept through the room. In the back, a woman pushed forward, leading a choir of voices that echoed, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"
The chant grew louder, filling the chamber with a triumphant energy. The king stood tall, still holding Isabella and Ikkar, a proud and resolute figure. For a moment, the fear and uncertainty of the past weeks melted away, replaced by a shared sense of victory and hope.
Isabella looked up at the king, her heart swelling with pride and a complex mix of emotions. She knew the future was still uncertain, but for now, they were safe and together. And that was enough.
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