Chapter LXX: Usurper
After the formal greetings and discussions in the throne room, Prince Damian expressed his desire to meet his nephew. The king, pleased, led him through the opulent hallways of the palace to the royal nursery where Prince Ikkar was playing with his nursemaid, Alicent.
As they entered, the toddler looked up, his eyes wide with curiosity. Damian approached, a warm smile on his face. "There he is," he said, bending down to the child's level. "The little usurper." His tone was light and joking, but the words carried an undertone of acknowledgment of the shifting dynamics within the royal family.
Ikkar babbled and reached out, grabbing Damian's finger with a firm grip. The prince laughed, a deep, hearty sound. "Strong grip. Just like his father," he commented, glancing up at the king, who stood nearby, pride evident in his eyes.
Damian straightened up, his gaze shifting to Isabella, who had entered the room quietly. She watched the interaction with a mix of pride and apprehension. Damian's eyes lingered on her, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
Damian turned his attention to Isabella, who stood nearby, her eyes filled with both pride and caution. "And this must be the new favorite," he remarked, his tone light but observant. "The girl who has captured my brother's heart… And screwed my chances of being king."
Isabella inclined her head gracefully. "Prince Damian," she acknowledged, her voice steady and respectful. "It is an honor to meet you."
Damian's gaze lingered on her for a moment, assessing. "The honor is mine," he replied, a hint of genuine warmth breaking through his teasing. "I have heard much about you, Princess Isabella… Well, Lady Isabella now I assume. The woman who finally caused my brother to change his ways."
The king moved closer, placing a hand on Isabella's shoulder. "Isabella has certainly earned her place as my favorite consort," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt about her place in his life.
Damian raised an eyebrow, nodding slowly. "I see. Well, I look forward to getting to know both of you better." He turned back to the crib, looking at Ikkar with a mixture of curiosity and affection. "He’s a fine boy. Strong, like his father."
"Thank you," Isabella replied softly, her eyes drifting back to her son.
The king, satisfied with the interaction, gestured toward the door. "Come, Damian. Let’s leave them to rest. There’s still much to discuss."
As they exited the nursery, Damian cast one last glance over his shoulder at Isabella and Ikkar.
Isabella strolled through the palace gardens, savoring a rare moment of solitude. The scent of blooming flowers filled the air, and the gentle rustle of leaves provided a soothing backdrop. As she rounded a corner, she saw Alicent sitting on a stone bench, her face buried in her hands, shoulders shaking with silent sobs.
Concerned, Isabella hurried over and knelt beside her. "Alicent, what’s wrong?" she asked gently, placing a comforting hand on her friend’s arm.
Alicent looked up, her eyes red and puffy from crying. She took a shaky breath and handed Isabella a crumpled letter. "It’s from my brother," she said, her voice trembling. "He wrote to tell me that he plans to marry me off to our cousin."
Isabella's heart sank as she read the letter. It was terse and unfeeling, outlining plans for Alicent's future without a hint of regard for her feelings. "I’m so sorry, Alicent," Isabella said softly, squeezing her hand. "I can’t believe he would do this without even consulting you."
Alicent nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I feel so trapped, Isabella. I thought… I thought I might have some say in my own life after the king released me from the harem, some freedom to choose my path. But now…"
Isabella’s heart ached for her friend. She understood all too well the pain of being treated as a pawn in a man’s game. "Oh, Alicent," she whispered, squeezing her hands reassuringly. "I’m so sorry. Have you met this cousin before?"
Alicent shook her head, her tears flowing more freely. "No. I’ve only heard stories. He’s older, and from what I’ve gathered, not a kind man. I’m scared, Isabella."
Isabella's eyes hardened with resolve. "We’ll find a way, Alicent. I won’t let you be forced into a marriage you don’t want. We’ll talk to the king. He has the power to intervene."
Alicent looked at her with a glimmer of hope. "Do you really think he would help?"
Isabella nodded firmly. "I do. He values loyalty and service, and you’ve been a faithful companion to me and a diligent cataker of our son. We’ll make him see that."
Alicent took a deep breath, her sobs subsiding as she drew strength from Isabella's determination. "Thank you, Isabella. I don’t know what I would do without you."
Isabella smiled warmly. "You’re not alone, Alicent. We’ll face this together." She stood and helped Alicent to her feet.
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