Chapter LXXIX: Ally
Isabella decided to visit her winter garden on a chilly morning and noticed that her red roses had been replanted. The sight of the vibrant flowers brought a rare smile to her lips, filling her with a sense of warmth amidst the cold. She wandered through the garden, her fingers lightly brushing the petals, lost in her thoughts.
As she admired the blooms, she heard the soft crunch of footsteps on the gravel path behind her. Turning, she saw Elara entering the garden, her expression a mix of hesitation and determination.
"Good morning, Elara," Isabella greeted warmly, though the hint of her previous melancholy still lingered in her voice.
Elara, slightly flustered, responded, "Good morning, Lady Isabella." She paused, her cheeks flushing with a sudden rush of uncertainty, then corrected herself, "I mean, your majesty."
Isabella's smile faded into confusion. "What did you say?" she asked, her brow furrowing as she looked at Elara, searching her face for answers. The title felt foreign, almost surreal, given her current circumstances.
Elara walked towards Isabella with a determined look in her eyes. "You are Queen Isabella, daughter of King Aldrus, the rightful ruler of Allendor," she said firmly.
Isabella's eyes widened in shock, her mind reeling from the unexpected declaration. She was too stunned to speak, her lips parting slightly as if to say something, but no words came out.
Elara continued, her voice steady. "You mentioned that you thought you had seen me before, and you were right. My true name is Clara, Lady Clara, and my father is the Duke of Pallor, a faithful friend and servant to King Aldrus."
Isabella's memories began to surface. She knew well who the Duke of Pallor was, recalling the tall, imposing figure who had resided in her father's court for years. She also remembered meeting his daughter when they were children, playing in the palace gardens under the watchful eyes of their parents.
"Clara," Isabella whispered, the name tasting familiar and strange on her tongue. She studied Elara's face, now seeing the resemblance to the young girl she once knew. "Why are you here? How did you find me?"
Clara—Elara—looked around the winter garden, ensuring they were alone. "I've been in the palace for some time, keeping an eye on you, waiting for the right moment. My father and your loyal supporters have not forgotten you. We’ve been planning and waiting for a chance to reclaim what is rightfully yours."
Isabella felt dizzy, her mind spinning with the weight of Clara's revelations. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she fought to keep her composure. She turned to Clara, her voice trembling. "The Dragon King has conquered Allendor. What hope do we have against him?"
Clara's expression was resolute. "Pallor still stands strong, and my father is gathering an army in your name. We are preparing to reclaim everything that the Dragon King has taken from you."
Isabella could no longer hold back her emotions. Tears streamed down her face as she absorbed the news. "Is there anyone else who knows about this?" she asked, her voice cracking.
Clara shook her head. "No, Your Majesty. I've been undercover, and no one else knows. My father entrusted me with this mission—to keep an eye on you, to help you if I could, but mostly to see where your loyalty lies."
Isabella looked at Clara, confused and hurt. "My loyalty? Why would he doubt it?"
Clara sighed, her expression softening. "He feared that after all these years, you might have become loyal to the Dragon King. And I thought so too... until I saw you at Alduramend, wearing the Allendorian roses. That was when I knew, no matter what, you are still our rightful queen."
Isabella's heart swelled with a mix of pride and sorrow. The symbol of her homeland, the roses she had worn with such longing, had revealed her true allegiance. "I never forgot where I came from," she whispered. "But I'm no queen here, I’m powerless."
Clara stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on Isabella's shoulder. "You are not powerless, Your Majesty. You are the symbol of hope for all of us. With you leading us, we can reunite and reclaim Allendor. We can rise against the Dragon King! My father and your people believe in you. It's time to take back what is yours."
Isabella looked deeply into Clara's eyes, her voice firm but laced with urgency. "You must keep this quiet. Do not let anyone know about this, ever! If the Dragon King finds out, he will have both our heads hanging outside the castle walls."
Clara nodded solemnly. "Of course. I understand, Your Majesty."
Isabella's expression softened, and she reached out to gently touch Clara's face. "It's so lovely to see a familiar face," she said, her voice emotional. "I never thought I would see anyone from home again."
Clara placed her hand over Isabella's, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You are not alone, Your Majesty. Allendor stands in your name."
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