Chapter LXXXI: Plans
Isabella did something rather unusual: she went to the harem. As she entered, she overheard Lady Jia talking animatedly to a small group of concubines.
"Did you hear?" Jia's voice was filled with excitement. "The king is releasing me from the harem so I can join Prince Damian at his court. He personally arranged it."
One of the concubines, a slender woman with dark hair named Rana, gasped. "Truly? That’s incredible, Jia! Is the prince going to take you as his royal mistress?"
Jia's eyes sparkled with hope. "Of course! Why else would I go there? But once I'm at his court, I can work to win his favor. If I play my cards right, I might convince him to marry me. Imagine, from one of the king’s favorite concubines to a royal princess."
Another concubine, Talia, leaned in, her voice low but eager. "Well, if you really were one of the favorites, the king wouldn’t be trying to get rid of you now, don’t you think?"
Jia shrugged with a confident smile. "The king is infatuated with that redhead bitch just because she gave him a son, but everyone knows that me and Dara are the best ones. Anyway, unlike any of you, I have a future outside this harem and I’m going to secure it."
The concubines nodded in agreement, their faces a mix of admiration and envy. They continued to discuss the possibilities, their voices hushed and excited.
As Isabella walked in, their conversation ceased abruptly. The women turned their attention to her, curiosity and a hint of wariness in their eyes. Isabella barely acknowledged them, her face composed as she moved through the room with a regal grace that made the other concubines keep silent.
Isabella’s destination was clear as she made her way straight to the garden. Upon reaching it, she greeted Lady Belet. Lady Belet’s eyes widened in surprise, a mix of happiness and confusion playing across her features.
"Lady Isabella," she exclaimed, her tone warm yet questioning. "It's a pleasure and a surprise to see you here. What brings you to the harem?"
Isabella offered a faint smile, her expression guarded. "I needed some fresh air," she replied simply, her eyes scanning the vibrant blooms around them. "And I thought the garden would be a peaceful place to gather my thoughts. The main garden is too crowded since Prince Damian’s entourage arrived in court."
Lady Belet nodded, understanding. "Of course," she said gently. "It's always a pleasure to have you here. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask."
Isabella made her way into the garden and saw Elara—Lady Clara—working on the gardenias. The delicate flowers were in full bloom, their soft white petals glistening in the morning sunlight. Isabella sat on a stone bench nearby, opening her book which she had no intention of reading. Clara looked up and greeted her with a respectful bow, “Good evening, Your Majesty.”
The title made Isabella shiver, a mix of pride and apprehension running through her. Clara continued, her tone light yet reverent, “I am here as you requested, my queen, although I had to serve buckthorn tea to the harem’s gardeners so I could take over their position today.”
Isabella raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on her lips. “What does buckthorn tea do?”
Clara's eyes twinkled with mischief. “It makes you shit your guts out.”
Isabella laughed hard, the sound of her mirth echoing through the garden. Clara joined in, her laughter ringing clear and sweet. The moment of levity was a brief respite from the tension that had been building within Isabella.
Clara’s expression turned serious again as she asked, “Why couldn’t we talk at your winter garden back in the palace?”
Isabella's smile faded as she glanced around, her eyes wary. “The palace walls have ears,” she replied softly, remembering how Dara and the other concubines managed to find out what flowers she was going to wear for Alduramend. “It’s risky to speak there, I don’t trust most of my maids or the staff. I hardly trust anyone, to be fair.”
Clara nodded in understanding, her face reflecting the gravity of their situation. “I understand, Your Majesty. We must be cautious. But know that I am always here for you, ready to serve in any way you need. You can trust me.”
Isabella's heart warmed at the loyalty and bravery of Clara, a familiar face in a world that had become increasingly foreign and dangerous. "What is happening in Allendor, Lady Clara?" Isabella asked.
Clara sighed and began to explain, "The Duke of Erkmen was assigned by the Dragon King to take over the Palace of Rosehall in the capital and fight the rest of the Allendorian forces."
Isabella felt a wave of disgust wash over her at the mention of the Duke of Erkmen. Memories of his attempt to rape her flashed through her mind, and she clenched her fists to steady herself. "And how’s the Duke's offensive going?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Clara's expression turned hopeful. "He's failing. Although he's telling the Dragon King otherwise, which is good for us. This deception has allowed my father to form a silent resistance back in Pallor. The Duke's failures have bought us time."
Isabella's heart swelled with a mix of relief and pride. "Your father is a brave man," she said, her voice filled with admiration. "Why hasn't your father crowned himself king after the Dragon King took me as his prisoner?"
Clara's expression turned somber. "Before King Aldrus died in the Battle of Rosehall, he made my father swear an oath to protect you, no matter what. You were supposed to be evacuated from Rosehall before the Dragon King's troops reached the palace, but things didn't go as planned. My father has never forgiven himself for failing you."
Isabella felt a deep wave of emotion wash over her, deeply moved by Lord Pallor's unwavering loyalty. She looked at Clara, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Your father's loyalty and dedication mean more to me than I can express. I wish things were different."
Clara nodded, her own eyes misting over. "I know, Your Majesty. But my father’s determination to protect you and the kingdom is as strong as ever. He believes in you and in our cause. He believes that you will return to Allendor and you will reclaim your rightful place as our sovereign Queen."
Isabella felt her head spin and her heart ache at the idea of returning to Allendor and reclaiming her place as Queen. It felt impossible, to say the least. She had long ceased to dream of returning home and had accepted her fate as a concubine to the Dragon King for quite some time. She looked at Clara and argued, "I can't go back. The king would never let me."
Clara's expression hardened with determination. "Of course he won't let you. That's why my father entrusted me to infiltrate the palace, to find a way for you to escape."
Isabella was shocked by the idea of escaping. "It's impossible. Even if we managed to get out alive... I could never leave my son."
"Then bring the baby with you," Clara insisted. "We'll figure something out."
Isabella stood up from the bench, her mind reeling. "I'm sorry, Lady Clara, but I have to go," she said, her voice trembling.
Clara reached out, but Isabella had already turned away, her thoughts a whirlwind of fear and confusion. She hurried back to the palace, her heart heavy with the weight of an impossible choice.
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