Chapter XCIV: Wealth
The grand celebration for Prince Ikkar’s first birthday was set to be a spectacle of opulence and grandeur, a testament to the king’s immense pride and affection for his son. At the king’s command, the festivities were set to last for three days, each day filled with extravagant events and lavish displays.
The palace grounds were transformed into a dazzling array of colors and lights. Banners and tapestries adorned every wall, and the air was filled with the sounds of joyous music and the laughter of guests. The streets around the palace were lined with decorations, and the scent of fine food and flowers mingled in the air, making the entire city feel like it was part of the celebration.
Isabella was showered with gifts and accolades. The presents began pouring in well before the party started and continued throughout the festivities. The king’s subjects, grateful for the strong and healthy heir Isabella had provided, presented her with an impressive array of tokens of their esteem. She received magnificent horses, cattle, estates and lands, expanding her influence beyond the palace walls. New companions and maids were assigned to her, each one eager to serve and attend to her needs.
While Isabella had enjoyed a life of comfort for quite some time, these new gifts elevated her status to unprecedented heights. Despite her position as a concubine, her newfound wealth surpassed that of many queens from the annals of history. Each gift, each gesture of appreciation, was a testament to the king’s affection for her and the pivotal role she had played in securing the future of the realm with the birth of Prince Ikkar. And despite the unparalleled wealth that now surrounded her, Isabella found that her greatest treasure lay not in jewels or lands, but in the life and love she shared with her son.
In her private room, Isabella sat on the floor, her heart full of joy as she played with Prince Ikkar and Alicent. The room was filled with laughter and warmth, a sanctuary from the grandeur of the celebrations outside. Alicent, standing with the little prince in her arms, held him steady while Isabella sat across from them, her eyes bright with encouragement.
“Come on, little one!” Isabella cheered, her voice full of excitement. “Come to Mama!”
Ikkar looked at his mother with wide, determined eyes. His tiny legs wobbled as he took his first steps. Alicent’s voice joined Isabella’s, supportive and encouraging. “You’re doing so well, my prince! Keep going!”
Both Isabella and Alicent shouted words of encouragement, their voices ringing with excitement and pride. With a determined expression, the tiny prince wobbled forward, his steps unsure but filled with earnest effort. His little legs moved clumsily, each step a remarkable milestone in his growth.
When Ikkar finally collapsed into Isabella’s waiting arms, laughter spilled from him, a joyous sound that filled the room. Isabella and Alicent erupted in cheers.
“He did it! He did it!” Alicent exclaimed, her voice filled with joy.
“He’s so amazing!” Isabella said, her voice choked with emotion. Tears welled in her eyes as she cradled her beloved son close. “Look at you, my sweet boy. You’re growing up so fast… You’re walking!” Isabella hugged Ikkar tightly, her kisses tender and full of adoration. “Mama is so proud of you,” she whispered. “You’re my greatest joy, my love.”
Alicent glanced up at one of the maids and instructed her, “Make sure everyone knows the prince took his first steps today. The whole palace should hear about it!”
Isabella gently placed Ikkar on his feet once more, her eyes shining with a mix of pride and longing. “I wish the king could have seen this moment,” she said wistfully.
Alicent offered a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Isabella. The king will be back from the royal hunt tomorrow, just in time for the grand feast.”
Isabella took a deep breath, her expression reflecting the happiness she had felt over the past few months. “It’s been so peaceful and joyful. Ikkar is growing stronger every day, the king is happy and loving... And there are no more concubines in the harem anymore.”
Alicent glanced at Isabella, a small awkward smile on her lips. “Well, there is… You.”
Isabella sighed and looked thoughtful. “I know… With everything I have, sometimes it’s easy to forget that I’m a slave, not the queen.”
Alicent moved closer, her tone comforting. “Titles are just that—titles. You’re richer and live far better than any queen alive.” Isabella seemed lost in contemplation, her thoughts a mix of conflicting emotions. Alicent continued, “Would you rather live in sorrow and darkness just to have a title like the late queen, or would you prefer to spend your days in abundance and love, even if it’s as the king’s ‘whore’?”
Isabella’s eyes reflected a deep sadness and yearning. “Why does it have to be an either-or choice? I could have everything… I was supposed to have everything. I was supposed to marry the king before the war…”
Alicent gently placed a hand on Isabella’s shoulder. “I’ve never known a woman who deserved to be queen more than you do, Isabella. But perhaps it’s best to accept that this might not happen. I really don’t think that the Dragon King will place a crown on his enemy’s head. Even if it’s you.”
Isabella nodded slowly, her gaze distant. “I understand, I do. But anyways, what matters most is that my son will wear the Dragon King’s crown someday. That’s simply all that matters.”
Lady Belet entered Isabella’s room with a graceful nod, her presence commanding attention as she said, “Good evening, Isabella, Alicent.”
Isabella looked up from where she was sitting on the floor with Ikkar and smiled brightly. “Lady Belet! You won’t believe it— Ikkar just took his first steps!”
Lady Belet’s smile widened. “What a blessing! The Dragon Prince grows stronger each day.” Then, her expression became more solemn as she added, “I also have news to share.”
Isabella’s excitement dimmed slightly as she asked, “What news?”
Lady Belet took a deep breath, her tone calm but firm. “I will be leaving the palace in a few weeks.”
Isabella’s smile faded completely as she processed the words. “Leaving? For how long?”
“Indefinitely,” Lady Belet replied, her voice gentle but resolute. “I’m leaving for good.”
Isabella’s eyes widened in shock. “That can’t be true! Why are you leaving? What happened?”
“The king summoned me here in the first place to keep his harem and take care of his concubines,” Lady Belet explained. “Now that my services are no longer needed, it’s time for me to go.”
Isabella shook her head, her voice filled with emotion. “But I still need you.”
Lady Belet’s gaze softened. “You’ll be more than fine, Lady Isabella. You have a life within this palace that any royal concubine could only dream of, and I say this as a former resident… Or captive of the harem. You should be very proud.”
Isabella stood up, her emotions bubbling over as she stepped forward and embraced Lady Belet tightly. “Thank you, Lady Belet. For everything you’ve done for me.”
Lady Belet returned the hug, her voice filled with warmth. “It was my honor to serve you.”
As they pulled away, Lady Belet’s expression turned more serious. “There is another piece of news, one that might be even more disheartening than my departure.”
Isabella’s heart skipped a beat. “What is it?”
Lady Belet hesitated before delivering the news. “Lady Dara is returning to the palace.”
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