Betrothal's Price

Chapter 18: Keep Away

He could barely believe it, yet at the same time, Liam knew it was right.

Phoeb was King Henry’s bird as well, when Henry married Kalani. The moment Baroness Vanessa discovered the truth, Phoeb turned her in. Liam’s mother was no exception. Since she and Henry were married, he’d be given time alone with her after the birth of Jonathan. And in that time, he smothered her.

Of course, it was even easier, since Kalani was exhausted. He could murder her without the slightest noise. Now, Phoeb caught Julius speaking to Liam about it, and he informed Henry.

Never had a negative word about Henry been said by Liam, and yet the “why” part was the natural thing that came to him. It was all connected by Henry. The Scaths, the murders, the arranged marriage. Everything.

This all made sense, aligning perfectly with Julius’s theory.

This whole setup. This peace treaty with Silvestria was nothing more than a coverup. Isla was nothing more than “prey” lured into the lion’s den for Henry. He didn’t want them to marry. He only wanted the Kingdom to think that.

He must’ve promised to hand her over to the Scaths, in turn for their help in his rule in return. He wanted to rule Petra with an iron fist.

It hurt to know, but Liam knew Isla was right.

Instantly, thoughts, worries, and plans ran through his mind. But one thing stood out in all those thoughts. He turned to face Isla. “Isla, we need to get you out of here!”

Isla shook her head, “What?! Not right now! That’s not happenin’. Don’t you think you could be next? We are not takin’ that chance. We both stay until your birthday gala. Then we take Jonathan, Leo, and Brooklynn with us, and leave. We’ll be safe in Silvestria after that night, until we can come up with a new attack strategy. Right now, we need to talk to Leo and Brooklynn. But we need to act as if nothin’s wrong around everyone else.” Her ears were tilted downwards, and Liam knew that she was doing her best to act as if nothing was wrong, even now. She was trying to be strong for him, and anyone else they’d be talking to.

Liam wanted to argue with her on the subject, but still knew she was right. He nodded in submission, “You’re right. But don’t ever be alone with anyone, but Levi and me, okay?”

Isla merely nodded lightly. He put his left hand to her cheek, caressing it with his thumb. “Isla, Are you okay?”

Isla melted into his touch, but still tried to brush off the pain she'd been holding. “Ye-Yeah, I’m- I’m..” Her eyebrows lined together. “No, I’m not. It’s just.. I almost fell for a fantasy.” She said in irritation.

Liam furrowed his eyebrows, “Isla, what are you talking about?”

“Liam, everythin’ he told me growin’ up was a lie. I believed him. I’ve been spendin’ most of my life believin’ him when he told me nothin’ but lies. Then the very moment Uncle Everett told me he cared, I just believed him. He’d only said it to manipulate me. It wasn’t true, but I wanted it so bad, I believed it. I just feel so stupid” She said, in aggravation.

Liam firmly told her, “You’re not stupid. I’m really sorry about Everett, but you’re not stupid. Don’t call yourself that. You are the smartest person I know. Wishing for it, didn’t make you stupid and it still doesn’t. It means you still have hope. You still hope for change even when everyone thinks it impossible. You always have. I admire you for that.” He comforted. “You deserve so much better.” He mumbled.

Jonathan looked up from his position, and instantly noticed Isla’s expression. “Iswa, why awe you mad?” He asked sweetly as he curled up to his side on her lap, and hugged her.