THE KING'S POSSESSION

Chapter 12

Chapter 12: The King's lover

Isabel stirred from her sleep as the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains and touched her skin. She found herself wrapped in the warmth of the king's embrace. With a soft sigh, she shifted slightly as the memories of the night before flooded back with a rush of warmth and desire.

She carefully pulled the blanket upward and covered her unclothed body as she prepared to leave the king's bed. Her movements were slow and deliberate. Her every breath was quiet and gentle to avoid disturbing his rest. But just as she reached the edge of the bed, she felt a stir beside her.

"Isabel?" Lucian's voice cut through the silence of the room. "Where are you going?"

Isabel's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly composed herself, "I need to attend to some tasks," she replied softly as her voice was barely above a whisper. "There are tasks I must attend to."

The king's brow furrowed in confusion as he reached out to gently grasp her hand. "But you've been serving as my lady-in-waiting for weeks now," he reminded her. "You don't need to worry about such tasks."

Isabel's breath caught in her throat at his words. She had grown accustomed to her new role at the king's side and relished the moments they shared in secret. And yet, there was still a part of her that felt unworthy of such a position, undeserving of the king's favor. She still had her fears of being discovered sleeping with the king nor having such a forbidden romance with him.

But Isabel managed to answer, "Yes, my king," she murmured, her voice barely audible as she met his gaze. "But I cannot forget where I came from, nor the duties that were once mine. It is my duty to serve you in whatever capacity you require."

The king's expression softened at her words, his hand tightening around hers as he pulled her closer. "And you serve me well, Isabel," he whispered with avoice filled with warmth and affection. "But for now, stay. Just a little while longer."

~

The day Isabel had been eagerly anticipating has finally come ever since she began working in the palace — wage-day. The anticipation had kept her spirits high, knowing that her hard-earned silver would provide much-needed relief for her ailing mother and Mrs. Hawthorne.

The maids assembled in neat lines and waited for their turn as the steward handed out their wages. Isabel joined the maids with her heart pounding in both excitement and relief. The courtyard buzzed with conversations and soft laughter.

When it was Isabel's turn, the steward smiled warmly and handed her a small, weighty pouch. "Here you are, Isabel. You've earned it."

"Thank you," she replied in a sincere manner. The weight of the coins felt reassuring in her hand. It was atangible reminder of her efforts.

As she stepped away, she noticed several of the maids gathered around a table, writing instructions for the palace courier who would deliver their earnings to their families. Isabel approached the table as her thoughts turned to her mother and Mrs. Hawthorne. She wanted to make sure they received the silver as soon as possible.

Anne, who she had become closer to ever since the banquet night, looked up and smiled. "Sending money home, Isabel?"

"Yes," Isabel replied, taking a deep breath. "But I... I don't know how to write."

Anne nodded understandingly. "That's quite alright, Isabel. I can help you with that."

With Anne's assistance, Isabel dictated a heartfelt note. "Tell them," she began, "that I miss them dearly, and this silver should help with Mother's medicine and anything else they need." Anne's quill moved swiftly, capturing Isabel's words on parchment.

"Anything else?" Anne asked, glancing up.

"Please tell them that I am well and that I think of them every day," Isabel added as her  voice choked with emotion.

Anne smiled kindly as she finished the note and sealed it with wax. "There, all done. Your message and silver will reach them safely."

"Thank you, Anne," Isabel said, feeling a complete gratitude.

Isabel joined the other maids at the courier's station, where the palace courier, a stern but kind-hearted man named Thomas, took the letters and pouches of silver, assuring each maid that their earnings would be delivered promptly.

When it was Isabel's turn, she handed over her letter and the pouch of silver. "Please make sure this reaches my mother and Mrs. Hawthorne safely," she kindly commanded.

Thomas gave a reassuring nod. "You can count on me. Your silver will be delivered without delay."

As she watched Thomas finally ride off, a sense of accomplishment washed over her. Despite how much she wanted to go home and see her mother, the satisfaction she felt knowing she could help her mother somehow comforted her.

The day continued with the usual routine, but there was an incredible lightness in Isabel's step. She couldn't help but reflect on how much had changed since she first arrived at the palace. Her role as a lady-in-waiting to the king had brought both beautiful and difficult moments, specially with hwr ecret relationship with King Lucian.

That evening, as she made her way back to her chambers, Isabel felt a gentle pull towards the king's private garden. She found herself wandering the usual moonlit paths as her thoughts drifted to Lucian and the moments they had shared. The secrecy of their relationship only seemed to heighten the intensity of their bond. With each stolen glances and whispered words that are filled with promises almost made Isabel not want to leave the palace.

As she stood by the garden's central fountain, lost in thought, she felt a familiar presence behind her. When she turned, she saw Lucian approaching with his eyes reflecting the same longing she felt.

"Isabel," he murmured and closed the distance between them.

"Your Majesty," she replied. Her voice becoming a soft echo in the night.

He took her hand and drew her closer. "I've missed you," he confessed. The king's voice was a tender caress to Isabel's ears.

"And I you, my king," she whispered as her heart swelled with the truth of her words.