THE KING'S POSSESSION

Chapter 86

Chapter 86: To Gain One's Heart

Time, ever the silent companion, passed as days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Isabel's recovery was slow but steady and it was marked by moments of pain and progress. Under the care of the Empress Ilyana and the palace's skilled healers, her wounds healed, and her strength was finally returned. The once frail and wounded woman began to regain her vitality as her spirit was slowly rekindling.

Throughout this time, Isabel and Ilyana grew closer. The Empress, with her gentle demeanor and warm presence, never imposed her imperial status upon Isabel. She treated her not as a subject or a stranger, but as someone precious and dear. And in the palace where the walls echoed with the burden of history and power, Ilyana chose to be humbled. She wore modest clothes foregoing the regal gowns and crowns that symbolized her sovereignty. She wanted Isabel to feel like she was not the Empress of a vast empire but a kind woman with a welcoming smile, a mother even.

Their days together were filled with quiet companionship and shared moments. They often sat on the balcony overlooking the beautiful empire, sipping tea and gazing at the sprawling gardens and bustling city below. The view was breathtaking as it looked like a tapestry of colors and life, and it was in these serene moments that they shared stories and laughter. It was a complete difference from when Isabel stepped into Lucian's palace and was eventually rejected, painfully.

Ilyana often shared tales of the empire's rich history, recounting its challenges and triumphs with a touch of nostalgia and pride. She spoke of the struggles faced by her ancestors, the wars fought and won, and the peace they had strived to maintain. Her stories were filled with the responsibility and the deep love she felt for her people. Isabel listened attentively, soaking in the stories of a world that felt both distant and intriguing.

When it was Isabel's turn to speak, her words were more measured and cautious. She recounted her life in the village, speaking of the people she had grown close to and the simple joys that had brought her comfort. She described the warm camaraderie of the villagers, the quiet beauty of the countryside, and the peace she found in nature. Yet, despite the warmth of these memories, Isabel held back from sharing the darker parts of her past. She was acutely aware that King Lucian was a man with whom she had a complicated and painful history and a man who is one among many kings ruling a land under the Empress. This knowledge made her wary of revealing too much, especially about the more difficult experiences she had endured.

Isabel's guarded demeanor did not go unnoticed by Ilyana. The Empress sensed the hesitancy in her daughter's voice and the careful way she chose her words. There was a wall, albeit a subtle one, that Isabel had erected around her most vulnerable memories. Ilyana understood the reasons behind Isabel's reticence, but she felt a pang of sadness that her daughter did not yet trust her enough to fully open up. Despite her own desire to bridge the gap between them, Ilyana chose to remain silent about their true relationship. She did not want to overwhelm Isabel or push her too far, too fast.

Ilyana's restraint was born out of a deep understanding of the need for patience and the importance of building trust. She refrained from pressing Isabel for details about her past, particularly those that might involve the reasons of what brought her to the empire. Instead, Ilyana focused on creating a safe and nurturing environment, hoping that over time, Isabel would feel secure enough to share her full story.

Their conversations continued, often circling around lighter topics. They spoke of books and music, of favorite pastimes and future dreams. It was during one of these conversations that Ilyana learned a surprising and heartbreaking truth—Isabel never learned how to read nor write. The realization struck the Empress deeply. Her daughter who born into a world of potential and privilege, had been denied even the most basic education.

The thought of her traitorous husband, Alistair, taking Isabel away as an infant and depriving her of knowledge filled Ilyana with anger and sorrow. She understood that Alistair might have intentionally kept Isabel in ignorance to prevent her from discovering her true identity and heritage. It was a cruel tactic, ensuring that Isabel would never question her origins or the circumstances that led her to the simple life she had known.

As Isabel spoke, unaware of the full extent of what she had been denied, Ilyana listened with a heavy heart. The Empress's mind raced with the implications of this revelation. She could see the gaps in Isabel's knowledge, the absence of a world that could have been hers if not for the choices made by her father. It pained Ilyana to think of all the opportunities Isabel had missed, all the dreams that might have gone unfulfilled due to the lack of education.

But she was determined not to show her distress. And so Ilyana responded with gentle encouragement. She suggested they could start reading together, framing it as a way to share her love for stories rather than as a lesson. Isabel who although felt initially hesitant, seemed intrigued by the idea. The Empress could see a flicker of curiosity in her eyes.

She knew the journey ahead would be challenging, not just in educating Isabel, but in helping her daughter uncover the truth of her identity. Yet, the Empress was resolute. She would guide Isabel with patience and love, ensuring that she felt supported and safe. In time, she hoped Isabel would find the strength to confront her past and embrace her true heritage. At the same time, Ilyana carefully avoided any direct mention of Isabel's parentage. She wanted her daughter to learn and grow at her own pace, free from the burden of expectations or the weight of a royal identity.

Until then, the Empress was content to walk beside her daughter while guiding her through the journey of discovery and healing.

Isabel found herself increasingly at ease in Ilyana's presence. There was something comforting about the Empress's company, a sense of belonging that Isabel had never felt before. It was as if her heart, long yearning for something intangible, had finally found what it had been seeking. Ilyana, in turn, cherished these moments with Isabel. She relished the opportunity to share in her daughter's life, even if only in fragments.

The Empress went to great lengths to ensure Isabel felt at home. She wanted her daughter, who was unaware of their true connection, to feel that this palace, this life, was where she belonged. Fearing that Isabel might feel overwhelmed by the grandeur of the imperial life, Ilyana did everything in her power to make her love the life Ilyana was subtly offering. She never wore her crown or the elaborate dresses that might remind Isabel of the gap between them. Instead, she dressed simply, even riding horses with Isabel through the palace grounds, laughing and enjoying the freedom of the open air.

These rides were a favorite pastime. On horseback, they explored the vast estate, the wind in their hair and the sun on their faces. For Isabel, these moments were surreal; it was as if she were living in a dream. The Empress, who could command armies and decide the fate of nations, was here, laughing with her, sharing stories, and sometimes even stumbling as they raced across the fields. It was an act of pure joy, a bonding experience that transcended their titles and statuses.

Ilyana's efforts were an attempt to bridge the years stolen from them, to make up for the lost time. She wanted Isabel to feel safe, cherished, and most importantly, loved. The Empress was determined to create an environment where Isabel would never feel the need to flee, as her father had once done out of fear and inadequacy. Ilyana remembered the betrayal of that day, the anguish of losing her daughter, and she resolved that history would not repeat itself. She hoped to show Isabel that she belonged here, not just as a guest in the palace but as a vital part of its heart.

As time went on, Isabel's initial confusion and nervousness gradually gave way to a sense of peace. She still had questions she wanted to ask, but for now, she allowed herself to enjoy the simple pleasures of her time with Ilyana. There was a growing bond between them, a connection that only Isabel could not fully explain but Ilyana knew exactly what it was.

For Ilyana, each day with Isabel was a gift, a chance to express the love she had carried for years. She cherished every moment and the Empress's heart swelled with pride and affection for the daughter she finally met after those long, painful years.