THE KING'S POSSESSION

Chapter 90

Chapter 90: Solstice

As the summer solstice approached, the imperial palace buzzed with anticipation. Messenger horses and carriages raced across the lands, delivering invitations from Empress Ilyana. The elegant scrolls bore an invitation to celebrate the coming solstice, but the letters remained silent about the true reason for the gathering—a secret known only to Ilyana herself, and her trusted subjects.

The news spread quickly among the nobility and the rulers of the lands under Ilyana's dominion. Whispers and speculations filled the grand halls and courtyards, yet none could guess the true significance behind the empress's invitation as it was the very first time she had opened her city to celebrations such as this. The palace staff worked tirelessly to prepare for the grand event, ensuring that every detail was perfect for the guests who would soon arrive.

Meanwhile, in the far reaches of the empire, King Lucian of Montebello received his own invitation. As he read through the letter, Lucian's scarred hands clutched the invitation tightly whilst maintaining his stoic demeanor. It had been a season and a half since Isabel had been taken from him, and the emptiness left in his heart was as raw as ever. His longing for her remained a constant ache and a wound that time had yet to heal. The search for his missing son only added to his torment, leaving him haunted by nightmares of the child he has not found.

In his struggle to cope with the relentless pain, Lucian had thrown himself into the brutality of war. His battalion was constantly engaged with marauders who threatened his reign, and he led them with a ruthless efficiency. The more he buried his emotions beneath layers of duty and violence, the colder and more detached he became. His heartlessness was evident in his swift and merciless executions of those who defied him, showing no remorse or hesitation.

Victoria whom Lucian had deposed, endured a fate as cruel as his own heart. She remained imprisoned in the most secure dungeon of the palace, a forgotten shadow in the grim underbelly of the castle. Despite keeping Julian, her son, under the palace's watch, Victoria's presence was banished from view. Lucian's wrath knew no bounds, and he ensured that Victoria, once a queen in her own right, faced the full brunt of his vengeance. Not even her own father could protect her from the darkness that now surrounded her.

Meanwhile, in the imperial palace, Isabel had finally embraced her true identity. She had taken on the mantle of a princess with grace, diving into the lessons of etiquette and royal decorum that she had once been denied. The people of Ilyana's realm were captivated by her transformation. They admired her poise, beauty, and the gentle strength she exhibited, earning her the adoration of the subjects who saw in her a reflection of her mother's regal nature.

It had not been long since Isabel had poured her heart out to Ilyana, sharing the harrowing details of her past. She spoke of the men she had loved, the son she had given birth and then tragically lost, and the betrayal she had faced. The revelation of her suffering, especially the revelation that Queen Victoria had been responsible for the death of Isabel's son, pierced Ilyana's heart with both sorrow and rage. The empress swore to herself that she would do everything in her power to give Isabel the justice and satisfaction she deserved.

Determined to help her daughter reclaim her strength, Ilyana made it her mission to transform Isabel into the princess she was always meant to be. She oversaw Isabel's training with a keen eye, ensuring that every lesson was thorough. Ilyana's subjects watched with admiration as Isabel blossomed under her mother's guidance. They saw not only the makings of a great princess but also a woman who had overcome unimaginable adversity and emerged stronger for it.

Finally, the day of the empire's grand celebration has arrived and the palace grounds were filled with joyous laughter. Commoners, nobles, and royalties from across the empire and its allied kingdoms began to gather. The expansive palace garden had been transformed into a scene of opulence and elegance. Tables adorned with delicate floral arrangements and fine linens were set with exquisite porcelain-gold tableware, each piece a testament to the craftsmanship of the empire's finest artisans. No table was left without a bountiful display of gourmet dishes and decadent desserts. It was a feast fit for royalty.

As evening fell, the garden was illuminated by an array of fine lighting, casting a warm, inviting glow over the celebration. At the heart of the courtyard stood a magnificent fountain, its waters dancing gracefully under the lights. Surrounding the fountain were tables laden with glasses filled with the empire's finest wines, their deep hues catching the light. The air was filled with the soft murmur of conversations, the laughter of children, and the clinking of glasses as guests mingled and toasted to the joyous occasion.

Princes and princesses arrived in splendor, accompanied by their families and entourages. They moved through the crowd with grace, their elegant attire shimmering under the evening lights. The empress's instructions had been clear: this was not just a celebration but a gathering of the empire's most esteemed figures. The courtyard was alive with the vibrant colors of royal garments, the gleam of jewels, and the warm smiles of those who had come to pay their respects and partake in the festivities.

Lucian arrived at the celebration, commanding attention with his striking presence. His hair, tied back in a sophisticated man bun, framed his face, accentuating his strong features. A neatly groomed beard added a touch of ruggedness to his appearance, making him look every bit the warrior king. Despite the air of fierceness that surrounded him, his posture remained regal, exuding an aura of authority and nobility.

Unbeknownst to him, he was the one Ilyana had been waiting for. As Lucian stepped into the garden, Cedric ushered him to the closest table near the platform. Ilyana's eyes lit up, and she smiled, stepping onto the center of the platform, catching everyone's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Empress Ilyana began, her voice resonating over the gentle murmur of the crowd. The soft light of the evening accentuated her regal presence, commanding attention. "It is an honor to welcome you all to this splendid evening. We are gathered here not only to celebrate the summer solstice, a time of light and renewal, but also to honor the ties that bind us together. The bonds we share—whether of blood, friendship, or allegiance—are the foundation of our empire."

Her gaze swept over the assembled guests, pausing briefly on Lucian, a subtle yet unmistakable gleam of recognition in her eyes. "This night is a testament to our shared histories, the trials and triumphs we have endured, and the legacies we carry forward. Each of us, from the humblest commoner to the noblest royal, plays a part in this grand tapestry."

She then paused, allowing her words to settle over the audience. "We celebrate not only the present but the promises of a brighter future," she continued with her voice warm and inviting. "A future where unity and understanding guide our paths, where we honor the past while looking forward with hope and determination."

Ilyana's eyes sparkled with anticipation as the moment she had been waiting for has finally come. With a flourish, she lifted her hand and turned towards the grand curtain behind her. The garden fell silent as every eye trained on the empress.

"But more than that," Ilyana's voice rang out, clear and commanding, "I have someone I would like to introduce to you all."

"For years, I have ruled this empire with no family but only my loyal subjects by my side," Ilyana continued, her tone reverent yet filled with emotion. She cast a fleeting glance towards the curtain as her heart raced with pride and joy. "But now, esteemed guests..."

The crowd held their breath as Ilyana took a dramatic pause, the tension mounting with every second. The curtain was slowly drawn back, revealing a stunning figure bathed in the warm, golden light of the evening.

"My daughter... Princess Isabella Archer."

The instant Lucian's eyes met Isabella's gaze, his entire body tensed. His mouth fell open in shock.