THE KING'S POSSESSION

Chapter 98

Chapter 98: Masks Off

The dawn's early light filtered through the grand hall, giving a soft glow upon the marble floors as the remaining fifty suitors assembled. They had been summoned to an audience with the Empress, but this time there were no grand announcements or formal attire—only the command to present themselves as they were. Each man knelt, his head bowed in deference to the imperial family, while anticipation and apprehension warred in their hearts. Unbeknownst to them, the fourth trial had already taken place the night before.

The hall was silent, save for the faint rustle of fabric as the men shifted uncomfortably. Unlike the previous trials, there was no immediate address from Empress Ilyana or the herald. Instead, a different voice broke the silence—a voice both commanding and delicate. Princess Isabella stepped forward as her icy blue eyes scanned the kneeling men before her. She stood almost a meter away from them with her presence both regal and daunting.

Beside her stood Cedric, the grand steward, his posture straight and his expression unreadable. He waited for the perfect moment before speaking, his voice calm but laced with an undercurrent of authority.

"Last night," Cedric began, "a rumor was whispered amongst you—a rumor meant to test your resolve and loyalty to our beloved princess. It was said that the real princess had been hidden away, her beauty marred by scars, while another stood in her place. For many, this was a tale easily dismissed. But for others..."

His eyes narrowed slightly as he surveyed the suitors, his gaze lingering on those who had faltered.

"For others, it was a seed of doubt that took root and grew. Some questioned it, some gossiped, and some even dared to believe it."

A ripple of tension spread through the group, as the men who had succumbed to the deceit realized what was happening. Their hearts pounded as the truth dawned on them—the fourth trial had not been one of strength, strategy, or even character, but of loyalty. And they had failed.

Cedric continued, his tone unwavering. "Those who gave in to this doubt, who allowed themselves to be swayed by lies, have shown their true colors. You have proven yourselves unworthy to stand by the princess's side, unfit to serve the empire."

Isabella remained silent, her gaze unwavering as she observed the men before her. She had trusted Cedric to carry out this test, and now, as the reality of their situation settled in, the pressure of the trial bore down upon them.

The suitors who had thought remained loyal, who thought they had not questioned the princess's beauty or lineage, felt relieved and proud. And for those who had faltered, there was only a sinking feeling of dread. But Isabella was not done yet.

Cedric let the silence hang for a moment before he stepped back, allowing Isabella to take center stage. The princess's voice was calm and clear, yet there was an unmistakable edge to her words.

"This is your fourth trial, gentlemen. Loyalty is not just a word—it is a commitment, a bond that must never waver. Those who allowed doubt to cloud their judgment, who entertained the idea that I was someone else or something less, have shown their lack of faith."

She paused, letting her words sink in. "There is no place for such men in my court."

With that, Cedric motioned for the guards at the doors. The doors opened, and the guards stepped forward, ready to escort those who had failed the test. The men who had been deceived and who had succumbed to doubt were shocked.

As they were led out, their heads hung low in shame and Cedric watched with satisfaction. These men would receive a parting reward, but they had no choice but to retreat, knowing they had been tested and found lacking. And as they passed by Isabella, they could only bow in resignation, painfully aware of the beauty they would never win.

Isabella remained composed as the procession of failed suitors exited the hall. However, a subtle flinch crossed her face when she realized that only two suitors were left. Her icy blue eyes flickered with a hint of unease as she noticed both men kept their faces mysteriously hidden—one beneath a warrior's scarf, the other behind an assassin's mask. A small twitch of her eyebrow betrayed her thoughts. Why are they hiding their faces? Are they criminals? she wondered, though her outward demeanor remained calm and poised.

Choosing not to dwell on her unease, Isabella offered the two remaining suitors a gracious smile. "Congratulations to both of you," she said, her voice carrying a blend of authority and warmth. Though the situation was odd, she knew the trials had proven their worth—at least in loyalty.

Cedric, ever the vigilant steward, stepped forward with a pleased expression. "Well done, gentlemen. The Empress has arranged for you to be relocated to more fitting quarters for the remainder of the Royal Entreaty."

With that, he gladly led the two suitors out of the hall, guiding them through the palace's opulent corridors to their new chambers. The rooms were grand, far superior to the soldiers' tents they had previously occupied. Velvet drapes, gilded furniture, and intricate tapestries adorned the walls and each room was a testament to the empire's wealth and power.

As Isabella watched them leave, her intrigue deepened.

~

When the door to his chambers finally creaked shut, the man wearing an assassin's mask moved with deliberate slowness. He took a seat on the edge of the luxurious bed as the softness beneath him became a complete contrast to the turmoil in his heart. His hands reached up, fingers deftly unraveling the knot that held the mask in place. The fabric fell away, revealing the face of Lucian. His once long hair was now cut short, a necessary change for the disguise that had allowed him to enter the Royal Entreaty.

Banned from setting foot on imperial grounds, Lucian knew this event was his only chance to win Isabel back. But as he stared at the mirror across the room, his thoughts darkened. There was still one suitor left—a mysterious rival whose face remained concealed.

Lucian should have eliminated him last night.

He clenched his fists at the missed opportunity, but the appearance of the grand steward had thwarted his plans. Despite the unexpected interruption, Lucian had immediately recognized the situation for what it was—a trial. His experience in the art of deception had taught him to see through such ploys. And even if he had been unaware, he would never have believed the servant's lies. He knew too well that Isabella was a beauty unparalleled.

Lucian took a deep breath and leaned back as his eyes traced the intricate patterns on the elegant ceiling. This chamber was a far cry from the one he ruled in his own kingdom. The opulence here was almost suffocating. And so he rose from the bed and he walked to the mirror, staring at his reflection with eyes that gleamed with cold determination. No matter who the remaining suitor was, Lucian would show no fear, no hesitation, no mercy. He would have Isabel back, no matter the cost.

Meanwhile, the other suitor, whose face had been hidden beneath a warrior's scarf, found himself overwhelmed by emotion the moment the doors to his chamber closed. His hands trembled as he reached up to remove the scarf, revealing dark brown hair tousled from the day's events.

But it wasn't the relief of having his face free that brought him to his knees. It was the overwhelming realization of the truth that struck him like a bolt of lightning. His legs gave out, and he collapsed to the floor, his forehead pressing hard against the cold surface as tears spilled from his eyes.

"It really is you..." he whispered under his breath.