Chapter 26: In Hopes for his HappinessLeticia smiled as her eyes reflected the calmness of the setting. "I find this place very peaceful. It's a perfect spot for sharing stories, don't you think?"Isabel nodded respectfully. "Yes, Your Highness. It is indeed.""Please, call me Leticia," she reminded Isabel with a gentle smile. "I want us to speak as friends, not as a princess and a maid."Isabel hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright, Leticia."Leticia leaned back, her gaze drifting over the pond's surface. "My time overseas was both challenging and enlightening. I studied medicine in a bustling city far from here. It was a place where people from all walks of life came together, sharing their knowledge and experiences."Isabel listened intently, captivated by Leticia's words. "It must have been quite different from life here in the palace.""It was," Leticia agreed. "Back there, I was just another student, not a princess. I had to earn my place among my peers through hard w
Chapter 27: To Hurt HerThe day after the royal wedding, Lucian did everything he could to see Isabel and check on her. He wandered through the palace with urgency with his mind consumed of thoughts of her. But just as he found Isabel, Victoria appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, doing her best to keep the king away from Isabel. It was as if she knew right from the start what was going on between the two."My love, where are you going?" Victoria asked in a slightly loud voice that drew the attention of almost all the palace maids, including Isabel, who was busy cleaning up the grounds.Isabel turned to look, and Lucian's heart sank. He immediately tried to push Victoria away, but it was already too late. Isabel had already seen them so close together. But instead of seeing a pained expression on her face, Isabel only curtsied in respect, showing no emotion, not even a smile. She didn't even look him in the eye.Lucian was taken aback by what he saw. After Isabel curtsied and stood bac
Chapter 28: Failed Jealousy Isabel quietly headed to the royal kitchen as per the king's orders. As soon as she arrived, the palace maids immediately surrounded her with questions full of curiosity."What was that, Isabel? It was the first time I've heard the king desperately call out to someone!" one of the maids exclaimed, looking to the others for confirmation.Everyone else instantly nodded in agreement as another maid spoke, "True. Maybe the king was too uncomfortable with..." She paused and cleared her throat before continuing in a hushed tone. "...the new queen. I mean, everyone in the palace can see that ever since the wedding, the king has seemed reluctant to wed her."But then, her statement was immediately cut off by Emily."Ladies, please. Mind your words! If the royal guards hear us, they will have our heads!" she warned almost in a whisper, and the maids immediately fell silent. But Anne, the oldest among them, took Isabel aside."What do you need, Court Lady Isabel?" s
Chapter 29: It is my dutyIsabel slightly bowed to the kitchen staff, including the royal chef, for their attention and cooperation during her little tutorial. "Thank you all for your hard work and patience," Isabel said warmly with a gentle smile gracing her lips. The staff responded with nods and smiles of their own, clearly pleased with the efforts.As she was about to grab the tray to bring it to the king and queen, Isabel suddenly felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. Her vision blurred, and she swayed on her feet. The room seemed to spin, and she reached out to steady herself, but her strength faltered.Anne, who had been watching Isabel closely, noticed the sudden change in her demeanor. "Isabel!" she called out, rushing forward just in time to catch her before she could fall back.The royal chef, Henri, hurried over with concern etched on his face. "Isabel, are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.Isabel blinked rapidly, trying to shake off the dizziness. "I
Chapter 30: His Majesty and his jealousyLater that day, Lucian finally parted ways with Victoria, who now had court matters to attend to as the newly crowned queen. The moment he was free, Lucian made his way to the outer court, heading directly to the maids' chambers where Isabel was supposed to be resting. His mind was filled with worry and the need to see her, to ensure she was truly alright.When he arrived, however, the sight that greeted him made his blood boil. Isabel was seated on a bench, speaking to the palace physician who stood beside her with a gentle expression. The sight of Isabel being accompanied by another man brought Lucian to the brink of insanity, but he chose to remain composed.He clenched his fists behind his back and carefully walked towards the two, each step measured and controlled despite the emotions raging within him. His jaw tightened as he approached with his eyes fixed on Isabel and the physician who was unknown to him.The physician noticed Lucian fi
Chapter 31: PursuitAs Leticia's concerned voice echoed in the air, Lucian felt a wave of determination to not let Isabel slip away without addressing the questions burning within him. Ignoring his sister's presence, he swiftly left her side and ran after Isabel, his heart pounding with urgency."Isabel!" he called out with his voice echoing through the corridor as he pursued her. In his haste, he left behind the regal demeanor expected of a king, with his sole focus was on catching up to Isabel.Isabel's footsteps echoed ahead, quickening with each passing moment as she tried to put distance between herself and the king. Despite her attempt to flee, Lucian's strides were long and determined, closing the gap between them with each step."Isabel, please wait!" he pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation as he reached out towards her retreating figure. His heart raced of anxiety and longing, unwilling to let her slip away before he could understand the truth behind her sudden illness
Chapter 32: Be My ConcubineIsabel slowly stirred from her sleep as the cool night air brushed against her skin. She blinked, adjusting to the dim light, and realized she was lying in the secluded garden while wrapped in the warmth of a robe that smelled strongly of Lucian. Her body felt languid and sore, the remnants of their passionate night still lingering. She turned her head and saw the king beside her, his face peaceful in slumber.For a moment, she simply watched him even when her heart was torn between her love for him and the truth that he will forever love him from afar. She gently shook his shoulder, trying to wake him without startling him."Your Majesty," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You need to return to your chambers."Lucian's eyes fluttered open, and the moment he saw Isabel, his expression softened into one of profound tenderness. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face."Isabel," he murmured, his voice husky with sleep. "I can't leave yo
Chapter 33: Her Majesty's PregnancyLucian and Victoria sat side by side in the grand council chamber. It is a space adorned with tapestries depicting the kingdom's rich history. The ministers were assembled before them, their faces serious as they discussed the pressing matters of the realm. Reports on crop yields, border security, and the treasury's state were presented and debated.As the last of the reports were concluded, a heavy silence fell over the room. Lucian sensed that something unspoken lingered on the minds of his ministers.Head Minister Marlowe, a man known for his cunning and ambition, cleared his throat and stood. "Your Majesty, if I may," he began, his voice steady but tinged with a subtle edge. "There is a rumor circulating within the palace. It speaks of you taking in an unknown concubine."Lucian's heart skipped a beat. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could utter a word, Victoria rose to her feet, her face composed and regal."Minister Marlowe," she
Dear kind readers,I’m excited to share that The King’s Possession has finally reached its conclusion. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your patience, support, and love throughout this journey. I know the ending may feel a bit hanging, and some of you might still be longing for more of Isabel and Tristan’s story, but this is the way I always intended for their tale to end.Your enthusiasm and dedication have meant the world to me, and I’m incredibly grateful to have had such lovely readers who have stuck with this story until the very last page.Thank you for being part of this journey.With love and gratitude,Yñanana ~
Chapter 112: A Beautiful Second ChanceIsabel and Prince Raphael strolled through the tall maze garden as the greenery surrounded them like a living wall. The winding paths created an air of intimacy that Raphael seemed all too eager to exploit. Isabel’s arm was linked with Raphael’s as they walked, and he, ever the charming gentleman, leaned in closer with every step, his laughter echoing through the garden.Meanwhile, Tristan was not far behind and was hidden just enough to avoid being seen but close enough to watch the unfolding scene with growing irritation. He had followed them into the maze out of sheer stubbornness, unable to stomach the sight of Raphael’s overly friendly manner.As Raphael pointed out an intricately carved stone bench, suggesting they take a seat, Tristan rolled his eyes from his concealed vantage point. “A bench? Really? How original,” he muttered under his breath, his frustration bubbling over.Isabel, for her part, seemed oblivious to Raphael’s advances. Sh
Chapter 111: A child's pleaAnd so in the months that followed, Isabel remained true to her word. She had finally let Tristan go, though not completely, for she could not easily dismiss the deep feelings she had developed for the man who had saved her. Life continued to move forward, and with it, the fates of those around her began to shift.Lucian who was once a formidable force in the empire, was dethroned and reduced to the title of Viscount. The once-proud Montebello kingdom found itself under new leadership after the council deemed Leticia unfit to rule, her descent into violence and madness making her unworthy of the throne. The kingdom’s new ruler, handpicked for their wisdom and strength, sought to restore peace and stability to the fractured land.Victoria, who had suffered in the dark cells of the palace, was finally freed and was reunited with her son Julian only to face the consequences. But the West King, Leticia’s father, could not bear the thought of his daughter suffer
(This chapter is dedicated to my favourite song "The ones we once loved" by Ben&Ben. It would be nice if you lovely readers would listen to it too ^^)Chapter 110: Goodbye to the one I once LovedSuddenly, Ilyana interrupted with a cheeky smile. “Says who?” she asked, raising an eyebrow playfully as she looked at Isabel and Liam.Isabel blinked in surprise, her confusion evident. “Mother...?”Without another word, Ilyana raised her hand, signaling the guards to open the grand doors. The heavy wooden doors creaked as they swung open, and the sound of footsteps echoed through the hall. Isabel’s eyes widened as a group of men dressed in full black warrior tunics, their faces obscured by hoods, marched into the room in a precise formation.Two of the men, armed with swords at their sides and bows and arrows strapped to their backs, led the procession. Behind them walked a man whose hands were tightly bound, his head slightly bowed, concealing his features. Following this captive were two
Chapter 109: Says Who?The throne room was heavy with the echoes of Teressa’s confession and each word lingered in the air like a ghost from the past. Ilyana sat frozen on the throne, her mind reeling as the truth unraveled before her. She had spent years nursing her bitterness, her anger directed at the man she once loved, believing him to be a betrayer. But now, faced with the painful reality, the walls she had built around her heart began to crumble.Ilyana’s gaze fell to the floor, her vision blurred with tears. The memories of Alistair flooded her mind—the way his eyes would light up when he saw her, the warmth of his embrace, and the quiet moments they had shared away from the burdens of royalty. She remembered how he would bring her fresh fruit each morning, smiling like a child proud of his small gift, and how he would fret if she stayed up late, worrying that she would exhaust herself with royal duties. His gentle nature, his kindness, his insecurities—they were all things sh
Chapter 108: The Farmer who loved an Empress"Your Majesty!" Teressa’s voice trembled as she bowed deeply, her fear palpable. She could barely raise her head to meet Ilyana's blazing eyes.Ilyana’s disdain was evident as she glared at the cowering woman. "The audacity of you to show yourself after what you have done!" she roared, her hand lifted in a threatening gesture, ready to strike. The air crackled with tension as her anger seemed almost tangible.Isabel with her heart pounding, leaped forward, positioning herself between Ilyana and Teressa. "Mother, no! Please don’t hurt her… Please..." Her voice quavered with desperation as she tried to shield Teressa while her eyes looked at her, pleading. "She took care of me and loved me even though I am not her own child!"Ilyana’s eyes narrowed, her anger unrelenting. "She was the one who took you away from me! She was your father's mistress!" The accusation flew from her lips like venom as each word dripped with betrayal and bitterness.
Chapter 107: At Last"Are you pushing me away again? Am I still not good enough for you? Were you scared to see that I have changed?" Isabel's voice wavered as her insecurities finally spilled out, no longer hidden behind the mask of a princess. The memory of the last time she had confessed her love to Tristan haunted her, the cold rejection that had shattered her heart. She feared reliving that pain, but she also knew she couldn’t let this moment slip away. She had to take the chance, no matter the risk.And so she gathered every ounce of courage and straightened herself. Isabel's gaze was stern yet filled with the affection she had always held for the man who had saved her years ago. Her royal demeanor returned, but the vulnerability in her eyes remained. "Marry me, Tristan. This is an order from your princess. As the victor of the Royal Entreaty, you are obliged to surrender yourself and wed the princess. Those are the rules."Tristan was stunned by her commanding words. He knew he
Chapter 106: The Princess and the Knight"Remove your scarf," Isabel demanded with her voice steady but laced with a tension that reverberated through the room. The command was sharp and unexpected and it drew gasps from the gathered nobles and a flicker of surprise from Empress Ilyana herself.For a moment, Tristan remained motionless, his hesitation clear. He knew that once the scarf was gone, there would be no turning back. His heart pounded as Isabel, with a determined look in her icy blue eyes, began to move toward him.Ilyana who noticed the resolve in her daughter’s eyes, smiled softly and stepped aside, allowing Isabel to approach. The Empress had not expected this sudden turn, but she understood the importance of the moment. It was a rare chance for Isabel to take control of her fate, and she would not stand in her way.Tristan’s breath hitched as Isabel stopped just a few steps away from him. Her gaze was unwavering, her command absolute. With a deep breath, he reached up wi
Chapter 105: IdentityShe pointed it directly at Lucian, her hands steady despite the storm raging within her. The cold steel was a mere breath away from his throat, the threat clear and unmistakable.Lucian flinched as Isabel raised the sword, his eyes wide with fear. He had faced many battles, but none compared to this moment. Seeing the woman he loves holding a weapon against him, made his knees feel weak and his heart pound furiously in his chest. His eyes widened in shock and fear as he stared at the sword's tip, the reality of his situation crashing down on him. The mighty king, who once commanded armies and instilled fear in his enemies, now stood defenseless before the woman he had wronged so gravely. His arrogance was stripped away, leaving only the raw terror of a man facing his doom.Isabel’s chest heaved with the force of her anger, her grip on the sword tightening. Every ounce of pain, every drop of sorrow she had endured because of Lucian, now fueled her desire for venge