Chapter 43: Morning VisitorThe next morning arrived with the sounds of crunching and pounding outside Teressa's home, that jolted her from sleep. Alarmed, she hastily wrapped her old shawl around herself and hurried to the door.But the sight that greeted her upon opening the door left her utterly shocked.There, in the middle of the cold of winter, stood Sir Gayle, shirtless, vigorously chopping wood."My goodness, young man! What are you doing? You'll catch your death out here!" Teressa exclaimed in genuine concern, rushing back inside to rouse Isabel from her sleep."Isabel! Wake up, dear!"Isabel's eyes fluttered open slowly while her mother's form was still blurry before her."Yes, mother?" she mumbled sleepily."Your... husband— I mean... that young man! The physician is outside chopping firewood in the snow!" Teressa relayed, her worry evident in her tone."Mother, let him be. He's accustomed to such tasks," Isabel replied groggily, the reality of her situation still sinking i
Chapter 44: Lovers' QuarrelAfter breakfast, Teressa took her bitter-tasting medicine, grimacing as it went down. She quickly drank a cup of water to chase the taste away and then began to dress for her day of work at the pub. Wrapping her old, warm shawl around her shoulders, she glanced out the window and saw a scene that made her pause.Outside, Tristan, her future son-in-law—was scolding Isabel, who was struggling to carry a heavy bucket of water from the nearby well."Isabel, what on earth are you doing? You shouldn't be carrying that!" Tristan exclaimed, his hands on his hips, looking every bit the concerned fiancé."Well, someone has to fetch the water, and you were busy chopping wood," Isabel shot back, her face flushed from both exertion and the argument."I could have fetched it after I finished! You need to take it easy," Tristan insisted, reaching out to take the bucket from her.Isabel pulled it away, determined. "I'm perfectly capable of carrying a bucket of water, Trist
Chapter 45: The InvitationWhen they reached the house, Isabel knocked on the door, which soon opened to reveal a pleasantly surprised Mrs. Hawthorne. "Isabel! Tristan! What brings you here?" she asked, stepping aside to let them in.Isabel smiled warmly. "I just wanted to talk to you about a few things, Mrs. Hawthorne. Thank you for seeing us on such short notice."Mrs. Hawthorne waved her hand dismissively. "Nonsense, dear. You’re always welcome here. Come in, both of you, and let’s sit by the fire."As they settled by the fire, Isabel took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "Mrs. Hawthorne, I wanted to thank you for taking such good care of my mother while I was gone. It means more to me than I can express."Mrs. Hawthorne reached out and patted Isabel’s hand. "Oh, Isabel, it was no trouble at all. Your mother is a dear friend, and I was happy to help. How is she faring now?""She’s doing much better, thanks to you. Your kindness has been a great comfort to her," Isabel replied
Chapter 46: Good DaddyAfter their visit to Mrs. Hawthorne's house, Isabel and Tristan returned home. As soon as Isabel took off her cloak and sat on the chair, Tristan immediately bent down to help her remove her boots, his hands gentle and warm against her feet."Do you feel cold?" he asked, concerned, as he carefully pulled off the other boot.Although Isabel was taken aback by his gesture, she didn't move, savoring the warmth of his touch. He chuckled when he heard her relieved sigh and couldn't resist giving her a gentle massage."Of course you do," he playfully smirked, as Isabel held onto the nearby table, allowing herself to be pampered."I guess I will be the one to do the preparations," he mumbled with a laugh, recognizing the tired look in Isabel's eyes."Oh, please, I will go with you," she insisted, determination lacing her voice."Hm. Alright," he uttered, a secret smile playing on his lips as he admired her spirit.After completing his task, Tristan rose to his feet and
Chapter 47: Wish it was not pretendThe first light of dawn crept through the curtains as Tristan stirred from his sleep. With careful movements, he slipped out of bed, being mindful not to disturb Isabel, who still slept soundly beside him.As he dressed quietly, Tristan couldn't shake the nervousness that coursed through him. Today was the day he would make the final preparations for their wedding. With each button fastened and each shoelace tied, he felt a sense of anticipation building within him.He left a gentle kiss on Isabel's forehead as he paused for a moment to admire her peaceful expression before quietly slipping out of the room. He made his way down the hallway, the floorboards creaking softly beneath his feet as he descended the stairs.When he reached the bottom, he was startled by Teressa's presence, and she was equally surprised to see him."What? Where are you off to?" she asked, lifting a basin filled with water."Mother-in-law," he greeted, "I am heading to the ne
Chapter 48: The WeddingThe most awaited day had finally arrived. Although the weather had been particularly cold recently, this day felt different. The sun was warm, casting a golden hue over the snow-covered village, and the birds chirped merrily as if the heavens themselves were celebrating Isabel and Tristan's union.Inside the small, cozy chapel, the air buzzed with quiet anticipation. The few guests—close friends and family—whispered among themselves, their breath visible in the chilly air. The soft light filtering through the stained glass windows bathed the room in a kaleidoscope of colors, adding to the mild atmosphere.Tristan stood at the altar as his heart pounded in his chest. His eyes kept darting to the door with each second feeling like an eternity. The priest, Teressa, Mrs. Hawthorne, and the gathered guests all watched him with varying degrees of curiosity and concern.Minutes ticked by, and Tristan's anxiety grew. Where was Isabel? Had she gotten cold feet? Doubts g
Chapter 49: Mrs. GayleThe village celebrated a humble reception for the newlyweds. Mrs. Hawthorne danced with infectious energy as Teressa clapped her hands, encouraging everyone to join in with the lively music.Despite the vibrant atmosphere of music, celebration, and singing, Isabel remained unusually quiet throughout the festivities. Tristan noticed her detachment almost immediately."Isabel...?" he called out gently, hoping to catch her attention.Isabel seemed lost in her own thoughts, her eyes distant. Concerned, Tristan reached out to hold her hand, but her reaction shocked him—she immediately slapped his hand away, a reflexive action that left them both stunned."I... I am sorry. I did not mean to do that," Isabel quickly apologized, avoiding his gaze.Tristan's brow furrowed with worry. He didn't know what was troubling her and reached out again, only for Isabel to abruptly stand from her seat, obviously avoiding him."I feel cold. Can I go inside?" she asked. But before Tr
Chapter 50: GoneDays passed into weeks, and while Lucian believed Isabel had been released from her cell, he endeavoured to avoid any encounters with her. Little did he know, Isabel had long departed from the palace.Yet, each day, he found comfort in enjoying his favourite pastries, those Isabel used to make for him. Their presence gave him a sense of relief, allowing him to believe that Isabel harboured no ill will towards him.As Victoria's belly grew and became visibly pronounced, Lucian redoubled his efforts to fulfil his duties as a husband. He wished for this ordeal to end swiftly, yearning to see Isabel once more.Lucian groaned softly, rising from his seat to check on Victoria, who was with the royal physician for her monthly check-up. As he arrived at her bedchambers, he was greeted by Victoria's maidservants."Your Majesty," one of the maidservants curtsied, her voice respectful yet tinged with nervousness. "The Queen is with the physician. May I fetch her for you?"Lucian
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