Chapter 85: DawnThe day Isabel's eyes fluttered open turned out to only be a mere reflex rather than true consciousness. For a few days, her body remained in a state of suspended animation, her mind drifting between the veil of unconsciousness and the haze of awakening. And so she remained in the healer's hut.Until the day finally came for her to awaken. Isabel's eyelids trembled and slowly opened.At first, her vision was a swirl of blurred colors and shapes. But then the grandeur of her surroundings gradually came into focus: walls adorned with rich tapestries, golden accents gleaming in the light, and intricate designs that spoke of wealth and power. As Isabel’s senses sharpened, a wave of panic swept over her. The realization of her unfamiliar surroundings hit her like a thunderclap.In her frantic state, she attempted to move, only to be seized by a sharp, searing pain. Her breath caught in her throat, and she clenched her teeth against the discomfort as a low groan escaped her
Chapter 86: To Gain One's HeartTime, 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 mothe
Chapter 87: A Story to TellIsabel sat by the window with an open book in her hands. The room was quiet as if it was saved only for the occasional chirping of birds outside and the soft murmur of her voice as she read aloud. Her fingers traced the words slowly while her brows furrowed in concentration.She stumbled over a particularly tricky word and her voice started faltering. "P-prosperous," she muttered, trying again with a bit more confidence. "The kingdom was... prosperous and... flour—" She paused, biting her lip as she struggled with the unfamiliar word. "Flour-ish-ing."A quiet chuckle came from across the room, and Isabel looked up, startled. Ilyana stood in the doorway with her usual warm and gentle expression. The Empress had been watching her daughter from a distance while her heart swelled with affection as Isabel diligently worked through the text. The sight of Isabel, so intent on mastering a skill she had been denied for so long, filled Ilyana with a profound sense
Chapter 88: A Mother's Unspoken PleaAs the words left Ilyana's lips, "You are my daughter, Isabel... And I am your mother," Isabel's reaction was swift and visceral. She stood up abruptly with her eyes wide in shock and disbelief. "N-no... Your Excellency... You are mistaken... I... My mother... is Teressa... She was the one who gave birth to me," Isabel insisted, her voice trembling with the weight of the unexpected revelation."Isabella..." Ilyana began, but her words were cut off by Isabel's sharp retort."No! Do not call me by that name! I am not your daughter!" Isabel's voice rose, filled with confusion, fear, and denial. The raw emotion in her voice was like a dagger to Ilyana's heart as the words reverberated in the room like a harsh echo of a long-forgotten wound. Ilyana gasped with her hand flying to her mouth as if to stifle the sob that threatened to escape. Isabel's rejection was like reliving the moment her infant daughter was stolen from her, but somehow, it cut even d
Chapter 89: My Beautiful IsabellaIsabel stood by the fireplace, wanting to prepare something special for the empress to help restore her appetite and lift her spirits. Her sleeves were rolled up, her apron securely tied, and her hands deftly maneuvered through the delicate process of baking egg tarts. Flour dusted her cheeks and apron as she carefully measured ingredients and stirred mixtures. The staff though aware of Isabel's true identity, watched from a respectful distance. Their eyes were curious, unsure of how to interact with the imperial highness in such an informal setting.Finally, after a flurry of activity and the tantalizing aroma of baked goods wafting through the kitchen, Isabel set the tray of golden-brown tarts on the tray. As she stood there with a small, contented smile on her face, Isabel suddenly became aware of the quiet presence of the kitchen staff. She turned around and noticed that all eyes were on her, their expressions a were of surprise and hesitation. H
Chapter 90: SolsticeAs 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 l
Chapter 91: One amongst many"My daughter... Princess Isabella Archer."The instant the curtains revealed Isabel, Lucian's eyes immediately met her gaze. His entire body tensed as his mouth fell open in shock. Isabel was beautiful... stunning even. Her hair was styled into an intricate halo braid adorned with sparkling gems that caught the light with every subtle movement. A crown, fit for an imperial princess, rested gracefully on her head, accentuating her regal presence.She was dressed in an elegant gown of deep sapphire blue, the fabric shimmering like starlit water. The bodice was intricately embroidered with silver threads, creating delicate patterns that mirrored the night sky. Her sleeves, long and flowing, were edged with lace, and the skirt cascaded in layers, each one more exquisite than the last. Her posture was impeccable, radiating confidence and poise which was a stark contrast to the humble, servant girl Lucian once knew and loved.As Isabel stepped forward, her movem
Chapter 92: As sweet as VengeanceLucian stood rooted to the spot, his eyes fixed on Isabel with an intensity that he scarcely noticed himself. His mind raced with a whirlwind of thoughts, all centered around the woman who had once been his entire world. The Isabel he loved, the Isabel who had fallen from the cliff that night, the Isabel he believed lost forever—was now standing before him, transformed and more distant than he could have ever imagined.She was different now. The timid girl who once hesitated to even show herself to him in public was gone. In her place stood a regal princess, commanding the attention of every man in the room, her poise and grace elevating her above them all. It was a stark contrast to the Isabel he had known, and the realization hit him with a force that left him breathless.He watched as she gracefully navigated the throng of admirers, her laughter ringing out like a melody, her smile lighting up the faces of the princes and noblemen vying for her att