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
Chapter 93: Longing of a KingIsabel turned her back on Lucian after delivering her scathing remarks, intending to leave him to his thoughts. But just as she took a step away, she heard him call her name, his voice softer than she had ever heard it before. "Isabel... Forgive me... I know I have made a grave mistake... I am sorry for everything I have done to you," Lucian’s words were barely more than a whisper, meant only for her ears. The unexpected apology brought her to a halt. She slowly turned back to face him but with an expression of both of mockery and indifference. "Whatever do you mean? What things have you done to me? We never met before." Her voice was smooth, with a touch of cruelty as she smirked and turned away again, leaving Lucian standing there, stunned.Never… met before? Lucian’s mind reeled as he watched Isabel walk away, the weight of her words sinking in. He couldn’t fathom why she would deny their past. Was she pretending? Was this some new game she was playi
Chapter 94Lucian held Isabel close, his arms wrapped around her as if he could never let her go again. The warmth of her body against his, the familiar scent of her skin—it all felt like a dream he never wanted to wake from. His lips brushed against her shoulder, and for a moment, he allowed himself to believe that this closeness could erase the years of distance and pain between them.But just as he lost himself in the feel of her, Isabel’s voice cut through the haze like a cold blade. “How could you lay your hands on me?” Her words were sharp, laced with a bitterness that sent a jolt of reality crashing down on him. Lucian stiffened, surprised by the sudden shift in her tone. He had expected resistance, perhaps even anger, but the quiet accusation in her voice was something he wasn’t prepared for. His grip on her loosened slightly, but he didn’t let her go. Instead, he pressed his forehead to the back of her head, his breath warm against her neck as he whispered, “Isabel… I’m sorr
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