Isabel and Lucian stood at a secluded spot in the palace grounds where they were hidden from prying eyes. The moonlight filtered through the leaves as Isabel's heart pounded in her chest. Although the king has reassured her not to worry about anything at all but Isabel's mind was racing with questions she dreaded to ask.
"Your Majesty," she began tentatively, her voice barely above a whisper. "Are the rumors true? That you are to marry the princess of the West Kingdom?"
Lucian's breath caught, and for a moment, he remained silent. The hesitation was enough to make Isabel's heart sink. When he finally spoke, his voice was flat, devoid of emotion. "The rumors are true."
He couldn't bring himself to look at her. He knew what he would see—pain, betrayal, and heartbreak. Isabel's heart ached
