"What if we form the empire, only me and you?"

"That’s not possible," Isadora said pushing him away. She could see him smile from the corner of his eyes. Fortunately, a knight came in at the same time to save Isadora from another intimate session.

"Your Majesties." He bowed slightly. "The seer has been brought here but in a critical condition."

"Zed?" Isadora asked.

"Yes Your Majesty. Newton was the one who brought him but we’re yet to get any information beyond that."

"You may leave," Isadora dismissed him with a wave of her hand. "That’s impossible!"

"Zed is one powerful person. I wonder what might have happened to him?" Alexander asked in thought.

"We need to check on him." Isadora said and without waiting for a reply, she left the room. Who knew what the shameless jerk would do to her if she stayed a minute longer?

When the two finally arrived at the room, Roselyn had placed a cloth on Zed’s forehead while Newton stood at the corner of the room with arms crossed over his chest. He retracted quickly on seeing Alexander and Isadora walk in.

"Your Majesties," he greeted with a slight bow but Isadora was quick to dismiss it.

"What happened to him?" She walked to the side of the bed looking at Zed’s tired face. He looked way too thinner than the last time she had seen him. His bony hand was bandaged as well.

Roselyn stood beside Newton but went silent all the while. She only threw furtive glances between Alexander and Newton. There was something common about the two men she couldn’t put her finger on. Standing side by side, they were of average height but Alexander was slightly taller. Their physiques matched and they both exuded an aura of masculinity and intimidation around them.

"He tried to kill himself," Newton answered.

Isadora frowned but she didn’t ask any more questions, which Newton was glad. She touched his forehead and he was burning. A towel was already placed by Roselyn so she hoped he’d get fine.

Isadora dreaded the time she’d be left alone with Alexander near. And she knew he was looking for that chance, like a predator waiting for its prey. And now that she had seen everyone, there was no escape. Oh Lord no! An idea crossed her mind, fortunately.

"I’d like to have a word with you Roselyn." Roselyn looked at her surprised. What would the queen want to tell her? She was nothing compared to her.

"Okay," she said nearly in a whisper.

Isadora signalled her to walk outside leaving the two men alone in the room. She didn’t notice how hard Alexander clenched his fists.

"What are your plans for Valoria?" Newton asked when none was willing to strike a conversation.

"I’m trying to revive the city and assemble my people," he explained.

Newton just nodded in affirmation after which another round of silence followed. They both stared at the unconscious Zed when Alexander asked,

"Do you like her?"

Newton looked at him. "You mean Roselyn?"

"Who else?" He asked with a smirk. "I heard some rumors that you’ll find the cure for her."

Newton blinked in surprise. Information travelled that fast? "I’m doing it purely out of kindness." He looked at Zed again.

"Kindness, mmmh. I see," murmured Alexander. "You must be very kind then."

"I always am," Newton replied.

Another round of silence followed after which Alexander excused himself leaving Newton alone in the room.

"Have a seat," Isadora gestured her to an empty chair. A maid walked in with a tray which she placed on the table. Isadora thanked her and dismissed her immediately. She poured the tea in two cups and offered one to Roselyn. "Here."

Though reluctant, Roselyn took the cup nevertheless. "Thank you."

Isadora watched her as she took a sip of the tea but it made Roselyn uncomfortable. Even being this close to this woman made her uncomfortable. Who would have thought a maid she treated like trash would turn out to be the Queen of Crescia?

She placed the cup on the table. "I’m sorry about everything I did to you as a maid."

"It’s okay," Isadora said with a smile. It was such a rare experience to see Roselyn this humbled. Could it be the fact that she was living in the Crescian palace? Having known how proud Roselyn was, that could not be an option. Besides, every prince or princess alike could live in any palace as long as their kingdoms had close ties.

"I forgive you," she added.

Roselyn lifted her eyes like one listening to a fairy tale. Isadora just forgave her! After everything she had done to her?

"I’m... I’m also sorry for loving Alexander," she said, her gaze darting everywhere else but her.

"It’s not your fault." Isadora said. "Besides, loving someone is not a crime."

Roselyn couldn’t believe it. Isadora must be one kind-hearted person. And what she said was indeed true. Loving was not a crime, but forcing someone to love you was the crime! 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"I’m sorry," Isadora said surprising Roselyn. "About what happened to your face," she added, showing genuine concern. As a woman, she knew what Roselyn might be going through.

"It’s nothing," she said looking at the floor.

"You’re welcome to stay here as long as you want," Isadora offered. She had heard about Roselyn’s fight with her father and all the drama that followed. It must be tough for her. And coupled with the stigma, Isadora could only imagine what she was going through. Sometimes emotional pain hurt more than physical pain. She knew it because she had experienced it.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"You call me Isadora. We are friends after all," she added it to see her reaction. Right now, Roselyn needed someone who could understand what she was going through, and Isadora just turned to be the perfect candidate. As a woman whom they shared common interests, she could be really helpful.

"Friends," she extended her hand which Isadora gladly took with a smile.

"I’ll be always there for you if you need anything," Isadora said. "Come give me a hug." Roselyn moved from the table and embraced Isadora feeling at peace for once.