Alexander wanted to ask more questions but the searing pain came once again and he gave in. He grimaced in pain and Lord Richard stood up startled by the sudden turn of events. He loomed over him but there was nothing he could do rather than watch him apologetically as he writhed in pain. This was the time Lord Richard cursed Isadora for having poisoned Alexander. That was what he had concluded since she ran away.

After a few minutes, Alexander passed out. Lord Richard breathed a sigh of relief as he watched his chest heave up and down. At least that guaranteed that he still had not left them. His gaze shifted to his face and saw the beads of sweat that had formed on Alex’s face. He took a handkerchief and wiped the sweat before he placed the blanket over Alex. His face had now relaxed but still there was that expression of agony in it.

Lord Richard watched Alexander one last time before he turned around to leave. On his way out, he almost ran into the queen and Elle, who were now making their way into Alex’s chamber.

"I’m sorry Your Majesty." He said. "What brings you here?" He asked as his gaze darted between the queen and Elle. Victoria seemed to understand what he meant so she told Elle to go in while they were left standing outside with Richard. She watched Elle’s silhouette until the little girl disappeared before she turned to face the questioning look of Lord Richard.

"What’s the meaning of this? We agreed to leave Elle out of this." He said in a low yet harsh tone.

"Don’t forget who you are talking to Lord Richard." Victoria said reminding him of his position and hers. "Elle deserves to know everything that is happening. Besides, this is her family we are talking about. Now, if you’ll excuse me." She said and brushed past a stunned Lord Richard, almost throwing him off balance.

When Queen Victoria walked in, she found Elle sitting beside Alexander as she held his big hand in hers. That picture brought a warm feeling in Victoria’s heart and she knew she had made the right decision.

Elle noticed her mother walk in and she turned to look at her. Her mother gave her a comforting smile and she made her way to Alexander’s side too.

"Will he be alright?" Elle asked and stared at her mother who seemed thrown off a bit by the question. Queen Victoria didn’t know what to say about Alexander’s condition. She had heard his agonizing screams before and she had thought that she was going to lose him also. But as time passed, Alexander seemed to recuperate well and grow stronger. And there was a slight change in him that she couldn’t put her finger on. She brushed the feeling away before staring at his face. He was resting calmly but she could spot sweat and a pained expression on his face.

"Yes. Your brother is strong. He will be alright." She also hoped so. "We need to leave now. The guests will be here soon." She told Elle as she teared her arm away from Alex’s. Elle unwillingly let her brother’s hand rest on the bed, and with one last look, she followed her mother outside.

*******

Isadora had now changed into more comfortable clothes but she didn’t forget to carry the maiden attire with. Laura had washed it for her and she was grateful for that. And as she walked through the familiar hallways, she couldn’t help but worry what awaited her back in Valoria. She imagined how Lord Richard’s face would look like if he spotted her and that made her laugh. The face she had made in her mind was somehow funny. But as far as she was happy now, she knew that it was the calm before a storm. And there was still that part of her that told her Griffin was up to something big.

Her thoughts shifted to sir Gareth and she knew that he had probably found out that she was missing by now. But then, why did he not come to look for her in Crescia. That was the only place she could flee to and Gareth knew that more than anyone else. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Her fear was quickly masked by Alexander’s thoughts. And since word had not spread about his death or condition, she simply hoped that he was doing fine. But then again, he was human. That elevated her worry for him and she hurried through the hallway before she stumbled on her dress and she found herself falling. She closed her eyes tightly as she braced for the pain to come but instead, she felt strong arms around her waist. Who had decided to be her knight in shining armor now?

Isadora opened her eyes to be met by a pair of blue eyes staring down at her. Those eyes reminded her of a warm sunny day or a crystal clear blue ocean. Her eyes made for his whole face and she nearly jumped when she saw who it was.

"Lord Newton!" She exclaimed. "I missed you! Why didn’t you come to visit me?" She asked as Lord Newton let go of her waist. He breathed heavily and she could see he was struggling to find the words.

"I have been currently busy with the new role that your uncle gave me. I have to stay in the throne hall almost the whole day Princess. I’m sorry I failed to visit you." He sounded remorseful.

"It’s okay. I understand. Sometimes my uncle is very cruel."

"Are you leaving now?" He asked while staring at how Isadora was dressed. A cloak was wrapped around her and she wore heavy clothes that signaled she was embarking on a journey. And shortly after, Laura came carrying some of her things.

"Take those to the carriage. I will be there shortly." Isa told Laura who in turn nodded and left after eyeing Newton with killing intent. Lord Newton assumed it had to do with the fact that he failed to visit the princess.

"Yes. We are leaving for Valoria. The king is dead and the funeral is being held today."

"I know that. But..." He said eyeing Isadora questioningly and she knew what he wanted.

"I’m not done with my mission yet. I have to o back to Valoria for god knows how long. But I promise I will be back soon." She assured him. Lord Newton simply nodded surprising Isadora. She expected a train of questions from him but seems she was wrong.

"Just make sure to protect yourself. Safe journey princess." He said.

"I will. Good bye then." She said and both hesitated before they started walking in the opposite direction. They both threw furtive glances at one another and stared away when their eyes met. Isadora quickly fastened her steps before she disappeared out of view.