Chapter 117 Victoria’s reckoning
Chapter 117 Victoria’s reckoning
Isabella’s fingers drew circles on Lucien's chest as they both lay on the bed, savouring the last bit of their little make-out.
“That felt good,” Isabella whispered, leaning into his body.
“Really?” Lucien teased. “I was beginning to think you had become immune to me and my tricks.”
Isabella rolled her eyes. “Why do I feel you've been waiting for me to speak and break the silence?”
Lucien chuckled. “I would never do that. There are many ways to make you speak.” He had a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“You don't say!” Isabella exclaimed, matching his tone. “You don't mind showing me, do you?” And as she spoke, she moved her body, widening her legs to grant Lucien entrance.
“Mmm.” Lucien groaned. “I don't mind.” He shook his head, a look of regret in his eyes.
Isabella narrowed her eyes. “You don't mind but you're not gonna do it, are you?” Lucien was not his usual self.
“Not now,” he said, stood up and lifted her almost immediately, walking into the bathroom. “We've got a meeting to attend to.”
“A meeting?” Isabella confirmed. “Why wasn't I informed?” Her hands were placed firmly on his shoulders.
“It's with Victoria,” Lucien whispered, studying her face for a change of emotion, but he couldn't find one. Isabella’s face remained passive.
“Your darling sister was definitely worried you would turn her down.”
“She most likely wasn't wrong,” Isabella commented, as she allowed the water to run through her body.
“Izzy.” Lucien's voice wasn't imposing, but Isabella could sense displeasure from him.
“What?” She shrugged. “You absolutely do not expect us to turn to best friends, do you?”
Lucien closed his eyes, willing himself to be patient. Isabella could be difficult when she wanted to and right now, she was being exactly so.
He sighed. “I absolutely have no idea why she requested to see us together, but I think it has something to do with the events of the past few months.”
Isabella grimaced. “You're right.” She sighed. “When is the meeting going to take place?”
“Now, baby,” Lucien whispered into her ears, his hands running through her soapy hair.
“Then we'd better get to it.” She muttered, pushing Lucien's hands as she quickened up her bath.
“You really are going to push me away?” Lucien whined, a covert smile on his face.
Isabella chuckled, her hands running through his chest. “We'd better get to the meeting if we want to have the time of our lives to ourselves, later on, darling.”
She added the last part to pacify him as she walked into the room, naked, water dripping from her body.
“You know what I think?” Lucien followed her out. “I think we can reschedule the meeting with Victoria.” His eyes ravaged her body with undisguised hunger. “I mean, I'm the king.” He smirked, walking towards Isabella.
“God, no.” Isabella groaned. “You don't ever get satisfied, do you?” She wrapped the towel around her body quickly heading to her closet. “In your words, we've got the day to ourselves.”
It was Lucien's turn to groan. “You're right. You just know you're never escaping me.”
Isabella smirked as she walked slowly to Lucien.
“That smile,” Lucien shook his head. “Do not start what you can't finish, Izzy.”
“What makes you think I can't finish this, Your Majesty?” Isabella had a wicked look in her eyes.
“Your Majesty? Really?” He could feel himself harden at the thought of the game Isabella was about to play.
Isabella turned back abruptly. “Just wanted to give you a heads up of what's to come, if you remain a good boy.”
Lucien's lips twitched, his eyelids moving. He couldn't believe Isabella was teasing him for what, good behaviour?
“You really think that's gonna happen?” His brows were raised at Isabella placing a gown over her head.
Isabella slipped the gown over her head, taking her time to fit the dress properly on her body before turning to meet him. “It's up to you,” her lips were curved.
Lucien shook his head at the ridiculous thought. “Every day, you amaze me with new things I don't know about you?”
Isabella chuckled, as she studied herself in the mirror. “I think I amaze myself too.”
With a final pout, she walked out of the room. “See you in the meeting, darling.”
Lucien's lips curved into a smile as his eyes followed her out, wondering at her newfound audacity. Isabella was growing and he was loving every bit of her growth.
“Finally here,” Isabella groaned as Lucien opened the door to the study. “Was wondering if you'd changed your mind.” She yawned tiredly.
Lucien peered into the room. “Still alone?” He was obviously searching for signs of Victoria.
“Obviously.” Her eyes narrowed. “Wait,” she turned to look at Lucien. “Did you waste time on purpose so we can do some sister catching up?”
“Me?” Lucien feigned ignorance, his hands on his chest in a dramatic manner. “Why would I want to do such a thing?”
Isabella shook her head. “That's really smart of you, Lucien Blackthorn. How could I not have seen it?”
Lucien shrugged, about to speak when a knock sounded on the door.
“I guess she's here already.” Isabella gave him a small smile. “Sorry,” she mouthed. “I guess she's here.”
The door opened slightly as Victoria peeked her head in, her eyes running through the room before the door opened fully.
“Nice of you to finally join us, Victoria.” Isabella reclined in her seat, a small smile on her lips.
“Thank you for obliging my request,” she bowed at Lucien before turning to Isabella. “I'm sorry I kept you waiting.”
Isabella gave a small nod. “It's okay.” Her gaze travelled to Lucien. “His Majesty said you needed to see us.” She quietly noted the large files in Victoria's hands.
Victoria nodded. “I've put it off for too long. It's high time I did this.” She dropped the large files on the table in front of them. “It's time for justice to take its course. In the files are all the officials I've ever had to spy on, on behalf of Damien.”
Isabella glanced at the file on the table but didn't make a move to touch it. “What would you have us do?”
“Give me my deserved punishment, my lady.”
“Hmm.” Isabella exhaled loudly, clearly lost in thought. “You really think that would be the best idea?” She knew the final say depended on her.
“Everyone who has in one way or another ranked the administration has either been killed or punished. I don't expect t mine to be any different.”
“And,” she continued. “I would not want the relationship between my lady and me to be used by other people.” She glanced apologetically at Isabella.
Isabella grunted. “I can imagine,” she muttered. “So, you think punishment is the right course to take?”
If she had known this was going to be the subject of discussion, she would never have gotten up from her comfort zone.
“I can't believe my eyes and ears,” Isabella swore under her breath. “You should sit.” She pointed at the chair in front of her, suddenly realising that Victoria was still standing.
“Thank you,” Victoria drew the chair out, creating some space between them as she sat.
“Okay,” Isabella curled her lips. “Your intentions,” she began, choosing her words carefully “are noble, but I also think they are a waste of our time.”
Lucien narrowed his eyes at Isabella’s choice of words.
“I mean,” Isabella shrugged. “You've been a lot of help to us even though we might have started on a worthy foot.” She paused.
“You showed us Damien’s plans, went against your father and turned away from your family.” She paused. “Knowing you from earlier, I must say that I'm impressed.”
Victoria raised her head in surprise. The meeting was taking a turn that she had not envisaged. “Thank you,” she muttered.
Isabella waved her thanks. “You know,” she continued. “Now that I think about it, you deserve a position.”
Both Victoria and Lucien were taken by surprise. “My lady?”
Isabelka shrugged. “Last time I checked, your house has been without a leader since the war ended and Harlan was exiled.”
Victoria nodded meekly.
“Then I think it deserves a new leader. Also,” she crossed her legs. “You should be our ears and eyes for our opposition.”
Lucien smiled in approval at her last words.
Victoria gasped. “My lady?” She looked like she'd heard wrong.
“That'll be all for now.” Isabella dismissed, not wanting to go further. “Your description will be sent to you before the close of day.”
She watched as Victoria stood slowly, and bowed before exiting the room.
“Think I was rash?” Isabella asked Lucien with uncertainty.
Lucien gave her a confident smile. “I think you were perfect. The leader thingy though?” He raised a brow.
Isabella sighed. “Figured it would be best to keep her closer to us than have another enemy spring up years later.”