Chapter 122 The price of war
Chapter 122 The price of war
“Never been more proud in my life,” Lucien said with a proud smile as they walked back to the study.
“I could tell.” Satisfaction dripped from Isabella’s tone as she carried herself with grace.
“What's next?” He asked as a guard opened the door, ushering them in. “The plan was not to come back to work.”
Isabella held her smile, sighing as she reclined into the chair. “I remember you saying, the crown holds all the weight. I disagreed before, but I think I agree with all your submission.”
Lucien chuckled at her being dramatic. “I'm glad you do.” His face turned serious. “But I think you need to rest. You've been working all day.”
“So have you.” Isabella pointed out. “And I don't see me badgering you to take a rest.”
“Touché.” Lucien grinned. “You're right. What do you want to do?”
Isabella felt touched by his question. She knew what she absolutely wanted to do, but the council might not agree with her.
“We need to build reliefs for the people, Lucien,” her voice shook. “Did you see the little girl and her brother who had to hide under the cellar windows just so they wouldn't get trampled upon by the mercenaries?”
Lucien nodded gravely. “How can I forget?”
“That and many similar things are the things I should work on before I retire for the night.”
Lucien nodded but he could tell Isabella was not done ranting. She needed to let it all out.
“And you want to know the strange part, I could shake my head, send the memories to where I don't wanna remember them and go back to our quarters, lying on my big bed, with your warm body beside me.”
“But you chose not to.” Lucien commended. “Listen,” his voice turned serious. “You're doing your best. What matters is you care for your people.”
“Apparently,” she curled her lips. “It's obvious I could do better.” She rapped slowly on the table.
The door opened, revealing Marcus. “Get me Lord Benneth, Marcus and Lord Calvin.”
Lucien raised a brow at her choice of the second elder. “Really think it's wise to include Lord Calvin?”
Isabella nodded, waving Marcus away. “He's been reinstated. I see no reason why he shouldn't perform his duties.”
Lucien chuckled. Isabella was going to make these old men work for the money they were earning. “You're right,” he nodded, the smile still plastered on his face.
“What's the plan?” He asked, seeing that she wouldn't reveal anything.
Isabella sighed. “Last I checked, there are properties that have been abandoned by certain people in the clan which have been appropriated to the palace.”
Lucien narrowed his eyes. He had an inkling of where she was headed.
Isabella wrung her palms nervously. “I was thinking, we could use it as an establishment. For now.” She added the second part hurriedly when she saw his expression change.
Lucien's face was expressionless and she couldn't exactly tell what he was thinking. “Y…you don't think it's a good idea?” She stammered, taking in a deep breath.
“No, not that,” Lucien said in disbelief. “Why would you think that?”
“I can't seem to tell what you're thinking. You're completely expressionless.”
Lucien sighed, holding her hands in a bid to reassure her. “That's on me. Besides,” he grinned. “Whatever you say is a good idea. It will always be.”
“Now, you're trying to patronise me,” Isabella whined, but a small smile formed on her face. “It felt good to know someone had her back always.”
Lucien gasped in mock horror, enjoying his display. “Why would I try to deceive my queen? The one true queen of the kingdom.”
Isabella grinned. “You're doing exactly that, but bring it on. I'm enjoying every bit of it.”
Lucien smiled, relieved that the worry lines on her forehead were starting to disappear. “Don't take this the wrong way, but you'll age faster if you keep on worrying this way.” A mischievous grin was plastered on his face.
Isabella smirked. “But you'll still love me anyway.”
“Yes, I will.” Lucien nodded solemnly. “I doubt I have a choice really.”
It was Isabella’s turn to grin widely. “You're right, you…”
A soft knock sounded on the door, interrupting her mid-way. Marcus opened the door slightly. “They're here, Your Majesties.”
Isabella exhaled. “Send them in, Marcus.” She glanced at Lucien for confirmation and he gave a curt nod. “Let's get this over and done with. I need to have you to myself.”
Isabella grinned. “Continue like this, and I'm afraid the Lords will not take me seriously. I have a reputation to protect.”
Lucien shrugged. “Not if I can't help it.” He drew closer to her. “This is raw unfiltered love, Izzy.”
Isabella turned red, his breath in her ear was creating a tingling sensation all over her body. “Nice timing, Lucien.” She mouthed with a frown as she joined her legs together.
Lucien smiled, reclining in his chair. He had one aim, to watch Isabella take over the affairs of the country. For once, he was content taking the back seat.
The door opened, revealing Lord Benneth and Lord Calvin.
“You sent for us, Your Majesties.” Lord Benneth bowed slightly as he took his seat.
“Your Majesties.” Lord Calvin's voice was a little shaky.
“Take a seat, Lord Calvin,” Isabella commanded, returning to the fierce leader she was and nothing like Lucien Blackthorn's mate.
“There is absolutely no reason to recap the details of the council meeting earlier today, since you both were present.”
The elders nodded, wondering where she was headed, but Lord Benneth had an inkling.
“Decisions were not finalized and I have brought you in here to take action. We are running out of time.”
She turned to Lord Calvin with a calm expression. “Have you been to the villages affected by the war, Lord Calvin? Seen the men and women whose houses have been burnt to the ground?”
Lord Calvin nodded solemnly.
Isabella grunted. Within her, she was a bit impressed. At least, the man seemed to care for his people, even though his moral lines had been somewhat blurred.
“What do you suggest we do?” She turned to him, ignoring the look of surprise on Lucien's face.
Lord Calvin's gaze shot up. He'd been taken unawares. “What I suggest, your Majesty?”
Isabella hid her smile, nodding. She knew what she wanted to do, but she needed to take suggestions. Make them feel included in her plans even though it would be her idea.
Lord Calvin swallowed. “This is random, but the lands, the one on the northern side.”
It was Isabella’s turn to be taken by surprise. “What are you doing, Lord Calvin?”
Lord Calvin swallowed again, hesitating, trying to pull his thoughts together. “The families on the Northern sides have threatened to fall apart because of ownership. What better way to keep it all together than to donate it to people who have been misplaced?”
Isabella nodded approvingly, respect in her eyes. “I agree with you, Lord Calvin.” She pointed at his seat. “I think you should sit. You've earned the right.”
They all chuckled, including Lord Calvin.
“Surprisingly,” Isabella began, clasping her palms together. “You and I have similar plans. But I think yours is much better.”
Lord Calvin nodded appreciatively. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Isabella grunted, before turning to Lord Benneth. “Any objections, Lord Benneth.”
L?rd Benneth began to shake his head, before stopping himself. “Actually, it's not an objection. Merely a question.”
Isabella nodded, giving her approval.
“I'm just curious, your highness. Summer is in a few weeks. When does the project start?”
Relief flooded through Isabella. She was glad the men she had chosen as the leaders of the council were asking the right questions and not trying to override her decisions.
“I was thinking immediately. The one thing we don't have is time.”
Both Lords nodded in agreement. “Then that's settled.” She said, standing to her feet. “Thank you for taking the time to see me.”
They stood, shaking hands, before stepping out the door.
“You!” Isabella turned to Lucien the moment the door closed behind her, but the expression on his face stopped her.
Lucien was staring at her with so much love and adoration. “Have I told you how magnificent you are?”
Isabella blushed, but she wasn't deterred. “Yeah, that's right.” She smirked. “Trying to save yourself from what you did earlier?”
Lucien raised his hand innocently. “What did I do?” He leaned into her. “Did it sound like this?” He grinned, speaking directly into her ears.
Isabella scoffed. “Oh, Lucien Blackthorn. You are so over.” She moved at him with the speed of lightning, but Lucien merely picked her up. “I've missed you.”
Isabella grinned, wrapping her hands around his neck, expecting his move. “I've missed you too.” She whispered.
“Ready to be wowed?” Lucien whispered, carrying her out of the study.
“The guards, Lucien!” Isabella tapped at him hurriedly.
“You're mine,” he growled. “I think we need to remind them.”