Chapter 53 Red wells
The reflection of the sun seeping into the room, woke Isabella.
“Up already?” She said, stretching as she sat up.
“Sleepy head.” Lucien teased, leaning in for a kiss. “You ready to leave?”
Isabella narrowed her eyes, confused. “We're leaving already?” She groaned. “I was just starting to get a good feel of this place.
Lucien chuckled at her rants. “We leave for the Red Walls in one hour. Sam and the men are ready.”
“And Olivia?” Her voice was uncertain. “The conclusion?” She pressed.
Lucien curled his lips. “What makes you think the verdict has changed?”
“C'mon, Lucien. She made reference to it.” She said as she stretched out her arm for Lucien to help her out of bed.
“Nope, you're not.” He said, taking her hand. “It's positive.”
Isabella smiled.
“Still sore?” Lucien nodded at the way she limped to the bathroom.
“Very, but I can manage.” She said, smiling, limping. “Was worth it.”
He chuckled at the speed she'd used in entering the bathroom. “You should be careful.” He joked, studying the scrolls that were laid out on the table, studying the maps.
“One down, three to go.” She said, stepping out of the bathroom.
“Done already?” Lucien spun around.
Isabella smirked. “Mira's not here. It's easier.” She said as she walked to where her clothes lay.
“God,” she groaned, picking up the rising clothes. “I can't believe I'm admitting that I love my gowns.” Her expression was sour, making Lucien chuckle.
“The next plan?” She glanced at the table as she put the belt in their holes. “Where are we going next?”
Lucien sighed. “The Red Walls.”
“You don't seem too excited,” Isabella noted, referring to his expression.
“Nope.” He shook his head.
“Worse than this?” She was referring to the blue walls.
Lucien smirked. “The blue wall is the safest and most beautiful. You should take it in. You definitely won't see this again till we're home.”
“Isn't that a stretch?” Her hair was packed into a bun as she examined herself in the mirror.
“It could even be worse.” His tone was serious. “You look good, we should get going. The dust will most likely destroy your appearance within fifteen minutes of riding.” He said, opening the door as he led her out of the room.
“Very helpful.” She groaned, rolling her eyes at him, taking in the appearance of the room for the last time. “This place did hold some very dear memories.” Her tone was wistful.
“I agree,” Lucien said, closing the door behind her.
“Are we saying our goodbyes?” This was not the road that led to the stable.
“Olivia has wished to see you.” His lips were curled.
“What? Why?” She was clearly astonished.
Lucien shrugged. “Says it's something that involves women.”
Isabella sighed, her mind wandering what all this was about. “Okay.” She said simply.
“There she is,” Lucien muttered at Olivia standing in front of the courtyard.
“Isabella!” Olivia's high-pitched voice rang in Isabella's ears, making her cringe.
“Olivia.” She returned softly, talking Olivia's hands in hers, as they shared kisses on the cheeks.
“So good to see you,” Olivia called.
“Err, thanks?” Isabella stuttered. She was unsure of what to say. The woman had seen her the day before.
“My pleasure, you look better than how you looked the day before, you know. Your eyes rolled back…” she trailed, laughing nervously when she was done.
“Oh, I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to embarrass you in that manner.” Olivia continued, her face flushing, when she saw Isabella's embarrassment.
“No, you haven't,” Isabella smirked. “I also think it's okay to explore.” She said, staring intently at Isabella and smirked satisfactorily when she saw the streak of jealousy on Olivia's face.
“Lucien said you wanted to see me.” She broke the uncomfortable silence.
Olivia nodded. “He loves you.” She said quietly, making Isabella jerk her head.
“I know you think it's right out of my place, but he does. Only very few people can turn me down. Do not misuse this opportunity, Isabella.
Isabella nodded meekly. She'd not been expecting that part of the statement. “I'll keep that in mind.”
“You girls done?” Lucien called from where he stood. “The journey is far.”
Isabella curtseyed before Olivia, taking her leave. “You have a beautiful kingdom.” She said as she turned around.
“What was that about?” Lucien began the moment they were out of earshot.
Isabella shrugged. “Ladies talk. I don't see you wearing a gown.” She continued, seeing that Lucien was about to press further.
Lucien chuckled. “This is funny.”
“Is it?” She turned to him. “Why do you say so?”
“You and Olivia…” He was cut short by the salute of the guards.
“We continue our journey today to the Red Walls.” The murmurings of the guards were loud enough that Sam looked away.
“Is it that bad?” Isabella whispered. Despite the kind of life she'd loved with Lord Harlan and his family, she'd not heard of the Northern plains until this came up.
“You're about to find out,” Lucien responded, as he helped her climb the horse, turning back to his men.
“We've spent a lot of time in these walls.” He looked around the blue walls for emphasis. “The journey to the Red Walls is very important and there will be little to no stops along the way.” Voices of acknowledgement rent the air.
“Let's go.” He raised his hand as he climbed after Isabella, leading the way out of the Blue Walls.
“No stopping huh?” Isabella began after they'd walked a bit.
Lucien sighed. “It's a two-day journey, Izzy. We are running out of time.”
She nodded. “I'm well aware of that.”
Their journey continued, Lucien urging his horse with sounds from his mouth and legs.
The road was rough, the grounds red, dusty and chilly.
“Is there anything I should know about?” The silence from the journey was killing her. “I mean, the Blue Walls has its own speciality. What's so special about the red walls?”
“It's just as the name implies. Red Walls.” Lucien chuckled at his own attempt at making a joke.
“The journey to the blue walls was easy.” His face was serious, his voice devoid of the joviality it had held only a few minutes ago.”
“Filled with men, brutal and ferocious.”
With every word that came out of his mouth, Isabella could feel chills running down her spine.
“And the women?” She urged. “Seeing women there would make her feel some kind of relief.”
“None. Only slaves.” Lucien's lips were curled as though he could imagine a slave being offered to him, the moment he stepped in.
“Children?” Isabella knew she was grasping at the thinnest of straws, but she couldn't help it. Seeing children would signify innocence.
“None. Konstantin has none, and so all the men will have none.”
Isabella shuddered. “How cruel?” She whispered.
Lucien's hands covered hers slowly. “It's a mantra that not being attached to a family will save you from the hooks. You have no fear of threats when it's just you.”
“You mean…” The goosebumps appearing on her skin, kept her from finishing her words.
Lucien nodded. “They get to fight and take the spoils. Children are sold off, and women are made their bedmates.”
“That's gross.”
“I must warn you.” He whispered into her ear gently. “These men despite having sex from these slaves are sex starved. They'll look at you with eyes that…”
“Even with you by myside?” She interrupted him, her eyes bulging.
“Not when I can see them.” Lucien's time was cold, bringing a smile to her face. “No one dares touch my woman.”
“That's comforting.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm.
“Last thing.” Lucien continued, ignoring the sarcasm in her voice. “Strength.”
“Huh?” Isabella almost kissed his teeth as she turned back at him. “What do you mean?”
“Strength. The Red Walls value strength.”
“I'm not the king,” she protested lightly.
“That doesn't matter.” Lucien's voice was soothing, calming her fears. “I'm not immortal, Isabella. Something can or may happen to me. What would you as my queen do?”
Isabella flinched at his words. “I'm not weak.” Her voice held determination.
“You have to prove that to Konstantin.” His hand covered hers, as their fingers intertwined. “That's the only way to get his support.”
“You sure?” She asked disbelievingly.
“Well,” Lucien rolled his eyes. “If you're able to survive the hungry gaze from the men, and show your strength, then we're good to go.”
She exhaled, her breath shaking. “Remind me why I insisted on coming with you again?”
The question elicited laughter from Lucien, making him throw his head backwards. “I think only you can answer that.” He said, still chuckling.
Isabella shook her head, a smile creeping from behind her lips. His laughter was infectious.
“But you can do this.”Lucien comforted, as he brought her closer to himself. “You are Isabella Thorne. Only a few can stand against you.”
He was right. “Only a few could stand up against her.”