Chapter 72 Bond comfort
Someone rapped on the door, opening it, before stepping inside.
The shadow walked slowly to the bed where Isabella lay, tapping her gently.
“Go away, Mira. I'm tired.” Isabella muttered from her sleep, turning to the other side to make herself more comfortable.
“It's not Mira.” The voice whispered.
“Victoria?” Her eyes opened in a split second as she sat up. “What are you doing here?” The voice that had sounded so sleepy two minutes ago was now very active.
“Someone is here to see you,” Victoria whispered instead, ignoring her question.
She stood up gently and tiptoed to the door, rapping gently in coordinated strikes.
Before he stepped in, she'd already felt it within her.
She yelped, literally running into his arms. “You,” she slapped and touched him to be sure he was the one.
Lucien chuckled, not letting go of her.
He turned to Victoria. “Thank you, Victoria.” His voice was solemn.
Victoria nodded graciously. “You're welcome, Your Majesty.”
Isabella let go of him gently as she took in his features. “You're alive.” The years streamed down her face.
“I didn't die.” Lucien teased, clearly amazed by how much she was fussing over him.
Isabella shook her head. “You don't get it. He said you were left for dead.”
A flicker of anger crossed Lucien's face and disappeared as soon as it appeared. “And by him, you mean Lord Hale?”
Isabella nodded.
“That son of a bitch.” Lucien swore, anger humming in his chest. “I'll be sure to feed him his tongues as soon as I get a chance.”
“Let's not talk about that.” Isabella patted his arms. “How have you been?” Her voice was solemn as her eyes ran through all parts of his body.
“Lucien?” She pushed, realising that his lips were curled which could only mean one thing. He was trying to restrain himself.
“I can't believe he told you I was dead,” Lucien muttered.
“But you aren't.” Isabella insisted. “Heard about Mrs Louvre.” She leaned into him, aptly changing the subject.
Lucien nodded, adjusting himself to accommodate her, sniffing her hair. “You smell like sunshine.”
Isabella chuckled. “The sun doesn't have a smell.”
“It does,” Lucien grinned, as he packed her hair, bringing it to his nose, even though there was little to no distance between them.
“What does it smell like?” She was going to indulge him.
“Your hair,” He shrugged, a smile forming on his face.
Isabella giggled, throwing her head back.
“I've missed you so much.” His voice had turned serious.
“Me too,” Isabella admitted. “I was too scared to look for you. He's watching my every move.”
Lucien nodded, dismissing it. “Saw what you did in the council room. That was brave.” He had a proud look on his face.
Colour rushed to Isabella's face. “Saw or heard?” She was trying so hard not to blush.
“Saw,” Lucien insisted.
“How?” Isabella pushed, determined.
He shrugged, tickling her softly by the side. “I have my means.”
Isabella rolled her eyes. “How did you get here?” The playful tone had disappeared and was replaced by something serious.
“And please don't say you have your ways,” she groaned,
Lucien grinned. “Was about to say that, but if you insist.” he raised his palms in surrender.
“I've missed you, Izzy,” Lucien said a little too seriously.
Isabella's nod was grave. “I have too. Please don't leave me.” She choked.
“I won't.” He promised. “I'm sorry that you have to go through this.”’
Isabella shook her head. “I should be apologising. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for me.”
“Then we are both at fault then,” he snickered, making her giggle.
They fell into silence, the rhythm of their hearts joined together, humming, filling up the silence as their bodies rocked together.
“Have you seen Elias?” Isabella whispered, breaking the silence.
“Nah,” Lucien muttered. “But I have it on good authority that he's fine.”
She opened her mouth to protest, shutting it back almost immediately.
“What is it?” Concern etched Lucien's face. “You can speak freely.”
Isabella hesitated. “We seem to be having a good time, I do not want to spoil that.”
Lucien raised himself up, lifting her head off his chest. “No matter the situation on the ground, every time is a good time with you.”
Isabella felt something rush within her. His voice held something. Sincerity. And there was something else in his eyes. He was vulnerable.
“That's sweet,” she blushed. “Still doesn't change what I'm about to say.”
“Really?” Lucien smiled, his hands grazing her back. “Let's see if you'll come to this conclusion in a few minutes.” His fingers ran through her toes.
Isabella stifled a loud laugh that threatened to erupt from her chest.
“Still not ready to talk?” His hands were on her sides now, making ticklish movements.
“Stop, stop,” Isabella giggled, trying to hold his hands. “Okay, I'll speak.” She managed to say in between bouts of laughter.
Lucien shrugged. “You should have just chosen the easy way out of this.”
Isabella rolled her eyes. “That's not fair. You know I can't fight against that.”
“All is fair in love.” He muttered innocently. “What is it, Izzy?” His voice turned serious.
Isabella looked away, sighing heavily. “I'm scared, Lucien.” Her voice shook. “Every day, I try to convince myself that we'll get out of this, but the ship continues to sink.”
Lucien's hands wiped out the tear that had escaped.
“When Damien said you'd died, I could feel my whole world collapsing. I think the only thing that kept me sane was the bond. It was still alive.”
Lucien stood up, drawing her to himself, as he walked to the window.
“I'm sorry I got you scared.”
Isabella shook her head, protesting lightly. “I didn't pour out my heart for you to be blamed.”
He nodded. “I know, and I'm coming to that.”
Isabella looked away.
“He's not going to win this, Izzy. I need you to trust me.”
“He's already in the position of the throne.” She pointed out.
Lucien snorted. “That's what it looks like. It's really different.”
“Make me understand, Lucien. Maybe if I did, I would have more faith. Every day, I lie down scared that he could come in, that…that he… he's going to…”
She broke down, her arms wrapped around herself.
“Shhh,” Lucien consoled. “None of that is going to happen. “Not while I'm alive.”
“We don't know that.”
“Yes, we do.” His voice held a type of confidence that was foreign to Isabella.
“I'm still the King.”
“Are you?” Isabella asked doubtfully.
“I am!” His voice came out tougher than he'd intended, making her recoil. “I know you think Damien has won all the battles but he hasn't. Think about our journey.”
“The Northern plains?” She asked doubtfully.
“Yes,”
“Isn't it too late?” Even though she'd asked, her voice had gained some sort of fervour to it.
“Too late?”Lucien scoffed. “Nothing is too late for Lucien Blackthorn.”
Isabella rolled her eyes at his prideful declaration. “That's too much pride.”
Lucien snickered. “Not for me, baby. I put my body where my mouth is. Nothing I say or do is out of the ordinary.”
“You're supposed to convince me and make me feel better. Don't talk and blast about yourself.” Isabella whined.
Lucien smiled. “It was gonna work, and it did.”
Isabella rolled her eyes. “I should have known you were going to do this.” She mumbled, snuggling into his chest.
“Aren't you convinced?”
“I am, but I'm not satisfied.” She pressed. “I don't know what the plans are, Lucien. I know you're working hard, but if I'm going to survive this, then I need to know what it is we're doing.”
Lucien nodded. “Damien is not yet king. I can't divulge some of the plans to you, because they're not certain and can change at any time.”
“The ones that are certain?” She pressed. She wasn't going to be put off easily.
“Determined, I see.” He teased. “Have I told you how much I love a determined woman? Especially one so small?”
Isabella rolled her eyes, ignoring him. “If you think, praising me is gonna make me drop this, then you're in for a long ride.”
“Wow,” he said raising his hands. “You really wanna know?”
Isabella nodded gravely. “I may not be able to act, but I want to be in the know.”
“Alright,” he acquiesced. His face turned into a frown. “Why can't you act? The only reason you're not doing anything right now, is because I don't want you doing anything, not because you can't do anything.”
“What?” Isabella scrunched her brows in confusion. “I thought you sneaked in here to see me?”
“What?” Lucien scoffed. “Why would I sneak into my own palace?”
“Haven't I been arrested?” Isabella could feel herself going crazy.
“By whom?” Lucien's voice was cold. “On whose authority?”
“Damien.” She answered coolly.
“Never. He may have seized the throne, but I am still the king and you are my mate.” Lucien said forcefully.
“And just so he knows, it won't last forever.” His icy voice brought chills down Isabella's body, making her shiver.