Chapter 73 Impostor
“He's seized the throne, but he's not king. At least not yet.”
“You've said that a billion and one times.” Isabella smacked her lips.
“I know that,” he said with a calm smile. “And I also know that he has to be accepted by everyone before he can be officially recognised.”
Isabella frowned. “I…I've heard that before.” She scrunched her brows. “Oh, Mira!” She exclaimed.
Lucien nodded. “And they won't give it to him. So he's going the other route.”
“War,” she said quietly, her lips curled into a bitter smile.
Lucien nodded.
“A part of me had hoped we would have to come this far.” She whispered, quietly, too quietly afraid that if she spoke out loud, it would become reality.
Lucien smiled. “I'd hoped so too.” His hands weaved through her hair. “What are you thinking?”
Isabella exhaled softly. “Nothing.”
Lucien chuckled. “That line can't work on me. I can see you actively chewing your lips. Means your brain is working overtime.”
A genuine smile spread out on her lips before disappearing. “You know me too well.”
“Yup. I do. Wanna tell me what you're thinking?”
Isabella shut her eyes. “I…I can't help but think about the number of people that have to die for all these to end.”
“Context?” He urged.
Isabella rolled her eyes, dismayed that he could afford to joke in situations like this.
“I know you've heard about Lord Gabriel’s death?”
Lucien's nod was simple. “I have. It's the price.”
She looked away. “And the council. I can't believe they're so cheap.”
Lucien's smirk made her stop in her tracks. “You knew?” Her expression was one of horror.
He shook his head. “I just had to guess. It really isn't that hard when you're king.”
Isabella's lips curled. “That's something.”
Lucien shrugged. “You can't satisfy everybody, Izzy.” He shook his head. “And I need to let you understand that. People are going to take offence like it or not.”
“And you're telling me this, why?” She asked, puzzled.
His laughter indicated that he'd found her funny. “Cause you need to know. You'll be queen someday. Heck, you may end up ruling the county.”
“Don't!” She breathed. “Don't say that.”
“I won't.” He nodded. “But you should know.”
“And Lord Sloane, Mrs Louvre?” She pressed.
“It may sound insensitive, but it's the sacrifice they have to pay.”
“Lucien!” Isabella could feel her anger rising. “They served you for years. Mrs Louvre had loved you like her own son.”
Lucien looked away. “There it is. You're thinking with emotions. Think strategically, Izzy.”
Isabella frowned. “That doesn't make sense. You're saying to ignore emotions and focus on reason?” She repeatedly acted as if she'd not heard him the previous time.
“Yes,” his voice was clear, a stark contrast to how she felt. “It's gonna help you in the long run.”
“How?” Isabella sneered. “By being an unfeeling demon like Damien who can watch people being killed because of his ambitions?”
Lucien's smile was understanding. “Your anger is at Damien.”
“As opposed to?” She scoffed.
“I want you to see it this way, Izzy.” He began, his hand not leaving her hair even though she'd pulled back from him countless times.
“Enlighten me.” Her tone was filled with sarcasm.
“Lord Gabriel was killed.” He began slowly. “As unfortunate as that may sound, someone would have died. Now, it's quite unfortunate that the fatality was from our side, but it needed to happen.”
“Can you speak English, Lucien?” Isabella said exasperatedly.
Irrespective of himself, Lucien giggled. “I'll try.”
She nodded.
“Those other men,” he began. “The one's who are on his side, needed to have seen his ruthlessness.”
“How?” She whispered even though she knew where he was headed with this.
“Damien doesn't have loyalty, Isabella. He wants Loyalty but he can't give it. He's ready to give the throne to the highest bidder. And he'll kill those who want to stand in his way.”
“Still don't get you.” Frustration was imminent.
Lucien's smile was patient. “He'll kill a lot of them along the way and soon …” he trailed.
“Discontent will be on the rise,” Isabella finished perfectly.
He nodded proudly. “Now, do you see the bigger picture?”
Isabella looked away. “How do you do this, Lucien? Stay calm in the face of war?” She leaned into him, wrapping her hands around him.
Lucien smiled. “I try to think of the positives.”
“Positives?”
“Yup. The positives.” He sniffed her hair. “The bigger picture, yunno. Me, you, Elias and another baby, standing in the sun, our white hats on.”
“White hats.” Isabella smiled fondly. It was her favourite phrase of justice. “You think that's ever going to happen?”
“I know.” His voice held unwavering confidence. “I know it's going to happen.”
“I love you so much, Lucien.” She stood on her toes and reached for him.
Lucien smiled. “I think I love you more.” He grabbed her, pulling her back to him as he captured her lips with his.
Isabella moaned, her eyes closed, her head rolled backwards, completely surrendering herself to him.
She sighed in regret as Lucien pulled away.
“Let's make a perfect plan, then I can have you all to myself.”
“Promise?” She nudged.
“Promise,” Lucien said somberly.
“Okay. The plan?” She reached for a paper beside him.
“Someone's eager.” Lucien teased as he took the paper away from her.
Isabella shrugged. “You can't blame me. I think I've been starved enough.”
“That makes two of us. I think you should listen.” He said when her eyes followed the paper.
“Because you're worried that Damien has a spy inside my quarters.”
“I know he has a spy.”
Isabella's eyes widened. “Whom?”
“That, I don't know.” He nibbled her ears.
“I'll watch out.” Her voice was determined. “Now, about the plans?” She whispered into his ear.
“Three words,” he began and gave a charming smile when she glanced at him with curiosity. “The Northern plains.”
Isabella looked like she'd just been punctured with a needle. “You must be there?” Yet even as she asked, she knew it was futile.
“I must.” He nodded solemnly. “It's going to rain war soon. We must be prepared.”
“And Sam? Marcus? They should be able to make this journey for you, shouldn't they?” She pressed, undettered.
“Yes, they should. But I want to do it myself.”
Isabella bobbed her head in understanding. “As much as I understand, I just can't seem to get past the pain.”
“You're gonna miss me that much,?” Lucien grinned. “I must be really important.”
Isabella giggled as she punched him playfully.
“Ow,” Lucien teased. “That's some punch.”
“You promise to stay safe?” She said suddenly.
The smile had been wiped off Lucien's face as he stared at her. “I do.”
“And me?” She asked quietly. “What do I do when you're gone?” Her voice shook.
She stepped away from him, walking slowly to the other side.
Lucien sighed as he followed her closely. “Just exist. Try as much as you can to stay alive.”
“That won't do.” She said, shaking her head. “Being idle will make me die from worry even before the actual battles begin.”
Lucien grinned at her attempt at humour. “You're right. How about you also watch out for yourself and Elias.?
Her smile faded at the mention of Elias. “He's going to be safe, won't he?” She croaked.
“He's in the best hands.” His voice was serious. “Marcus will look after him like he's looking after his own son.”
Isabella nodded. “I should be allowed to see him, shouldn't I?”
Lucien frowned. “And who would dare stop you?” His voice was eerie.
Isabella hugged him gently.
“You're not being imprisoned, Izzy. You're just here at your quarters right now, because it's the best place and not because you can't step out.”
“Okay,” she said simply. “We should see him together before you leave.”
Lucien shook his head, regrettably. “I wish.”
“You're leaving soon, aren't you?” She accused, the tears falling down her face.
“No, I'm not.” His voice was sincere. “At least not immediately.
“I just think seeing him would give the little boy some sort of anticipation…”
“Are you thinking of dying?” Isabella glowered, a tear escaping into her mouth.
“Dying?” Lucien scoffed. “Who would dare kill Lord Bakckthorn?”
Despite her tears, Isabella managed to smile at his arrogance. “I think I like the arrogant you better?” She croaked.
Lucien smirked as he brought her close to himself, his lips kissing the tears away.
“And I love all parts of you better.”
Isabella sniffed. “Do not think of dying on me, Lucien. I wouldn't forgive you if you do.”
“I won't,” he said, reaching for his pocket, as he brought out a necklace. Two actually, of the same type.
“Is this some sort of secret proposal?” Isabella teased, turning around as he placed it on her neck.
He did the same for himself, before spinning her around to face him.
“Allow it to settle on your chest. You can hear my heartbeat as long as it's on me.”
A sob escaped from Isabella as she wrapped her hands round him, the tears flowing freely.