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And then I experience something so mind-blowing it makes me see stars. I scream out and clutch at his shoulders.
Henry growls and praises me through it, and then I feel wetness splash deep within me as he reaches his own climax.
He falls onto his side and gathers me in his arms. I nestle into him and my eyes drift shut.
I am content in this moment when nothing else matters but Henry and me.
CHAPTER
SEVEN
Henry
The great hall echoes with the whispers of excited courtiers as Lady Isabella glides into the room. Her flowing blonde hair cascades like liquid gold down her back, framing a face that could make angels weep in envy. Her gown of rich purple satin clings to her curves, accentuating the grace and poise that come so naturally to her. I watch as every eye in the room follows her, captivated by her undeniable presence.
"Damn," I mutter under my breath, though part of me knew this was coming. Lady Isabella's arrival here at the castle signifies only one thing: she's here for me. Not because she loves me, but because she knows marrying a king would secure her family's power and wealth. However, it is Jane who occupies my heart, and the thought of marrying anyone else feels like a betrayal to our love.
"Your Majesty?" My advisor, Sir Thomas, interrupts my thoughts. "Lady Isabella has arrived."
I nod curtly, trying to hide the frustration bubbling inside of me. "Yes, I can see that."
"Her father is eager for you to consider the union," Sir Thomas continues, oblivious to my disdain. "And it would be a wise match politically."
"Enough, Sir Thomas," I snap, my patience thinning. How can I explain to him that my heart belongs to another? That the thought of duty has become a chain around my neck, threatening to strangle me if I don't follow my desires?
"Apologies, Your Majesty," Sir Thomas stammers, taking a step back.
As I glance over at Lady Isabella, I can't deny her beauty or the power behind her name. But as I do, my eyes look down at my phone where I see Jane on the cameras across the castle. Her auburn hair tucked neatly beneath her maid's cap, her innocent eyes shining brightly as she works tirelessly. She's everything Isabella isn't—humble, kind, and uncorrupted by the machinations of court life.
By some miracle, Jane still hasn’t figured out who I am, and I’ve tried to keep it that way. I strategically position her so she works away from any events like this. I don’t want her to figure out I’m the king until I tell her. I don’t know how the hell she hasn’t found out by now, but that’s just how innocent my Jane is.
"Perhaps I should greet our guest," I say reluctantly, my heart heavy with the weight of my duty as king. As much as it pains me, I must consider what's best for my kingdom, even if it means sacrificing my own happiness.
"Very well, Your Majesty," Sir Thomas replies, relief evident in his voice.
I take a deep breath and approach Lady Isabella, forcing a smile onto my face. "Welcome, Lady Isabella," I say, my voice strained with the effort to hide my true emotions. "Your beauty shines as brightly as ever."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," she answers, her blue eyes meeting mine with unwavering confidence. "It is an honor to be here."
As we exchange pleasantries, I can't help but steal glances at Jane on my phone, desperately trying to cling to the memories of our stolen kisses and whispered promises. The thought of losing her to someone like Edward, who would never appreciate her true worth, makes my blood boil.
"King Henry," Lady Isabella says, snapping me back to reality. "I hope you will find our time together most...enlightening."
I nod, swallowing the bitterness that threatens to rise in my throat. For now, I must play the part of a dutiful king, but in my heart, I know that my love for Jane will never waver. And yet, the choice between my kingdom and my desires has never felt more impossible.
My heart falls as I watch Lady Isabella glide through the castle's corridors, her presence demanding attention. She knows exactly what she wants and wastes no time in making her intentions known. It makes my stomach turn.
"Your Majesty," Lady Isabella purrs, positioning herself strategically during court events, ensuring she's always within my line of sight. "I must say, the gardens here are absolutely breathtaking."
"Ah, yes," I reply, attempting to feign interest. "They're one of my favorite places to escape to when the pressures of ruling become too great."
"Perhaps you could show me sometime," she suggests, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I'm sure there are many hidden treasures waiting to be discovered."
I suppress a shudder, knowing exactly what kind of treasure she has in mind. The thought of sharing that sacred space with her, where Jane and I had once found solace in each other's arms, is unbearable.
"Perhaps," I mutter, offering her a fake smile before quickly excusing myself.
As the days go by, Lady Isabella's charm and charisma seem to work their magic on the courtiers and influential figures in the kingdom. I watch with begrudging admiration as she manipulates others with calculated compliments and strategic alliances, weaving a web of control around those who hold power.
