Page 12 of Stalked By the King

"Lord Chamberlain," she coos, her fingers lightly brushing against his arm. "Your taste in art is truly unparalleled. I've never seen such exquisite pieces before."

"Thank you, Lady Isabella," he beams, puffing out his chest with pride. "It's always an honor to have my efforts recognized by someone of your stature."

"Indeed," she says, a wicked grin playing at the corners of her lips. "And I believe we could achieve great things together if we were to combine our talents."

"Of course," the Lord Chamberlain agrees, completely ensnared by her charm.

My chest tightens with frustration as I watch Lady Isabella work her way through the court, one unsuspecting victim at a time. Her every word and action is deliberate, calculated to bring her closer to her ultimate goal: me.

"Your Majesty," she whispers in my ear during a quiet moment, her breath warm against my skin. "I want you to know that I am here for you, and only you. Whatever you desire, I will make it mine to give."

"Is that so?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady despite the effect she has on me.

"Absolutely," she promises, her eyes dark with lust and determination. "You need only say the word."

I don’t say anything.

Edward

I watch from the shadows, my heart pounding with each step Jane takes towards the man who has ensnared her heart. The man who’s taken her from me.

My mouth falls open as I finally see his face, and the truth dawns on me like a cold slap in the face.

King Henry is her secret lover.

Every fiber of my being screams that this is wrong. I can't compete with a king. But damn it, I want Jane. She's all I've ever wanted.

I watch them kiss, my hands balling into fists until my mind devises a plan.

I go straight to Lady Isabella. She’ll be interested to hear of this knowledge. Besides, she has much to lose if Jane ends up with the king too.

Henry

Lady Isabella corners me in my study, her sickly sweet voice cooing my name. I can already feel an irritation brewing within me.

But then, her words hit me like a punch to the gut. “You can keep your little plaything. I don’t mind so long as I am your queen.” I can see the predatory gleam in her eye as she watches for my reaction.

I try to hide my disgust as she mentions my secret tryst with Jane, but I can feel my face flushing with anger. She thinks she can blackmail me into marrying her? The mere thought makes bile rise up in my throat.

Lady Isabella floats from the room, no doubt thinking she now has me by the balls.

The air in the room grows stale, and my heart hammers against my chest like a caged beast desperate for escape. I can barely breathe, suffocated by the weight of Lady Isabella's threat. My secret with Jane will soon be exposed, and everything I hold dear will crumble like ashes.

"Your Grace?" I hear footsteps approaching, and I force myself to focus.

"Leave me," I hiss, not even bothering to look at the intruder.

"Very well, Your Majesty." I hear the door close behind them, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Every second counts. If Lady Isabella knows about Jane, it won't be long before she tells her—if she hasn't already. The very thought makes me sick, bile rising in my throat, as I storm out of the study and search for her.

"Jane!" I call out, desperation seeping into my voice. "Where are you?"

"King Henry," Edward smirks from across the hallway, and my blood runs cold. "Looking for someone?"

"Where is she?" I growl, my fists clenching at my sides.

"Ah, you mean your little commoner plaything?" Edward mocks, his eyes glinting with malice. "She's in the garden. I've already told her everything."

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