After immersing herself in the secrets of the ancient black dragon within the confines of the Sable family library, Isolde's curiosity became an unquenchable flame. Determined to explore further and uncover the truth hidden within the empire's history, she sought an audience with her father, Duke Sable.
Gathering her resolve, Isolde approached the door to her father's study, her heart pounding with anticipation. She knocked gently, waiting for his permission before entering the dimly lit chamber where the Duke sat, engrossed in his work.
"Duke Sable," Isolde began, her voice steady but tinged with urgency. "I must speak with you about what I've discovered in the family library."
The Duke glanced up from his desk, his expression guarded. "What is it, Isolde?" he inquired, sensing the gravity of her tone.
Isolde took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. "I've come across information regarding the ancient black dragon, father," she explained. "I believe there is more to its story than we've been led to believe."
A shadow passed over the Duke's features at the mention of the forbidden topic. "Isolde, you must tread carefully," he cautioned, his voice stern. "The black dragon is a dangerous subject, and delving too deeply into its history could have dire consequences."
But Isolde's determination only grew stronger. "I cannot ignore the truth, father," she insisted, her eyes pleading with him to understand. "There are answers waiting for me in the imperial capital, and I must go back to uncover them."
The "uke's patience wore thin at Isolde's insistence. "You will do no such thing," he declared, his voice tinged with anger. "I forbid you from returning to the imperial capital and pursuing this reckless course of action."
But Isolde refused to back down. "Father, please," she implored, her voice desperate. "I must know the truth, no matter the cost."
The "uke's expression darkened, his temper flaring at Isolde's defiance. "You dare defy me, Isolde?" he thundered, his voice echoing through the study. "Do you not understand the danger you're putting yourself in? If you insist on pursuing this foolhardy quest, I will have no choice but to take drastic measures. I cannot let my heir take immature steps just because of impulse"
Isolde's heart sank at her father's threat, but she stood her ground, unwavering in her resolve. "I cannot stand idly by while the truth remains hidden," she declared, her voice trembling with emotion. "Even if it means risking everything, I must uncover the secrets of the black dragon."
The "uke's anger simmered beneath the surface as he delivered his final warning. "If you defy me, Isolde," he warned, his voice low and menacing, "your mother will suffer the consequences. Don't make me resort to drastic measures. I will not hesitate to kill her."
With those chilling words hanging in the air, Isolde knew that she stood at a crossroads. As she left her father's study, her mind raced with negative thoughts, her heart pounded with fear as she hurried towards her mother's chambers, her mind racing with thoughts of her father's chilling ultimatum. With each step, the weight of her father's threat hung heavy upon her shoulders, driving her onward with a sense of urgency.
As she reached her mother's door, Isolde's hand trembled slightly as she pushed it open, fearing what she might find within. But to her immense relief, she found her mother unharmed, sitting serenely by the window, her gentle smile a beacon of comfort in the midst of Isolde's turmoil.
"Mother," Isolde breathed, her voice betraying her relief as she rushed to her side, wrapping her arms around her in a tight embrace. "I was so worried… Father, he…"
Her mother's touch was a soothing balm to Isolde's frayed nerves as she gently stroked her daughter's hair, her voice calm and reassuring. "There, there, my dear," she murmured, her tone filled with maternal warmth. "Everything is alright. Your father would never harm me."
Isolde's breath caught in her throat as she looked into her mother's eyes, searching for any hint of deception or fear. But all she found was unwavering love and understanding, a silent reassurance that eased the tumult within her heart. With a deep sigh, Isolde leaned into her mother's embrace, finding solace in her presence. With the passage of time, the deep hatred towards her father only increased. Her mother was too pure for such surrounding. Isolde knew very well that her mother will never leave this hellhole just for her sake.
To be continued....