(Lina)
I stormed out of my room, my heels echoing sharply down the palace hall. Nicholas had gone too far this time, assuming he could simply move into my room, as if I'd ever let him get that close. He thought he could control me and mold me into his perfect little princess, but he had no idea who he was dealing with.
I was not some doll he could toss around at his convenience. If he could openly flirt and fuck even hint at a relationship with Lady Elara, then so could I. Marriage or not, Nicholas had no right to claim me like that.
He wanted us to act like we were together, to show the court that we were a picture-perfect couple. But if he was going to keep Lady Elara around, then I'd have someone by my side, too. Two could play at this game.
The halls were quiet as I made my way to the inner courtyard, my mind racing with the possibilities. I knew exactly who I wanted to see—a man who had always seemed to understand Isabella more than anyone else in this castle.
He was no noble, no high-born figure, but he was clever, loyal, and kind from her memory. He was also the one who'd always offered a smile or a laugh when she needed it, even in this cold, stiff place.
I'd seen the way he looked at me, respectful but intrigued, and today, I would make it clear that my interest went beyond mere friendship.
The courtyard was empty except for the usual guards on their patrols, who barely glanced my way as I passed. I made my way to the back, near the stables where I knew he'd likely be. Sure enough, as I rounded the corner, there he was—Kieran, busy repairing a broken stirrup but looking as calm and focused as ever.
When he saw me, he straightened up, a warm smile crossing his face. "Your Highness," He greeted a hint of playfulness in his voice. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
I smiled back, taking a step closer. "Kieran," I said softly, feeling my anger with Nicholas cool into something more deliberate. "I needed someone to talk to who listens."
He chuckled, brushing a stray strand of hair out of his face. "Ah, and you thought of me?" His gaze held a knowing glint, and he raised an eyebrow. "I'm honored, Your Highness."
"Kieran, I think we've known each other long enough for you to call me Isabella," I corrected, reaching out to touch his arm lightly. The way he looked at my hand, then back up at me, told me he understood. There was no need for formalities between us, not tonight.
"Isabella," He said, letting my name linger in the air. His voice was warm and inviting, and I couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement that was so different from the frustration I felt with Nicholas.
Here was someone who could be my equal, someone who didn't see Isabella as just a princess but as a woman with her desires and plans.
"So, are you here just to get away from your husband?" He asked, his tone light but his gaze sharp. Kieran never missed much, and he certainly wasn't fooled by the polite smile I tried to wear.
"Yes," I admitted, feeling relieved at being able to speak freely. "Nicholas thinks he can control me, thinks he can just…move into my room as if we're together." I shook my head, looking down for a moment. "But he doesn't know me as well as he thinks."
"No one controls you, Princess," Kieran said with a smile, a hint of admiration in his voice. "You're too strong-willed for that."
"And yet, here I am, playing the obedient wife," I muttered, crossing my arms. I was tired of pretending, of keeping up appearances while Nicholas did as he pleased. "If he thinks he can have his little flings, then maybe I should have mine."
Kieran's eyes met mine, a flash of understanding passing between us. He was silent for a moment before finally speaking, his voice low and steady. "You deserve to be happy, Isabella, to have someone by your side who cares about you."
I took a step closer, watching his reaction carefully. "And would you be that someone, Kieran?" I asked softly, the words almost a whisper. It was a bold move, but I wasn't about to hold back. Not anymore.
He held my gaze, his expression serious as he considered my words. Finally, he nodded, a slow smile forming on his lips. "I would if you wanted me to be."
The answer was simple, but it meant everything to me. He understood that this wasn't just about revenge or rebellion—this was about finding someone I could trust, someone who didn't see me as just a piece in a game.
"Kieran," I murmured, letting my hand rest on his arm a moment longer. "I think we could make this work. Nothing official, nothing binding. Just…a mutual understanding."
"A friendship," He replied, but there was a teasing edge in his voice that made my heart race. "With benefits, perhaps?"
I laughed, a genuine laugh that felt like a release. "Perhaps," I agreed, smiling up at him. "But only if you're prepared for the risks. Nicholas may be…distracted, but he's still watching."
He nodded, his expression serious. "I know. And if that's what you want, then I'm in."
It was exactly the answer I'd been hoping for. Here, finally, was someone willing to stand beside me, even if it meant risking his position in the court. He wasn't bound by noble expectations or titles, and that made him dangerous in a way that excited me.
"Good," I said, my voice calm. "Because I don't plan on backing down anytime soon."
We spent the next hour talking, laughing, and planning. Kieran told me stories about his own life outside the palace walls, and for the first time, I felt like I could breathe. Nicholas and his games faded from my mind, replaced by the warmth and ease of Kieran's company.
As the night wore on, I found myself leaning closer, our laughter giving way to quiet smiles and glances. It was risky, yes, but the thrill of it made me feel alive.
I wasn't just Isabella, the obedient princess. Here, with Kieran, I was a woman who could make her own choices, who could carve her path.
Eventually, we stood to leave, and he took my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Remember, I'm here for you," He said quietly, his voice filled with a promise that went beyond words.
"Thank you, Kieran," I replied, meaning every word. "I'll keep that in mind."
Nicholas may think he could control me, but he was wrong.
I had allies of my own now, and I wasn't afraid to use them. Kieran wasn't just an escape—he was a choice, my choice. To hell with Nicholas and anyone else who thinks that they can walk all over me and get away with it.