(Nicholas)
I leaned against the doorframe, a smug smile creeping onto my face as I caught Isabella about to leave her chamber. She looked like a caged animal, and I couldn't help but feel satisfied.
"Going somewhere, darling?" I let my voice sound like I was mocking her, enjoying the way her fists clenched at her sides.
"Don't call me that," She shot back, her tone sharp. It was almost cute how she tried to assert herself as if it could change anything.
"Why not? It suits you," I replied, stepping into the room and blocking her path to the door.
I gestured to the two guards standing just outside, their presence a clear reminder of the reality she couldn't escape.
Then I closed the door so that we could have some privacy.
Isabella glared at me, her eyes narrowing with frustration. "Why are the guards here, Nicholas?"
I leaned back against the wall, crossing my arms and watching her closely. "They're here to keep an eye on you, of course. Can't have you sneaking off and causing trouble, now can we?"
She scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Trouble? Do you think I'm going to run away? I just want to know why I can't even have a moment alone in my room."
"Because I know you're thinking about it," I said, my voice was filled with irritation. "You want to fuck around with Keiran or any other man you've been eyeing. I can't allow that."
Her jaw dropped in disbelief. "I'm not some toy for you to control, Nicholas!"
"Oh, but you are," I replied, relishing the tension in the air. "This is what you signed up for. You wanted this life, and now you have to play by the rules."
She stepped closer, her voice low and fierce. "You don't get to dictate my life. I'm tired of living in a cage."
"What do you plan to do then?" I challenged, raising an eyebrow. "You think you can just leave the castle and find a way to divorce me? You're a fool if you think that's even possible."
Isabella hesitated, her expression faltering for a moment. "I'll find a way," She insisted, but her voice lacked the conviction it had moments ago.
"Go ahead and try," I said, smirking at her. "But you'll soon realize how wrong you are. You can't just walk away from this. You're tied to me indefinitely."
"Maybe I don't care!" She shot back, but I could see the flash of doubt in her eyes.
"Then what will you do?" I asked. "Run into the streets? How long do you think you'll last without my protection?"
I stepped closer, lowering my voice. "You think you have a choice, but the truth is, you don't. You'll always be part of this world, part of this family. Leaving me means leaving everything."
She opened her mouth to respond but paused, biting her lip as she considered my words.
"Do you want to gamble everything?" I asked, my voice dropping to a whisper.
Isabella's gaze fell to the floor, and for a brief moment, I thought I saw fear in her eyes.
Just then, there was a loud knock at the door, interrupting the heavy silence between us. I turned, glancing back at the guards, who exchanged worried looks.
"Stay here," I commanded, stepping away from Isabella to answer the door.
As I opened it, I caught the tense atmosphere in the room. Isabella was still watching me, her expression unreadable. I could sense the conflict within her, but I knew she wouldn't give up easily.
"What now?" I snapped at the guard outside.
"Apologies, my lord," he said, straightening up. "We received word that some of the guests have arrived for the evening gathering. They're asking to see you."
"Great," I muttered, turning back to Isabella. She was watching me closely, her eyes burning with defiance.
"Looks like you're stuck here with me for a little longer," I said, smirking. "Maybe I should invite Keiran to the party. Wouldn't want you getting bored."
"Do it," She shot back, her voice calm.
"Well then, I'll let you think about your options while I go play host," I said, taking a step back. "But don't get any ideas about leaving. You know the guards will stop you."
"Maybe," She replied, a hint of a smile forming on her lips. "But maybe I'll find a way."
As I turned to leave, I could feel her gaze burning into my back.
I stepped into the hallway, closing the door behind me.
At that moment, I realized I was playing a dangerous game, and Isabella was no longer just a pawn.
What she would do next? I had no idea. But I had a feeling I was about to find out.
I know why I was keeping her here against her will, but somewhere deep down I wanted to set her free. To leave so that I wouldn't have to see the sadness in her eyes every time she looked at me.
I knew that I didn't love her, couldn't even stand the sight of her which was one of the worst feelings I could have towards her.
It has always been Elara, but she didn't have what I wanted. If she did, then I would have married her in a heartbeat.
I was only using Isabella to get what I wanted, so I couldn't allow her to leave right now.
Maybe one day I will give her her freedom, but that's when I have everything.
My people depend on this, it's the only way for me to help them. I wanted to apologize to her countless times, to tell her that I never meant for her to get hurt.
But every time I saw her, I couldn't stop myself from hating her presence.
As I entered the main hall, I put on my best smile and greeted the guests with the warm smile that they expected from me.
I can't get rid of the feeling that she might be more clever than I lead on.