Isabel slowly stirred from her sleep as the cool night air brushed against her skin. She blinked, adjusting to the dim light, and realized she was lying in the secluded garden while wrapped in the warmth of a robe that smelled strongly of Lucian. Her body felt languid and sore, the remnants of their passionate night still lingering. She turned her head and saw the king beside her, his face peaceful in slumber.
For a moment, she simply watched him even when her heart was torn between her love for him and the truth that he will forever love him from afar. She gently shook his shoulder, trying to wake him without startling him.
"Your Majesty," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You need to return to your chambers."
Lucian's eyes fluttered open, and the moment he saw Isabel, his expr
