~ "When the time is right, I shall ascend to the throne, and you shall serve me, Sir Gayle. Should Isabel bear a child, be it a boy or a girl, it matters not. Your foremost duty is to protect the child at all costs. However, if the child should perish, you are to abort the mission." Princess Leticia’s voice was steady as Sir Gayle kept his head bowed, listening intently. "I shall see to it that Isabel is freed from the dungeon, and you shall take her far from the palace. You must wed her before her condition becomes apparent. If possible, win her affections to ensure her past feelings for the king do not hinder our plans." She paused, taking a step closer to the knight. "You know well that Victoria was already with child before she set foot in our kingdom. I shall not permit her to clai

