The king watched as Isabel's eyes widened in shock at his decree. He had to stifle a smile as she stumbled over her words while her face paled with worry. In truth, King Lucian had no doubt about her loyalty. He was merely teasing her. There was something about her that roused a sense of delight within him, something he couldn't quite put into words.
Lucian knew Isabel wasn't a spy. He had already had her background checked thoroughly after last night's encounter. Her story checked out—she was a simple young woman from the kingdom's slums, seeking work to support her ailing mother. But her presence intrigued him in a way he hadn't felt in a long time. The way her icy blue eyes sparkled under the moonlight at the banquet had left an indelible mark on him. She was different, and that differ
