Isabelle’s chest heaved with the force of her sobs, frustration and fury burning through her veins like poison. Her hands trembled as she tried to wipe away the endless tears that refused to stop, streaking her cheeks and smudging the remnants of the fine makeup she’d so carefully applied only hours before.
Her pride had taken a brutal blow, and the weight of humiliation was too much to bear.
A few hours ago, everything had been perfect, at least in her mind.
Her plan had been sharp and simple: find Prince Heiko’s quarters, wait until he was alone, and seduce him.
She was confident—always had been. No man had ever resisted her charms, not when she truly wanted something.
And this time, she wanted power, glory, and to stand beside the most fearsome royal in the land. She had seen h
