Roselyn looked at her mother as fear now gripped her heart. But what did she expect? Her mother to smile at her when she lied about her relationship with Alexander? She quickly averted her gaze from her mother’s unreadable expression. She didn’t know what her mother was thinking and it damned hurt her feelings. Seeing her mother hurt was the last thing she wanted but her silence was now making her nervous.

"I’m sorry mother," she blurted all the while avoiding Felista’s gaze when a soft hand landed on her cheeks. She lifted her face confused and stared at the sylphy eyes of her mother, a big contrast to her father’s blue eyes. She thought they were perfect for each other. Her father’s blue eyes gave off the feeling of a warm summer breeze while her mother’s gave that of a cold stary night. But the look on her face, was that concern?

"I understand Roselyn. But you would have told me before. It’s okay not to be loved back, you know. But the good thing is that he chose you, Roselyn. He finally chose you to be a part of him, a part of his life," She added and brought her face closer to her emotional daughter. Roselyn couldn’t take it anymore and she burst in to tears. Her mother pulled her into her embrace, the warmth emanating from her giving her a warm feeling. Roselyn had never been close with her mother. Her father was always the one to comfort her and listen to her whenever she was at rock bottom. But seems they had switched roles with his wife now.

"It’s okay," her mother said patting her back softly. But deep inside, Felista cursed her husband for having denounced their daughter. She knew how proud he was but he had clearly stepped out of the line here and he was going to face the consequences of his actions alone. She could only imagine how lonely he felt in the entire castle. It would only be a matter of time before he came looking for them, or rather, her. He would be too proud to say that he wanted Roselyn back as well so he’d use her as an excuse.

Felista also had to admit that she equally missed Henry. But the thought of him denouncing his own daughter quickly replaced the feeling and her face grew a few shades darker. Roselyn deserved better than this. Her daughter deserved to be the happiest woman in the world. And with Alexander by her side, she would achieve that. And what about her, Felista? She knew she couldn’t stay in Valoria for eternity. But one thing she was sure of, she would make her husband’s one living hell if he didn’t apologize to Roselyn and take his words back. She could not live peacefully with Roselyn being in bad terms with her own father. And she had seen it, the pain on her face whenever she mentioned about her father. It was as if she had already accepted the fate bestowed to her by the cruel world and decided to move on. That scared Felista.

*****

*Inside Isadora’s room*

Isadora stared at her uncle in disbelief. She couldn’t belief her ears. Was he really going to execute her? Fear crept into her forlorn heart when she imagined what would befall her. King Griffin had remained silent after this as he watched Isadora’s reaction. Disbelief and regret was written all over her face.

The room grew poignantly silent after this. The only sound that could be heard was that of Isadora’s ragged breath. Her heart was beating like a wild stallion and Griffin’s silence was really making her nervous. Her life now rested on his hands, it was for him to decide if she would live or not. That brought more fear into her heart especially coupled with his last statement. He had said she’d face the consequences of her actions alone. And since he was not saying anything, she took this as a room to plead for mercy, something she had never done in her entire life. And it was awkward because she would plead to her uncle.

"Uncle? I know that I have committed a grave mistake but I promise this won’t happen again. Please give me another chance and I promise to deliver Alexander’s head to you overnight," she said. Did I sound desperate or awkward? She asked herself. She searched for Griffin’s face and saw a hint of reluctance in it. Oh no! She was as good as dead!

Griffin turned around to face his niece. He let his gaze sweep on her body and he had to admit that she was indeed a beauty. No wonder Alexander had fallen head over heels with her. He had watched as Isadora grew, from a toddler to the woman that she is now. But since the moment she stepped in Valoria, she had changed drastically. This Isadora was no longer the Isadora he had trained her to be. The Isadora he knew was a strong woman who could not be swayed easily by a mere thing as love. But as they say, love is the strongest of the weapons.

But would he really give her a second chance. He gazed into her eyes and saw the determination in them. Would she really kill the person she had fell in love with? That would be the hardest of tasks one would be given. Still, he didn’t want to kill her, yet. And now that he thought of it, this was the perfect opportunity for him to get what he desired most. To have absolute authority over the Crescian bloodline. And Isadora was the only person who stood on his way. And now that she had come of age, it wouldn’t take long before the succession matter was brought by the court officials. Those damned grumps always kept track of everything. Although the matter had been hushed for years, Griffin knew it was only a matter of time before the burning topic of the true heir of Crescia sprouted up.

"I’ll give you a second chance but you have to do one thing," he said. Isadora’s face lit with hope as she stared at him in a questioning look. Griffin let out a sigh before he spilled the beans.

"I want you to revoke your right as the true heir of the Crescian throne and bestow it to me."