Isadora was stunned by what her uncle had said. Never for once had she ever considered herself as the rightful heir of the Crescian royalty, let alone a true heir. For some odd reason, her magic was weak compared to other members of Crescian royalty. Even Gareth, who was not a Crescian royalty was stronger than her. She had even forgotten that she was the true heir of Crescia.

She had always considered Griffin as her king and never had the thought of being a leader crossed her mind. And the matter was rarely spoken about. What type of leader would she even be? One that was swayed easily by some mere handsome prince? A leader was supposed to be strong, almost emotionless when circumstances demanded. And she was nothing but a naïve little girl. How would she even lead a whole kingdom?

Griffin saw the surprise on Isadora’s face. Maybe it was not the perfect time to bring up the topic. But if not now, when then? A perfect opportunity had presented itself and he was not going to just let it slip that easily. Gaining total control over Crescia would act to his advantage. The damn court officials would never threaten to dethrone him. He had a taste of how it felt to be a king and he was not going to give up his seat yet. Not so soon.

And thinking of Isadora, she was just unfit for the position. She was just a weakling. Would she even be able to lead an army, let alone a kingdom? Her stupidity had led her to a path of love, love which was forbidden. Falling for the enemy was the last thing he had expected her to do. But she had foolishly done the impossible. This was at least going to teach her a lesson.

"You have until tomorrow to give me your reply, princess," he said reminding her of her title. She deserved to know it. "It’s either your life or your title as the true heir. The decision is yours to make, princess," he added in a flat tone that showed how serious he was. Isadora swallowed the lump in her throat at those words. The expression on her uncle’s face answered it all, and he was not going to take no for an answer. And a no meant she was as good as dead.

"Good day," he said sarcastically before sending her a staged smile that got replaced with a cold look seconds later. "I hope you’ll make a wise decision princess," he added before he walked out of the room. On his way out, he met a concerned Gareth pacing nervously outside the room. He almost ran into Griffin before he looked at him with an apologetic expression.

"I’m sorry your majesty. How did it go... with Isadora?" He asked sending a questioning look at Griffin. The king could see how concerned the guy was for Isadora and a smile curved on his face knowingly. How could he have failed to notice that? Since the moment he told Gareth about Alex’s and Isa’s relationship, he had been overly protective of Isadora to the point that he nearly disobeyed Griffin. That was enough cue for the cunning Griffin to know what was going on with him. Maybe he would use that to fuel Gareth’s anger. He knew how destructive Gareth could be when he was angry.

"Isadora is fine," he stated simply. His expression then switched to one of amusement before he questioned Gareth," Are you in love with the girl?" Gareth was taken aback by the question. What exactly was his uncle taking this conversation? Isadora was like a sister to him but... But why did he feel that way when he learnt of Alexander’s and Isadora’s relationship. Wasn’t he supposed to be happy for his ’sister’? But again, Alexander was the enemy. That was at least what he believed.

"I don’t know what you are talking about Your Majesty. Isadora is like a sister to me and that, you know better than anyone else," he added softly, not wanting to offend his uncle. Griffin chuckled darkly making Gareth a bit nervous.

"I doubt that," Griffin said. "I imagine what Alexander was doing to your so called sister when you were aimlessly loitering in Valoria. I can imagine how he pinned her on his bed every time she went to his room. And since she was his personal maid, I can only imagine..." He shook his head to show how many times Alexander must have pinned Isadora in his bed. He watched Gareth’s reaction from the corner of his eye and he could see Gareth clench his fists tightly.

"So, tell me, Gareth. Do you love my niece?" He asked, looking him in the eye. Gareth clenched his fists so hard that his knuckles hurt. The thought of Alexander pinning Isadora on the bed was too much of a burden to bear. His breath came out in shallow pants and his nose flared, his arms itching to punch on something, if not someone. Griffin was amused by the way the guy reacted. Didn’t someone ever tell him he was bad at hiding emotions.

"Yes. I do like her. And it really pains me to see her with another man," he admitted without taking a breath. Griffin’s face grew more amused now. The guy’s outburst was a sight to behold, especially coupled with the painful expression on his face. He liked the way Gareth got angry at the mere mention of Alexander’s name. His face turned serious again before he faced Gareth. Deep down, he was chuckling uncontrollably.

"Gareth. You are here, while the man who had his way with Isadora is enjoying some food or other women in a palace. How do you feel about it? Alexander used her, and you just let this slip away?" He asked, pouring gasoline to the already blazing inferno. He could see Gareth almost losing his sanity now. His face was the perfect definition of an angry man.

"I’m going to kill Alexander. I’ll bring his head to you this instant," he declared with clenched teeth. Griffin just smiled before he patted his shoulder lightly.

"Make sure you do so. I’ll be waiting," he added. Gareth nodded simply before he vanished into thin air. Griffin’s face lit with an evil smile. Everything was going as planned.