THE KING'S POSSESSION

1: Dea

slums where Isabel lived. As she completed her daily household chores, the warm morning sun touched her pale skin a

Isabel was uneducated, she was wise enough to find joy in the simple things and never grumbled about their status in society's hierarchy. He

e understood enough to harbor a deep, personal hatred for the pain her existence had caused her mother. Yet,

voice broke through her though

el responded, looki

nkets. "I thought you were almost done. I n

ved efficiently. "I shall take care of it

shall be busy toda

of which I am unaware?" Isabel

ulder. "One of the soldiers who frequents th

abel said with a smile, knee

y. "One day, when you marry, your

h from her mother. "Mother, please. I do not wish

my gift, the reason I rise no matter how many times I fall. Do the sam

desired was a peaceful life with her mother, to give her the

cide," Teressa added playfully. "Tho

bel retorted

," Teressa said, kissing her da

chores. The courtyard where she worked was alive with the sounds of the slum

l living space, tidied up the sparse furniture, and prepared a simple meal for her mother's r

or to find Mrs. Hawthorne, their kind elde

greeted warmly. "I baked too much this

ne," Isabel replied grat

glanced around the tidy room. "You h

tra hours," Isabel explained,

eyes. "Your mother is a strong woman. And you,

the compliment.

news in the kingdom to tips on managing a household. The elderly woman's presence was comforting which

d it allowed her mind to drift. She thought about her mother's words earlier that day. The notion of marriage was foreign to her d

s the courtyard, Isabel rose to prepare for her mother's r

a stepped inside with her face weary but li

eeted warmly, taking her mother's

d busy today," Teressa said, sinkin

ed, bringing the simple fare to the table. The

heir plates, Isabel hesitated before speaking. "Mother, you spo

l of love and companionship. Marriage is one path to that. However, what I desire most

fection. "Your happiness is my greatest co