Chapter 49: Chapter 49

Isla headed towards the palace with the intention of conversing with the queen and discovering the next course of action.

She felt a sense of accomplishment for completing the task assigned to her by the queen flawlessly.

‘Creating these scars on my face wasn’t a waste after all.’ She said to herself as she ran her fingers through the fainting scars on her face.

*Flashback*

Isla sat outside her chamber early in the morning, contemplating different ways to disrupt Belinda's stay in their kingdom.

At that moment, she observed Yolanda and Princess Megan walking past her, engrossed in conversation while holding hands. Isla's curiosity was piqued, prompting her to inquire about their close bond.

Quickly springing to her feet, Isla stealthily trailed behind them, ensuring she remained unnoticed. They eventually made their way to the cell, leading Isla to realize that they were visiting Belinda.

Eager to gather the latest information, Isla cleverly positioned herself behind a tree, granting her a view of the cell entrance.

As she observed their movements, Megan abruptly rushed out to speak with a guard. Although Isla struggled to hear their conversation, she sensed that something had gone wrong and desired to uncover the details.

Ingeniously maneuvering to the rear of the cell room where Belinda was confined, Isla attentively listened to every discussion taking place.

Upon learning about Belinda's pregnancy, Isla's elation knew no bounds. She eagerly anticipated informing the queen that her son was responsible for it.

After confirming every detail, Isla made her way to the Queen's presence, prepared to share the information she had gathered.

*End of Flashback*

"Isla" she stated to the guards stationed outside the Queen's chamber, expressing her purpose of meeting the Queen.

"Queen Marlena, Miss Isla is here to see you," one of the guards conveyed to the Queen from the chamber entrance.

"Allow her entry," the Queen's voice reached them, prompting them to open the door for Isla. With a serene smile, Isla stepped into the chamber.

"Queen Marlena," she greeted, bowing her head as she caught sight of the Queen reclining on her bed while being attended to by her maids, who fanned her.

"Isla!" the Queen called out and sat upright. "Everyone... Leave!" She instructed her maids, and without delay, they exited the room.

"With a concerned expression, Isla inquired, 'How are you?' as she gazed at the Queen.

'What do you expect? I just discovered that monster is pregnant with my son's child. I am not okay. How could I have missed this before it escalated to such an extent?' the Queen questioned herself, filled with regret.

'It's not your fault, My Queen. No one could have anticipated this. They were adept at keeping it a secret.'

'Well, that is in the past now, Isla. Talos is sending her away from the kingdom,' she asserted.

'Really? Are we finally going to be rid of her?'

'Yes, of course. I don't care what happens to her or the baby. I simply don't want to see my son involved with someone like that. Maisie is the ideal woman for him, and I don't want that to change.'

Isla's face gradually displayed disappointment and hurt upon hearing the Queen praise Maisie.

'But Maisie isn't here anymore, My Queen. Don't you think someone else deserves him?' Isla spoke up, causing Queen Marlena to scoff.

'Someone else? I haven't come across anyone as deserving as Maisie. I will search for her and bring her back to the palace. This time, I won't hesitate with their wedding ceremony,' she responded, and Isla swallowed hard.

'I am supposed to be the one who ended up with Prince Damon,' Isla thought but dared not voice it aloud.

'I'm glad I could be of assistance, My Queen,' Isla replied, bowing her head.

'One more thing. Regarding Plan A, you did exceptionally well. I never knew you would go to such lengths, even inflicting pain upon yourself, just to make me happy,' Queen Marlena remarked, and Isla's face lit up with pride.

'I promised I would help, and I was willing to do anything, My Queen,' she replied, and Marlena nodded.

'That is truly impressive. However, no one can ever know about this, okay? No one can know that I spoke to you about Belinda at all. I believe you're clever enough to keep how the news of Belinda's pregnancy reached me a secret. Let it all appear to have unfolded on its own, understood?' Marlena cautioned, and Isla nodded.

'You can trust me, my queen,' she assured, mustering a faint smile. 'If there's nothing else, I would love to take my leave, My Queen,' she added, still feeling hurt that the Queen did not view her as a suitable partner for Prince Damon.

'I did everything to impress her,' Isla whispered to herself as she glanced at the Queen.

'You may go now,' Queen Marlena responded, and Isla made her way to the door.

'Wait!' Queen Marlena called out, causing her to halt.

'Yes, my queen,' she replied, turning to face her.

'We've been discussing Damon, and I almost forgot about Megan. What about her? Who is she with? She has never discussed it with me. I need to know. Can you help me find out?' Marlena expressed her worry.

'Yes, my queen. I will do anything to please you,' Isla responded, bowing her head once again.

'Maybe this time, she'll consider me worthy of her son. For now, I must keep Maisie away from this palace. I want the prince, and I will have him,' Isla thought determinedly.

***

Damon and Belinda strolled hand in hand as they entered the palace, brimming with joy at their newfound acceptance by the King.

Upon reaching the entrance, the maids hurried toward them, attempting to take hold of Belinda's hand, causing Damon to pull her even closer to him.

"What's happening?" he inquired, his eyes scanning their surroundings, filled with alertness.

"My Prince, the Queen has instructed us to attend to Miss Belinda. She wants us to freshen her up so that you can all dine together," the head maid of the Queen explained, and Damon looked at Belinda.

Belinda smiled and nodded, reassuring him. "I'll be fine, Prince Damon. Don't worry," she assured him, and he nodded, slowly releasing his grip on her.

"If you need anything, just call my name, alright? I'll come to you," Damon said, and Belinda happily nodded as the maids led her away.

Damon glanced at his side and noticed Mr. Theron smiling at him. Damon reciprocated with a smile and approached him.

"Thank you for your assistance, Mr. Theron," he expressed his gratitude, and Mr. Theron gave him a slight bow.

"Let's continue our conversation in the library, Damon. I'm curious to know if you have any knowledge about fatherhood," Mr. Theron suggested, playfully tapping Damon's arm as they both chuckled and turned to leave.

As Damon took the lead, Mr. Theron's smile gradually faded, and he glanced back at King Talos, who stood behind them with an impassive expression.

The King nodded slowly, and Mr. Theron averted his gaze. Deep down, he felt a pang of pain regarding what he was about to do.

He knew Damon placed trust in his father because of his involvement, and now he was about to betray that trust. 'I hope one day you can forgive me, Damon,' Mr. Theron thought sadly.