Chapter 4

Isabella’s POV 

For the first few seconds, I just stood frozen in shock, staring at King Kealon like he'd just said the most abominable thing. “W-what?”

I noticed my hand was still on his chest and tried to pull it off, but his grip around my wrist tightened. If it was even still possible, he moved closer until I was sure we were sharing the same air. “It’s such a shame you don't remember me, Isa…” His breath grazed my lips, causing a tingling sensation to ripple down my spine. 

However, I kept a straight face on the outside, not wanting him to notice that the proximity between us was affecting her more than it should. “You knew me?” 

“That's a story for another day.” King Kealon simply said, then tried to walk away, but I grabbed his hand, stopping him, and in a firm tone, I demanded. “If you're not going to tell me where we met, at least tell me why you proposed a marriage between us.” 

He looked down at my hand wrapped around his wrist and I saw a small smirk spread across his face. He looked up at me. “Because I fancy you.”

I swear, my heart exploded within my ribcage. I didn't expect King Kealon to utter such a thing so bluntly. My jaw dropped as I stared at him in shock, unable to comprehend what he had just said.

Wait. Why did such words affect me? Brandon once said he loved me…and yet, he still betrayed me. Words are just stupid letters strung together, flying out of men’s mouths. They don’t mean anything. Not really.

I sharpened my gaze and opened my mouth, but before I could speak, King Kealon continued. “From the very first day I met you, I have always wanted you…”He paused, staring into my eyes like he wanted to devour me. “I could not officially come to you because I had so much work to deal with.” He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “What kind of man would I be if I could not even give the girl I fancy attention? So I decided to wait, but I soon discovered that your father was trying to get you to settle down, so I suggested he arrange something for us.” His eyes scanned me, and the expression on his face turned intoxicatingly dangerous. “But you princess, you just had to run away before I could even introduce myself to you.”

Another pause. “ I assumed you went far…to the human territory, so I went there to search for you. I never even thought of giving up and was even about to resort to dangerous measures, one you would not like to hear, and voila, I heard you’ve returned and are ready to settle down.” My body tensed as he pulled my hand closer to his chest as if he wanted to bury my hand inside, until I could feel the loud thumping of his heart. “And now that you’re here, you really think I’ll start pretending like I don't fancy you and go on to live my own life simply because you asked?”

Did the man before me study the act of seduction? Because damn, he was something else. The way he spoke, how he moved, how he stared at me…perfection. But reality soon slapped me and I realised he was a man just like Bradon and the heat in my chest disappeared. I pushed him just enough for him to move back a bit and free myself from the wall cage. “Go straight, turn right, and you’ll find the restroom,” I said sternly, then turned to leave.

“I don't want to use the restroom, I only made the excuse up as it seemed you wanted to die from boredom in the dining room.” He raked his hands through his hair and I thought he purposely did it in a way that made him look sexy. Anyways, I think we have spent enough time, so let's head back.” He voiced and with this, he walked past me and toward the dining room. 

Dinner continued, and of course, the elders were still rambling about business and royalty, and this time, I had to chirp in so my “father-in-law” wouldn't think I was some dummy. 

It was all over soon, and I couldn't help but thank the heavens. Not only were the talks so boring, but I could feel King Kealon’s intense gaze on my face most of the time. It was both annoying and strangely exciting. 

“It was such an honor having you, please let’s do this again soon.” My father said warmly as he began bidding the former King of Broodwin City and his son farewell. I was ecstatic inside and was counting down to when King Kealon and his father would leave until my father said, “ Oh my, I think it's raining heavily outside, why don't you both spend the night here?”

Before I could even process what this could mean, my father turned to me and said, “Isabella, your husband would be spending the night with you.”

“Oh King Logan, don't you think it's too sudden?” Elder Matthew, Kealon’s father, spoke, chuckling softly. 

“Of course not. They'll be getting married as soon as possible. Besides, the earlier they get used to each other, the quicker we get a grandchild.” My father said, his voice filled with excitement. 

Hearing this, I choked on my spit, but King Kealon placed his hand on my back and whispered. “Are you okay?” 

Even though I wanted to slap King Kealon’s hand off my back, I remained still as my father was staring at me and Kealon with admiration, probably thinking we were a great couple. 

I tried to change the elders' minds about us sharing a room, and of course, I failed to convince them and was forced to bring King Kealon to my room. 

“You sleep on the couch, I stay on the bed,” I uttered strictly as I began arranging my bed. 

“What couch princess?” I heard King Kealon’s voice from behind and I sharply turned around. 

I spared him an annoyed glance and then faced the place where a long couch was supposed to be and to my shock, there was no couch there!

“Father!!!”