King John saw the written passages and instantly noticed Marissa’s handwriting. He couldn’t believe his eyes but as he read each entry, he knew this wasn’t a lie. Marissa had truly been a queen. He was angry at first but as he read one entry of her love for King John, his heart yearned for her in mourning. She loved him.
“I see,” King John said quietly after he had read the journal.
“Father that means Izzy is a princess. The rightful princess of King Henry,” Alex said proudly, his heart jumping crazily. He glanced at Izzy who looked at him with a smile. She pulled out the parchment that contained Annie’s letter and gave it to Alex who then explained to everyone about Annie’s deception.
“I can’t believe. A princess who would hurt her own kingdom,” Timothy said disgusted. Treyton didn’t find it at all surprising. He always knew there was something fishy about Annie especially when she had tried to entice him to come to bed with her. He scolded her before leaving the castle.
“Did the guards find her yet?” King John asked, his voice growing stronger again. No one knew his relationship with Marissa and he secretly wanted to keep it that way. He wanted Marissa’s memory for himself.
“No, they have not father but when they do, I will find the right punishment for her,” Alex said angrily. No one could ever touch or harm Izzy again and Alex promised to keep it that way.
“She will be hanged,” King John said solemnly. They all knew the consequences for betraying the throne.
“Father if the two kingdom is to be united, there is another way,” Alex said, feeling nervous. He didn’t know what Izzy’s answer would be but he was being selfish now. An answer wouldn’t matter, the kingdoms still needed to be united.
“Yes, that means Izzy will need to step into her royal duties and marry Zander,” King John said out loud the one thing no one could even utter. There was tension between the five of them until Izzy spoke up.
“I will do as it is my duty. This is all new to me but I must step in to help my kingdom,” Izzy said automatically. Even though there was no time for the news to truly settle in, she knew she had to step up. King Henry’s kingdom was looking forward to a wedding and she would give them one.
Izzy had an internal battle within her. She loved Alex and she was now sure of it. The feelings that they had shown each other proved nothing else. However, the comfortable friendly feeling of being accompanied by Treyton was also something that she had enjoyed. The comfort he brought and the attention he had showered her with made her extremely guilty. She felt like the worse person in the room. Worse than a Vauldin.
“We shall need to get everything in order,” King John said, oblivious to the decision that Izzy had to make. Timothy simply nodded, knowing that Izzy needed to make her decision by herself. He gave her an encouraging nod and an understanding went through them. Timothy would support her either way, all the way.
“You are a princess.” Treyton spoke with sorrow but he tried to enlighten his voice the best he could. “I guess I cannot court you then your Highness,” Treyton smiled sadly as he bowed into submissions.
Izzy tried to answer but only a small smile produced on her face. She grabbed his arms to make him stand back up and hugged him comfortably.
“Now, I know this is all quick but we need to unite the kingdoms and Isabelle needs to step in and marry Alex. I am sorry for everything happening quickly, Isabelle but it must be done,” King John said, again oblivious to what was happening in front of him. His mind was racing too far to the future.
Izzy and Treyton exchanged heartening glances, encouraging each other without words. They were oblivious to whatever King John was saying as they enlightened each other. We would always be strong friends no matter what, concluded Treyton, knowing that he wanted to protect Izzy now more than ever. To him, Izzy would always be his queen.
Izzy felt a huge burden lift off her as Treyton gave her an encouraging look, nodding his head and smiling at her. Izzy knew this was right. Her eyes slowly went to Alex who was looking at her the entire time. The love he shows just by staring showed her the unconditional love he portrayed to her.
Izzy knew Alex the best and Alex knew Izzy the best. They had known each other since the beginning. Since they were born. Although they might have not been on the best foot since they were kids, they always cared for each other even if they had not shown it before. Izzy knew she could trust Alex with her life because he had saved her not once but twice. Alex in response knew he could protect Izzy and had confidence in her. They smiled together and a strong connection passed through them.
“We need to schedule the wedding after all the damages are fixed!” King John exclaimed, getting excited for what he wanted for his son all this time. A strong woman by his side who will help him rule.
“The damages are being calculated as we speak, King John,” Timothy addressed, knowing his men would be done soon.
“Then a wedding is to be planned!”