~ Isabella’s POV

As the meeting concluded, the council members rose from their seats one by one, bowing respectfully before filing out of the grand hall. The echoes of their footsteps gradually faded, leaving me alone in the vast chamber—or so I thought.

“Your Majesty,” Luscious’s deep voice broke the silence. I turned to see him lingering by the doorway, his expression unreadable but his presence commanding as always.

“Yes, Luscious?” I asked, motioning for him to speak.

“I need a moment,” he said, stepping closer. His gaze held mine, serious and searching. “It’s about Kate.”

My breath caught in my throat. Hearing her name was like reopening an old...