Chapter 1
At the age of eight, I suffered a head injury while saving my father, and from that moment on, I became senseless.
King Alaric III of Valderia, oversee my education.
my
father, cherished me dearly. In his affection, he appointed Lord Edmund Blackthorn, a renowned scholar and tutor, to
I fell hopelessly in love with him.
Eventually, he reluctantly became my Royal Consort, but he never touched me. His only release came in drunken fits of rage.
“I’ve spent my years in the pursuit of knowledge, only to waste my talents on you. How cruel fate can be…”
“If it weren’t for you, I would have long been united with Eleanor, as I should be. You’ve ruined my life–how I wish you were gone…”
He despised me, allowing the servants in our household to torment me at will, even permitting the lowliest maid to trample over me without
consequence.
I didn’t survive the first year of our marriage.
At what should have been a time of family unity, I was treated as little more than an animal–mocked, humiliated, forced to swallow unspeakable things until I died, my stomach distended from the cruelty.
Meanwhile, he, untouched by the world’s filth, stood proudly at her side, Eleanor in his arms, as they watched the grand display of royal festivities from the palace’s highest balcony, the glow of torches casting a soft light on their faces.
In my second life, I rejected my father’s intended marriage for me and chose to remarry another.
He wished to rise to greater heights, to soar together with her, and I, though hurt, granted it.
But he soon regretted it deeply.
“Isolde, my dear, you’ve come of age, and it’s time to consider marriage. Look at these fine gentlemen of noble blood. Do any of them appeal to you? Tell me, and I shall make it so!”
Father looked at me with affection in his eyes, his face soft and filled with the love only a father could have for his daughter.
The overwhelming, sour scent that had lingered in my mind vanished instantly. I blinked, and my thoughts cleared for the first time in years.
I had been reborn!
And I was no longer the fool I once was!
I turned my gaze toward the men my father pointed to. They quickly averted their eyes, fearful that I might look at them for too long.
Their heads lowered as they muttered among themselves.
“Princess Isolde may enjoy the king’s favor, but she is still nothing more than a child in her mind. Who would be foolish enough to marry her? The misfortune it would bring…
“Though her beauty is undeniable, there is no grace or refinement to her manner. Beauty alone holds no weight in this court.”
“Do not fret, I’ve heard she’s rarely seen without Lord Edmund Blackthorn by her side. It’s clear the position of Royal Consort will fall to him.”
The young noblemen exchanged furtive glances at Lord Edmund, who stood silently at the edge of the gathering. His face was as impassive as ever, the subtle downturn of his lips betrayed his inner discontent.
but
I smirked inwardly.
Edmund, there is no need for you to be so nervous.
This time, I will not marry you.
“Isolde, you always speak of Lord Blackthorn. Why so quiet now? Are you perhaps feeling shy?”
Under the expectant gazes of the nobles, I forced a polite smile and nodded in Edmund’s direction. “Father… he…”
Before I could finish, Father laughed heartily, his joy infectious.
“I knew it! My Isolde is in love with Edmund.”
N
The nobles let out a collective sigh of relief, but Edmund was stunned, frozen in place, a mixture of anger and disbelief written across his face. Chapter 1
But just as he prepared to step forward to thank me, I spoke calmly.
“Father, the man I admire is not Lord Blackthorn.”
“However… I wish to request a favor on his behalf…”
My words were measured and composed, and there was not a trace of the foolishness I once had.
The crowd, still unsure of what was happening, remained in nervous suspense.
Edmund’s eyes widened in shock, his disbelief evident as he stared at me in stunned silence.
Father, too, stood frozen, his excitement almost preventing him from speaking.
“Isolde… my Isolde… Did I hear you correctly?”
“Are you… well again?”
Under his hopeful gaze, I nodded firmly.
“Father, I am fully recovered. I know my condition has caused you great worry and has shamed our family. I deeply regret the years I’ve lost.”
I bowed with grace, observing the appropriate courtly etiquette. Father, overcome with emotion, stepped forward to place a hand upon my shoulder, his eyes filled with joy and relief.
Once the moment passed, the onlookers began to stir, slowly realizing what had just transpired.
The noble young men who had avoided me earlier now looked at me with new eyes, eager to make their intentions known, bowing in my direction.
I cleared my throat, regaining my composure.
“Father, I request that you arrange the marriage between Lord Blackthorn and Lady Eleanor, daughter of the Chancellor.”
Edmund’s expression darkened, confusion and suspicion clearly reflected in his eyes.
“Isolde, you’ve clearly shown affection for Lord Blackthorn. Why, then, would you ask for his marriage to another woman?”
“Father, my feelings for Lord Blackthorn are purely those of a student for a teacher. As it is, a teacher–student bond must be respected, and I would never betray that trust.”
