Chapter 4 Love

Now listen carefully Devon said "I am not a man to be toyed with, and I will not tolerate any disobedience or disrespect from you." Isadora stared at Devon with a look of defiance.

She refused to be intimidated by his reputation as a feared and powerful ruler. Despite her own fear, she stood tall and faced him squarely. "You cannot push me away, Devon"she said firmly.;I may be a naive princess, but I am not a fool.

I know what you think of me. You see me as a mere tribute, a pawn to be used for your own gain. But I am more than that. I am a person, with thoughts and feelings of my own.

Devon looked at her skeptically, his eyes scanning her from head to toe. Isadora felt her cheeks flush under his scrutiny, but she held her ground.

"You may be a person, Princess, he said finally, his voice low and dangerous."But you are also a tool. A tool that I intend to use to my advantage." Isadora shook her head stubbornly."I will not be used,she said.I may have been sent here against my will, but that does not mean I will bend to your every whim. I have a say in my own life, and I will not let you take that away from me.

Devon's eyes narrowed."You are in no position to make demands princess,You are in my kingdom now, and you will do as I say." Isadora took a step forward, her eyes blazing with determination.

"I may be in your kingdom, but that does not give you the right to treat me like a prisoner. I am not some object to be locked away in a tower. I am a person, and I demand to be treated as such."

Devon stared at her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he gave a short, harsh laugh."but that does not change the fact that you are here for a purpose and that purpose is to marry me, whether you like it or not"

Isadora felt a cold knot of fear in her stomach. She had heard the rumors about Devon's temper, about the way he ruled his kingdom with an iron fist. She knew that he was not a man to be trifled with. But she also knew that she could not back down now. She had to stand her ground, no matter the consequences.

"I may be here to marry you, Devon,"she said, her voice shaking slightly. "But that does not mean I have to love you. And it certainly does not mean that I have to be treated like a prisoner."

Devon raised an eyebrow. "Love?" he repeated. "Who said anything about love?" Isadora felt a flicker of hope in her chest. Had she misjudged him? Was he not as heartless as she had thought? Devon's expression softened slightly, , and Isadora felt a surge of hope. Perhaps she had gotten through to him after all.

"You are a stubborn one, Princess," he said. "But I suppose that is to be expected. Very well, I will not treat you like a prisoner. But you must understand that there are certain expectations that come with being a queen."

Isadora nodded. "I understand," she said. "But I will not let those expectations change who I am. I will be true to myself, no matter what." Devon nodded slowly. "Very well," he said. "We shall see how well you can.

Devon was lost in his thoughts. Isadora's words echoed in his mind, and he found himself unable to shake them off. He was surprised, to say the least. No woman had ever dared to talk to him that way except his past love of course , let alone a naive princess who was meant to be his tribute.

But why was he feeling so drawn to her? Was she perhaps a witch in disguise, capable of controlling people's thoughts and emotions? He quickly dismissed the thought as irrational. Isadora was too kind and innocent to be capable of such dark magic.

He had to find Fiona has soon has possible so he could get rid of this woman but how? When he couldn't remember her face ,and the blue bead he gave her back then was the only hope he had of finding her,all he remembered was their memories together.

"Devon," she said softly. "Is everything alright?" He nodded, not trusting himself to speak. Instead, he sat down beside her and took her hand in his. He felt a jolt of electricity as their skin touched, and he couldn't help but feel drawn to her.

As the night fell, Isadora and Devon retired to their chambers, ready to settle in for the night. Devon paced around the room, his hands clasped behind his back as he muttered under his breath. "I can't sleep on the same bed as you," Devon finally spoke up, breaking the silence that had settled over the room.

Isadora looked up at him, her eyes filled with confusion. "Why not?" she asked. Devon sighed,I like the bed all to myself,even though it was all lies,he still had to remain faithful to his love till he find her.

Isadora's heart sank at his words. She had been dreading this moment since she was first informed of the arranged marriage. She had hoped that she and Devon would be able to become friends, perhaps even something more, but it seemed that he wanted nothing to do with her.

"But where will I sleep then?" Isadora asked, feeling a pang of sadness in her chest. "I don't know, the servants can make up a bed for you somewhere else," Devon replied, still pacing around the room.