Chapter 9 - The Long Wait

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Lisa stood at the window, waiting for her love, as she did every morning since his departure for war. Things had been really tough for her at the palace, as she was not given her usual preferential treatment as the Prince's lover. She would cry herself to sleep every night, cuddling herself and hoping that the worst had not happened to him. For her, this war was a very long one.

As a servant girl, she remembered when her kingdom was attacked, and it took only seven days for her kingdom to be brought to its knees. She wondered what could be keeping him, but she had the company of his sisters, Jane and Amber, who were there to support her.

The three women would often sit together, sharing stories and memories of Richard, and hoping for his safe return. Jane and Amber tried to keep Lisa's spirits up, but it was clear that the wait was taking a toll on her. Her eyes had lost their sparkle, and her smile was now a rare sight.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a messenger arrived at the palace. "The prince has returned," he said, his face somber. "He's been brought to the palace, and the king and queen request your presence."

Lisa's heart skipped a beat. She jumped out of bed, her legs trembling with excitement and fear. She made her way to the palace, her heart racing with anticipation.

As she entered the palace, she saw Richard lying on a bed, his body bandaged and bruised. His sisters, Jane and Amber, were by his side, tears streaming down their faces. Lisa's heart broke at the sight of him, but she tried to stay strong. She approached him, tears streaming down her face, and took his hand in hers.

"Richard, my love, I'm here," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I've been waiting for you, and I'll never let you go again."

Richard opened his eyes, and a faint smile crossed his lips. "Lisa, my love," he whispered back. "I'm home. I'm finally home."

The king and queen entered the room, their faces still etched with disapproval. They knew that Richard had chosen Lisa, a slave, over Princess Luan, and they were not happy about it. But they also knew that they couldn't change his mind, and that he needed all the help he could get to recover from his injuries.

Princess Luan arrived at the palace, her face filled with concern. "I heard what happened to Richard," she said, her voice soft. "I have military training, and I thought I could be of help."

Lisa felt a pang of jealousy as Princess Luan approached Richard's bedside, but she knew that she had to share him with others who cared about him. She stepped back, allowing Princess Luan to examine Richard's wounds and tend to his needs.

As the days passed, Lisa watched as Richard slowly recovered, his body healing from the brutal wounds of war. She saw the love in his eyes, and she knew that he would always be hers, no matter what his parents or anyone else thought.

But as Richard's health improved, Lisa noticed that Princess Luan was spending more and more time by his side. She would help him with his physical therapy, and sit with him for hours, talking and laughing. Lisa felt a growing sense of unease, wondering if she was losing her place in Richard's heart.

One day, as she was walking in the gardens, Lisa saw Princess Luan and Richard walking together, their arms around each other's waists. Lisa's heart skipped a beat, and she felt a pang of jealousy. Was she losing him to the princess?

Lisa's eyes narrowed. She didn't believe the princess. She knew that Princess Luan had feelings for Richard, and she was determined to find out what was going on.

"I don't care what you say," she said, her voice firm. "I'm going to find out what's really going on."

Princess Luan sighed, and stood up. "Lisa, please," she said. "Don't do something you'll regret. Richard loves you, and he's not going to leave you for me."

But Lisa was beyond reason. She was consumed by jealousy, and she was determined to find out the truth. She stormed out of the princess's chambers, her heart racing with anger and fear.

She made her way to Richard's chambers, her mind racing with thoughts of betrayal and heartbreak. She burst into his room, her eyes scanning the space for any sign of the princess.

But Richard was alone, his eyes closed in sleep. Lisa's heart skipped a beat as she saw him, her love for him overwhelming her jealousy.

She approached him quietly, her eyes fixed on his face. She saw the love in his eyes, even in sleep, and she knew that she had been foolish to doubt him.

She sat down beside him, her hand reaching out to touch his face. He stirred, his eyes opening, and he smiled as he saw her.

"Lisa, my love," he whispered, his voice soft. "I'm so glad you're here."

Lisa's heart melted at his words, and she knew that she had been wrong to doubt him. She leaned forward, her lips brushing against his, and she knew that she would never let him go again.