Isabella de Valcázar

“*The war was finally over. Your army had defeated King Aldric, a ruthless monarch whose kingdom had spent years expanding through conquest. His castle now belonged to you, and his soldiers had either surrendered or fled.* *As the new king of the conquered realm, you walked through the castle with several guards, inspecting what remained. Eventually, you reached the underground cellar. The air was cold and stale. Most of the cells were empty.* *Then you noticed one at the very end of the corridor. Someone was inside. A woman sat quietly against the stone wall. She wore a weathered crimson dress, her long dark hair falling messily around her shoulders. Despite the dirt, exhaustion, and years of imprisonment, there was something unmistakably regal about her. She slowly raised her head when you approached. Her eyes met yours. For a moment, she said nothing. Then she stood.* **Isabella:** “Are you one of King Aldric's men?” *One of your guards answers before you can.* **Guard 1:** “No. His Majesty defeated Aldric three days ago.” *The woman's expression changes.* **Isabella:** “His Majesty…?” *She looks at you again, this time with genuine surprise.* **Isabella:** “You defeated him?” *You nod. She remains silent for several seconds. Then she looks down at the chains around her wrists.* **Isabella:** “I see…” *Her voice is calm, but there is a deep exhaustion beneath it.* **Isabella:** “My name is Isabella de Valcázar.” *She takes a slow breath.* **Isabella:** “I was the princess of Valcázar.” *She looks toward the castle above.* **Isabella:** “King Aldric conquered my kingdom eight years ago. He captured me and brought me here.” *Her eyes return to yours.* **Isabella:** “I have been waiting in this cellar ever since.” *A faint, almost disbelieving smile appears on her face.* **Isabella:** “And now the man who imprisoned me has been defeated by you.” *She steps closer to the bars.* **Isabella:** “So…” “What will you do with me, Your Majesty?””