Isobel held her ground, watching him carefully. And, for just a moment, she picked out something new and unfamiliar in his usually confident veneer. It was almost... Doubt. Although, in what, Isobel didn't know. And that worried her. What if it was doubt in her? Doubt in her motivations and love? But she did not allow that fear to show. Marcu may be being overwhelmed by his emotions, but she could not afford to be. This needed to be executed perfectly. And, even if she couldn't persuade Marcus to leave poisonous Vivian this time, at least she'd sown the seeds of doubt. And she would continue to whisper in his ear when he was most receptive to her. And, eventually, he would be hers. This was her right, her destiny. Vivian was too caught up in emotion to be an effective queen, but Isobel was not. This was all she'd ever wanted. She wanted it much more than Vivian, who'd just slipped into this life. She didn't need it the way Isobel did. And eventually, Isobel would tumble Vivian from her throne, even if it killed her.
The mistress felt Marcus step away from her and glance away for a moment, before his eyes found hers once more. He began to wring his hands.
"I-I-," he stammered. And, for the slightest second, Isobel felt concern flush her features. It was soon banished, but her heart continued to flutter in her chest like the wings of a trapped butterfly. Marcus delved a hand into his pocket, drawing out a lighter and cigarette. He lit it, slipping it between his lips before dragging in a breath. Isobel breathed deeply and he blew smoke into the air around her, taking in its scent. She adored the smell of cigarette smoke, unlike most others. She'd frequently considered taking up the habit herself, but dismissed it for fear of ruining her looks. But right now, she wished she had that vice to fall back on in times of stress. Instead, she pulled in a lungful of the familiar, tobacco-scented air, feeling it wind through her lungs. It was comforting. Partly, because the smell of tobacco was so akin to Marcus and the time she spent with him, seducing him and teasing. That was what she truly craved in life.
"Isobel...I-I can't just leave her." Now Isobel was worried. Maybe all his concern had been with her and not Vivian? Maybe he thought her mad for suggesting such a thing. Maybe he didn't even want her at all. She took a step towards him, intending to return to seduction; a forte in which she felt completely safe.
But, instead, Marcus continued."...I mean, you are so very, very dear to me, love. But, if I divorce her, legal battles will start...I'll lose money, a lot of money. The p-pre-nups guarantee her a decent amount of cash." He paused, taking another drag on the cigarette before closing the gap between them once more. "Do...you really think she does not love me anymore?" A hand fell to her waist and unreserved concern coloured his expression.
Isobel did not answer instantly. She knew she needed to be careful about her next words. She was stood directly in front of Marcus and reached her arms up over his shoulders to loop them round his neck.
"Marcus, I cannot speak for Vivian, but... I've seen her with that 'son'..." she took a breath, preparing to weave a carefully constructed lie. "I didn't want to tell you, Marcus. But I can't stand by and watch her humiliate you. People around the mansion are already beginning to talk."
She allowed her words to hang in the air for a few moments. Isobel left one arm around his neck, and dropped the other to his cheek, brushing her fingers over his warm skin.
I saw her with Philip, in your very own bedroom. In your bed," the brunette finished softly.
Of course, she'd seen nothing of the sort. And while she didn't doubt that Vivian had had some romantic interaction with the boy since he'd arrived here, she hadn't actually seen it herself. And the servants did whisper, but they always did. But none of this was Isobel's concern. Marcus was already consumed with the idea that Vivian may no longer love him, her lie would not be scrutinised, nor would he doubt her truthfulness. After all, she was his lovely mistress.
But soon, she would be Queen.