A surprise visitor

[+50 Loyalist Faction]

The door opened, and Emiko Nakamura stepped into the room.

Isabella couldn't contain her shriek of delight, jumping to her feet.

"Mother!"

She ran to the older woman and embraced her, burying her face in her shoulder. Emiko's arms wrapped around her, holding her tight.

"I missed you, my brave child," Emiko said, stroking her hair. "I'm sorry for coming so late." They hugged for a moment, silent and content in each other's comforting embrace.

"You're here now," Isabella said, pulling away, taking a good look at her mother. She had not seen her in person for many years. Shortly after Isabella was born, Julián grew tired of Emiko intervening against his brutal policies, and had her banished to the fringe city of Palmaria where the Reyes summer palace was located. Since then, she was only allowed to contact Isabella on special occasions, staying out of the public eye otherwise.

Isabella caressed her mother's face, feeling every new wrinkle that was not present at there last meeting. Emiko's face was a perfect oval, her features fine and delicate. Her almond-shaped eyes, framed by long, dark lashes, reminded Isabella of her own. Her lips were full, and her cheeks had a rosy flush to them. But one thing seperated mother from daughter. Emiko's skin was smooth and milky pale, in sharp contrast to Isabella's tanned olive complexion. She wore a simple white dress, the fabric clinging to her curves and draping gracefully around her body. Having married young, she was not yet 40, and her beauty was still striking.

"You've grown," Emiko said, placing her hands on Isabella's shoulders. "You look so much like your father."

"You look radiant, mother."

Emiko smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Thank you, my dear. How are you holding up?"

"I'm... fine," Isabella said, forcing a smile.

Emiko's expression turned serious, her gaze searching.

"I heard about your meeting with the cabinet."

"What did you hear?" Isabella asked, her voice cautious.

"That you are in danger, and Romero had spoke to you privately."

"How did you..."

"I still have contacts in the palace, dear. What did Romero say?"

Isabella sighed, rubbing her temples.

"That I'm powerless, and that I will need to rely on others to lead the country. That he is the only one I can turn to eventually."

Emiko's perfect brow creased, her lips pressing together in a thin line.

"He's a liar, Isabella. A snake, and not to be trusted. I never trusted him. Julián was never a good man, but Romero... He was poison. He's the reason your father turned out the way he did. Don't trust him, my dear. Please, promise me."

"I don't intend to," Isabella said, her jaw clenched. "He thinks he can scare me, but he's wrong. He won't win this. I won't let him."

Emiko looked at her, pride shining in her eyes.

"That's my girl."