Chapter 10

ISABELLE’S POV

I was satisfied as Kael and I stepped out through the doors of Rowan's house. We have gotten the confirmation we needed: Kael’s brother was innocent of the rape and assault charge, even though the accusation of treason still loomed over him.

My wolf nudged me with a sly suggestion, ‘You need to use this opportunity to extract more from Kael. After all, you had already solved half his problem.’

I smirked coyly, feeling a surge of confidence at the chance to take control.

Whirling around to face Kael, I let out a casual sigh. “Well, I guess I have fulfilled my promise to prove your brother’s innocence—at least for the assault accusation,” I said, keeping my tone light but watching for his reaction.

Kael's head snapped towards me, his eyes meeting mine filled with confusion. “What do you mean Isabelle?” He growled.

“I mean, I'm done here. You now have evidence proving your brother is innocent of the assault charges.”

“Wait, but we agreed to honour our deal once my brother is fully exonerated. That includes clearing his name of all charges including treason,” he reminded me, his voice firm.

I studied his tight expression, feigning a pensive sigh. “Then if you want me to complete the investigation, I would need a bit more…compensation to continue, General Kael” I replied smoothly, letting my words hang heavy in the air between us.

Kael raised an eyebrow, gazing down at me, his eyes dark and stormy.

“What more compensation do you need?” He asked casually, clearly expecting me to demand something simple like money, but I had other plans.

I took a step closer, meeting his gaze head-on with a challenging glint in my eyes.

I bit my lip, leaning in, our scents mingling in the air, I whispered in his ear, my voice barely more than a whisper.

“I want more than just you posing nude for me. I want something a bit more personal.”

His body stiffened beside me, and I could hear his heart pounding wildly. “Personal…?” He echoed, his voice laced with confusion.

“I want you in my bed.” I drew it out.

I let the words linger, taking pleasure in the way his eyes bulged in surprise.

His reaction was absolutely priceless. He stiffened even more, standing speechless, and I could see his mind racing, processing my daring words.

“Think it over,” I murmured. “But if you are not interested in my compensation, I’ll just walk away.” I continued, stepping back as if to leave.

I turned and took just one step away from him, not expecting him to take the bait so quickly from his dark expression.

But a firm grip caught my wrist, pulling me back. I fell limply into his rock-hard body. Kael gazed down at me with such intensity that I thought he would burn through my clothes, and for the first time, there was a hint of vulnerability in his voice. “Fine. I agree to your…terms.” He muttered in resignation.

I froze for a second, taken aback by him agreeing so easily, though I kept my expression calm and neutral.

I never expected him to yield to me, but a smile tugged at my lips from the thrill of the small victory. This was proving to be more interesting than I ever imagined.

“Well then,” I responded, returning to Rowan’s house.

I wasted no time in resuming my interrogation of Thane and his son. Casper was still very nervous, glancing between his father and me as she hashed out all the details of the night.

“How did you even find out about the club? You’re still a minor; you couldn’t have been able to get in there alone.”

He fidgeted under my sharp gaze for a second before he responded. “Yes, I didn't get in alone. I met someone at a café… he promised he could show me around, and he knew ways to get in unnoticed. I only took Levi because… well, we were curious.”

“And this person you met at the cafe?” I pressed further. “Who is he?”

“He’s a talented writer,” Capser stammered, “he runs one of those book clubs at the café.”

I leaned back, the information running through my mind. I kept my tone neutral, asking for more details and cross-checking every part of his story to make sure he was telling the truth.

Finally, when I was satisfied, I offered Casper and his father a curt smile, rising up to leave thinking of my next step.

As I stepped outside, Rowan's footsteps echoed behind me. “Isabelle, I wasn't expecting you to come here yourself. I already planned to visit you to thank you personally.”

I brushed off his gratitude with a dismissive wave. “You don't need to go out of your way to thank me. But if you want to help, you can speak to the Emperor in Kael’s favour.” I suggested watching his reaction carefully.

Rowan hesitated, and after a long pause, he finally nodded, “I can even help further. I’ll assist with the investigation of the case.”

My first instinct was to decline, but as I opened my mouth to refuse, Kael interjected. “You should agree Isabelle, his help would be very beneficial, for my brother's case.”

I glanced between both of them and Rowan gave me a reassuring nod. “Consider me just a friend willing to help.”

After a moment’s hesitation and going over it for a second, I nodded in agreement.

“We will have a meeting at a café tomorrow at noon,” I ordered.

Without waiting for their response, they whirled around and left.

As I returned to the villa, my wolf purred in approval. ‘What happened back there?’ she asked with a smirk in her voice.

‘Just punishing someone who talks too much,’’ I responded curtly.

She pranced around with pride that I was learning how to handle people and I couldn't help the satisfied smile that tugged at my lips.

THE NEXT DAY

I groaned at the bright light shining through my eyelids and sleepily turned to face the other side of the bed.

A knock echoed on the door. “ I'm here with you for lunch, Princess.” My maid called out.

Her words barely registered in my mind for a second, before my eyes snapped open. Lunch?

I flung up from the bed, bright sunlight shining through the room, I stretched my arms over my head, covering my face with my hands as I realised it was past noon already.

I scrambled out of bed as my maid walked in with the tray.

“Good afternoon, Princess Isabelle.” She greeted me and I merely nodded in response, still feeling a little groggy. “I also want to inform you that General Kael has been waiting for you in the hall for two hours.”

My grogginess immediately disappeared as I realised I was late, I told Kael to meet me at noon and it was well past that now.

I ignored the tray and took my time getting ready, choosing my dress and arranging my hair into a bun.

When I finally descended the stairs, I spotted Kael waiting in the hall, his face void of emotions as he sat with his eyes closed, his sword resting beside him.

I approached him with a teasing smile. “Waiting long?”

He opened his eyes, shooting me a disapproving stare. “I’ve never known a woman who sleeps until noon.”

Feigning innocence, I raised a brow at him. “Does that mean you’ve had many girlfriends before?”

Kael’s face reddened as he cleared his throat. I laughed, enjoying his obvious discomfort.