Chapter 18

ISABELLE’S POV

My eyes were wide as I studied Alan's lean figure, I couldn't help but notice just how he had changed since our first encounter.

His once-worn appearance and tattered clothes have been replaced with a clean suit jacket, his hair clean shaven.

He flashed his teeth at me, his usual confidence radiating off him.I glanced back at the breathtaking painting and then to the whole of his stall.

“So,” I asked, gesturing at the paintings, “how did you end up here in this stall, selling art?”

He flashed me another warm smile, his gruff voice steady.

“Well, thanks to your help the last time we met. And with the money, I managed to rent this stall. It’s still small and humble, but it allows me to make a living doing something I love.”

My wolf stirred with approval and self satisfaction.

‘I knew there was something I saw in him, he's not someone easily defeated or knocked down.’ She mused.

I nodded slightly as I picked up the vibrant landscape painting I had been admiring, the strokes capturing my interest immediately I saw it. “I’ll take this one,” I said, pulling out her wallet. “How much would that be?”

But Alan grinned, shaking his head at me. “You don't need to pay a dime, you can take it as a gift. For everything you’ve done for me.”

I tilted my head in amusement, feigning exasperation. “A gift, hmm?.” I echoed with a smile

“Then I’ll take these too,” I said, selecting two more paintings from the stall that were also beautiful.

When I had chosen all three of the paintings, I reached into my purse and placed a thick stack of bills—a sum of 10,000 dollars—on the stall.

Alan’s eyes widened at the stack and then met mine and before I could turn to return to the car, he darted around the stall, and blocked my path.

“Miss,” he said firmly, “I offered the painting as a gift and even if you insist on paying, it should be at the marked price. This is far too much.” He muttered sternly,handing me back most of the money.

I chuckled, slightly amused and also admiring his strong principles.

“You’re a very persistent man Alan. But as an artist yourself you should know that art's value is determined by the one who appreciates it. To me, it’s worth every single cent I offered you”

Alan hesitated, a war raging in his mind , clearly caught between gratitude and his strong ethics.

When I realised he wasn't going to give in, an idea formed in my mind.

A spark of mischief lit my eyes as I added, “Let’s do this. If you think I’ve overpaid for your work, how about you agree to one condition—something you can’t refuse?”

Alan didn’t even flinch, his gaze trained on mine. “That’s a deal.” He responded with hesitation.

I leaned in slightly, my voice playful and light “ Well I actually haven’t decided what it would be just yet, but when I do, you have no option to back out. And don’t worry—I certainly would never ask for anything impossible.”

Alan nodded, a clear trace of curiosity flickering across his expression. “I agree, no backing out.” He said firmly.

“In the meantime as you figure it out, I'll be here most nights, so you know where to find me. You're welcome here anytime.”

I nodded in response with a small smile and left, the interaction playing in my mind as I walked away

Later, as I strolled through the bustling streets kit with stalls selling all types of things.

I was lost in the beauty of the street at nighttime, my gaze flickering through the stalls and appreciating the uniqueness.

“Miss!” A stranger called out at me, I faltered for a second, my heart skipping a beat. I broke out of my trance to see a stall owner, blocking my path and beaming with a smile.

I furrowed my brows at him, my eyes narrowing with confusion, before I could question why he was there, he held out a pair of earrings.

“Here for you.” He muttered, holding out the earrings further, his eyes lit with admiration as he stared at me.

They were a pair of coral shells made into earrings that glistened in the light. I slowly reached out and took the earring from his hands, holding them up to admire the beauty.

Most of the stall owners watching the scene began to gather, their murmurs growing louder as they admired my beauty.

I basked in the attention, my confidence swelling with each compliment. I had always known I was attractive, but spending years in the shadow of the castle and trailing Rowan with only rejection had made me miss my own allure.

I smiled to myself, a wave of warmth wrapping around me.But my daydreaming was cut short by a familiar voice laced with annoyance.

“Isabelle,” Kael said from behind her, his tone taut with frustration. “You shouldn’t be wandering off like this, not when I asked you to remain in the car.”

I whipped around to face him, closing my fist around the earrings in my palm. His gaze scanning the street as if checking for threats before they met mine, his expression softened slightly.

I crossed my arms over my chest, my chin raised with defiance, unimpressed by his tone. “ You left me there alone, and now you’re saying I can’t wander freely?” I countered.

His jaw tightened, his face flickering with a hint of regret. Without warning, he began to kneel before me, but I quickly reached out and stopped him before his knees hit the ground.

“I was wrong,” Kael admitted. “I should never have spoken to the princess in such a way.I would accept whatever punishment you deem appropriate.”

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his sincerity and apology. “ I’ll have to think about that and I've made a note of it.” I said firmly.

“But tell me—” I continued, “were you worried about me?”

Kael hesitated for a second before he nodded. “Yes, I was.”