Chapter 21

TRISTAN’S POV

I leaned back in my chair, staring at the map of the Pack’s territories spread across the desk before me.

Everything I planned came together perfectly just like I wanted. I knew all along that Kael’s younger brother was wrongfully accused, he never committed any of the crimes he was charged with.

I had known the truth about the case from the beginning but I had leaned back and allowed the situation to play out so I could determine how loyal General Kael was.

It wasn’t just a test of Kael’s investigative skills—it was the ultimate test of his family's loyalty to the pack and my reign.

A shadow of doubt had always rested on Kael’s family because of their dark history. Years ago, they had been implicated in a betrayal concerning the former ruling pack and since then their family has been under scrutiny.

Kael had passed the test and I was relieved to find that his loyalty lies with the pack, with this investigation he proved his determination and devotion to the Night Fall.

Now, with my Shallow Land Pack attacking our western borders, I intended General Kael to lead the battle and now with his loyalty out of the question, I was assured I could send him out to lead the troops.

I smirked to myself, feeling self-satisfied at the outcome. I had also made sure Rowan would accompany the mission as a monitor especially since Isabelle was involved.

By morning, the official announcement was made to the general public: General Kael would lead the troops to battle.

ISABELLE’S POV

I wasted no time after leaving the palace. I instructed the driver to take me directly to Kael’s residence.

The unease I have been feeling the past few days still gnawed at me, I didn't like feeling this way.

I bit my lip hard as the car came to a halt in front of a dark concrete bungalow. My hands were wrangled together as I stepped out, my eyes scanning the modest building.

“Are you sure this is General Kael's residence?” I asked the driver, my gaze flickering over the environment.

“Yes, Princess.” The driver responded from inside the car.

I nodded slowly, as I took a few steps towards the wooden door. I gulped hard, my heart pounding in my chest as I raised my hand to the brass knocker.

I hesitated, taking a few seconds to calm my nerves before I finally knocked. The sound seemed to echo through the house and I watched the door warily for a few seconds.

My breath hitched in my throat when it was flung open and Kael was standing right in front of me.

I faltered, my limbs frozen even when I stilled it to move. I had thought as a general he would have maids or even a butler to answer the door but I guess I was wrong.

He looked the same, except for the four o'clock shadow on his jaw. His dark eyes raked through me, and I could see a hint of surprise but he blinked and then it was gone.

“Princess Isabelle…” He said in a barely audible whisper.

I sighed deeply, I almost forgot how it felt when he said my name. The air between us heated up, his familiar scent caressing my skin.

“General Kael.” I whispered back.

Kael suddenly shook his head and the tension melted. He took a step back from the door, his eyes wide as if he was just realizing I was there.

“Princess Isabelle, what are you doing here?’

I cocked my head to the side, annoyed by his sudden change in demeanor. “I came here to see you of course,” I replied, my chin raised. “Are you going to keep me standing here all day?” I teased.

He sputtered, immediately jumping back away from the door. “I apologize for my manners, Princess. I never expected to see you here.”

I ignored his apology, breezing past him into the house. I was struck by the simplicity of Kael’s home.

My eyes darted around as I walked into his living room. It was a stark contrast to the grandeur of my villa and the palace I grew up in.

The modest stone house and the dark wooden furniture had a quiet charm, a reflection of Kael’s nature.

Keal faced me in the living room, his face a mix of surprise and guarded concern.

As he parted his lips to speak, his younger brother, Levi rushed into the room and hugged me tightly.

“Princess Isabelle!” he shouted, his tone cheerful and light.

Kael’s eyes narrowed at Levi, his stern voice cutting through the moment. “Have some respect! She is the Princess.”

Levi winced as scrambled away from me at his brother's words, his eyes filled with quilts.

But I flashed him a warm smile, waving off the scolding. “It’s fine, Levi. I prefer being treated as a friend rather than nothing more than a title.” I said shooting Kael a pointed look. “Something you should try sometimes.”

Kael stiffened at my remark but he didn't respond. Instead, he motioned for me to sit, his eyes avoiding mine. “Why are you here, Princess?”

I slowly sank into the comfy sofa, marvelling at the softness of the material on my skin, and when I opened my eyes, Kael was staring at me, his jaw ticking with impatience.

“Well I came here to claim my reward,” I announced, my tone sharp and firm.

Kael raised his brows, crossing his arms over his chest. “Reward? For what?” He questioned.

I leaned forward slightly, a teasing glint in my eyes as I shook my head. Of course, he has forgotten.

“My reward for helping with the case and your brother’s release. You wouldn’t deny me after you assured me and gave me your word, would you?”

Kael looked torn, his brows furrowing as he stared at me. I could see the wheel turning in his head, he was looking for a way out of this, but I would never let him.