Chapter 30

ISABELLE’S POV

The morning chill seeped through my cloak as I made my way back from the park gates. My mind whirling with a dozen emotions, I kept thinking about Kael's parting words, the lingering warmth of his mother's ring wrapped around my finger.

I shook my head, muttering to myself under my breath, “Oh I need a nap right now. Too many emotions for one morning.” My wolf snickered at my comment, but I ignored her.

Turning a corner near the royal gardens, I shivered from the cold wind, my thoughts interrupted by a sudden collision.

I walked into a huge body, my breath knocked out from the force. Two strong large hands steadied me, and I looked up to see the familiar face of Beta Rowan.

“Princess Isabelle,” Rowan greeted me, his tone formal but with a hint of familiarity. His sharp eyes swept over my cloak and my wind-blown hair, clearly noticing I was coming from outside.

My stomach twisted as my tongue turned sour. Why did I have to run into him of all people?

“Beta Rowan,” I replied stiffly, avoiding his dark gaze. “Sorry, I was walking without looking, I didn’t see you there.”

He raised his brow at me, his eyes also narrowing slightly. “You were at the gates earlier, weren’t you? To see someone off?”

I stumbled back, my heart skipping a beat, but I quickly composed myself. “I was—” I stammered, then glanced around us. I didn't want to be so close with him, I needed to make an excuse and leave.

“I was just on my way to see Tristan, he was expecting me. I’m late already. Excuse me.”

Without waiting for a response, I brushed past him and hurried away, her cheeks burning and my face turning red. I rushed through the garden maze, not daring to glance back to see his reaction.

When I finally burst out of the maze and in front of the huge palace doors, I finally let out a huge exhale.

The doors creaked as I pushed them open and strode through the halls into the royal chamber.

Tristan was having a conversation with one of the court's elders, their heads bent as they talked in hushed tones.

I walked in, my heavy steps echoing on the marble floor, alerting them of my presence. They lifted their heads, staring in my direction.

I gave a small nervous smile as Tristan sat at his massive oak desk. His alpha sharp eyes immediately fixed on me, his lips curling into a warm smile.

“Well, well,” Tristan began, setting down the report he’d been reading and waving off the elder. “How are you today, Isabelle?”

Even though his voice was dripping with amusement, his eyes sparkling with mischief, I still responded. “It's great.”

His eyes crinkled as he stared at me, with a knowing grin. “ Would that have to do with what I heard this morning, that you were at the city gates this morning, seeing General Kael off to war?”

I bit my lower lip, as I froze for a fraction of a second before recovering, my tone light and breezy. “What can I say? I admire a man who leads from the frontlines.”

Tristan chuckled, though his gaze remained wary. “So, I can say your attention has finally shifted from Beta Rowan to General Kael?”

My heart clenched, flashed him a sly smile, tilting my head with mock innocence. “Who I choose to admire isn’t anyone’s business but my own.”

Tristan leaned back in his chair, studying me for a moment before he finally spoke. “Isabelle, you're my sister and you know I love you. I know how you get so focused when you set your sights on someone. But let me give you a very important piece of advice, Kael told me himself that he already has someone he cares for deeply. Pursuing him when he loves another would only end in heartbreak for you.”

I took in a deep breath, tilting my head. So, Kael hasn’t told him yet…

“And what makes you think I’m interested in Kael?” I asked.

“Because,” Tristan said with a knowing smirk, “You would never wake up so early before dawn to public support for anyone without some sort of interest. Your little stunt at the gates, while the crowd watched was enough to spark rumours across the whole pack.”

I rolled my eyes, clucking my tongue. “You’re imagining things. I was merely showing the General my overwhelming support.”

“Support,” Tristan echoed, leaning forward, his eyes swimming with amusement. “Let me be very clear, Isa. Never fall for another man who already has someone in his heart. You’ll only end up hurt. Again.”

The weight of his heavy words settled heavily in the air between us.

Tristan was not wrong to be protective of me and my feelings, but he had no idea how close Kael and I had grown these past few days. He would never in the world suspect that the woman Kael planned to marry was nobody else but me.

I let out a soft giggle, waving off his concerns with a flick of my wrists. “Fine, Alpha,” I said.

His eyes only narrowed further, darkening with concern. “I'm very serious Isabelle, you need to set your sights on someone else.”

“Okay, I promise to set my sights elsewhere. Happy now?” I asked with a tilt of my head.

Tristan narrowed his eyes, suspicious slowly creeping into them. But before he could press further and make me clarify, I smoothed my velvet cloak and whipped around.

“Thank you for the advice, as always,” I whispered just as I walked out, with a dramatic flair.

I can't help but admit that Tristan’s cluelessness was almost too amusing, I had to hold back my laughter. I could only imagine his reaction when he finally discovered the woman Kael loved and wanted to marry was me.

Just the thought of the bewildered look he would have on his face sent a thrill through my veins.