Chapter 39

RYKER’S POV

I stared at Isabelle in utter shock, her confident confession hanging heavy in the air between us. Her words were bold and direct, cutting through my usual stoic defences like a sharp blade.

“I’m here because of you,” she said and I couldn't get her voice out of my head.

It wasn’t just her words but the way she said them—with so much sincerity and brashness—that managed to throw me off balance. For the first time in so many years, I was not sure of how to respond.

For a man like me, used to control, logic and order, the raw emotion I could feel in her voice left me almost speechless.

My wolf growled, urging me to respond and acknowledge the feelings stirring deep within me. But I just couldn’t, I needed to leave.

I was flustered under her prying gaze, my face turning a deep shade of red that spread down my neck.

I took a step back, “I... I need to review a case file,” I blurted, stumbling over my words as I quickly retreated.

Without waiting for her reply, I spun on my heel and hurried out of the room, the door slamming shut behind me.

My heart pounded without control as I stepped out into the cool corridor, I leaned against the door frame to steady myself, running a hand through my hair and taking deep breaths.

I shook my head, trying to push the thought away. It was impossible. I had worked so hard to build a life of discipline and control. And now here I was losing control over a few words from someone as unpredictable as Princess Isabelle.

ISABELLE’S POV

I sat still at my desk, staring at the door Ryker had just walked through. The look on his face as he left haunted me, his eyes were wide as saucers at my words.

I still wasn't sure why I confessed my intentions so abruptly without even thinking. I just wanted to tell him the truth.

The way he fled it would be a miracle if he ever returned for our lessons anymore or even met with me.

I shook my head, frustration bubbling beneath my calm exterior. ‘Well, that went well.’ I muttered to my wolf. ‘I've failed this time.’

She snorted. ‘You didn’t fail. You just caught him off guard. He’s not used to being pursued.’

I let out a dry laugh at her words, I didn't believe her one bit. The way his face burned red meant much more than that.

I let out a deep sigh, resting my chin on my hand. ‘I don’t know. Maybe I was just too direct.’

‘That’s absolute nonsense,’ she snapped back. “You’ve done worse and still come out on top. Besides, there’s no harm in playing other cards. Maybe you should forget about him for now and go visit the painter, Alan.”

My eyes lit up at the suggestion. “Alan! Of course. He’s always such a sweetheart.”

I quickly decided to drop by Alan’s place. But first, I needed a good reason to show up at his door.

“I’ll get him some gifts,” I murmured to myself, already planning the things I could get him. I pushed the documents in front of me away with dismissal, shot up from the chair and breezed out of the study.

First I went back to my chambers and finally got washed up, putting on a new dress, my maids styling my golden hair to cascade down my back.

I rushed through the halls with excitement and strode through the doors to buy things for Alan.

At the supermarket, I browsed the aisles, filling my basket with skincare products and fresh fruits for Alan. I was bubbling with excitement to surprise him.

As I turned the corner of an aisle, I froze. Standing at the other end was Matilda's small figure, my former rival and Rowan's childhood friend.

She looked up from the shelf and our gazes immediately clashed and I noticed she visibly swallowed.

The air was immediately filled with heavy tension, and I eyed her not knowing whether to take the easy way out to turn around and leave or simply approach her.

But then, with a deep breath, I took a step forward.

“Matilda,” I called out softly, trying to keep my tone neutral and light.

But still, she shrank away from me, her expression tight and unreadable. “Princess Isabelle.” she greeted, averting her gaze, and looking down at her basket.

We both stood there in awkward silence for a moment before I finally mustered the courage to speak. “I... I owe you an apology. For everything that happened. I wasn’t very fair to you.”

Matilda’s eyes widened slightly, surprise flickering across her expression. “I never expected you to apologize,” she muttered.

“I just wanted to say sorry and I mean it,” I said, my voice steady. “I’ve realized some things recently, and I want to make amends. Let me pay for your items today. It’s the least I can do.” I said reaching out a hand to her

She hesitated, her guard still up. “Uhmm the…that's not necessary Princess.” she declined

Just as I parted my lips to insist, Matilda stepped backwards and accidentally tripped over a low shelf behind her.

“Watch out!” I exclaimed, dropping my basket and rushing forward. I managed to catch Matilda just in time, pulling her into my arms to steady her.

Matilda looked up at her, wide-eyed and speechless. For a moment, the air between us shifted as she tried to scramble out of my arms.

And then a voice interrupted, with a loud cough behind us.

“Well, isn’t this an unexpected sight?”

My heart stopped and I recognized that voice instantly.

I turned slowly, my grip on Matilda loosening and she rose from the ground. Standing a few feet away was none other than Rowan, his arms crossed and an unreadable expression on his face.

“Beta Rowan,” Isabelle said, my voice betraying a mix of surprise and shock.