Chapter 43

ISABELLE’S POV

“You think you belong here?” one of the women at the head of the circle sneered. “With such an ugly dress? Did you sew it yourself?”

The circle erupted in laughter. “Honestly, the audacity of some ugly paupers to show up to the palace New Year banquet in nothing but rags.”

My blood boiled as I watched the scene unfold.

My attention remained fixed on the group gathered near the bushes. At their centre stood a tall slender woman, with dark luscious hair, her voice sharp as she mocked a plainly dressed girl clutching a necklace.

“You dare bring this cheap trinket to a royal ball?” she sneered, yanking the necklace from her hands.

The girl in the middle held her head up high despite the humiliation and mocking. “That necklace was my mother’s. Please return it,” she asked calmly, although her voice was shaking with emotions.

The bully's lips curled into a cruel smile as she held the necklace up with one finger. “Why would I return this trash to you?” She mocked.

“Please, d..don't….” Before the girl could finish her sentence the bully turned and tossed the necklace into the snow.

“Fetch it, then, if that piece of trash means so much to you.” she spat. The girl's distraught gaze followed the necklace as it disappeared into the thick snow.

The other noblewomen all chuckled, their laughter piercing through the cold air. My wolf growled in my mind, demanding I take some kind of action.

‘This is absolute wickedness,’ I thought, watching the poor girl kneel in the snow scrambling to search for her necklace. ‘She shouldn’t have to endure this.’

But I didn’t move. Not just yet. I turned to my maid, bent my head and asked in a low voice, “Who is that woman?”

“That’s Tania Whitmore, my lady,” my maid replied. “Her father is one of the royal maquis. No one ever dares to challenge her because of her status.”

My jaw tightened. “A title and noble blood doesn’t give anyone the right to humiliate others.”

As I eyed the situation, thinking of my next move, a familiar voice spoke behind me. “What are you doing, Isabelle?”

I whipped to find Beta Rowan watching me, his piercing eyes studying me intently. “Nothing,” I replied, my tone clipped as I averted his gaze.

His expression tightened, a dark scowl appearing on his face. “That’s not true Princess?” He muttered.

I didn’t answer, instead, I turned around and returned my attention to the scene. Tania and her entourage of mean-spirited women had begun to walk away, their laughter echoing through the garden.

The girl remained on her knees, brushing through the snow frantically with trembling hands.

Finally, I pushed through the bushes and stepped forward, my heels crunching against the icy path. I could hear Rowan's footsteps following me, but I was determined to ignore him till he gave up and left me alone.

“Here,” I said, kneeling beside her and retrieving the necklace from a patch of snow where it landed. I handed it back gently with a kind smile.

“It’s beautiful. Your mother has a nice taste.” I complimented.

She looked up at me, her eyes wide with surprise. “Thank you so much, Lady?…” she slowly drawled out waiting for an introduction

I raised an eyebrow. “I’m Lady Isabelle,” I responded.

She simply nodded, clasping the necklace back around her neck. “I’m Lila Stormborn.” her voice was tiny and barely audible. “I have never seen you before.” She remarked, watching my expression closely.

My smile softened. “You know Tania Witmore had no right to treat you that way. You shouldn't let her talk to you like that, no matter her status in society.” I said my tone firm.

Lila hesitated, then lowered her gaze to her hands. “ I know, I shouldn't let her walk all over me but…” She paused and I could see her eyes were shining with unshed tears.

“But what?” I pressed softly.

“My father is a noble, but he fell from grace a few years ago when our family fell into ruin. My mother is just a mere Omega, so we’ve always been looked down upon.”

My expression instantly hardened. “Your bad circumstances do not define who you are. Remember that.”

Lila’s lips trembled as she tried to hold back tears. “Thank you, my lady. I truly appreciate it.”

I placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “You are the victim, you should never be blamed. The blame is on the bullies and the discriminators.”

After bidding Lila farewell and she walked away, I rose and brushed the snow away from my dress.

I turned to head toward the palace hall for the main celebration, only to find Beta Rowan still waiting for me.

“That was very kind of you,” he said, his tone soft and calm

I merely shrugged, trying to walk past him. “It was just the right thing to do, nothing more.”

He fell into step beside me, his gaze lingering. “You’ve changed.”

I glanced at him, my body stiffening, and my expression tight and unreadable. “I don't know what you're talking about Rowan.”

His lips twitched into a faint smile, but he didn't say more.

I quickened my pace and left him behind, my heart suddenly racing.

My wolf stirred, clearly intrigued, ‘Why is he always around lately? Could he still have feelings for you?’ She asked, her voice dripping with suspicion

The thought almost made my steps freeze. Was it possible Rowan was interested in me? My mind swirled with the unimaginable thought.

I quickly dismissed the thought with a shake of my head and a dismissive wave. “It doesn’t matter. I’m not looking back.”

I took a deep breath, swallowing hard as the double doors swung open, and the royal announcers declared, "Her Highness, Princess Isabelle!"

As I stepped into the grand banquet, the hall was buzzing with energy as nobles, all in lavish gowns and tunics shimmering under the golden chandeliers, whispering among themselves all sipping wine.