Chapter 44

ISABELLE’S POV

The murmurs instantly ceased, and a line cleared amongst the crowd as they quickly stepped aside for me to walk past all bowing in unison.

I walked in with a tiara that accentuated my royal bearing, but as I stepped inside, I could feel Rowan's presence right behind me.

I quickened my pace, to put some distance between us, but I could still feel him trailing close behind me, his presence frustratingly too close.

I threw a sharp glance over my shoulder, my voice low but firm. “Why must you follow me everywhere?”

Rowan smirked, unfazed by my question or my demeanor. “It would be improper for me to distance myself from the princess, don’t you think?”

My wolf snickered, clearly irritated by his cockiness.

I quickened my pace, determined to shake off the rumours that my entrance with Rowan would soon spark. I could feel the eyes of the crowd boring through us, I knew they would soon start gossiping about us being back together.

I needed to escape him so I quickly strode toward the dais where Tristan sat on the throne. His expression lit up as he saw me, immediately gesturing for a servant to arrange a seat beside him.

As I took my place, I noticed Lila standing near the edge of the hall. The girl’s expression was a mixture of pure shock and gratitude as our eyes met. I gave her a small, reassuring nod and a warm smile.

“ Beta Rowan,” Tristan greeted, addressing him as he approached the dais, with a low bow. “Why didn’t you bring Matilda with you tonight?” Tristan asked glancing around the hall

Rowan, cocked his head at Tristan, his eyes narrowing, “Alpha, Matilda is neither my relative nor is she my wife. By tradition, it would be inappropriate to bring her to this celebration.” He replied respectfully, but I could see the pointed look in his eyes.

I raised an eyebrow, my lips curling into a mischievous smile. “But she could become your wife. Shouldn’t you be considering that, Beta Rowan?” I asked, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

The space around us fell into a brief, uncomfortable silence. Rowan’s jaw tightened, he parted his lips to say something but then he shut it and kept quiet.

Breaking the tension, I leaned back in my chair, flashed Rowan a smile and turned to a nearby maid, “Go fetch Matilda from Lord Rowan’s residence. This is a celebration, and the more we are, the merrier.” I said.

My wolf teased, ‘You still care about what he does, don’t you Princess?’

‘Not even a little,’ I retorted sharply, my composure unshaken.

Once the maid left to get Matilda, Tristan rose from the throne and stepped forward to address the assembled nobles and officials. His voice echoed the authority of a king, yet it was tinged with excitement.

“Tonight, we celebrate more than the turn of the new year,” he announced. “We also honour General Kael’s victory in reclaiming our lost territories from the Shallow pack. His strength and strategies have strengthened our kingdom, and he shall return to us as a hero!”

The hall erupted in cheers, glasses raised high and clinking in Kael’s honour. I stood up too and joined in, clapping, and taking a sip of wine with a bright smile but my thoughts drifted to Kael’s return. How will I face him?

The atmosphere of the banquet hall buzzed with excitement and celebrations as the banquet progressed.

And soon, the maid I had sent out for Matilda returned, leading her into the hall. Matilda walked in wearing a light pink dress, her soft, shy demeanour showing through as she witnessed the grandeur of the event, but she still held her head high as she approached the dais.

I stood as she approached, a warm smile on my face. Matilda looked like a deer caught in the headlights, her eyes wide as she sought out Rowan.

Striding down the stairs, I took her hand in mine, her face was filled with confusion as she stared at me.

Then I turned around, our hands intertwined, “Matilda, I owe you a sincere apology. I haven’t always been very kind to you in the past, and for that, I am truly sorry.”

She blinked in surprise, her lips parting to respond, but I continued. “I know I can never make it up to you but as a gesture of my goodwill, I wish to ensure your happiness. Tonight, before all these witnesses, I propose arranging your marriage to Beta Rowan.”

The hall fell into stunned silence, the crowd all turning towards us with shock and disbelief.

I gave everyone a beaming smile, my hands tightening around Matilda's. She also looked surprised, her face burning red from the sudden attention.

“Princess Isabelle...” she muttered in shock.

The grand banquet hall remained silent and calm for a few seconds and then it began buzzing with murmurs after my bold gesture to Matilda.

At first, the crowd of nobles seemed shocked by my proposition but then after a while praises for my generosity and thoughtfulness started spreading among the crowd.

And in a moment, a loud applause echoed through the hall at my unexpected act of goodwill.

“Such a kind princess,” one noblewoman whispered.

“A clever way to mend relationships,” another commented, nodding approvingly.

Soon, the nobles turned their attention to Beta Rowan and Matilda, offering their congratulations to both of them.

Rowan had a deep scowl on his face and as the applause rang out and it only deepened.

Matilda watched the scene with wide eyes, bristling with discomfort.

She could already sense Rowan's discomfort and I wasn't surprised when she stepped forward hurriedly.

“Your Highness, I’m deeply grateful for your kind intentions, but I have no desire to marry Beta Rowan.” she spat out, avoiding his eyes.

The crowd froze, their eyes narrowing with confusion and Rowan seized the moment. “And I have already informed the Alpha that I will not be marrying Matilda.” He said, his voice sharp and firm and his dark gaze locked on me, unrelenting.