Chapter 7

ISABELLE'S POV

As we rode through the streets, the low hum of the engine, the only sound in the car.

I glanced at Kael, it was obvious he was still tense, staring out the window with a furrowed brow as if lost in thought.

My wolf whispered pranced, nudging me to break through his stoic prickly exterior.

“What did you mean back there?” He asked, his voice filled with curiosity.

I leaned slightly towards his warmth, my eyes glinting with mischief.

‘You need to play hard to keep his attention solely on you.’ She suggested.

I agreed, a little mystery would keep him on his toes. “Am I beautiful?” I murmured, tilting my head and brushing my hair out of my face with a coy smile.

Kael’s face flushed a deep crimson, his body stiffening. “I… yes,” he admitted, in a mere whisper. “Yes, Princess… you are beautiful.”

Warmth bloomed inside me, my heart racing at his response. It was all meant to just be a game, or so I thought, yet his words pulled at something deep in me. My wolf hummed with approval, urging me to be more daring and play along.

‘See, Don't get tied down to one tree when you can have the whole forest.” She mused with satisfaction.

“Only beautiful?” I teased with a raised brow, sidling just a bit closer, so close that his scent and warmth charged the air between us. “Is that all?”

He visibly swallowed hard, closing his eyes for a second and drawing a deep breath before he finally spoke. “You’re… enthralling. Your eyes are the most captivating shade of blue. Your scent…” He trailed off, seemingly at a loss for words as he took a whiff of the air.

I giggled softly, placing a gentle hand on his arm feeling his warmth. “Shhhhh,” I whispered. “That's enough Kael. I didn’t mean to leave you speechless.”

The air between us crackled with electricity as we shared a moment of silence that felt heavier than anything I've shared before.

In the intimacy of the dark car, the tension shifted, drawing us even closer. “You should drop your aloof facade whenever you're with me.” I quipped with a sly smile.

My wolf was pleased with the turn of events.’Now Isabelle, If you keep following my guidance, you’ll win not just a handsome wolf but a very loyal one. Trust me.” She whispered and I subtly nodded in agreement.

I raised an eyebrow and grinned, “Well then, General Kael, perhaps you should leave your heart with me for safekeeping, at least for now?”

Kael’s face flushed red again, and he quickly turned away, muttering, “Has the princess always been this way, so daring?” He muttered under his breath.

Feigning innocence, I simply shrugged, “What way?”

But then, I decided it was finally time to discuss our investigation.

I leaned back into the leather seats, my tone turning serious. “My brother, the emperor informed me of a very important part of your brother's case that wasn't revealed earlier. He claims your brother was not only involved in an assault but got drunk and allegedly proclaimed his desire to overthrow him and claim the throne for himself.”

Kael’s face instantly drained of blood. He clenched his fists, gritting his teeth. He could barely keep his emotions in check. “My family and even my brother would never dream of betraying the Emperor,” he stated firmly, the intensity in his gaze, making it hard for me to doubt him.

The car fell silent, the tension thicker than before. I let out a deep breath, my mind a little puzzled.

Soon we arrived at our destination, a dark concrete building where prisoners were held for alleged crimes.

As we stepped out, a maid approached, bowing respectfully.

“Princess,” she began, her face filled with concern. “I don’t think a place like this suits a person of your status. It’s rather… grimy and dirty.”

I raised my chin defiantly, patting my chest. “I would like to see it for myself,” I replied.

She looked like she wanted to argue but she took a step back with a curt nod before scurrying away.

We entered the dim hallways, guided by lit torches casting flickering shadows on the dark narrow halls.

Just as we approached the inner chambers, a figure appeared in the hall— Beta Rowan.

He stood at the entrance of the prison, speaking quietly to a veiled woman.

My eyes narrowed as I stared at the woman behind him, guessing that it could be no other person than Matilda.

As my eyes met with hers, she visibly shrank back, drawing in a quick breath.

I quickly bit back my usual urge to confront her, instead I took a step back giving way for them to pass through.

Rowan bowed deeply, offering me a respectful nod. “Princess Isabelle, it’s an honour. Thank you for your help for Matilda's release. I hope to bring her along with me to your villa, where she can express her gratitude personally.”

I forced a polite smile and waved him off quickly. “That won't be necessary,” I replied with a cool smile, and Rowan, satisfied, led Matilda away.

As they departed, I noticed Kael watching me closely, an unreadable expression on his face. “So, it’s true what they say, then?” he mumbled under his breath.

“True?” I whipped my head towards him, raising an eyebrow. “What’s true?”

He merely shrugged. “Nothing, Princess.”

I parted my lips ready to press for a response, but a wave of foul air hit me from the prison corridors. I wrinkled my nose and quickened my steps, “Let’s get this over with and get out of here.” I muttered.

Finally, one of the prison wardens led us to the cell where Kael’s younger brother was held.

I peered into the cell, seeing a hunched figure lying in the corner. The figure stirred as we stood at the door of the cell and sprang to his feet, rushing to the bars. “Kael!Brother you came!”

My heart twisted at the sight—he couldn’t be more than thirteen or fourteen, yet his body was covered in dirt, his face pale and etched with fear, he was trembling, probably from laying on the cold prison floor with nothing but ragged clothes.

“Levi,” Kael called out, his voice thick with emotion. He gripped the bars so tight that it creaked in his hands . “Tell me exactly what happened.”

“I promise you, I'm innocent.” He cried.

“Then how did you get caught by the Ministry of Justice and thrown in this prison?” I asked curiously.

Levi’s gaze flicked nervously, just noticing my presence, he instantly froze, his face flushed as he took in my appearance. “I-I… forgive me, Princess, but… you’re even more beautiful than I imagined.”

Kael’s expression hardened, his veins bulging as his eyes flashed with irritation. “Levi, focus,” he growled, clearly embarrassed by his brother’s brashness. “Know your place.”

The boy shrunk back, falling to his knees. “Forgive me, Princess,” he stammered, but I grinned, enjoying the admiration.

“It’s all right,” I said, gesturing for him to stand up. “Now, tell me honestly, Levi. Were you really drunk?”

He hesitated for a second and then he nodded in admittance. “I… I did drink a little, but I don’t remember anything after.”

I nodded. “And what about the claims that you expressed your desire to kill and overthrow the emperor,” I asked sharply, watching his expression intently to see the truth.

His eyes widened, meeting his brother’s dark gaze. He sputtered in shock. “Those are lies.” He cried. “My family has always been loyal to the pack, I would never plan to kill the Emperor.”

I watched his expression for a moment, he seemed like he was telling the truth. “Tell me everything that happened,” I ordered sternly.

He scratched the back of his neck, guilt clouding his features. I leaned in, my voice soft yet commanding. “Levi, be honest. What happened that night?”

“I don’t remember anything from the night. I only recall… visiting the establishment. That’s all.” He admitted.