ISABELLE'S POVAlan’s cheeks were still flushed and red as I broke into a soft hearty laugh, breaking through the silence and nervousness. “Relax Alan, I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” I said lightly, with a dismissive wave. “I admire your artwork and advanced skill. I was hoping you could…maybe tutor me.”Alan blinked, caught off guard by my sudden request. “Tutor you?” He echoed, raising his eyebrows. “I didn’t even know you could paint.”I shrugged, my lips tugging into a faint smile. “Painting is like a hobby to me, but I’d like to learn more from someone as talented as you,” I responded.For a moment, Alan watched me closely, narrowing his eyes, probably trying to figure out if I was actually serious. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly dropping his mug on the wooden table with a thud.“I... I’d be happy to teach you. But are you sure you want to do this? Painting takes a lot of time, patience and focus.”“I have a lot of time on my hands and I can focus,” I replied simply
ALAN’S POVA few days passed, but I couldn’t stop thinking about that strange woman. The memory of her standing up for me against the blonde woman was etched in my brain, filling me with warmth and also a hint of confusion. I just couldn't understand why she would go out of her way to protect someone like me who was well beneath her. And what troubled me most was the unexplainable attraction I felt towards her.When she was near, it felt like I couldn't control myself, like there was an invisible force leading me to her.My wolf stirred within him, a voice soft yet insistent. ‘Perhaps she is our mate.’ He hinted.I shook my head frantically, trying to push the spiralling thoughts away. It wasn’t possible. A woman like her—strong, confident, and surely from a prestigious family—couldn’t be destined for someone as lowly as him. But the possibility clung to me, igniting a dangerous hope. I couldn't help but fantasize that maybe she likes me too, and she could feel the pull.I stopped m
ISABELLE’S POVThe woman’s brother finally seemed to grasp the gravity of the situation. His face paled as rushed forward and tried to calm his sister, whispering harshly for her to stop and think. Yet, she ignored him only growing even more hysterical. She hurled insults at me, her voice echoing through the large courtroom.“You think you are untouchable just because you have a noble title!” she spat. “I know what you are, you are nothing but a spoiled brat!”I raised an eyebrow at her, unfazed by the outburst even as her brother struggled to hold her back. I turned to glance at Ryker, who now wore a dark and thunderous expression.“Enough,” Ryker snapped, his voice sharp and commanding. He signaled the guards. “Restrain this madwoman.”As the guards started slowly closing in on her, Nora fought back hard, her arms flailing wildly around her, but the guards were stronger and we'll build and quickly subdued her. Her brother glanced nervously, his eyes darting between Ryker and me, c
RYKER’S POVAs they left the confinement room, Ryker observed Isabelle’s composed demeanour. Most people, even seasoned officials, would emerge shaken from witnessing the devices designed to enforce justice. But Isabelle was different. She seemed almost... intrigued.“Lady Isabelle,” I began cautiously, my deep voice echoing slightly in the hallway. “You didn’t flinch in that room. Were you not afraid even for a single second?”She turned to me, her lips tugged in a small confident smile. “Why would I be afraid? I have never committed a crime,” she responded, holding my gaze steadily. “Really,” I muttered with a hint of amusement, a little taken aback by her straightforwardness.“In fact, the presence and existence of those tools and that room in our judicial system only reassures me. They help ensure that justice prevails and deters crime and wrongdoings.”I was stunned for a moment and utterly speechless. I had never expected such an insightful response from the princess. Most p
TRISTAN’S POVI sat in my study swirling my scotch in the glass and staring out the window. I couldn’t help but smile wryly, thinking about Isabelle's pursuit of love—or what she thought love was. She had always been dating and when she set her sights on something, she wasn't going to let go until she had exactly what she wanted. I guess General Kael’s rejection hadn’t stopped her at all; instead, she’d simply redirected her attention to Officer Ryker.“Stubborn as ever,” I muttered under my breath, shaking his head, with a dry chuckle.But my amusement was suddenly clouded by concern. Ryker was no ordinary man. He had a famous reputation for hard discipline and his rigid reverence to rules, he was a very difficult figure to impress or charm. Isabelle’s usual tricks would never work on him. And I was worried about how much she might push herself to get his attention.Later that evening, I sent out a private message to Ryker, asking him to meet me at the palace. When he arrived, his
RYKER’S POVI glanced up from my notes, and I noticed Isabelle dozing off again at her desk, my sharp gaze softening. Her head was resting against a stack of books, her breathing slow and steady. For someone who had boldly claimed she was ready to wake up early everyday to follow the schedule, she seemed very unprepared.“Lady Isabelle,” I called out firmly, but she didn’t stir, her eyes remained shut as her chest rose and fell softly.I approached her, hesitating for a moment before gently nudging her shoulder. “Wake up.” I whispered Instead of waking up, she murmured something barely audible and then turned and leaned against my arm, her head settling there as if it were the most natural thing in the world.She mumbled some inaudible words sleepily and then she was dozing off again.I froze, my body stiffened. I tried to gently pry my hand off from beneath her head without waking her. But she only snuggled closer, her soft breaths brushing against my skin.For two hours, I stood t
RYKER’S POVI 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 he
ISABELLE’S POVI turned around, only to find myself face-to-face with Beta Rowan. He had a dark scowl on his face, but his stern expression immediately softened when he saw Matilda still lying helplessly on the floor.Before I could say a single word, she scrambled off the ground and rushed towards him to stand behind his towering figure, clutching his arm and casting a wary glance back at me with an innocent expression.Rowan watched the scene with confusion, his gaze flickering between us. His frown deepened when he looked down at Matilda behind him.“What’s going on here?” Rowan asked, his deep voice filled with concern as he looked between both of us.Matilda, looked up at him with her doe-like eyes, “I-It’s nothing, really. Princess Isabelle was just... pressuring me.” she said, her voice trembling.Rowan's eyes whipped back towards me, a deep frown marrying his features. I could see the questions in his gaze, wondering who to believe.I can't believe Matilda would go as far as l
ALAN'S POVThe moment the announcement was made, a cold wave of shock hit me. I knew I was talented, I had always believed in my abilities as an artist. But the thought of the public voting, of their opinions holding such weight in the competition, was enough to make me question everything. My hands become clammy, his heart drumming in my chest. I shut my eyes tight as the public watched the paintings and chose the winner.This was it, the last moment for my dreams to come through. I took a deep breath as the hall went silent again.Master Levi's voice rang out, slicing through the ringing in my ears and my nervousness. “The winner of this year’s art competition is Artist Alan!”The applause was deafening, followed by loud cheers, the gasps of approval.It was all overwhelming for a moment.I suddenly felt the floor shift under me, my legs now unsteady as I collapsed back onto my seat. I clutched my chest, barely able to breathe. The world around me blurred for a minute as I stood up
ISABELLE’S POVI was restless in the villa, pacing my room and unable to keep still. Today was the art competition and I knew Alan would be in the heat of it right now.Not knowing what was going on there was almost driving me crazy. A knock echoed in the door and my maid walked in with a tray for my lunch.I nodded in response as she walked in and bowed. I stared at the plate for food as she set it gently on the table.But I had no appetite, not when my stomach was churning with anticipation.“I need you to go to the royal arts competition and report back to me all that's happening there,” I ordered.My maid paused on her way out of the door, her wary eyes landing on me before bowing and stepping out.I wrangled my hands in my lap as I waited for her to return. My heart was pounding loudly as I heard her footsteps on the stairs and then the knock on the door of my chambers.I tore the door open and dragged her to it. “Tell me!” I urged.“Your Highness, the competition is going smooth
KAEL’S POVThe prison was grim as I strode through the halls, impatient to be back outside under the light of the sun and away from the thick stench.Suddenly the walls went alive with the sounds of agony. Guttural screams echoed off the stone walls, each one filled with pain and begging.As a warrior and a general I had already steeled myself against such sounds, but today, these screams made me pause in my steps.It was a woman’s scream—raw and broken.I turned my head toward the direction of the noise. I had come down here just to oversee Axel’s torture and make sure he broke, but now, I was strung with curiosity that led my steps into the depths of the prison. The warden who was leading me through the walls shot me a wary glance but said nothing as he followed.As I got closer to one of the isolated cells and the sounds, the scent of rot and dampness only grew stronger in the air.The iron bars of the cell were wet with moisture, the single torch in the corridor casting shadows.
KAEL’S POVI felt a slight tremor under my skin as I strode out of the pack hospital. My conversation with Rowan played on my mind.I hope he got my message loud and clear because I wouldn't want him getting between Isabelle and me. Now that she is with me, I would like to keep her as mine.I pushed the thought back as I remembered Tristan’s last command. I need to pay the spy Axel a visit.The prison reeked of blood, sweat, and decay as the warden led me through the halls.The air hugged thick with the metallic stench of pain and suffering, and the dim torchlight in the warden's hands was hardly enough to light the long dark hallways. I strode through the narrow corridor, my boots echoing against the cold floor. The guards standing at the door of his cell gave me a salute as I waited for the warden to unlock the heavy iron door.As the gate screeched open, I stepped in leaning down to get through the low bar.Once my eyes adjusted to the low light, I saw Axel slumped against the woo
ISABELLE’S POVThe dim candle cast long shadows across the stone walls of the bathhouse, as I stared down the person standing in front of me. Her body was rigid as she took another step out of the shadows, her piercing gaze fixed on me, but I could see the slight tension in her shoulders. She was trying to hide it, but I knew.“You don’t look pleased to see me,” I said, leaning casually against the bathtub. I trailed my fingers over the marble top, looking away from him.She let out a loud exhale, crossing her arms. “I never expected you to be so bold,” she admitted. Her eyes flickered to the exposed skin, my neck down to my collarbone, “Are you not afraid that Kael will discover… us?”I let out a loud laughter. “Afraid?” I repeated, tilting my head with a sky smile. “And why would I be afraid?”She narrowed his eyes at me, and I could see her hands curl into fist. “Because if he finds out, it won’t end well for either of us.”My smirk deepened. “Oh, you misunderstand everything. Ka
ISABELLE’S POVThe morning light streamed through the tall windows of my chambers, as I stirred in the silk sheets. The heat from last night still lingered in the air. I turned with exhaustion, my movement sending tiny shocks through her muscles and my mind playing a reminder of Kael’s hands on my body, his lips tracing wet kisses along my skin.A gentle knock on the door pulled me away from the memories as I quickly sat up, pulling the sheets closer to my body.“My Lady,” my maid's soft voice called through the door.One of my maids stepped inside, a basin of warm water in her hands. Her cheeks flushed red with heat as her gaze landed on the scattered bed and my naked body was barely covered by the sheets.“What do you want?” I murmured, stretching my hands over my head lazily.She quickly averted her gaze, setting the basin down on a nearby table. “General Kael tended to you this morning,” she said. “He cleaned your wounds and ensured you were comfortable before leaving.”My lips
KAEL’S POVI could feel the light of dawn seeping through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the princess's chambers. I stirred awake, my body still warm from the lingering heat of the Isabelle sprawled beside me.I looked down at Isabelle, lying asleep against me, her dark lashes resting against her cheeks, and her breathing slow and even. Something tightened in my chest from the sight of her, so calm and vulnerable in her sleep.For a moment, I just watched her, memorizing every detail and feature of her face. The way her lips were slightly parted, the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the faint bruises along her collarbone. I reached out without thinking, my fingers trailing over her skin, before pulling back. I carefully pulled the blanket up, making sure she was well covered.I wanted to stay. But I couldn't.I quietly slipped out of bed, slowly shrugged my clothes back on and cast one last glance at Isabelle before I left.Once I was fully dressed, I slipped through th
ISABELLE’S POVThe warm steam hung in the air, wrapping me in heat as I leaned against the edge of the bath. Kael stood across from me, his body stiff and his shoulders tense as if he wanted to run away at any moment. I smirked at his obvious discomfort, finding his hesitation cute."You look like you're preparing for battle, General." I teased, lazily running my fingers across the water.Kael let out a sharp breath. "I don't think we should be doing this, princess." He whispered I raised an eyebrow, my eyes shining with amusement. "And yet, here you are."He hesitated for a moment then he shook his head with a defeated chuckle. "You’re relentless.""I would prefer you use the term determined."He laughed his chest rumbling with the low sound and I used the moment to move closer to him, As I closed the distance between us, Kael tensed slightly but still, he didn't pull away. I suddenly turned around, slowly prying the straps of my dress over my shoulder.He let out a gasp, but coul
ISABELLE’S POVThe air between us was heavy with tension as I stood over Axel with a sly smile. “You need to start talking right now,” I muttered.He looked up at me, his body shaking with rage. I could see he desperately wanted to hurt me, raising his hands towards me with force but the chains held him back.His face was pale from blood loss, but his eyes were locked on mine, flashing with warning and danger.“You think you can endure this, don’t you?” I murmured, “you really think I would let you die so easily and escape your punishment for your crimes?”“There's nothing you can do to make you tell you anything.” He snarled.I chuckled, a low sound that echoed through the room. “You are telling me everything you know.” I was warned.He smirked, but I could see his eyes falter when I pulled out the same poisoned arrow he fired and tried to use to assassinate me.The tip was still stained with Rowan's blood and I didn't bother to clean it. I want him to suffer his same crimes.I trail