Chapter 6

ISABELLE'S POV

“But there is something you must know,” Tristan said just as I turned to leave the throne room. “Kael’s brother was not only accused of assault, but he also publicly declared his intent to overthrow my rule.” He continued, his tone steady.

My brows shot up as I heard the news, my heart skipping a beat.

Rebellion was the highest form of treason in the Night fall pack and was also punishable by death. My wolf bristled, sensing how serious the situation just became.

I let out a deep breath, quickly composing myself. “If this news is true,” I said firmly, “I wouldn’t hesitate to carry out the punishment for such a crime myself. No one has the right to challenge our family’s rule and go unpunished.”

Tristan’s eyes softened at my words. “We don’t have conclusive proof yet, and there are so many holes in the case that don’t sit right with me.”

My interest was instantly piqued and I took a step towards the throne. “Then let me go along with my investigation. I’ll find out the truth about this matter and fill in all the blank spaces.”

Tristan raised a brow, his eyes narrowing at me. I could see in his expression that he was very skeptical about my reputation for chasing after handsome men and not concerned about the justice of the serious matters of the pack.

I caught his look and narrowed my eyes at his doubtful expression. “Don’t judge me so harshly. Just because I appreciate his good looks doesn’t mean I lack loyalty or purpose.”

“Besides,” I teased, “ you appreciate beautiful women too and you’ve never limit yourself to one woman either, and no one in the pack seems to mind.”

Tristan rolled his eyes, shaking his head in amusement, with a deep sigh. “Fine, I’ll give you just seven days. But if this investigation goes even the slightest bit wrong…”

“It won’t, I promise.” I blurted out cutting in with excitement.

He leaned back, studying me with mild amusement. “If you're really determined to go ahead with this, that is fine by me. But you’re free to enlist the Pack’s Epsilon, Ryker, as your judicial officer for assistance. He’s competent and would help your investigation.”

I considered this for a moment but then I shook my head. Kael would be enough to keep me occupied during the investigation.

My wolf's voice echoed through my mind. ‘You are not limited to one prospect Isabelle, you need to keep your eyes out for others.’

‘One dark-eyed soldier is enough to keep us busy,’ I whispered back to her.

“Thank you, Tristan, but I'm very sure Kael and I can handle it all by ourselves.”

Tristan nodded, but then hesitated a second, his gaze meeting mine with seriousness.

“Kael might be a difficult ally,” He warned with a smirk.“He is a hardened soldier and doesn't trust easily. I don't want you to come back crying.”

I crossed my arms over my chest, raising my chin defiantly. “It’s not entirely certain who would end up crying,” I replied, flashing him a confident grin

Now that I finally had the emperor’s permission, I wasted no time. I left the throne room and made my way across the palace grounds to where Kael still stood.

He stood like a statue in the cold, his back ramrod straight, I could sense the tension in his shoulders as I approached.

“I have gotten the Emperor's approval.” I informed him.

He turned slightly towards me, his eyes glinting with surprise.“Thank you for your help,” he said, a hint of gratitude peeking through his usual icy demeanour.

“Well, you shouldn't thank me just yet,” I replied, in a playful tone. “Now, you just have to stay by my side and help me with the investigation.”

Kael’s brows furrowed in confusion. “ Isn't this a case for the official Pack’s judicial officers, why would you be handling the investigation?” He questioned.

I let out a loud scoff, trying not to let my annoyance at his doubt show. “Would you rather I drop this case? I’m the only one willing to dig into the truth for you, and you’re being ungrateful to me?”

My words seemed to hit their mark, and he instantly straightened, swallowing hard. Though his eyes were wary, he nodded, conceding to me.

“I apologise.” He mumbled and it was obvious from the way his eyes avoided mine that he wasn't a man who was used to apologising.

I could still see the obvious doubts in his eyes, and he didn't fully trust me. But it was expected, especially because of my tarnished reputation as a spoiled princess in the pack.

With my usual confidence, I nudged him forward towards the waiting car. He looked reluctant taking a few cautionary steps before he turned back to me.

“Where are we going?” He asked, with his customary frown.

“We’re going to the prison to see your brother,” I replied.

He kept walking and slid into the car, I joined him, signalling the driver to set off.

As the car engine roared alive and we started moving, I glanced sideways at Kael, noting the tension in his jaw.

“What's wrong?” I whispered, watching his expression.

He turned away from me facing the window, a dark cloud marrying his features, clenching his jaw. “I know my brother would never commit an assault or any sort of crime.”

“Perhaps,” I replied, choosing my words carefully because I didn't want to cross him. “But you may know a person’s face, but not their heart. Your brother is accused of more than just assault, Kael.” I said gravelly.

His expression turned dark, but he said nothing, his gaze fixed on the passing landscape outside the car.

I turned back to the road, tension thick in the air between us. It was impossible to miss the frustration and doubt flickering in his eyes. He didn't trust me at all.