Chapter 77 Isabella’s suspensions
The chilly air blew in all directions as the sting of the breeze landed on Isabella's skin.
The wind was blowing with passion, as though it had an assignment to carry out.
Isabella stood in the middle of it all. She was standing in the garden, having asked to be left alone.
She needed her own me time, away from the noise, the gossip and the battle preparations.
Actually, she needed to think. It was getting overwhelming and what better place to do her thinking than the garden?
She'd realised that the garden was her own safe space, where she could lie and speak her thoughts out unfiltered without judgement.
But now, as she stood in the garden, Isabella felt none of that peace that the garden normally offered her. Instead, he'd heart was burdened, a deep pit settling in her stomach.
Isabella shut her eyes as she tried to calm her beating heart.
Something was wrong and she could feel it, even though she couldn't exactly point it out.
She placed a hand on her chest, feeling the bond. It was alive and humming, which meant that Lucien was alive.
She was sure he was somewhere in the palace. Her heart longed for him.
Isabella shook her head with force to take thoughts of Lucien out of her head.
Her mind wandered to Elias. The little kid was alone in his quarters, cared for by Betty.
Isabella knew she could trust Betty with her life, but right now, her heart wasn't settled.
Grabbing her gown, she made a beeline for Elias's room. With each step she took, she muttered prayers under her breath that the boy would be safe, her pace faster than it had ever been.
Within seconds, she'd appeared at his doorstep. She could hear giggles from within the room.
Sighing, she pushed the door open and stepped in.
“Mommy,” Elias squealed, jumping out of the bed to hug her in excitement.
She grabbed the little boy tighter, pulling him into her embrace, sniffing his hair.
“Are you okay?” Elias whispered into her ear.
Isabella sniffed as she released him gently. His question made her heart flutter. “I am. Mommy has been missing you and just thought to come check on you.”
He peered into her eyes. “Mommy sure has a way of showing that.” He cocked his head sideways, glancing at Betty. “She cries when she misses Daddy or me.”
Betty stifled a laugh as she bobbed her head at Isabella.
Isabella looked around. “Prepared for bed already?”
Elias nodded excitedly. “Betty is reading me a story.”
“And let me guess,” Isabella smiled wryly. “The story of the Kangaroo?”
Elias jumped up, elated. “How did you know that?”
Isabella shrugged. “Mommy has superpowers,” Yet, within her, she snorted. The story of the Kangaroo was Elias’s favourite story. He could not go past two days without listening to it.
“I know that now,” he muttered, frowning as if in deep thought.
Isabella looked around, turning her attention to Betty. “I would love for Elias to sleep in my quarters till this is over.”
Betty nodded, understanding crossing her features. “I'll pack his bag, Ms Thorne. He can go with you.”
Isabella sighed with relief. She was glad Betty had not objected. Although she knew there was nothing Betty could do.
During the sprint to Elias's room, she'd made up her mind to take him back to her quarters. He was going to be better off with her.
She crouched, meeting his height. “You don't mind staying with Mommy till this is over, do you?”
Elias frowned, enveloped in his thought. “I still get to play my games?”
Isabella chuckled. Of course, he was going to bring that option.
“With supervision, yes, you do.”
“Then I will.” He said with a smile.
Isabella high-fived him as she stood up to her full height. “Now, how about we go have a Mommy and son time,” she teased as she led him out of the room, Betty on their heel.
Elias chatted as they walked. Isabella hummed where necessary, he'd thoughts wandering.
Now, that she'd secured Elias close to her, her mind still hadn't settled.
Something was missing. She turned back at Betty.
“I think I forgot something in the garden, Betty. Why don't you take Elias to the quarters? I'll meet up with you in some minutes.”
Without waiting for a response, she placed a quick kiss on Elias's forehead as she began to walk hurriedly to the garden.
The wind was blowing wildly, making a certain noise as if leading her in one direction.
Isabella clenched her fingers as she followed her instincts. She had a feeling she was going to see what exactly was on the other side.
Something hit her legs and Isabella hissed loudly in pain, stopping herself from screaming in time.
It was late, and she wasn't about to draw attention to herself.
She glanced at the interruption on the floor.
It was a bottle that had been discarded in a hurry.
Isabella narrowed her eyes as she studied the contents of the bottle. She didn't need a soothsayer to tell her it was her blood.
But that wasn't all. Next to it lay a stick of matches and diesel just by the side.
Someone had been planning to set this part of the palace on fire and leave her blood as evidence.
Slowly, she picked up the fuel as she walked to the other side of the wing. She was going to leave her blood and the match.
Something fishy was going on in the palace and Isabella was no stranger to accusations.
But she knew one thing. This had not been planted by Damien. There was absolutely no need to keep on framing her when he was almost in control of the throne.
She poured the fuel away when she'd gotten to a safe space. Now, one Incident had just been averted.
Isabella contemplated whether to go back and discard it all, or return to her quarters.
She chose the latter, stilling the fear in her heart, her mind wandering to the conversation she'd had with Lucien a few days ago.
There was a mole in her circle.
Isabella chuckled at the tactics of the wind, in trying to pass its message across.
She'd been learning not to ignore her instincts and listen for natural forces like the wind and water, and she was convinced now that it was real.
Perhaps, the Moonlit blood wasn't filled with curses alone.
“My Lady?” A voice sounded behind Isabella making her jump in fear.
She turned back, ready to throw a punch.
“I'm sorry to startle you.” Mira apologised, showing her face.
“Mira,” Isabella sighed in relief.
Mira curtseyed. “Went to your quarters and was told you'd just stepped out.”
Isabella nodded. “I needed to clear my head.”
Mira sighed. “It's totally understandable, My lady. I cannot bring myself to imagine what it is you've just gone through.”
Isabella grunted. She was trying so hard to concentrate but she couldn't. An inner battle was going on within her, fighting whether to tell Mira what she'd just seen or not.
“I just wish this could be over soon.” She said instead.
“Me too,” Mira muttered, her voice shaking
Isabella looked away. When Lucien had said to trust nobody, he'd implied everyone. Mira was her best friend, and Isabella knew she wouldn't betray her, yet she could not bring herself to tell Mira what she'd just observed.
“You were looking for me?” She pointed out, seeing that Mira had kept quiet.
“Oh that,” Mira said, blushing. “It isn't something serious. I was just coming to check on you.”
Isabella’s heart warmed. “That's so nice of you, Mira. I don't think you know how much that means to me.”
Mira laughed nervously. “You're too modest, My Lady. I should be saying that instead.”
Isabella waved it away.
Now that she'd successfully averted a fire, a calm settled on her chest.
“What's the update around?” She said, suddenly in the mood for conversation.
Mira cleared her throat, a cloud settling on her face. “Still the same old news, My Lady. Perhaps, even worse.”
Isabella nodded. “The air says everything. Everyone seems gloomy.”
Mira nodded. “As expected, My Lady. They're fighting for their lives.”’
“Which is exactly why I've brought Elias in with me. I don't want to take chances.”
Mira's surprise could barely be hidden. “A…are you sure about that, My Lady?”
Isabella shrugged. “That's the best option.”
Mira nodded grudgingly. “I'd better leave you to relax then.”
Isabella nodded, stifling a yawn before chuckling. “It's in alignment.” She said, referring to the yawn.
Mira nodded, curtseying as she walked away. “Good night my lady.”
“Goodnight, Mira,” Isabella called after her, waving slightly as she watched the younger woman walk away.
In front of her, Mira exhaled as she brought out the palm she'd successfully hidden in her dress, exposing a deep gash with blood flowing out of it.