The Mountain's best kept Secret

19. Cat and mouse

(Leo’s POV)

Dusk painted the sky in hues of orange and yellow as the three returned to the cottage with Isabella fast asleep. The chill in the evening air promised winter to come soon. Sacks filled with meat, fish, and other items for Sesa’s pantry hung from their horses’ backs. It will definitely bring a smile to her face. Glancing over at Isabella’s peaceful face on Galli’s back brought a smile to his, but it quickly faded, so he jumped off and started untying the sacks. The previous night was the first time he heard that intoxicating laugh of hers ever since their trip to the waterfall. Swimming naked alongside her, he deeply fell in love with the blond maiden that accidentally fell into his world, only to learn they could never be. And so, that day proved to be the beginning of the end.

Every time he looked at her, he only felt pain and regret, because she was the only one able to lift the dark cloud from his heart. Yet she could never be his. Therefore, the dark cloud will keep thundering. She deserved more than a measly promise of love that he could not give. And this was the reason he will not let this go on. Just being in the same room, he must master all self-control to not renounce his crown and run away with her to a land where no-one recognized them. But how could he; the entire tribe depends on him to save them for his tyrant ‘brother’. No, for all their sake, he cannot allow his feelings to cloud his judgement and alter what needs to be. Although she probably can’t remember, confessing his profound feelings to her last night gave him some closure.

“Pass her over.” He reached out to Galli as he took her from behind his back. Careful not to wake her, he first held her in his arms before walking to the cottage. Her smell… He memorised every inch of her beautiful face and then, unintentionally, stroked her soft golden hair. I cannot let my guard down around you ever again, otherwise I’ll refuse to let you go. The only reason he agreed to take her along was to say goodbye. As of tomorrow, he will set his plan into motion and claim his unwanted birth right—become the king of the Stone Arrow Tribe. Once this happens, the stone curse will take effect and force them apart.

“Why not just tell her the truth?” Galli asked, witnessing him bidding his silent farewell to the sleeping Isabella, so content in his arms. “What would I achieve with the truth? Her sympathies? Then she might never let me go. No, what’s best is for her to see me as a cold-hearted man. The one whom saved her from the thorn bush has long gone. This way, she’ll come to hate me and move on with her life.” He lowered his head, placed a gentle kiss on her temple, then passed her to Galli.

“Brother, you must make me a promise.” Leo spoke with serious eyes. “Anything.” Galli replied, still holding her. “The moment they pass me the crown, she will need someone by her side. Her happiness is more important than being the one offering it -” Galli frowned, “What are you saying?” Leo dropped his eyes to her before continuing. “You must not let another man by her side. You—you must be that man.” “What? No, you cannot expect this of me!” Galli’s eyes widened and mouth dropped. “If you expect me to do that, you will not only loose a lover but also a brother.” Galli’s protest caused Isabella to wake, so he gave him a last pleading look before heading in.

All I ever wanted; I can’t have. And everything I avoided throughout my life is now my future. Leo heavily signed before following. Once he entered the little wooden cottage and smelled the freshly brewed tea, calmness washed over him. The familiar smells lured him to the kitchen, where Sesa hummed a joyful tune. “You seem happy? Something I need to know about?” He asked while leaning in the doorway. “O, my son! You’re back.” She waddled over for a hug and disappeared into the giant’s embrace. “One look at all those plump sacks, and I guess it’s safe to say your trip had been a success.” “Of course. It will fill your pantry to the brim and last all winter. How have you been, Nana?”

“Uneventful, as you might imagine. I see Galli brought in our sleeping princess. How did she cope in the wilderness? She seems exhausted.” Sesa asked, while fetching another cup. With apologetic eyes, Leo stared at the old woman he calls Nana. “I’m sorry.” His soft words made her turn around. “Huh? About what?” She warily inquired at his sudden admission of guilt. “Because I got angry and questioned your reasons for keeping the truth about Rogan from me. Since last we spoke, all I can think about is what my life could have been if I trusted you and left the past be.”