The Mountain's best kept Secret

14. An almost perfect day

(Isabella's POV)

It’s been a couple of days since Galli brought Isabella back from the village market. As soon as they arrived, she went to her room and has not left since. Sesa saw her pouting before slamming the door, so she left her be. Yet, still made her footsteps behind the door known where she left something to eat. For this, she was grateful to her, because she needed time alone to vent. Why was she this angry, and at a man she barely knew? However, after Leo returned late the same night, she heard Sesa’s scolding, “What did you do to upset her so? This time, you need to fix it!” “Why are you pushing the matter?” He asked in a low voice. “You might not yet understand why she came to us, but you soon will. Now, get your heart in order and stop being a fool!”

The next morning, the thump from Sesa’s cane passing her door, awoke her. By now, she noticed that Sesa only needed her cane when her legs hurt more than usual, after a long day. She got up, washed her face, and put on a clean dress before she made her way to the kitchen. There, she found Sesa sitting at the table rubbing her legs. “Good morning, does it hurt? I’ve yet to see you rely on your cane this early in the day.” She spoke. “Morning my dear, o you don’t have to worry about this old gal. I’ll be just fine after a cup of tea. Do you mind?” Isabella smiled and went to the fireplace to retrieve the boiling water.

“May I ask you something?” She asked, busy preparing the teacups, to what Sesa gave a nod. “Your remedies heal like none other, why not use it on yourself?” “That’s the catch, my dear; for summing the spirit of the forest, or what you might call ‘using magic’. The toll it takes on the vessel, is irreversible. But, as you might have learned, it’s a small price to pay to get what you want.” Sesa grinned. “You mean, like the fact that it was worth giving up all I know to send my friends home?” “Exactly!”

The following few days passed without excitement, as Galli didn’t come visit and she refused to acknowledge Leo’s presence. She’s done with his silly games of reeling her in and then talk badly behind her back. She has never gotten her heart broken, but hearing him say she was nothing truly felt like it shattered into a thousand pieces. However, his repeated attempts thereafter to explain himself softened her heart towards him.

“Tomorrow, I have urgent council matters to attend to. So, by the time you wake up, I’ll already be gone and only return late at night.” Sesa announced at dinner. “I don’t think it’s wise for you to go on your own. What if something happens to you on your way there or coming back?” Leo worryingly spoke. “Nonsense! I am fully capable to look out for myself. You must watch over this one instead. I heard rumours that Rogan is looking to marry.” She smirked at Leo’s shocked face. “That’s nonsense. If he were, I would have heard about it.” He scoffed. “Are you sure, because first, you’re not on speaking terms with your brother and second, you have been hiding here. So how would you have heard about it?” Sesa asked in her cheeky tone.

Isabella couldn’t help but grin at the two going at each other. “No! I’ll accompany you and that’s final.” He demanded. “Fine, then I’ll ask Galli to come and keep Isabella company. He might even show her around the village instead of being cooped up here.” Sesa lured him in. Seeing Isabella’s face lit up at hearing Galli’s name, he quickly changed his mind. “Um, that wouldn’t be necessary. Galli can accompany you tomorrow, and I’ll stay here.” He lowered his head to take another bite. Isabella awkwardly shifted and just kept her head low. ‘Did he really just change his mind out of jealousy?’ The thought made her blush, so she jumped up, thanked Sesa for dinner and hurried to her room. The two still seated chuckled at her clumsy movement to hide her burning red face.

She struggled to fall asleep, so she tossed and turned most of the night. Her heart and mind fought over control of her next move; will she stay angry or forgive him and move on? He has been treating her kindly the past few days, so she wanted to let him back in, but what if he goes back to being cold and distant? Her heart wouldn’t survive another blow. Especially not from him. As she tossed, she pondered on the feelings he awoke in her—she has never wanted another like she does Leo, yet more afraid of getting hurt. All along, was this how Travis felt about her? No wonder he couldn’t let go. Finally, she fell asleep.

The sun’s rays creeped into the room and fell on her face. “No…” She complained, sleep deprived. Sluggishly, she threw her legs off the bed and stood up. Before she got dressed, she peeped out her door to see if anyone was around. No-one, so she quietly tiptoed to the kitchen and tried to light the fire. After a few attempts, still no flames. “Aw! Come one!” She exclaimed. A low chuckle startled her, so she spun around with the lit match still in her hand.

“Leo! Goodness, you almost scared me to death!” She gasped. “Be careful, or you’ll burn the house down.” He grinned and walked towards her. To her wonder, his eyes radiated gentleness and not impatience like before. “Let me.” As he took the matches, their fingers lightly brushed and sent a shock wave through her. “Mm, the stumps are wet. Curious, because Sesa never extinguish the fire with water, but looks like she did last night.” He investigated the fireplace. “Doesn’t surprise me, though. I’m sure it’s her way of saying ‘good morning’.” She shook her head, laughing.

“Go get dressed, I will sort this out so we can have breakfast. Thereafter, I would like to take you somewhere.” He said getting busy removing the wet stumps. Suddenly, she realised she only had her thin nightgown on. Mortified that he probably saw her body’s outlines through the dress, she rushed to her room. Behind closed doors, she slowly went to sit on the bed lost in thought; ‘Did that really just happen? He wants to take me somewhere?’ Before long, her pounding heart calmed down, and she felt excitement for the first time since she arrived. She grabbed a half-length dress and threw it over her head, then tied her long blond hair into a ponytail. Satisfied with her reflection in the mirror, she returned to the kitchen. At the thought of being alone with him, every step made her heart beat wilder.

“I’m not the best cook, so porridge will have to do.” He said while stirring the pot. “I’ll make us some tea then…” “No, please don’t! We drink enough tea in this house, as it is. Water will do.” His joke made her feel at ease, so instead, she filled their cups with water. “Where were you this morning? When I woke up, no one was here.” She tried to make conversation. “I went to see if our closest neighbours had any eggs, but unfortunately, a wild cat got into the coop.” He answered. “That horrible… Did any of the chickens survive?” Her eyes gleamed with worry. “You’re too kind-hearted Isabella; worried about chickens!” He mocked before eating his porridge. She enjoyed his teasing and responded by making a funny face. “Come, take a ride with me.” He stood up after they finished.

Before long, they reached a waterfall hidden deep in the forest by horseback. Large trees leaned over the water and the area buzzed with life. From dragonflies resting on the surface to squirrels chasing each other up and down. He smiled at Isabella’s amazement, as she sat gawping at the painting in front of them. As the water fell from meters above, the sun shone exactly right that a rainbow appeared in the spray. “I never could’ve imagined that a place like this exists! It’s so beautiful, I have no words really.” She exclaimed delightedly. “A huh,” He mumbled. “You don’t agree?” She asked puzzled. “I do, it’s just that I’ve seen beauty greater than this.” He avoided her eyes, in order to hide the true meaning of his words. “Well, then you must please take me there some day.” She allowed him to help her off.

She walked to the water and bent down—so crystal clear that she could see her reflection staring back. “Thank u.” She said standing back up. “For what?” He grinned, busily trying his horse to a nearby tree. “For bringing me here. I know I’ve been a burden, but…” She paused as Leo walked over. “A burden? Why would you think that?” “Well, your short temper and because of what you said at the marketplace...” She dropped her head. “What have I said? Be specific, because I said a lot of things.”

“You said I was nothing like you mother, so I gathered…” “You thought what? That I don’t like you? It seems you gather a lot of things before understanding its content.” He stepped closer. “So tell me; how can it be a good thing to not be like her? All I’ve heard about your mother is how beautiful, kind and all around wonderful she was.” Isabella revealed what eat away at her. “You’re not my mother, for one. Look, I’m not good at all of ‘this’.” He waved his hand between them and continued, “All I’m trying to say is, that’s a good thing.” Without warning, he took her hand and place a thin golden chain in it. “My necklace! But I…” She stared at him with admiration. “I convinced the stall owner to return it. It seemed important to you, and I couldn’t let you part with it on my account.”

“I don’t know what to say, but thank u.” He cleared his throat, not knowing how to reply. “You really are bad at this! Well, I’m sure you brought me here for more than just a chat, so let’s get in!” She laughed and wiped the tear from her eye. As soon as she pulled off her dress, she ran to the water and jumped in. ‘This is crazy! I’m going crazy!’ She shouted in her mind, because new hope awoke in her when Leo handed her the necklace. Did his actions meant he cared? She dived into the chilly water to wet her hair, when suddenly, she got pulled up. “Come, lets swim to the waterfall.” He prompted, holding her hand.

For a while, she just floated and let the falling water fill her senses. If only time could stand still and trap her in this moment… For as long as she could remember, her heart felt alone and empty, and finally someone filled that void. Her soul has never been happier than when beside him. Still lost in thought, she noticed Leo tried to tell her something. “What? I can’t hear you!” She yelled over the rushing water, making it impossible. He rolled his eyes and swam to a rock nearby, to what she followed.

“I said it’s good to see you smile like that.” He grinned. “Well, since I arrived, you haven’t given me much reason to smile.” She teased. “O, but I want to.” He slowly glided his hand down her arm. Her eyes fell to his hand and then back to him. “Leo…” She whispered before Galli’s voice interrupted her. “There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” “What now!” Leo scoffed without looking away. “It’s your brother. I wouldn’t have troubled you otherwise.” Hearing Galli’s words, he closed his eyes and picked up his head and groaned, “Ok!” “Don’t worry, we can come back another day.” She tried to soften the blow. “You are too good.” He leaned his forehead on hers before leading the way back.

Only when Leo got out, she realised he was but-naked! Like an innocent child, she quickly covered her eyes, because at least she kept her underwear on. Clearly, he had no shame. And what would Galli think of them?! Again, her face burned red at the thought. Galli handed him his clothes, “What has my brother done now? And should you not be accompanying Sesa?” He asked, annoyed. “It’s Sesa that sent me to find you. Someone spotted the king crossing the border by the river. Not only that, but just three men accompanied him.” Galli told. “So not official business then. Mm, there’s only one reason he crossed there.” Leo said, now fully dressed. “That’s why I immediately came to find you.” “It’s good that you did, and I have no choice but to follow him.”

“Where are you going?” Isabella asked, to self-conscious to get out in front of the men. “My brother is on his way to meet king Sagum. I must find out why. Quickly, get out so Galli can take you back.” Leo walked to her. “Turn around, please!” She sneered at their gawking. “You got into the water while I watched. What changed?” She rolled her eyes, “What changed is that I’m wet, basically naked and Galli’s watching.” He laughed and motioned for Galli to turn around. Then she quickly got out and pulled on her dress. “Sesa told me king Sagum killed your parents. Why would your brother have business there?” “I don’t know, that is why I need to confront him.” She nodded in agreement, “But, can’t you take me back first?”

“There’s not enough time. And you need protection now more than ever. If there’s any truth to Sesa’s claims about my brother looking for a wife, all this could be a trap to lure me away.” “It makes sense, because now he found your weakness.” Galli agreed. “But we wouldn’t know until I find him.” Leo seemed deep in thought, then walked over and took her hand. “Please stay with Galli until I return. I’ll be back before you know it, princess.” He winked, then jumped on his horse and disappeared into the forest.

Without protesting, she got onto Galli’s horse and sat behind him. “Why so worried? He’ll be back sooner than you think. There’s no one more capable than him, well except me!” He tried to lift her spirits to what she only gave a half smile. “What is Leo’s weakness?” She asked on their way back to the cottage. “Really? You are asking me? I thought women were sensitive to these kinds of things.” He laughed. “You sound just like Sesa, forget I asked.” She pouted.

They remained silent the rest of the way back, but her mind couldn’t stop to worry about Leo. Her almost perfect day with him got disrupted by yet another threat. This world was so different from hers, as every day something else threatened to tear them apart. ‘What’s next? A comet, maybe dinosaurs coming to life or some evil curse that will keep them apart?’ She thought to herself. Before long they reached the edge of the village and then Sesa’s small cottage. “Thank u for bringing me back.” She smiled without emotion. “Is that a frown or smile? Either way, it’s not flattering at all.” He joked. “Ha, ha!” She pretended to laugh yet realised how what a great friend he’s became. So, she leant in and hugged him before making her way up the cottage’s steps.

“You!” Galli yelled before she went in. She paused and turned around, “What about me?” “You—you are his weakness, princess.” Galli gave her a grin before returning to the village.