The Mountain's best kept Secret

13. Home

(Isabella’s POV)

As soon as they got back from the village, Isabella retreated to her room and that’s when all her bottled-up emotions came bursting out. She stood behind the door, shaking as she sobbed, because she could no longer maintain a brave face. Soon, her vision became blurry, so she slid down against the closed door and desperately tried to dry her face, but to no avail. In the past seventy-two-hours she fell through a rip in space, battered her entire body, lost her friends, made new allies, and almost got whipped to death. This was too much! She dropped her head in her hands, “I can’t do this! I’m just too tired…”

For the first time since they fell through the cave floor, she came down from the adrenalin high that kept her going. All at once, her body and mind threatened to collapse. While her heart wept for the life she lost, her mind found comfort in knowing she did the right thing - sacrificing herself. Before embarking on the rescue mission, Sesa promised to help save her friends, but also cautioned against using magic, as it always came at a price. She just didn’t realise how dearly it would cost her, but still it was nothing compared to her friends’ freedom. ‘I wonder what story they will tell of why I didn’t come back with them?’ The random thought crossed her mind.

A knock on the door pulled her out of her self-pity, and she quickly wiped her face with the shawl still wrapped around her shoulders. “Yes?” She stuttered. “Please join us in the kitchen. You must be dehydrated after shedding all those tears.” Sesa’s cheeky tone crept through the door that made Isabella roll her eyes. ‘The old woman’s teasing will be the end of me!’ Reluctantly, she stood up and went to the mirror. “O my!” She gasped at the wreck staring back at her. The reflection of a pale skeleton with dark circles under its eyes appeared in front of her instead of pink plump cheeks.

After splashing water she found in a wash pin over her face, she pinched her cheeks and lips to bring some colour back into them. Then she repositioned the shawl and walked to the kitchen. Her eyes instantly fell on the raw lines prominent on Leo’s muscular back when she entered the kitchen. The rugged lines cutting deep into his flesh paralyzed her. She noticed the red stained cloth lying next to him and concluded that Sesa had already disinfected the wounds. Also, the same herbal smells from when she first arrived here lingered in the kitchen. The ointment quickly healed her injuries and hopefully, it will do the same for him. She silently wept at the sight of Leo sitting lifeless with his head in his hands.

“Here you go—please apply a thick layer over his back.” Sesa handed her the bowl of herbal medication and waddled out the kitchen. Isabella could only stare at the bowl with a shame-filled heart. Again, someone had to pay the price for her foolishness; first Travis and now him. She tenderly placed a hand on his shoulder and mumbled through her sobs, “Why not allow me to endure my punishment? It was all my fault; I should’ve waited before we went looking for them. Now look at you…”

His warm hand covered hers, still resting on his shoulder. “How could I not intervene? Stand back and allow an innocent woman to receive unfair punishment? Then I would be no better than my brother.” He tiredly spoke. “O…” She reacted to Leo’s empty words. “Expected a different answer? If you just did what you were told, none of this would have happened. I’m just angry! Not only at you, but at everything.” He scolded. “I know… And I wish for you to believe how deeply I regret my decision for taking action without you.” She admitted, but he said nothing.

Their quarrying left a knot in Isabella’s stomach. She hoped possible romantic feelings made him took her place underneath the whip, but she was sorely mistaken. Embarrassed, she applied the medication in silence but could not stop her eyes from wondering over his body. Every inch of him intrigued and ignited her senses. “Are you done?” Sesa’s asked from behind. “Um, yes? Did I apply a thick enough layer?” Sesa came next to her to inspect his back. “A huh, that will have to do. You’ll be back on your feet in no time, son.” She lightly patted the back of his shoulder.

“Here are some new cloths. Please try to keep them on this time. I won’t ask you to cover yourself again, understood?” Sesa joked. As soon as Isabella took the cloths from her, king’s Rogan’s words came to mind. ‘Who do you think you are? My mother!’ “I understood you to be the king’s brother?” She cautiously asked him. “And? ‘Why would he beat his own brother like this?’ - your next question will be. Well, to make a statement.” He said irritably. “No, what I meant to ask was, then how… were you in love with his mother?” Upon hearing her words, he suddenly swung around and frowned, “What nonsense are you talking?”

Startled and confused, she searched Sesa’s face for answers, “You said the cloths belonged to Leo’s former love, but king Rogan said I wore his mother’s cloths, so I gathered…” “Sesa! Enough with your games!” Leo exploded and flew out the door. “What was that all about?” Galli came in just as Leo left, holding firewood. “O, you know him - always so serious and not fond of my word games.” She shrugged and took the pot from the fire to make tea. “No one’s fond of your word games.” He grinned and pulled up an eyebrow. “Again, you lied to me! You made me believe Leo had a former lover who’s clothes I had to parade around in. Do you even realise how awful that it?”

Galli laughed as he threw the wood down next to the fireplace. “Leo? A lover? I only hope to life and see the day he takes a wife. His mother, and grandmother of course, has been the only women he ever opened his heart to.” “You hear? I never lied about his former love.” Sesa added. “But still! You didn’t tell me the entire truth. You enjoy making me look like a fool.” Isabella pouted and sat down at the table. After experiencing his anger outbursts twice now, she understood why no woman would give him a second thought. ‘So primitive!’ She let out a sigh.

After Galli left, Sesa handed her a cup of tea, and the two of them sat sipping the hot liquid. Sesa’s expression turned serious, “Please don’t give up on my grandson. He will come around. All that doubt and fear you hide inside; he’s feeling it too.” But Isabella did not answer her, because it might just be another word trap. “You never told me about my friends. Did they reach the cave and return home?” She dreaded to ask, because deep inside, an uneasy feeling gnawed at her. “Yes, we made it. They are safe now, you don’t have to worry about them anymore.” Sesa didn’t really put her mind at ease, “Then why does my gut tell me differently?” She fiddled with the cup in her hands.

“I might not always be forthcoming, but you can trust me when I tell you they are safe. Yet, it doesn’t seem to be your friends you worry about - something else is bothering you?” Sesa changed the subject. “It nothing, don’t worry about me.” “My dear, since this is your new home, it’s my responsibility to worry about you.” She placed a hand on hers. “I’m sorry, it’s just so much to take in all at once.” A tear escaped her eye. “Tell me child, I’m an old fart, but also your Nana now.” Sesa lovingly squeezed her hand.

“I… I… It’s helpless to explain, because I can’t even make sense of my own mind.” She threw her hands in the air. “Please try?” Sesa urged. “Forgive me if I’m being cautious, but you have a way to control the conversation.” She grinned at the innocent-looking Sesa sitting across from her. “Something’s different about me—about my mind. I’m familiar with people I never met and places I never visited before.” “Why would you say so?” Sesa tried to hide her interest. Being the observer that she was, she usually shaped an opinion about one’s character, but Isabella’s admission caught her off guard.

“Well...” She leaned forward after peering back at the kitchen door. “When you stopped Leo’s lashings, you challenged king Rogan to turn you to stone. Remember?” “Of course! My body might be old, but my mind’s still young.” She pretended Isabella’s comment offended her. “Then, Galli asked why your words upset the king so, and I said without doubting myself; ‘because he’s not made of stone’. Isn’t that strange? How did I know that about him and what does it even mean?”

“O, that is peculiar. Better to not dwell on it now, because it is getting late. We all need rest after the few days we had. When you wake, you and Leo need to visit the market for me. I have a list of things I need from there.” Before Isabella could object, Sesa waddled out of the kitchen towards her room. She sat gaping at her rude dismissal. “What just happened?” She asked herself and took the last sip of her tea. The old teaser was right, though; her eyes were heavy and what she needed now was a good night’s rest. After she took the cloths from the chair, she made her way to the room next to Leo’s.

inside. The giant of a man slept on his stomach with his hands touching the floor on both sides of the bed. His awkward position made her grin, so she quietly closed the door again. Tired, she took off her swimsuit, left it where it fell and climbed under the covers. Finally, she closed her eyes and fell asleep without fear troubling her heart.

XXX

Isabella’s mind wanted to wake, but her body refused. While the two fought over control, she hovered in and out of sleep—drifting between her dreams and the present. She dreamt she laid naked while Leo stood in the shadowy corner of the room, gaping at her. Wait; this was no dream?! Ultimately, her mind overpowered her body’s resistance, so her eyes shot open and focused on the corner where he stood, but nothing. So, it was only but a dream. Did it maybe reveal her own deep desires? As she lifted her hand to rub her forehead, she saw the blanket covered only the lower half of her body and exposed her perky breasts. Ashamed by her dream, she quickly grabbed the blanket to cover herself.

With effort, she untangled the knots in her hair and while getting dressed; she heard voices coming from the kitchen. The smell of porridge and fish made her scrunch up her nose. Here, there’s no such thing as eggs and bacon for breakfast, hamburgers for lunch, and pizza for dinner; they don’t live to eat, but eat to live. On her way to the kitchen, she overheard Sesa talking about the villagers, all on high alert after the sentencings. They were in anticipation of king Rogan’s retaliation, but she doesn’t believe he will pursue the matter further.

“Good morning, my dear! I trust you are feeling rested?” Sesa noticed her entering the kitchen. “Morning. Yes, thank u. Although, my body could use another day’s worth of sleep.” She swallowed, because seeing him reminded her of the shadow staring at her naked body. He chuckled under his breath. “What’s so funny?” She frowned and crossed her arms. “You already slept for two-and-a-half days, my dear. I got worried and send Leo to check up on you.” Sesa answered to what Leo cleared his throat and moved awkwardly around in his chair. The sudden change in his demeanour made her wonder; “Where you… Um… Where you in my room earlier?”

He paused before taking another bite, “No. I only peeked in to see if you were still breathing.” He shrugged off her comment and continued his breakfast. “Come, sit. I’m sure you are famished.” Sesa placed a bowl and cup of tea on the table opposite Leo. “The two of you must go to the market later. I need a few things. Isabella, you can also get yourself proper fitting cloths.” Isabella stared down at herself and then to Sesa. She tilted her head in disagreement, “What’s wrong with these?”. “It’s too tight around the bust and I don’t want it to lure other men here.” Sesa answered. Unexpectedly, Leo chocked at his grandmother’s cheeky comment and this made Isabella’s face turn bright red. He glared at Sesa before excusing himself from the table.

“He used to like my teasing. But lately... Well, he carries the world on his shoulders. If only someone could make him smile again.” Sesa sighed. “As if anyone could ever like your teasing.” Isabella noted under her breath before taking another bite. Sesa pretended not to listen to her and hummed a cheerful tune while cleaning up. Isabella got to know Leo as a cold and distant guy, but thought that is simply who he was. She couldn’t imagine him otherwise. In fact, she was a lot like him—never had time to enjoy life, because tomorrow was always more important than today. She had her entire life mapped out; get a dream job, then get married and have two children. But what now? Life had a funny way of twisting her dreams, because she fell into an unfamiliar world, all alone with no plans or way forward.

“Can we get going? It’s already midday and I would like to get back before nightfall. I can’t understand why you’re so adamant to string her along. If I go by myself, it would be much quicker. Leo spoke from the hall. “Where’s your manners!” Sesa yelled at him, still holding a dish in hand. “I thought to save you the embarrassment of buying undergarments for Isabella. What would the people say to that?” She acted mortified. “Since when do I care about what people think. I’ll wait outside.” He scoffed, and the floorboards screeched beneath his weight as he left the cottage. “O that man! I… I… Hate him!” She burned with contempt. “Quickly now, go before he leaves without you.”

Outside the cottage, he waited for her beside his horse. “Get on.” He motioned with his head. Without opposing, she let him pick her up onto the majestic white beauty. “Hi, girl.” She stroked her mane. Leo climbed on and straddled in behind her. He glided his hands alongside her ribs to grab the reins. “Jah!”

They walked along the road as if time were of no concern. The long ride became awkward, and she desperately wanted to break the silence. “I see you are wearing a vest today. How is your back?” “You know from experience how effectively Sesa’s remedies work. So, yes. My back is much better.” He answered. “I wonder if she adds a little magic in there too!” She joked to lighten the mood, and it worked. She heard a faint chuckle coming from behind. “That Nana of mine, her remedies are as potent as her sense of humour.” He agreed. Relieved to at least made him smile, she happily continued the conversation, “The two of you are really close and I can tell she cares a great deal for you.” He only gave a vague answer, “My parents died when I was young, so she took me in. The rest is history.” “O, I’m so sorry to hear that.” His past wasn’t up for discussion, so she changed the subject. “I never really thanked you for saving my life…” She trailed off, scared of how he would react.

“Twice.” He spoke. “Huh?” She turned around to face him. “I saved your life twice, and not yet received any thanks.” He stared down at her, smirking. Without her noticing, he gently pulled on the reins until his horse halted. She could barely breath under his intense gaze. “Thank u…” She whispered, dropping her head. “Thank u for what?” He playfully coxed her. “Thank u for saving my life…” She picked up her head and his eyes imprisoned hers. Determined to prevent her from looking away, he gently cupped the side of her face. His touch caused the lingering fire to explode in her belly. “How many times do you have to thank me for?” He teased. “Two…” She fell silent as his face moved down to hers. Why couldn’t she move, or why didn’t she want to move? As soon as his lips came merely inches from hers, he twisted his head and whispered in her ear; “Why are you blushing?”

Mortified, she twisted back around and grabbed her face. He was Sesa’s blood alright—exploiting her every chance he got. “You are too much!” She sneered through her fingers. “Fair payback for the lashing I took for you, don’t you think?” He laughed. She couldn’t argue, because he certainly spared her an awful beating. “Then we’re even.” She shrugged. “O no! We’re far from even princess.” “Princess? Why would you call me… Whoa!” Before she could finish, he nudged his horse to move again, and kicked her sides a few more times to run faster. “Slow down!” Isabella shouted, trying to regain balance. He laughed and pulled her closer, “Hold on, we’re almost there!”

The market buzzed with villagers smiling and chatting to each other. So unlike from what she experienced in the presence of king Rogan. Mostly women casually walked around and browsed the unique items for sale. After Leo claimed off, he extended his hand, but she pushed it aside, determined to give him the cold shoulder. He left her blushing like a fool. What else was she to do? So, she jumped off without his help, but a pain shot from her weak ankle as she hit the ground. “Are you ok? Let me look at it.” He grabbed her elbow in support. “No, thank u. I’m fine.” She proudly straightened her back.

“Fine, all of you women are the same.” His sudden let go made her stumbled as he walked away. “Ass…” she cursed without him hearing. His worry almost softened her heart, but yet again the gentleman in him disappeared as soon as he emerged. “Prince Leo! What a surprise! We didn’t expect to see you back on your feet so soon?” An elderly man stopped him. “Good morning, yes, well, I’m not fully recovered, but Sesa’s healing hand will make sure I do.” He replied friendly. “Aw, yes. I don’t know what the village would do without her. She has saved so many of our loved one’s over the years. I won’t keep you, good day.” The man gave a quick nod and left.

His stringed composure and ever moving feet exposed his unease being at the market. “Prince Leo, it seems you don’t enjoy crowds?” She teased with the emphasis on ‘prince.’ “Your right about both; I prefer to be alone and you sometimes forget you’re in the presence of a royal.” He indulged her. “If only you could act more like one.” She said under her breath. “What was that? Do you want to walk home?” He pointed to his ear as if hard of hearing. “I’m going over there.” She sighed and pointed to the stall selling garments. “How will you pay the man?” He yelled after her, but she already disappeared into the crowd.

Isabella strolled towards the stall, distracted by all the strange sounds, smells and people going about their day. Suddenly, someone pulled her out of the way and before she could resist his rough handling, an unmanned wagon rushed past them. “You just can’t keep away from danger, can you?” Galli’s voice sounded in her mind, clouded by shock. “Thank u… I honestly didn’t see it coming. If it wasn’t for you, it would have run me over.” She stuttered.

“I hardly left your side, and you almost got yourself killed, again!” Leo lightly panted from running over. Seeing his frown, she realised she still clung to Galli and awkwardly pushed herself from his arms. “Like I said, I don’t need your help. Luckily, Galli was nearby to pull me to out of the way.” Leo glared at his friend irritably. She ignored his resentment by pulling up her nose and walking to the garment stall, but not before attentively looking up and down the street. Her trying to be independent, yet have such a frail nature, made both men shake their heads.

The garment stall was close to where the men stood, so she overheard their conversation. “What are you doing here?” He asked Galli. “My commander has been out of action, so I had to take the reins. We gave up the search for the other intruders, but still patrolling the village for any signs of trouble.” He jokingly punched Leo’s shoulder. “Jokes aside, you look good.” Galli added. “Thank u for taking charge. I still must recover for at least a few more days.” Leo sighed. “I hope you make the best of them.” Galli stared over to Isabella, browsing the garments. “Don’t be like that. I know nothing of her.”

“You said it yourself, she’s probably from the same world your mother came from. She sure looks like it…” Galli trailed off with his gaze fixed on her. “Watch your tongue, brother.” He cautioned him to choose his next words carefully. “Sorry, what I meant to say was, if she’s anything like your mother, it’s worth getting to know her.” “She’s nothing like my mother.” Leo ended their conversation by walking away. 

Isabella dropped her head at his harsh words. Why did it even surprise her? He said it himself; it was his duty that saved her from the whip, nothing more. The sooner she finds her independence in this unknown world, the better for everyone. Then Leo won’t have to tolerate her as a responsibility any longer. The challenge now was to return to the cottage without getting on the same horse as him. She’ll walk all the way if need be. Her thoughts turned to that of a stubborn child, because he didn’t perceive her as an equal, but a fragile doll always in need of saving. Not today—today she would show him her brave and cunning side. Pleased with the plan she concocted, she exchanged her thin golden chain for a few pieces and walked over to Galli, “Can you take me back to Sesa's cottage, please?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Leo’s already fuming, and it is not wise to provoke him further.” He nervously fiddled with the sword hanging on his hip. “You heard what he said. He hates me! Please, just take me back.” She softly pleaded. “When did he say that?” Galli stared over to his friend buying herbs. “Ok, but you have to tell him.” He crossed his arms. Without hesitation, she picked up her shoulders and marched over there. “I don’t care if you dislike me, but I won’t stand here and take it. So, I asked Galli to escort me back to the cottage, and it would be unbrotherly of you to hold it against him. Enjoy your shopping.” She gave him a noble nod, turned around and followed Galli to his horse.

Her pounding heart prevented her from looking back to see his stunned expression. ‘That will show him what I’m capable of.’ She thought, after a smile appeared on her face. She would rather spend her time with another that treat her better. Galli, already seated on his horse, extended his hand. She pulled herself up by taking his hand, and sat at the back of him. With a “Jah”, Galli nudged his horse toward Sesa’s cottage.”