Chapter 10: An unexpected friend
1131 Words
Isabel barely remembered the walk back to the East Wing. Her mind was still stuck on the conversation she'd overheard in the garden.
"'Then we find another way."
What did that mean?. She turned the corner too quickly, and collided with someone.
“Oh!” Isabel stumbled backward.
A hand caught her arm before she could lose her balance.
“Careful.”
Isabel looked up.A young woman stood in front of her, smiling.
She was dressed unlike most of the women Isabel had seen in the palace. Dark trousers, fitted boots, and a light piece of armor covered her shoulders and chest. A short sword rested against her hip.
Isabel quickly straightened. “I'm sorry.”
The woman tilted her head. “Which way were you going?”
Isabel blinked. “Excuse me?”
“You were walking like you were escaping something.”
A playful smile appeared on the woman's face.
“Were you?” The lady asked smiling
Isabel almost smiled despite herself. “No.”
“Shame.” The woman winked.
“You looked very convincing.” she whispered
Isabel studied her curiously, the woman suddenly smiled wider.
“Lady Isabel, right?”
Isabel froze. “Yes.”
For a moment, she simply stared.The woman noticed.
“What?” she asked raising her brow
“You know my name?”Isabel asked curiously
“Of course.”
Isabel hesitated.Most people she had encountered since arriving in Blackthorne either stared at her, whispered about her, or asked who she was.
Very few had actually spoken to her normally.
She smiled faintly.“I wasn't expecting that.”
The woman laughed. “That's a strange reaction.”
“I've been here long enough to know people usually don't recognize me.” Isabel said honestly
“Oh, I recognize you.” She gave an exaggerated bow.
“Belle.”
Isabel raised an eyebrow. “Belle?”
“That's me.” The woman straightened.
“Belle, the second Royal Beta, occasional troublemaker, and very accomplished warrior.”
Isabel's eyes widened.“Wait.”
Belle grinned. “You didn't know?”
“I thought the Royal Beta was—”
“A man?”Belle completed
“Yes.”
“He is.” Belle laughed.
“Cassian.” she stated
Isabel stared at her. “You're Cassian's mate?”
“Unfortunately.” Belle placed a hand over her heart dramatically.
“He's very serious.” she laughed
Isabel laughed. “That much I know.”
“You've met him?” Belle asked
“Of course.”
Belle shook her head. “He probably gave you that serious look.”
Isabel imitated Cassian's expression.
Belle immediately burst out laughing. “That one!”
She pointed at Isabel. “Exactly that one.”
Isabel laughed with her. For the first time since arriving in Blackthorne, she felt completely at ease around someone.
Belle looked her over. “So, you're the famous Lady Isabel.”
“Famous?” Isabel asked
“Depends who you ask.” Belle leaned closer.
“Some people think you're going to become our Luna.”
Isabel's smile faded slightly.
“And others?” she asked
“They don't.”Belle didn't sugarcoat it.
Isabel appreciated that. “I've noticed.”
Belle studied her expression. “Does it bother you?”
“Sometimes." She shrugged.
“But I'm getting used to it.” she stated
Belle's expression softened. “You shouldn't have to.”
Isabel looked at her. “You're the first person here who's actually said that.”
“Then everyone else needs better manners.” she said jokingly
Isabel smiled. “What do you do here?”
Belle glanced down at her armor. “Besides getting in people's way?”
“Yes.”Isabel replied laughing .
“I'm a warrior.” Belle stated
Isabel's eyes brightened. “Really?”
Belle nodded. “I lead one of the Royal Warrior units.”
“That sounds impressive.”
“It is.” Belle smiled proudly.
“But don't tell Cassian I said that.” Belle smiled
“Why?”
“He'll say I'm bragging.” she laughed
“You are.”
“Exactly.” Belle replied folding her arms
They both laughed.Isabel glanced at Belle's sword.
“I always wanted to be a warrior.”
Belle looked at her. “You did?”
Isabel nodded. “I trained in Silverwood.”
“With your wolf?”
Isabel's expression changed.
“No.”
Belle immediately realized what she'd said. “Sorry.”
“It's fine.” Isabel looked down at her hands.
“I never had one.”
Belle remained quiet.
“But I still trained.” she said sadly
“I can tell.” Belle replied
Isabel looked up.Belle smiled.
“You don't carry yourself like someone who has never fought.”
“That's because I've fought.” Isabel countered.
“I believe you.” There was no pity in Belle's voice.
No hesitation, just certainty...Something about that made Isabel's chest tighten.
Belle suddenly pointed down the corridor. “Come with me tomorrow.”
“Where?”
“The training grounds.”
Isabel's eyebrows lifted. “You're serious?”
“Completely.”
“Would The Beta allow it?” Isabel asked
Belle rolled her eyes. “Cassian doesn't allow me to do half the things I do.”
Isabel laughed. “Then why does he?”
“Because he's my mate.” Belle shrugged.
“And because he knows better than to try stopping me.”
Isabel smiled. “I'd like that.”
“Good." Belle started walking backward.
“Where's your room?”she asked her
“The East Wing.”
Belle's eyes widened. “Of course.”
“What?”
“You're above us.” Belle said
“Us?”Isabel asked
“The Beta's floor.” Belle pointed down the corridor.
“My room is one floor beneath yours.”
Isabel smiled. “So you're nearby.”
“Very.” Belle winked.
“If you get bored, knock on my door.”
“I might.” Isabel teased
“You'd better.” She turned to leave, then stopped.
“One more thing...” she paused
Isabel looked at her.
“...don't let this place convince you that you don't belong.” Belle's playful expression softened.
“You don't need a wolf to prove you're worth knowing.”
Isabel stood silently for a moment, then she smiled.
“Thank you, Belle.”
Belle gave her a playful bow. “Anytime, Lady Isabel.”
"Just Isabel" Isabel corrected her with a smile
She disappeared down the corridor.Isabel watched her go.For the first time since arriving in Blackthorne, the palace didn't feel quite so unfamiliar.
She still didn't know where she belonged, but perhaps...she had finally found someone who didn't care.
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