Chapter 3 3.Why are you always so late

IN A FEW DAYS

AT ISABELLA'S POV:

I decided that the garden would be my hidden spot, at least for the afternoon. The thought of standing in another crowded hall, enduring the whispers and judgmental stares of the nobility, was too much. Instead, I slipped away quietly, finding solace among the fragrant blooms and the soft leaves rustling in the breeze. I needed time to think, to gather my thoughts and to figure out my next move. By the time I reached the castle, the event was well underway. I could hear the music and laughter spilling out into the night air as I entered the grand hall, trying to appear as if nothing was amiss. Noah was waiting for me near the entrance, his arms crossed. He was angry.

"Where have you been?" He demanded, his voice low but seething with anger. "Everyone's been looking for you."

"I was in the garden."I replied, trying to keep my voice calm.

"Do you have any idea how that looks? You can't just disappear whenever you feel like it. This isn't just about you, Isabella. It's about the entire kingdom."Noah said mad.

"I'm aware of that." I snapped back."But I can't just pretend everything is fine when it's not. I'm trying to find my place here, and it's not easy."

"I get it. This isn't easy for either of us. But if we're going to make this work, we need to at least try to play by their rules."Noah said."I need you near me if we want get this act to work."

"I know. I'll try to do better. But you have to understand I need space to figure things out."I said.

"All right. But next time, just let someone know where you're going. It'll save us all a lot of trouble."Noah said.

"Deal." I agreed, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

He walked off, leaving me standing alone in the hallway, my face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger. As he disappeared into the crowd, I noticed him heading toward where his parents stood, watching the room. Feeling curious and suspicious, I moved closer to overhear their conversation.

"Where has she been?" King Villiam asked.

"In the garden." Noah replied, his voice clipped. "She didn't bother to tell anyone."

"Noah, you need to manage this better. The kingdom expects a certain level of decorum from its future leaders."Clara said."

"Then let her not be my Luna. I want someone better not a woman like her. She doesn't seem to care about the consequences of her actions."Noah said.

As I watched the exchange, I felt a pang of guilt. I hadn't realized the pressure Noah was under, the expectations placed on his shoulders. I not going to make them to make me obey their stupid rules.

The next day I spent my free time gathering needed information. I needed to leave before she appeared. In the novel, it should happen soon so I need to hurry up. I was late enough but now I honestly don't care.

"Do you have a library around here?"I asked.

"We do have a library."Maid said.

"Can I see it?"I asked.

"Of course."She said.

I nodded and followed her to the library. I was sure that it going to take a while to find the information. I need to find a way to get away from Noah before something bad is going to happen. Soon I found the needed book. The cover was worn, its edges frayed from years of use, but the title intrigued me 'The Runaway Bride of Eldoria'. It was a tale of rebellion, of a woman who dared to defy tradition and expectations to claim her freedom. As I turned the pages, the story unfolded before me a young noblewoman named Elara betrothed to a man she neither loved nor respected. She had been groomed her entire life to be the perfect wife, to fulfill her duty to her family and kingdom. But as the day of the wedding approached, something inside her rebelled. The letter was her final act of defiance, a declaration that she would not be controlled by the expectations of others. I could feel my heart quicken as I read her words.

'To those who would see me bound to a fate I did not choose it. I will not be caged. I will not surrender my soul to a life empty of love and passion. I choose freedom, and I choose myself. I have made my decision, and I will stand by it, no matter the cost.'

As I read most of the book I felt really happy. In her story, I found the resolve I had been searching for.

"It seems that I have found the needed plan."I muttered.

As soon as I was done I saw Noah. He seemed to be annoyed about something. I am not surprised about it. It's something I noticed pretty usual about him.

"Noah."I said.

"Little omega."Noah said.

"What do you mean by 'omega'?"I asked.

"Of course, you don't know. You got summoned here. There are specific second ranks we are born with. I am alpha it means I am highest rank. You are omega."Noah said.

"It makes sense."I said.

I remember reading it in the novel. I am sure that Noah is waiting for this too.

"Reject me, alpha."I said

"Not so fast little omega."Noah said and laughed.

"Why not?"I asked.

"My parents won't let you and I not planning to do it anytime soon."Noah said.

"It's clear that you don't want me."I said.

"It seems that you still don't understand. I not letting you leave Isabella."Noah said and left.

I sighed and left the room. I need to find a way to escape him one way or another.