Chapter 7 7.Herbs are great way to earn

IN A FEW DAYS

AT ISABELLA'S POV:

I noticed that Noah started to eat dinner with me more often, so I needed to find a way to leave the castle soon. To leave I needed to earn some money, and it was not going to be easy. I went to the garden where I knew there were good medical plants and started picking them up.

''What are you doing?'' Queen Clara asked.

''I like these. I wanted to get some.''I said.

''That's not what a princess is supposed to do, lady Isabella. I am disappointed. ''Clara said and left.

I smiled to myself a bit. I was doing simple things, but I made the queen dislike me. I could tell that my failed manners made Naoh's dad dislike me too. I might be closer to leaving than I thought.

''You are going to get dirty.''I heard Noah's voice.

''I am fine.''I said.

''No, you not. You can not do whatever you feel like. "Noah said.

I sighed and then quickly went back to my room. Sitting alone in my room, I understood my situation. I couldn't rely on anyone else; I needed a way out, which meant earning money in secret. But how? I need to find a plan and fast.

I couldn't just walk into town and get a job like any ordinary person, it would draw too much attention. No, I had to be smarter. I had to start planning, and I had to be careful. No one could know what I was up to. This was my way out and I wasn't about to let anyone take it from me.

"I must hurry up and do something about it."I thought.

As I sat by the window, staring out at the garden below, an idea suddenly sparked in my mind. The herbs. They were rare, powerful plants, the ones I recognized from my previous life. I knew their properties well, and I knew they had value, especially for those who understood their true worth.

"I got it."I said happily.

I could use this knowledge to my advantage. If I could gather these herbs and sell them in secret, it would be the perfect way to earn the money I needed without anyone knowing. Soon I saw Melissa and I knew what I had to do next.

"Hello, Miss Isabella."She said.

"Melissa." I said, keeping my voice low, "I need your help with something. But it has to stay between us."

Her smile faded slightly as she studied my face, sensing the seriousness of my tone.

"Of course, Miss Isabella. What is it?" She asked.

"There's a patch of herbs in the garden, near the back. I need to gather them, but I don't want anyone to know what I'm doing. Can you keep watch for me?"I asked.

A maid hesitated, her eyes narrowing with concern and worry about me.

"Are you sure about this? If anyone finds out-"She asked.

"I'm sure. I need to do this, Melissa. It's important."I said.

"All right. I'll keep an eye out and distract anyone who comes near."She said.

"Thank you." I whispered.

I quickly made my way to the garden, keeping an eye on the windows and doors, making sure no one was watching. I knelt, carefully plucking the leaves and roots, my fingers moving with the ease of someone who'd done this many times before. But just as I was about to finish, I felt a strange sensation, like I was being watched. I froze, glancing around, but there was no one in sight. Shaking off the feeling, I hurriedly tucked the herbs into my basket and stood up, ready to head back inside. I needed to go inside before someone asked me unwanted questions.

AT THE SAME TIME

AT NOAH'S POV:

As I sat down in my room, I sighed. Today I watched Isabella kneel by the patch of herbs. She moved with surprising understanding, her fingers picking leaves and roots as if she'd done it countless times before. What was she up to? She thought she was being discreet, but she had no idea I'd been following her. It wasn't like I made a habit of spying, but something about her had been different lately as always slipping away, always with that determined look in her eyes. As I watched Isabella disappear back into the castle, I remained hidden in the shadows, my mind racing. I stepped out from behind the tree and caught sight of one of the servants, John, who was tending to the nearby flowerbeds.

"John." I need you to keep an eye on Isabella. Discreetly."I said.

"Lady Isabella, sir? What for?"He asked.

"That's not your concern. I replied, my tone firm. "Just watch where she goes and what she does. Don't let her see you, and report back to me if you notice anything... unusual."I said.

"Of course, sir. I'll keep an eye on her."John said.

I sighed as I returned to my paperwork in my office. My parents are starting to dislike her habits, but I do not care. I am not planning to let her leave me soon. She is my fiance and, strangely, every day I wish to know more and more about her.