Chapter 8 8.Noah's suspicion is dangerous

THE NEXT EVENING

AT ISABELLA'S POV:

The next evening, I slipped out of the castle with the basket of herbs tucked under my arm, making sure no one noticed me. The market wasn't far, just beyond the castle grounds, and I needed to sell these herbs quickly and quietly. My heart raced as I made my way through the winding streets, pulling my hood low to avoid recognition.

When I reached the market, I found a small stall run by an elderly woman who sold various remedies and potions.

"Evening, dear." She greeted. "What brings you to my stall?"

I glanced around, ensuring no one was watching too closely.

"I have some herbs I'd like to sell." I said, keeping my voice low. "Rare ones."

The woman's eyebrows arched with interest as I carefully opened my basket, showing her the collection I'd gathered. She leaned in, inspecting them closely.

"These are valuable." She murmured, nodding in approval. "I'll give you a good price for them."

"Thanks. Pleasure working with you."I said.

We quickly made the exchange, and I tucked the coins into my cloak, feeling a small sense of relief. But just as I turned to leave, I had that strange feeling again, like someone was watching me. I glanced around but saw nothing suspicious. Little did I know, that John, one of the castle servants, had been following me since I left the grounds. He kept his distance, blending in with the evening crowd, his eyes never leaving me.

In the morning, I saw Noah walking in the library when I was reading a diary. I could feel his eyes on me as he approached, and I braced myself for whatever was coming.

"Isabella," he said. "We need to talk."

I looked up from my book, trying to appear casual and not nervous.

"About what?"I asked.

He took a seat across from me, his gaze fixed on me with an intensity that made me uneasy.

"I heard you were at the market yesterday. Selling herbs."Noah said.

"It's not such a big of a deal,"I said.

"It is."He said.

"I don't want to talk about it."I said.

"It's my garden, so you must."Noah said with a light annoyance in his voice.

As Noah's questions became more serious could feel the pressure building. He was getting too close, asking the kinds of questions I didn't have easy answers for at leat, none that I wanted to share with him.

"I'm interested because you're clearly hiding something" He said. ''And it's not just about the herbs. What's so important that you're going to the market in secret?"

Panic fluttered in my chest. I couldn't let him know why I needed the money or what I was really planning. I needed to escape this line of questioninast.

Forcing a smile, I leaned back in my chair, trying to appear more relaxed than I felt. "Noah, I appreciate your concern, but it's really not a big deal. I just thought it might be fun to have a little independence, you know? Earn something on my own instead of relying on the royal coffers."I said.

He didn't look convinced. I need to find out a plan and fast.

''Isabella, you don't need to-"Noah started.

''Have you noticed how beautiful the gardens are this time of year?" I interrupted.

"I've been thinking of spending more time there. Maybe we could take a walk later?"

Noah's brow furrowed, clearly thrown by the sudden change in topic.

''The gardens?"I said.

''Yes," I said quickly, seizing the opportunity. ''The flowers are in full bloom. It's a perfect way to clear your head, don't you think?"I asked.

''I suppose it could be," He said, though his tone was still laced with suspicion.

I took a deep breath, relieved that I'd managed to deflect his curiosity, at least for now.

''Great. We could both use a little break from all of this, don't you think?"I asked.

Noah nodded, but his eyes remained sharp, watching me closely.

"Maybe. But, Isabella... we're not done with this conversation. You can change the subject all you want, but I'm not letting this go."Noah said.

A chill ran through me at his words. He wasn't going to give up easily. But for now, I had bought myself some time, and I intended to use it wisely. I needed to be more careful, more guarded. The less Noah knew, the better.

''Of course.'' I said, giving him another smile. "We'll talk later. But for now, let's just enjoy the day."I said.

As I stood up to leave, I could still feel his eyes on me, his curiosity far from satisfied. I needed to think fast and come up with a way to protect my secrets. If I want escape the castle I must be more careful and don't let moments like this to slip.