Chapter 9 9. Snakes are my best friends

IN A FEW DAYS

AT ISABELLA'S POV:

I was happy being able to use the garden to escape from everybody. Sometimes it was nice just to walk there, and soon I found one way to get them away. I saw a white snake that seemed to like this royal garden and I secretly fed it to get it closer.

''It's pretty cute and not that scary.''I thought." Aren't you beautiful?"I muttered.

A snake flicked her tongue, tasting the air, her movements as graceful as ever. I was so absorbed in watching her that I didn't notice Noah approaching until he was almost right behind me.

"What the hell is that?"Noah exclaimed, his voice a mix of shock and horror.'' Isabella, what are you doing?'' He asked.

"Don't you see? She's perfectly harmless, Noah. See?"I said and giggled a little.

His facial expression changed even more, making me feel even more fun about him. I never knew and I never saw in the novel that Noah is afraid of snakes. To me right now, he looked like he might run away at any second. His usual character was nowhere to be found, and I couldn't resist teasing him just a little.

"Come on, she won't bite. You're not scared, are you?"I asked.

Noah took a step back, his expression was a mix of defiance and fear.

"I'm not scared, I just... don't like snakes."He said.

"Really? Well, he likes you."I said.

I watched how Noah stepped back and I grinned. It seems that getting friendly with wild animals worked pretty well.

"Yeah, no thanks. I'm out."Noah said.

I watched him retreat, shaking my head in disbelief. Who would've thought Noah, of all people, would be scared off by a snake? I looked down at Leo, who was still coiled around my wrist, her tongue flickering in and out as if he found the whole situation as amusing as I did.

"It is just you and me now."I said.

I smiled as I let the snake go thinking about actually getting a pet. It could make my escape easier. I need to find something that Noah truly dislikes, but that I could keep as a pet. Library research it is. Soon I found what I needed and grinned. I can get it at market in two days. In the evening, I decided to get some more money since it needed me to get exactly what I needed. The herbs I'd sold yesterday had fetched a decent price, but it wasn't enough. I needed more, and I needed to get out tonight without raising any suspicion. The market would be quieter in the evening, with fewer eyes watching. If I could just slip out unnoticed, I could gather what I needed and be back before anyone realized I was gone.

Soon servants rushed about, finishing their tasks, and the corridors grew quieter. It was now or never. Just as I was about to leave, I heard a voice behind me. "Isabella?"I heard Melissa's voice.

I turned to see Melissa, one of the maids, approaching with a curious expression.

"Is everything alright, my lady? You seem a bit... distracted today." She asked.

"Just a lot on my mind, Melissa. Nothing to worry about."I said.

"If you need anything, you know you can always ask."She said.

I nodded and quickly made my way out, my heart pounding. As I slipped out of the castle and into the evening shadows, I felt a sense of relief. The cool air brushed against my face as I made my way toward the market, the familiar path easing my nerves slightly. But little did I know, Noah was already one step ahead.

AT THE SAME TIME

AT NOAH'S POV:

Today I have decided to follow her again. Snakes seemed to me yet another excuse to hate her. It's not going to be that easy. I needed to keep a closer eye on her, but without her knowing. That's when I decided to use Michael - my incognito appearance around her. Dressed in plain clothes, with a hood pulled low over my face, no one recognized me as the prince. It was the perfect way to follow Isabella without raising any suspicion. The servant almost failed last time, so I needed to do this on my own.

"It seems I was right."I muttered.

As soon as Isabella left the castle, I slipped out after her, keeping my distance. She was heading back to the market, just as I suspected. She had no idea I was behind her, watching her every move. When she finally reached the market, She approached the same stall as before, speaking in hushed tones with the old woman who ran it.

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

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

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

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

So she knows rare herbs and she sells it for money? I watched as she handed over another bundle of herbs in exchange for a small pouch of coins. The exchange was quick. She wasn't new to this.

"So you need money, huh?"I muttered."

I thought I had given her enough for expenses. What does she need money for? As Isabella turned to leave, I quickly ducked behind a nearby cart. I needed to confront her, but not yet. For now, I should continue to follow her and continue to observe. But the more I watched her, the more I realized that there was something about Isabella that I couldn't ignore. And that made me want to know her even more. My parents arranged my wedding with this omega, but it seems that day by day my heart is slowly falling for her too.