Isabella was pacing back and forth by her window when someone knocked on her door. Thinking it was Judith, she hurried to the door and opened it. It was Henry. "Henry, what are you doing here?"
"I haven't seen much of you today, I came to check if everything's alright."
"Of course, everything is alright."
Henry's eyes drew together. "Liar. Father told me you were throwing tantrums earlier today."
Isabella's mouth widened in shock. "Since when did letting your father know how you feel about a decision, become tantrums? He is trying to force me to marry Sir Leofric. I can't bear it."
Henry's expression softened. "Ah, Bella, it's not so bad. Sir Leofric is a handsome man, and he works hard. He will provide for you."
Isabella's lips tilted downwards. "Handsome? Yes. Hardworking? I don't doubt it, but it doesn't change the fact that I don't love or want to marry him, Henry."
Henry placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, "Love will grow, Bella. Just give him a chance, for our family's sake."
Isabella shook her head, eyes narrowing into slits, "Did Father send you?"
Henry quickly shook his head, "No. I came on my own."
"You are a terrible liar." Isabella let out a loud sigh. "You don't have to bother yourself anymore. I have already accepted my fate."
Henry's eyes turned suspicious. "You will marry Sir Leofric?"
"Yes, I have no other choice." Her shoulders fell in defeat.
"Ha! Isabella, don't think you can fool me."
Isabella looked at him confusedly. "What do you mean, Henry?"
"Just like me, you are a terrible liar." He sniffed the air, "I smell something fishy. What are you planning?"
Isabella glared at him. "I would like to be left alone."
"Why?"
"Why on earth are you questioning me?" Isabella frowned,
"Because I feel you are up to no good." Henry's eyes darted around the room, looking for something to confirm his suspicions.
The little devil in Isabella grinned, but her face remained unchanging. "I have no idea what you are talking about. I haven't rested properly today and would like to do that now."
Henry reluctantly nodded. "Okay, we will continue this conversation tomorrow."
"Yes, my beloved brother."
Still suspicious, Henry left the room.
Not long after Henry left, Judith knocked on Isabella's door. Not many words were said between them as the handmaid helped her mistress into a black cloak and packed a small satchel with necessities. After everything was done, Isabella's blood rushed with fear and excitement. The adventure she was about to embark on left her thrilled.
"Be safe, my lady," Judith whispered, her eyes shining with worry.
Isabella nodded, embracing her maid. "I will be safe, Judith. I promise."
Judith nodded. "And don't forget to keep your promise. I would be expecting a letter from you."
"Sure. Don't forget what we discussed when they questioned you about my whereabouts."
As the clock struck midnight, Isabella slipped out of her chambers and into the dark corridor. Her room was being watched by the guards, and that was all thanks to Lord Griswold. She had spotted them in the evening when she was taking a walk around.
The torches in the corridor had been extinguished, casting the hallway in an eerie darkness. She navigated the secret passages, her heart pounding in her chest. The cool night air enveloped her as she emerged into the castle's courtyard.
FREEDOM.
Isabella ran across the courtyard, her feet pounding the stone pavement. She reached the gates, which to her surprise were unguarded. It was her lucky night. She slipped into the darkness and beyond. The forest loomed before her, its shadows like skeletal fingers. Isabella took a deep breath, plunged into the darkness, and began to run. She didn't want to be spotted by her father's men
As she ran, the silence grew thicker, punctuated only by the rustling of leaves and snapping twigs. She knew she should have taken a horse, but it would have been too risky as it would be easy to spot her.
When she felt she was a good distance away from the manor, she stopped to catch her breath which came out in ragged gasps. Her senses were on high alert as she continued the journey. Her legs pumped as she darted between the trees. The rustle of her skirt and the pounding of her heart were the only sounds she could hear. Or so she thought.
Suddenly, she heard the distant thud of hooves, growing louder with each passing second. Isabella began to panic and didn't dare look back, fearing what she might see. Her mind raced; she assumed it was a thief or a wild animal.
Desperation fuelled her flight. She spotted a narrow path winding between dense trees and darted onto it. The hoofbeats ceased, and Isabella's hope surged. Perhaps she had lost the pursuer. She could not help but give herself a pat on the back.
Leofric deliberately halted his horse and dismounted from it as he observed from afar. A deep frown was perched on his face, illuminated by the moon. How can a lady be so careless as to be wandering alone in a forest by midnight? Did she hate him that much?
It was obvious the woman's thinking faculty was faulty. Her rebellious behaviour fuelled his anger and his need for her. Damnit! He didn't understand why he was holding on to such an infuriating woman.
He told himself that Isabella needed someone to put her in her place, and he was going to be that person. She was finally out of sight. Securing his sword, he tied his horse to a nearby tree and took the opposite direction.
Isabella quickened her pace, her legs aching. The silence was oppressive, heavy with anticipation. Every step seemed to echo through the forest, announcing her presence to the unknown threat lurking in the shadows.
When she finally summoned enough courage, she allowed herself to take a look behind to know if she was still being followed. Just as she thought she had shaken off her pursuer, a hand clamped down on her shoulder, spinning her around. Isabella's scream was muffled by a calloused palm. Her eyes threatened to fall from its sockets as she stared into the eyes of her captor.
Leofric's eyes blazed with fury, his face inches from hers. "You think you can defy me, Isabella?" He hissed, his breath hot against her skin. "You think you can flee from me?"
She dug her teeth into his palm, with the hope of gaining herself a momentary relief, but the man didn't budge. When that didn't work, she struggled to free herself, but his grip was unyielding. Seeing there was no way to escape, she stopped.
"Let me go." She ordered, her chin raised in defiance. It was evident in his eyes that he wanted to throttle her.
"I am going to remove my hand from your mouth if you dare make a sound…" The threat hung in the air.
Terror coursed through her veins as he removed his palm from her mouth, his eyes daring her to scream. Oh, how she wanted to scream for help, but no sound was forthcoming. "I am sorry, Sir Leofric. I wasn't thinking straight." She whispered, hoping it would calm him down.
"After I am done with you, you will learn to start thinking straight."
"What do you plan to do with me?" She asked. Her question was met with silence as he gripped her wrist and began to drag her back into the forest. She looked around to weigh her chances of escaping.
"You shouldn't have tried to escape. You will pay for your rebellion." His voice was low and menacing.
"I hate you. You know that, right?" Her question was met with a deafening silence as they continued to walk. Before she could protest, he mounted her on the horse and did the same. Double blast the man! What did he take her for? A toy he could toss around any time it pleases him? As they rode on, her anger was replaced by fear as her heart sank deep into her belly upon realizing that she was trapped.
As the horse galloped into the manor, Henry and Lord Griswold, who had been pacing back and forth, stopped. Henry's face was full of concern, while Lord Griswold was full of anger.
Leofric jumped down from the horse, expecting to assist Isabella, but she didn't wait. With a swish of her skirts, she slid off the horse, her eyes burning with renewed anger.
"Father!" She stormed, marching toward Lord Griswold, her voice echoing off the manor's stone facade. Her anger was palpable, but Lord Griswold's expression turned uglier.
"You foolish child!" He bellowed, his hand flashing under in the moonlight.
Isabella's words died on her lips as Lord Griswold's palm connected with her cheek. The slap echoed through the air, followed by an unsettling silence.
Stunned, Isabella stumbled backwards, her eyes welling up. "Father,"
"Don't you dare call me that when you have embarrassed our family with your reckless behaviour!"
"Father, I,"
Lord Griswold's face reddened. "Keep quiet this instant before I forget my hand on your face again. What were you thinking, running away like a common servant?" His breathing came out shallow. "Today, I regret having you as my daughter."
Her father's words hurt more than the slap. Isabella's heart shattered. Never had he laid a hand on her or said such hurtful words to her before. She turned, fleeing to the manor, her sobs echoing through the halls. Henry ran after her.
Leofric's gaze followed Isabella, his jaw clenched. Though angry with her, the sight of Lord Griswold striking her ignited a spark of guilt. He approached Lord Griswold, "Lord Griswold, I would appreciate it if you never raise your hand on Isabella again."
Lord Griswold sneered. "She is my daughter. I have the right to discipline her. I should have done so for a long time now. I allowed her to grow into a stupid and senseless child."
Leofric's eyes narrowed. "As her betrothed, it is now my duty to ensure her well-being and punishment as I deem fit. Let it be known that I won't stand and watch something like this happen again. Don't say I didn't warn you."
Lord Griswold sighed. His shoulders fell in defeat and regret. "You have nothing to fear. That was my first time hitting her, and now I am sure she hates me."
"I am sure she doesn't hate you. She was just hurt."