Chapter 402: Izaak’s Past 2
Arabella, the woman Izaak had been avoiding ever since their first encounter, had become the source of his growing unease. From the moment he arrived in town, she relentlessly sought opportunities to cross his path.
For days, Izaak managed to ignore her persistent efforts, but on the day of his departure, fate played a cruel trick. His carriage broke down unexpectedly, bringing his plans to a sudden halt.
"Your Highness, we will arrange another carriage promptly," Zerah informed Izaak as he stepped out, his expression darkened with frustration.
Just then, Arabella appeared, her presence as timely as ever. "Oh no! The carriage broke down?" she exclaimed, casting a glance toward Izaak, her eyes lingering on him longer than he would have liked. "The inn where His Highness was staying is quite far from here. My house is nearby. Why not come rest while my brother arranges a new carriage for you?" she offered with a bright, eager smile.
Before Zerah could respond, Izaak cut in sharply. "That won’t be necessary. I’ll wait here. Zerah, you can return and see to the arrangements for another carriage," he stated, his tone leaving no room for argument. Izaak had no intention to stay around this woman.
"But, Your Highness, it isn’t right for you to stand out here. As your loyal subject, I can’t bear the thought of you enduring any discomfort," Arabella insisted, her voice laced with concern.
Izaak’s eyes narrowed. "Then why don’t you listen to your Prince?" he retorted coldly. "As a loyal subject, shouldn’t you leave my sight and cease troubling me?"
Zerah shifted his gaze from Izaak to Arabella, sensing the tension in the air. "Your Highness," he began cautiously, "Lady Arabella is not a bother. The sky looks threatening, and it could rain any moment. I believe we should take shelter at the lady’s house."
Just as Zerah finished speaking, a rumble of thunder echoed overhead, and the dark clouds grew heavier. Reluctantly, Izaak sighed. He had no desire to be soaked in a downpour. With an irritated glance at Arabella, he nodded curtly. "Very well. Lead the way."