Isabel Past

Chapter 8

The mysterious man glanced around the interior of the carriage, his expression tense but focused. He signaled for Isabel to keep quiet, his eyes scanning for any signs of danger. The weight of the moment pressed down on them as Sarai and Isabel huddled together, their hearts racing with fear. They felt utterly vulnerable, unarmed, and without any means of defense, trapped in a situation they couldn't fully understand.

Isabel's mind raced as she observed the man pacing back and forth, weighing their options. As he moved, a flicker of familiarity struck her. She caught a glimpse of a small mole hidden just above his left eyebrow, partly concealed by the color of his dark brow. Suddenly, memories flooded back, and her fear began to dissipate. This man wasn't a stranger; she recognized him!

"Hide here!" she urged, lifting the seat of the carriage to reveal a small storage space beneath. It wasn't the best hiding place, but it was their only option at that moment.

"Quickly, hide!" she insisted, pushing him toward the opening with a sense of urgency. There was no time for hesitation. With a reluctant nod, ducked down, fitting into the cramped space just as she concealed him with a few blankets.

They barely had time to catch their breath when the guards arrived, their footsteps heavy on the ground outside. Isabel felt a chill run down her spine as the door of the carriage creaked open.

"Miss de la Rosa, what are you doing out here at this hour?" one of the guards questioned, his voice gruff yet laced with authority.

Isabel's heart raced, but she forced herself to maintain her composure. "I—I was just taking a ride to clear my mind," she stammered, forcing a smile that felt completely unnatural. "What's the trouble?"

The guard narrowed his eyes, his gaze flickering over the interior of the carriage. "We're searching for a fugitive who broke into the estate of Castillos. Have you seen anything suspicious?"

"No, not at all," Isabel replied, her voice steady despite the fear bubbling inside her. "Just a simple carriage ride with my friend Sarai. We were enjoying the night air."

"It is part of our routine" The guard stepped further into the carriage, and Isabel's breath hitched as he drew closer to where Leonardo was hidden. "I'll need to inspect your carriage for any signs of disturbance."

As the guard leaned in, Isabel's heart pounded loudly in her chest. Please, don't look under the seat.

Sarai, sensing the tension, piped up. "Perhaps we should move along? There's nothing to see here."

The guard turned to her, momentarily distracted. "Quiet, girl. I'm doing my duty. Now, let's see if you're telling the truth."

Isabel held her breath as the guard began to rummage through the carriage, his eyes scanning every corner. Time seemed to stretch, each second feeling like an eternity.

Suddenly, just as the guard was about to bend down and check beneath the seat, a commotion erupted outside. A loud shout echoed in the distance, drawing the guards' attention away from the carriage.

"What's that?" the first guard muttered, his curiosity piqued.

"Stay here, I'll check it out," the second guard replied, rushing out of the carriage.

Isabel felt a rush of relief wash over her as the pressure lifted for a moment. The first guard hesitated, still eyeing Isabel and Sarai.

"What are you doing? That is Lady Isabel De La Rosa, I already inspected their carriage," another guard said, before stepping out to follow his partner "We apologize for the disturbance my lady, you may leave. We appreciate your help." The guards exited the carriage and released them. 

Once they had put enough distance between themselves and the guards, Isabel felt a wave of relief wash over her. The weight of the near-miss lifted slightly, but a lingering concern still tightened her chest. She couldn't shake the feeling that they hadn't escaped danger just yet.

As the carriage finally came to a halt in a secluded clearing, Isabel quickly opened the door and gestured for Leonardo to follow her out. The night air was crisp, filled with the sounds of chirping crickets and the distant rustle of leaves. They stepped away from the carriage, the darkness offering them a brief sense of safety.

"Here," Isabel said, leading him away from the road and into a hidden grove. "You can take one of the horses from the coachman." She turned back to the driver, who had been patiently waiting. "Give him a horse to ride. It's safer for him to leave on horseback."

The coachman nodded, sensing the urgency in her voice. He moved quickly to the rear of the carriage, where a couple of horses were tied. Isabel felt her heart racing, hoping that he would agree to her plan. She turned to him, her gaze searching his face.

"You need to go," she insisted softly. "They're looking for you. If you stay here, you'll be caught."

There was a moment of hesitation, the conflict evident in his eyes. 

Isabel shook her head, a firm determination in her voice. "I'll be fine. I promise. Just take the horse and go. I can handle myself."

The coachman soon returned with a sleek black horse. He mounted it quickly, his movements fluid and practiced. Isabel couldn't help but admire how he carried himself, the confidence radiating from him even in such a precarious moment.

As he prepared to ride away, Isabel felt a pang of sadness. There was something about this man that intrigued her, a connection that transcended their brief encounters. "Just be careful," she warned, her voice barely above a whisper.

He offered her a soft smile, hidden underneath his cloth mask, the warmth in his gaze making her heart flutter. "You, too. Stay safe."

With that, he kicked the horse into motion, galloping away into the night. Isabel watched him disappear into the darkness, a mix of relief and worry settling within her.

As the sound of hooves faded, she felt the gravity of the situation weigh down on her. She had helped a fugitive, a stranger who had somehow managed to touch her heart, yet she was also acutely aware that danger still lingered close by.

Turning back to the carriage, Isabel took a deep breath and steeled herself. She couldn't let fear consume her; she had to be brave. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she would face them head-on.