Islinda was so mortified that she spent almost half of the day locked up in her room. Perhaps, she should be grateful that Aldric did not come after her, nor did he send for her either. Hence, she assumed that he let her off which sounded too easy. Islinda had a feeling she would pay for that one way or the other.
However, a knock on the door shattered her peace and her face lifted towards it with wariness.
She spoke out, "Who is it?"
Her heart was racing.
What if Aldric got bored and changed his mind, deciding to bring the fun to her room instead? Would the door be able to hold him? She doubted so.
"It’s Issac."
"By the gods." Islinda let out a deep sigh of relief, pressing her hand to her chest. That was so close.
She stood up and went to unlock the door with a hint of apprehension, realizing at the last minute that Aldric might be able to deceive her with Issac’s voice. But when the door opened, it was indeed Issac standing outside.
"Hello?" She said happily not giving a care to his intimidating expression. If only the Fae knew how relieved she was to see him instead of the dark prince.
Moreover, it was not a new thing that Issac never smiled, at least around her. Always looking like he was constantly in pain. More like he lived in perpetual sadness. Was his duty in Aldric’s castle forced on him or something? If only Islinda knew.
"What’s the time?" He asked, his tone sharp and accusing.
"Urm, time....?" Islinda looked into her room, glancing at the clock on the wall and back at him, "It is about...." She trailed off when his frigid gaze bored into hers and she finally realized the underlying meaning behind that question.
"Oh." It dawned on her and she chuckled nervously, scratching the back of her neck. She was supposed to finish the rest of the tour with him today, Islinda remembered.
She straightened up, "I apologize, our appointment skipped my mind. Now, if you would give me a minute."
Issac snorted with a flicker of irritation crossing his features, he looked away and Islinda took that as a cue to make a move. So she went inside and picked up the cloak Aurelia had picked out for her, in case she needed to go out and put it on. Some parts of the castle were colder than the others and she heard the snow had been relentless last night.
Well, what do you expect when the weather is tied to the whims of a moody winter prince? Last night had been a tense one with his brothers, it was no wonder the weather had not been kind. However, Aldric must be in a good disposition today because the snow fell softly and the sun was out. Well, why wouldn’t he after he tortured her in the dining room?
At this point, Islinda was wary of having breakfast with him. Why did they have to eat together anyway? It was not like he was some esteemed that he couldn’t do without. Not to lie, he couldn’t do without her. She was the key to getting his throne, so he claimed.
Islinda halted at once.
She hated people, especially the Fae calling her weak. Give her an iron arrow and she would remedy that impression. Just because they had superior strength doesn’t mean they get to look down on her. She was a strong woman who has done everything to survive so far and was proud of her ability.
It wasn’t until Issac could not pick up her footstep anymore that he turned and realized that the annoying human was not following him. Issac figured it was something he said, but the Fae was haughty, how could he apologize to a mere human?
He said sarcastically instead, "Aren’t you coming along? It seems you’re no longer interested in exploring the library." Issac enticed her.
But she scowled intensely at him and when it seemed like he wouldn’t be able to shake her resolve, she finally moved. But then, Islinda shoved past him, causing him to stumble back and she moved ahead without an apology.
Oh, so this is what it is, payback.
Issac rolled his eyes, females!
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