When Aldric said Issac was a righteous Fae, he did not mention the fact he was boring - and annoyingly strict. After Aldric left the dining hall after saying his piece, the fae forced her to finish her meal claiming it was the prince’s order.
To be honest, Islinda had no appetite. Aldric’s revelation that Valerie was responsible for the attack shook her to the core. She had no choice but to believe him but would not pass any judgment until she hears Valerie’s side of the story.
If there’s anything she’s learned so far from being close to Aldric, he would manipulate everything in his favor. She would not blindly fall for his tricks, not when she has no idea of the full extent of his plans.
Hence she forced the food down her throat until she couldn’t take anymore.
"I’m done." She pushed her plate back, looking at him from over her shoulder
"Fine," Issac finally gave in and Aurelia gestured to the array of servants who took over the role of taking care of the leftovers and clearing the table.
"You said you want a tour of the castle grounds, let’s get started then," Issac only took a step forward when Islinda got in his way and put up her hand,
"Wait!"
"What now?"
Islinda lifted the layers of her skirt, "I have to change out of this," She shot a gaze towards Aurelia, subtly requesting her interference.
"Yes, my lady needs a change," Aurelia stepped in, efficient as usual, " The dress can be quite restrictive, Issac. You can tell that my lady is quite excited about this exercise and you wouldn’t want anything to ruin the experience for her, would you?" She spoke firmly, with no chance for negotiation.
Issac gave the both of them a long look but Aurelia stood her ground, and he gave in the end.
"Fine, get on with it already. I don’t have all day." He grumbled.
"Thank you!" Islinda took his hand in hers out of excitement, but the Fae blanched and snatched his hand out of her grip, looking like Islinda just committed the worst sin.
She peered at him, curious, "Are you always this rigid? You look like you haven’t had a bit of fun all your life."
Issac gave her a cold glance, "I’m only doing my job and didn’t you mention, changing out of your restrictive clothes?" There was a conclusive edge to his voice.
Islinda snorted yet finally made a move. Either Faeries were too dramatic or the ones working under Aldric were not normal. Well, what was she expecting when their master was a mad Fae?
Issac followed after them as they walked down the hall and while the boring Fae wanted to keep their relationship strictly professional, she had other colorful ideas.
"Tell me, Issac, where did Aldric go?"
This time his icy exterior cracked just a little and his brows lifted just a little, "You don’t refer to Prince Aldric by his title?" He looked genuinely surprised.
Was she supposed to do that? Islinda was confused until she recalled the memory of Aldric demanding she referred to him that way. Well, fuck him! (may the gods forgive her language). Aldric was no prince to her.
Islinda opened her mouth to speak when Aurelia beat her to it.
"Issac is not obligated to tell you of the prince’s whereabouts. It’s strictly confidential."
"He went to see the king," Issac revealed and this time, not only Islinda, but Aurelia’s jaw fell to the ground. However, unlike her who was mostly shocked by his answer, Aurelia’s expression spelled scandalous!
Islinda looked between the both of them, still reeling from the revelation. Now that was one interesting shift in the power dynamic between the two. Since Issac served Aldric personally, Islinda assumed that he would be crazily royal to the prince, instead, Aurelia who was further down the hierarchy, took the role a lot more seriously.
What more was she missing out on? Islinda suddenly wished she had come with some snacks to watch this drama unfold.
Aurelia whirled on him, eyes blazing as she accused him, "You were not supposed to reveal the master’s whereabouts to her?!"
But he answered nonchalantly, "It’s not like she can follow after him. Also, I’ve dealt with enough females like her to know she wouldn’t give up until I give her something."
"And you’re right, Issac." Islinda concurred, smiling at him appreciatively.
"Do not encourage him, my lady, that was wrong. The master gave his orders to keep his move a secret, he should never have done that!" Aurelia scolded her.
Seeing that the Fae was flustered, Islinda knew arguing with her would not get her anywhere. So she went to Aurelia and placed her hand around her shoulder, coaxing her,
"Alright, Aurelia, I have heard you and Issac must be feeling remorseful for his actions by now,"
Issac opened his mouth to object but Islinda shot him a wink and he was quick to catch on the gesture.
"Yes..." Issac said ruefully, "I shouldn’t have broken the master’s trust in me."
His acting was not perfect but good enough to deceive Aurelia, because one thing was sure to Islinda, she was touring this house alone with Issac. No other Fae. No other distraction. Unlike Aurelia, someone else was willing to talk and give her the answers she wanted. Who knows when she would get such a chance with the Fae again?
"Come on, Aurelia, I don’t have all day," She curled her arm around her, tugging her along.
Issac could not come into the room with her since he was male, not that Aurelia would permit it either way. He had to wait outside, but not without her giving him a signal.
As if the gods were on her side, it was just Aurelia with her, and she helped her change into a green tunic and pants.
"Now, we’re ready for -"
"Ahh," Islinda cried out, bending over in pain.
"What’s wrong, my lady?" Aurelia was by her side, looking at her with worry.
"I think it’s the food..." She twisted her face, "It hurts... find me... find me medicine... please...."
"Oh my..." Aurelia panicked, conflicted between staying by her side and asking for help. However, she gave in to the fear and left to find medicine for her.
As soon as she left, the door burst open and it was Issac.
Islinda gave him a smug look, "Now where do we start before Aurelia catches up with us?"