Deadly, monstrous, yet beautiful, Islinda described Aldric at that moment, watching with fascination as he dealt with the Fae that had disrespected and attempted to kill her.
While she would have loved to fight her battles, Islinda was not deluded enough to think she could lay a hand on Theodore without being ripped to pieces. She was no match for him. But Islinda had to admit, there was something breathtaking about a man or Fae, as far as it was a "he" standing up for a woman. Not that she was falling for him, she was simply touched by his chivalrous act.
"My lady...." Aurelia came to her side, distracting her from seeing the rest of the exchange between the siblings. That was one disordered family.
Islinda gave the Fae a slow smile as she and Rosalind helped her to her feet. Her body ached everywhere and all she wanted was rest. After what just happened, she couldn’t stomach the thought of food.
"What do we do my lady?" Aurelia cried out while Rosalind gave her a pitiful look leaving her confused.
She followed their line of sight and lifted her hand to her neck, wincing slightly when she felt the burn. That asshole prince must have bruised her badly. Now that she looked down, Islinda found scratches and abrasions on her body from the twigs bounding her earlier. She had not felt the pain until now.
"At least we should be grateful that he didn’t summon a poisonous plant," She chuckled wryly.
"That is not funny my lady!" Aurelia fussed as always, "I would find a healer to get rid of everything."
"No!" Islinda grabbed hold of her arm before she could make a move, "Why waste resources on this small injury? Give it a few days and it will heal."
Sure, Aldric brought her here but she was living above her capacity, almost like a noble and It was beginning to get to her lately. If he brought her here as a captive, then he should treat her as a prisoner. At least, she would hate him more - and not try to understand the monster.
Islinda was not going to lie, Aldric was not what she made him out to be and it frightened her. The whole realm had to hate him for a reason, right? So how could she think otherwise? What if she was not normal? Would the whole realm stand against her too? Would Valerie hate her too? The prospect of it happening sounded scary.
"Find a healer. " A voice commanded from behind and her heart skipped a beat even before she turned around and saw him.
"Of course, your highness," Aurelia responded, a triumphant look on her face. For once, she was in support of the prince’s decision.
What an unfaithful Fae.
Faster than her eyes could capture, his hand tilted her chin up as he looked her over, his eyes darkening when he saw the bruises.
"I should have just killed him," Aldric said, his eyes blazing with fury.
"Are you hungry?"
"W-what?" Islinda was surprised at the swift change in conversation.
"Do you want to eat? This was supposed to be your party until some idiots ruined it."
Islinda found out that she was unable to say a word, shaking her head in response instead.
"Good." He said.
"Huh?" Islinda was confused. Was he planning on being petty when it comes to feeding her? No, she loved the food! It was the only good thing about being here; she could not go hungry.
But those useless thoughts leaped from her mind when he swept her off her feet and carried her in his arms.
"Aldric!" Islinda screamed at the top of her lungs, the whole gesture taking her by surprise.
"What are you doing?!" She queried him while Aurelia stifled her giggle at the side.
Islinda took notice of Rosalind and though the Fae tried not to show too much emotion, she bit down on her lips and would not look at them. Islinda felt bad, imagining how the Fae would feel at Aldric’s action. Was the dark prince blind or what? How could he not notice her?
"Put me down," Islinda demanded, wriggling in his arms like a fish out of water.
Aldric shot her a dark stern, "Do you want me to let go?" He said threateningly.
"Of course not," Islinda instinctively wrapped her hands around his neck in case he makes good on his threat.
Apologies Rosalind, but Aldric was insufferable.
Now carrying her, Rosalind made to follow him, but Aldric said without even looking over his shoulder, "Do not follow us."
Islinda swallowed uneasily at their interaction, was there really no ounce of affection between them or were they a reserved couple? Aldric didn’t seem like the shy type though. No, Islinda refused to believe it. She hoped on using Rosalind to get out of here. They had to fall for each other, it was a must!
Rosalind stayed behind and Aldric went down the hall with them. She still had not figured out his intention and her brows furrowed when he arrived at her room and they went in.
The both of them alone in a room made her uncomfortable and it was a relief when Aldric placed her on the edge of the bed, except he didn’t move. She caught a whiff of his scent and her throat went dry. His eyes were fixed on her with blazing intensity and he was bent over her such that he could kiss her easily if he chose to.
Heat spread to her cheeks and Islinda chastised herself for such ridiculous thoughts. She could not allow a repeat of earlier. Not when she had been so close to losing control.
Aldric lifted his hand to her neck and she sucked in a sharp breath. His hand gently massaged her neck and she shivered at the contact. What was going on? She struggled to think beyond the thrill that went through her.
"Aside from me, no one has the right to take your life," He said with conviction, right before he pressed his lips to her neck.