Whenever Faeries looks at Aldric, they note that he’s a warrior all thanks to his strong physique, and assume that he’s all brawns without brains. But the truth is the dark Fae loved reading and could almost be called a nerd. In this case, the dark prince was the perfect definition of brain and brawn.
He was insanely cunning and thus, his intentions were nearly incalculable. How would he be able to take his rightful place on the throne if he laid all of his cards on the table? He preferred keeping all of his family members, and Valerie, the "chosen one" on tenterhooks, leaving them guessing about his intentions. It was kind of satisfying to see them nervous around him, if he were to be honest.
Aldric’s love for reading was not just limited to books in the Fae realm but other realms, especially the human world. Hence he had a bit of knowledge about the sickness bothering Islinda. Faeries hardly got sick. When Aurelia arrived with the basin of water and a clean white cloth. She handed it to Zaya who in turn, gave it to the prince.
Both females were the only ones in the room and they watched eagerly to see what the prince was up to. He soaked the towel briefly in the basin and wrung out the water before placing the cool, damp cloth on Islinda’s forehead.
Aldric’s finger brushed across her forehead in the process and his lips pressed together displeased at the rise in her temperature. This was not normal.
"Get me more towels," Aldric ordered no one precisely but Aurelia didn’t need to be told and left to get it while Zaya remained with the prince, watching.
Aurelia returned in no time and Aldric received the towel from her and repeated the procedure from earlier, using the damn cloth to begin to wipe and clean away the sweat on her entire body one section at a time. Islinda had gone back to sleep, or it appeared so with her eyes closed, only moaning slightly when Aldric lifted her arms and cleaned her armpit which was a high-heat area. Her body ached everywhere.
"You intend to lower her body temperature with the wet cloth. That way her body cools from the inside, cooling down quickly." Zaya observed his actions and finally understood what needed to be done, "I think I can take care of things from this point on, my prince."
Zaya thrust out her hand to receive the wet cloth from him, believing that the action was too low and not befitting his Prince status. Her hand was still out when Aldric gave her a long sidelook that communicated many words, including the shudder that ran down her spine.
Without a second warning, Zaya quickly retracted her hand, swallowing a huge lump down her throat. She had only wanted to help but Aldric looked like he was about to murder her if she dared took the material from him.
So she moved back with her hands clasped in front of her, blushing in embarrassment and feeling stupid for attempting to help him when he never needed it. So she watched quietly from the side. Perhaps, she should be glad that Aldric didn’t lash out at her. But the more she watched the scene, it just didn’t make sense, the gentleness he used to handle the human.
Rumors were circling in the castle that the prince and Islinda were sleeping together. Ever since arriving here, Zaya kept to herself and didn’t chitchat with the rest of the staff unless it was necessary. Of course, she didn’t believe the news, it was a rumor after all and she has heard enough tales about Aldric, that the thought of him being together with Islinda does not match at all. The dark prince would destroy her and Islinda was not capable of handling him; she was fragile and mortal.
However, Zaya could not say the same right at this moment. The tenderness Aldric used to handle Islinda as if he were afraid that she would break apart in his hands left her dumbfounded. This was the first time she had seen gentleness from the dark prince.
No, Zaya could not believe he was capable of such. Aldric commanded and treated them with an iron fist that they dared not rebel against him. Not to mention his reputation precedes him and his aura was unnerving enough. It seems compassion was reserved for Islinda alone.
Prince Aldric’s interest in the human girl was weird. Usually, Fae royals mated with the strongest female and one of equal standing to avoid having a weak link in the lineage. The royal family was the strength of Astaria and if they were to crumple, then the kingdom was over. But then, Prince Aldric was weird and it was not surprising he made an odd choice. Now the question remains, does the human know of her power?
"I need light clothing," Aldric announced, rousing her from her thoughts and she realized the errand was reserved for Aurelia.
"Of course, my prince," The Fae answered and vanished through the door, only to appear moments later with a chemise which she handed to the prince, except he wouldn’t take it, and looked at her as if she was a moron.
"What am I to do with that?" Prince Aldric blinked up at her, "Isn’t it your job to undress her? I don’t recall reliving you of your duties, Aurelia."
The flustered Aurelia said quickly, "Apologies, my prince, I assumed that you would want to change her -"
"So she can wake up later and accuse me of being a pervert." Aldric sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "Trust me, even I am wary of Islinda’s troubles."
This time Aurelia shared a look with Zaya, the confusion reflected in her eyes as well. What was the prince talking about? Weren’t the both of them together? Or haven’t they done the deal yet?
Nonetheless, Aurelia cleared her throat and was able to compose herself, saying, "As you wish, my prince." She moved to take over his position.
"I would be in the other room, so do inform me after you’re done," Aldric gave them privacy.
As soon as the prince left, Zaya and Aurelia looked at each other, what was going on here?
Were the both of them in a relationship or not?