The Fae realm exuded beauty during the day, but as night fell, it became tinged with danger. It was no surprise when Aldric ordered them to set up camp after riding a great distance. They found themselves seemingly in the middle of nowhere, with not a single Fae in sight apart from their own group. The air was filled with the melodious songs of birds and the occasional rustle of small creatures in the undergrowth, creating an eerie yet enchanting atmosphere.
With no moon in sight, the sky was ablaze with dazzling stars that stole Islinda’s breath away. Since arriving in the Fae realm, she hadn’t truly taken the time to appreciate its beauty. While many things seemed similar to her own world, everything in the Fae realm was heightened and perfected, enhancing its allure even further.
But amidst such breathtaking beauty lurked monsters, hidden beneath the enchanting facade. It seemed that beauty served as the mask everyone wore in the Fae realm to ensnare unsuspecting targets. Here, survival was not a game—it was a primal struggle, a matter of kill or be killed.
Islinda felt the soreness from the horse riding as she stretched her aching muscles while waiting for the tents to be set up. Despite her willingness to help, the Fae had politely dismissed her, insisting that she wouldn’t be of any assistance. Though their words were spoken gently, they still stung Islinda.
While she lacked experience in setting up tents, she was a fast learner and believed she could handle at least some aspects of the task. How difficult could it really be?
Hence, she settled on a nearby rock, resigned to wait for them to finish setting up the tents. Her skin felt clammy, and the musky scent of her own sweat hung in the air, making Islinda uncomfortable. She longed for a nearby water source to bathe in, but at this hour? It was wishful thinking. She had no idea what kind of monster would lurk in the water.
Islinda sighed, deciding not to push her luck. She would simply have to change out of her sweaty clothes and endure until they reached the Winter Court in just one more day, where she could finally enjoy a proper bath.
"My lady, your tent has been set up," a Fae announced, interrupting her thoughts.
"Oh," Islinda responded with a grateful smile, standing up from the rock and brushing the dirt from her bottom. She followed the Fae who led her to a small green tent and paused.
"Everything has been set up, and Aurelia said to inform you that dinner will be ready by the time you’re out," the servant Fae informed her.
"Thank you," Islinda replied, about to enter the tent when she hesitated, glancing around at the various tents that had been set up. Curiosity gnawed at her, tempting her to ask which tent Aldric was staying in. However, she bit down on her lip and shook her head, dismissing the thought.
Questions like these were exactly what could lead her down a dangerous path, potentially ending up in Aldric’s bed. No, it was better that she didn’t know. That way, she could avoid thinking about Aldric—or so she thought. Yet, at this moment, Islinda found herself entertaining unnecessary and foolish questions in her head.
Where was Aldric? She hadn’t caught sight of him since they stopped to set up camp. And Elena, she hadn’t seen her either. The thought struck Islinda with a sudden, chilling realization. Could it be that the two of them were...? The blood drained from Islinda’s face as she considered the possibility. Regardless of anything else, Elena was still Valerie’s fiancée...
Fuck.
Islinda cursed the intrusive thoughts plaguing her mind. What business was it of hers if Aldric and Elena were off somewhere in the woods engaging in... activities? She had made it abundantly clear that there was nothing between them anymore, especially not after this. Islinda had her standards, and if Aldric had already moved on to Elena, then he was clearly not worth her time. She had no interest in a Faewhore.
With a resigned sigh, Islinda pushed aside the unsettling thoughts and stepped into the tent, only to freeze in shock at the sight before her. Her jaw nearly dropped to the ground as she took in the scene. Without a moment’s hesitation, she bolted out of the tent, her heart racing, and paused to confirm that this was indeed the tent she had just walked into.
"My lady, is anything the matter?" The Fae servant still stood nearby, her expression filled with concern.
Islinda lifted a hand to silence her, her brows furrowing in concentration. This was undeniably a small tent, yet when Islinda cautiously stepped back inside, she found herself standing in what appeared to be her room back at the castle.
"What in the holy Fae...," she muttered under her breath, her eyes widening in astonishment as she glanced around the familiar surroundings.
Finally, Islinda understood why the Fae had insisted she stay away; there was no way she could have been of any help with this. The tent was far larger on the inside than it appeared from the outside, the room within spacious and luxuriously appointed.
She couldn’t fathom what kind of wicked magic had been employed to create this enchantment, but Islinda couldn’t help but feel grateful. The grass beneath her feet felt as soft as a rug, offering a comforting touch of nature without any irritation. A plush bed awaited her in one corner, accompanied by an armoire stocked with her own clothes that Aldric had commanded the servants to bring along.
However, what thrilled Islinda the most was the section of the tent labeled "washroom." She couldn’t fathom how they had managed it, but when she lifted the curtain covering the space, she was greeted by the sight of a luxurious tub filled with steaming water and delicate roses floating on top.
Tears welled up in Islinda’s eyes, and she lifted a trembling hand to her mouth in awe. Despite still reeling from the shock of everything, she was deeply moved to tears by the thoughtful gesture.
How in the world had they managed to create such a marvel? The Fae never ceased to amaze her. The loads she had seen packed on the horses paled in comparison to this luxurious setup. If every single detail in here had been taken into consideration, the poor animals wouldn’t have been able to bear the weight.
And speaking of animals.... A sudden realization struck her like a bolt of lightning.
Where was Prince Wayne?
Oh no.