As Islinda entered the washroom, she couldn’t shake the feeling that washing Aldric’s hair wouldn’t be as straightforward as she had imagined. The intimacy of the space, coupled with the sight of the spacious tub, sparked thoughts she knew she shouldn’t entertain at that moment.
Aldric entered shortly after, his presence adding to the charged atmosphere. Islinda could feel his heated gaze on her, scrutinizing her every move, and it made her blush furiously. Islinda was conscious of her action having hurt him too much. She had to be careful dealing with him. Islinda was not exactly heartless.
Without a word, Islinda adjusted the temperature of the bath to a comfortably warm level. Ever since arriving in the Fae realm, she had learned to be mindful of the unique preferences of each Fae. Winter Faeries, in particular, tended to favor cooler temperatures, given their affinity for ice. Unlike Islinda, who enjoyed scalding hot water, she knew Aldric would prefer something more moderate
As the crown prince, Aldric’s washroom was impeccably kept and stocked with every bathing essential imaginable—a sight that almost made Islinda envious. She added a generous amount of liquid soap with a fragrant, fruity scent to the water, envisioning Aldric walking around the palace smelling of citrus. A mischievous smile tugged at the corners of her mouth at the thought.
"If you had a weapon with you, I’d think you’re planning my funeral right now," Aldric remarked suddenly, catching Islinda off guard.
She nearly jumped out of her skin, but managed to calm her racing heart. Innocently, she replied, "I have no idea what you’re talking about."
But Aldric merely sniffed the air, catching a whiff of her plan. He lifted a brow. "Really? I didn’t realize you were a mischievous imp until now, little human."
"Come on, you have so many options," she gestured towards the diverse array of liquid soaps arranged on the shelf above.
"Just because it’s there doesn’t mean it’s up to my taste. Moreover, they kept an array of them because they don’t know my preference and they can’t experiment because I wouldn’t want their females’ hands on my body..." He straightened up, staring into Islinda’s eyes with blazing intensity as he corrected himself, "no, I wouldn’t want any female’s hands on my body. Anyone but you."
Islinda forgot how to breathe, ensnared by his mesmerizing blue eyes. He held her under his charm effortlessly. However, she broke the contact abruptly, coughing awkwardly.
"There’s always room for experimentation," she offered.
"I’ll smell like a female," Aldric complained, a furrow forming between his brows. "How would others take me seriously if I smell girly?"
"You already are intimidating enough, Aldric. The scent would do you a favor by smoothing your rough edges," Islinda tried to convince him.
But Aldric was stubborn, and he growled at her. Not aggressive enough to frighten her, but loud enough to indicate he was not going to be moved.
However, Islinda was stubborn as well, and with her hands on her hips, she looked sternly at Aldric, saying firmly, "Now, do you want me to wash your hair or not?" She was considering taking back her offer. Aldric was one big, pigheaded brute!
Aldric knew a trap when he saw one, and something told him he had to be careful answering this one. He let out a disgruntled grumble, questioning why he had even agreed to this in the first place.
He grumbled a response, one that Islinda did not hear clearly. So she inched her ear closer and asked, "What did you just say?"
"Fine," he breathed.
Islinda let out a triumphant smile, but it didn’t last long.
"So what do I get in exchange?" he asked.
"What?" Islinda felt like she had misheard.
Aldric stated proudly, "If I’m going to embarrass myself at court today, I need to get something out of it, don’t you think so?" He had that lopsided grin, knowing he had her where he wanted her.
"This is ridiculous," Islinda cried out. "I’m the one doing you a favor here."
Aldric only grew bolder as he said, "It’s give and take in the Fae realm, Islinda. Also..." His eyes narrowed, holding an accusing stare. "Am I the only one permitted to compromise here, Islinda?"
Islinda knew at that moment that she had fallen right into Aldric’s trap. However, she couldn’t show him that she was exactly helpless, a prey before him. So she wrapped her arm around herself, trying to appear in control of the situation as she demanded, "What is it that you want?"
Aldric looked at her with that cunning smile, saying in a low tone, "You know what I want, Islinda."
Islinda thought inwardly, "Fuck. In the end, it’s still down to that."
"Fine," Islinda said, and Aldric’s eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed in suspicion.
"Really?" he confirmed.
"Yes, I’ll bathe you. Are you satisfied now?" Islinda grudgingly gave in, though she tampered down the excitement that surged through her at the thought.
Aldric chuckled, amused. "Don’t look so gloomy, honey, not when you’re going to enjoy every moment of it."
Islinda laughed at the thought, then took three steps towards Aldric, her smile vanishing as she announced gravely, "Sorry to disappoint you, your royal highness, Aldric, but your hands are not going anywhere near my body. That’s my condition as well for bathing you."
Instead of being disappointed, a glint appeared in Aldric’s eyes, alongside that slow, cruel smile that usually frightened her in the past, curving his lips to the side. Islinda knew at that moment that she would fail in her plans, yet she stood with her chin lifted, determined to fight, at least.
"Fine, my little human," Aldric delightfully met her challenge.
He reached out and took a lock of her hair between his fingers before lifting it to his nose and sniffing it. The gesture sent sharp flares of lust straight into her core, and Islinda gulped, wondering if Aldric knew what he did to her. Was that why he was so dedicated to seducing her?