Mated To The Cruel Prince novel Chapter 257

Chapter 257: She Has Aldric’s Backing

"Are you okay, my lady?" Aurelia waved a hand in her face, rousing her back to reality.

"Of course, I am." Islinda expelled a deep breath before staring down at the meal set in front of her.

"You seem distracted, perhaps, it was a bad idea to let you have breakfast in bed," Aurelia said with annoyance in her tone while shooting Rosalind standing at the corner a glare.

The austere-looking Rosalind stood straight with her head lifted high. Her lips were pressed together firmly, yet she did not give Aurelia the satisfaction of eliciting a response from her. But, the strange tension between both women could be sensed from miles away and made it so hard to breathe.

Islinda’s stomach churned with guilt knowing she was responsible for the current quarrel between Aurelia and Rosalind. Aurelia must feel Rosalind challenged her orders and went on to do whatever she wanted all because she was Aldric’s lover and had his backing. Islinda never intended to cause such strife among the staff and disrupt their dynamics.

If Aldric returned and saw his staff behaving this way. He would undoubtedly blame her. The dark Fae prince already tried to kill her once because she found out his secret. He would surely attempt a second time especially if he believes she is trying to tear his "kingdom" apart.

The tension in Islinda’s belly wound tightly, she didn’t like this at all. She had to get out of this place before all of this exploded in her face. Rosalind was right, this decent treatment was not going to last forever. Not to mention, ever since that fight with Aldric, she has no idea how he would treat her from henceforth.

She needed to escape by all means.

Islinda’s gaze fell on the dinner knife and her heart skipped a beat. Aldric did not allow any sharp object in her possession and the servants were always careful, ensuring no cutlery was missing after each meal.

She lifted her face only for her eyes to connect with Rosalind’s and her heart missed a beat. As if the Fae knew what she was plotting, she gave her a subtle nod and a shiver washed over Islinda. This was getting real. Nor can she back down. She would have to make Aldric return by threatening her own life.

Nervously, Islinda stared across the room, and aside from Aurelia and Rosalind, there were two other Fae in there with her. Rosalind was already on her side and would probably distract Aurelia, but what about the other two? Unless they weren’t paying attention, she couldn’t steal the knife without them knowing.

"Calm down, Aurelia, it’s nobody’s fault," Islinda decided to take to talking to calm her nerves and distract them, "Who knows," She sighed dramatically, "It might have to do with the fact that I miss Aldric."

And yes, that shocking revelation was all it took to distract them for a split second.

"What?!" The Fae screamed, looking amongst themselves with shocked expressions. Oh yes, they were undoubtedly the gossip.

Islinda took the opportunity to slip the knife from the tray and place it beside her where their eyes couldn’t reach. Although it was hidden at her side, It was only temporary and if any Fae happened to come any closer, they would find it. She had to do something quick.

"Clear the mess," Rosalind instructed the others while Aurelia watched her with a dark look.

For a moment there, Islinda’s heart skipped a beat assuming that Aurelia had caught up to their plan until she realized that Rosalind just shared the chores without her instruction. It seemed that Rosalind was trying to take over her position. Or worse, challenge her authority.

Rosalind must have realized her mistake because she hesitated for a moment. Usually, this wouldn’t be a huge deal, after all, it was for Islinda’s well-being, but with the latest fallout between them, Aurelia was reading too much into her action.

After a long look, Rosalind left without a word while a tick appeared in Aurelia’s jaw. Islinda watched the interaction between both female Fae with a complicated expression even as she successfully hid the knife beneath the pillow.

It hit Islinda that she would have to solve this unhealthy rivalry between Aurelia and Rosalind before attempting to threaten Aldric with her life. She can’t let them tear the castle apart.

Or was this the distraction she needed to execute her plan?

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