"What have we have?" Someone approached with a sneer.
Islinda could discern the identity of the unwanted visitor by the sound of her voice even before she lifted her face, confirming her suspicion—it was Elena. Her expression soured at the sight of her, and she scowled at the Fae with unmistakable intensity.
However, rather than taking Islinda’s scowl as a warning, Elena seemed almost relieved by her bad mood. In fact, the Fae appeared to derive some twisted satisfaction from it, her expression shifting to one of contentment as she walked towards her.
Elena halted right in front of Islinda, tilting her head as she scrutinized her with a condescending look. "If it isn’t Aldric’s whore?"
Islinda’s glare hardened at the derogatory remark. While she might tolerate others calling her "Aldric’s whore," she knew Elena meant every word of it, intending to provoke and mock her. Yet, Islinda had more important matters to attend to, like seeing Aldric, than engaging in a pointless altercation with a petty, contemptible Fae like Elena.
Ignoring Elena’s taunts, Islinda remained in her position, straining to catch sight of Aldric. However, her efforts proved futile, and a sense of unease settled over her like a persistent buzzing in her ears.
"Are you waiting for Aldric?" Elena’s voice cut through the silence, dripping with taunt. When Islinda offered no response, Elena pressed on. "Don’t bother. Aldric won’t see you. But if you beg me, I might consider putting in a good word for you."
Islinda’s brows furrowed in annoyance. While in the past she might have dismissed Elena’s words as the ramblings of a mad Fae, there was a glint in her eyes and a confidence in her demeanor that unsettled Islinda. It was as if Elena possessed knowledge beyond Islinda’s awareness, stirring a deep discomfort within her. Lately, her instincts had been on edge, amplified by Aldric’s avoidance, leaving her with a growing sense that something was gravely amiss.
Before Islinda could utter a word, Ginger stepped forward assertively. "You are making the young mistress uncomfortable, Lady Elena, and should leave instantly," she demanded.
Elena’s gaze shifted from Islinda to the servant Fae, her expression darkening. She spat out indignantly, "How dare you?"
"What?" Ginger recoiled, taken aback by Elena’s sudden hostility.
"Who do you think you are to speak to me that way?!" Elena raged.
Sensing Elena’s escalating anger, Islinda swiftly rose to her feet, positioning herself defensively in front of Ginger before Elena could make a move against her.
"Don’t. You. Dare," Islinda growled with a guttural intensity, her eyes flashing dangerously.
The unexpected show of aggression from Islinda caught Elena off guard, causing her to hesitate mid-action. Slowly, she lowered her hand, attempting to regain her composure as she smoothed down her flamboyant dress.
"Do you know, nobodies like you with a bit of power are the reasons mere servants think it’s alright to insult high Faes?" Elena accused, her tone sharp with disdain.
But any reprieve was short-lived, as the second guard sensed Islinda as a threat and moved to neutralize her. However, Islinda was faster, jabbing him in the throat with a carrot fist before delivering a swift kick to his chest, and sending him to join his fellow on the ground.
Islinda’s chest heaved with exertion as she maintained her defensive stance, scanning the scene for any remaining threats. However, the both guards lay on the ground, groaning in pain.
Her gaze then fell on Ginger and Ailee, who initially looked bewildered by Islinda’s sudden display of prowess. However, their expressions quickly shifted to admiration, and they cheered her on enthusiastically. "Go, young miss!"
"You are not going anywhere!" Elena shouted, summoning a large ball of flame in her hands. But to her astonishment, it fizzled out unexpectedly, leaving her confused and vulnerable.
Seizing the opportunity, Islinda’s vengeful grin widened as she drew her hand back and struck Elena squarely in the face with all her strength, knocking her out cold. Elena crumpled to the floor in a heap. That one was personal.
"You should go now, young miss. More guards will be here soon. We’ll buy you enough time!" Ailee urged, already standing guard at the door with fierce determination.
Grateful for their assistance, Islinda nodded and quickly rushed into the court. If Aldric didn’t want to come to her, then she would go to him.
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