Rosalind did not talk to her on their way to the dining room and she had a feeling it had to do with the presence of the other Fae. Or her fears that the walls have ears. Islinda could not understand why she was suddenly scared of Rosalind, perhaps it might have to do with the fact she was a constant reminder of the impending plan. A plan that could spell her doom or a chance for a better future. She was nervous.
Islinda could not eat much due to the knot in her belly. It was no coincidence that Rosalind was the one to take her to the dining when she hadn’t seen her in days aside from the note she sent to announce her return. One thing was for sure, the Fae was beginning to get impatient.
Islinda wondered whether to question her reluctance to push through with the plan. Of course, Aldric was not around. However, Islinda knew deep down she would have Aldric back here in the twinkle of an eye if she really wanted to. So, why hadn’t she done that yet?
"Is the food not up to your taste, my lady?" The other Fae asked with a bit of concern, having spotted her picking on the food.
"Of course, it is," Islinda filled her mouth with a spoonful just to please her. With Aldric’s absence, there was no array of servants to take care of even his smallest of needs. It was just Rosalind and the Fae and the hall felt a lot lonelier.
"Maybe," Islinda said, "I might have a bigger appetite if I’m served in my living room and not this lifeless dining hall that could serve my whole village back in the human realm."
"What?" The Fae looked uncomfortable with that idea. She said, "Excuse , my lady, but Prince Aldric decides to have you dine formally even in his absence -"
Islinda lowered her spoon onto the ceramic, the loud clicking gesture echoed loudly across the room and interrupted the Fae.
"Aldric this. Aldric that. You should have called a prisoner instead of a guest, that would have been much more appropriate and remind of my place."
"No, my lady, that’s not -"
"Lady Islinda would have her al served in her room until Prince Aldric returns," Rosalind said, finally stepping in.
She protested, "But Aurelia -"
"Would not appreciate lady Islinda starving and unable to eat due to the lack of appetite, would she?"
The Fae looked at her conflicted and Islinda saw the mont she gave up the fight.
"No, she wouldn’t." She finally answered, head lowered in defeat.
"Good. I would speak to Aurelia if you’re too scared..." She paused, "No, leave everything to , I’ll handle it all.."
Islinda knew hierarchy existed among the servants and that Aurelia was the head, but it didn’t hit her that Rosalind had power too. Also, did she just stand up for her?
Islinda was conflicted about how to feel around her. Sotis, just like now, Rosalind gave off the feeling of being trustworthy, but other tis, especially while trying to convince her to drug Aldric, her intentions beca questionable. Or maybe, she was thinking too much.
"Thank you," Islinda said to Rosalind but the Fae did not show much reaction and stared ahead.
Islinda was able to relax in the end and ate a bit before she rejected the rest of the food. Islinda felt bad for the leftover food knowing no one would eat. Back in the human realm, she had no access to quality foods like this and now she had the opportunity, she wasted them. She had no doubts many humans would kill to be in her position and be docile to Aldric as long as he fed them.
Perhaps, she was too stubborn for her own good. But then, she was human and Aldric does not expect her not to bow on her feet and worship him just because he feeds her like a good dog. Islinda bristled at the thought of being compared with a puppy.
Hopefully, that was not what Aldric thought of her. Of course, Islinda rolled her eyes toward heaven. Who was she kidding? Aldric probably thought the worst.
"You should clear the table, I will escort Lady Islinda to her room," Rosalind told the other Fae and she nodded her head without a second thought.
"Let’s go, my lady," Rosalind gestured to the door and Islinda moved, her heart beginning to pound in her chest.
Islinda knew what awaited her the mont they arrived at her room and she ntally braced herself. She stole a look at the stoic-looking Rosalind, and from her set jaw, this conversation was not going to be easy.
As expected, they went in and it began.
"I thought I told you to seduce the prince, ti is running out!" Rosalind whirled around as soon as she slamd the door shut.
Islinda tried not to wince at the harshness in her tone. Holding her ground, she answered with the sa intensity, "Look around you Rosalind, In case you haven’t noticed, there is no sight of Aldric!"
Perhaps, Rosalind noticed she was practically yelling at her and might draw unwanted attention, she lowered her words into a whisper but there was still an edge to it.
She retorted, "Are you dumb or simply trying to play dumb, Islinda? If Aldric doesn’t want to appear, then force his hands, and threaten him with your own life. I’m sure he’s not ready to lose you or maybe you don’t want to leave yet, is that it?"
"What?" Islinda rasped.
"Be honest with , Islinda, are you intent on escaping from this place or have you given up on escaping because Aldric treats you well? Have you deluded yourself into thinking that this treatnt would last forever? Or...." She looked her dead in the eyes with suspicion, "Have you fallen for him?"
Islinda’s eyes widened at the last sentence but the shock soon gave way into anger and she snarled through gritted teeth, "How dare you accuse of falling for him when you are the one pushing into sacrificing my own body? Unlike you, I have much better taste in n!"
"In that case, I’m so glad to hear that. Also, it’s just a re body, not sothing special and you will use it to get what you want that’s all. Moreover, let remind you, Islinda, that you first ca to with this crazy plan, so I suggest you begin to show so motivation . Get Aldric to return ho and get this over with! It’s ti you went back to where you ca from."
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