"Where do you think you’re going?" Andre demanded, his grip tightening around her arm.
Islinda made one last desperate move to try to control him. "You will let go and—" she began, but Andre’s eyes widened as he realized what she was attempting.
He swiftly spun her around, pressing her back against his chest, one arm wrapping around her torso while his other hand clamped over her mouth, silencing her mid-command.
With his chest heaving, Andre spoke roughly into her ear, his breath hot against her skin. "You’re going to learn today that unlike you—a newborn half-breed—I’ve lived for hundreds of years and can recognize every trick that cos my way."
Islinda struggled, her muffled words coming out in a panicked rush, but his grip was ironclad. She could feel his strength, the raw power that made him the autumn prince. Andre shifted his stance. With one fluid motion, he hoisted her off her feet and threw her over his shoulder.
"Andre!" Islinda gasped, her fists pounding against his back, "Let down this mont! This is not how you treat a guest!"
But it was no use.
She was trapped, completely at his rcy. The helplessness of the situation sank in, and fear gnawed at her insides. Evelyn thought she was strong but right now, she felt so vulnerable, so outmatched.
"Perhaps that guest should have known not to go around trying to mind control people. We’re going to have a long talk about this when we get back. Do you know how risky it is trying to mind control?" Andre reprimanded her like a mother would a child.
Andre continued walking, his grip firm and unyielding while Islinda gave up and accepted her fate. She had underestimated him and was paying for it.
Islinda did not make a scene as Andre carried her back to her room and dropped her unceremoniously on the bed.
"Now begin." He demanded, the playful banter and teasing tone that often accompanied their interactions gone and replaced by a cold, unrelenting one.
Islinda opened her mouth to speak — to make up a believable story — but sothing made her pause. Her eyes darted around the room, her heart sinking as she realized there was no sign of Maxi which was strange. Even if she were in the restroom, Maxi would have rushed out, if just to see that she was fine.
"What is it?"
Islinda ignored him and searched the spaces including the armoire incase she was hiding in there, but there was no sign of her.
"Are you looking for your chaperone?"
Islinda stilled..
The unease that had been creeping up on her solidified into anger as she turned her gaze on Andre, her scowl deepening. "Where is Maxi?" she demanded, her voice sharp with concern and fury.
Andre’s expression remained calm, though a flicker of irritation crossed his features. "She’s in the dungeon," he replied evenly.
Islinda felt her blood run cold at his words. He had got to be kidding her.
"The dungeon? What are you talking about? Why would she be there?" Her eyes narrowed, "Why would you do that? What has she done to deserve that?" Her voice rose with every word, her fists clenched at her sides.
Andre’s calm deanor faltered, his own anger flaring. "You should be grateful, Islinda, that I kept this matter under wraps and didn’t report it to Father. If King Oberon knew what had happened, this situation would be far worse, and Aldric would be in even deeper trouble."
"Trouble?" Islinda echoed, her voice laced with disbelief. "All because Aldric took out of the palace? Is that what this is about?"
Andre’s eyes narrowed. "Do you have any idea of the consequences, Islinda? Aldric took you out of the palace right under the King’s nose. He’s already on thin ice with everyone looking for an excuse to get rid of him. This stunt could have given them exactly what they needed. What can’t he for once appreciate people’s hardwork around here and stop making things fucking difficult?!"
Islinda was stunned with Andre’s outburst. This was the first ti she was seeing him lose control like this. However, Islinda tried to find a way to defend Aldric, to explain his actions.
"He just wanted to be with before the death duel this morning. He’s scared that he might lose to Valerie tomorrow and that would be the last ti he saw ." Islinda lied, hoping to quell Andre’s fury and hopefully, his curiosity.
Andre cannot not know that she was a dark Fae. She could not tell if their friendship was deep enough to hide such a huge secret. In the end, the king’s spymaster was loyal to the light Faeries.
"Don’t encourage his reckless behavior," Andre snapped, his voice tight with frustration. "You’re only making things worse. Aldric is stubborn, and he refuses to keep his head down even when he knows how precarious his position is. This could have endangered not just him but you as well."
Islinda fell silent, the weight of Andre’s words pressing down on her. She understood the risks, but that didn’t stop the anger from simring within her. But arguing on with Andre wouldn’t help her either. So she gave up.
Seeing her subdued, Andre’s tone softened slightly. "You should rest up, Islinda. We’ll talk more tomorrow. So don’t dare to think that this is over."
"What about Maxi?" Islinda asked, her voice trembling slightly as she fought to keep her emotions in check.
"She’ll have to spend the night in the dungeon," Andre said firmly. "That’s the punishnt for your actions. She’ll be released tomorrow."
Islinda’s heart ached at the thought of Maxi, loyal and brave, suffering in the cold, dark dungeon because of her. "Andre, please—"
But before she could finish, Andre turned on his heel and stord out of the room, leaving her alone with her thoughts and the echo of his words.
Islinda sank onto the bed, her mind swirling with a mixture of guilt, anger, and fear. Maxi didn’t deserve this. But there was nothing that she could do but wait for the morning — a day where everything would unravel.
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