Mated To The Cruel Prince novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26 - Come To The Vigil Tonight

Islinda didn't know she got to the chief's place, her mind had been racing the entire time. How could the man die at a critical time like this? If he were going to die, he should have at least found Eli's parents first before leaving. Now, she was left all alone to deal with the burden.

The chief's place was filled to the brim with sympathizers who had come to offer their condolences to his family. It wasn't until that moment that the cold began to get to her and Islinda looked down to discover that she was barefooted and her toes were beginning to freeze. The shock had been so great, it had stripped her of all sense of reasoning.

"Aiyo, how could you come out like that? Even if the chief's death is shocking, we cannot afford to lose a young soul too!"

It took Islinda a minute to realize that the elderly woman was speaking to her. Islinda knew one from the marketplace, having sold one of her small animals to her.

"Ahh, this...." She shifted on her toes uncomfortably, now embarrassed. Islinda tried to explain, "I didn't mean to.... It didn't cross my mind..."

The woman placed her hand on her shoulder with a smile of understanding. "Wait here," She told her and left before Islinda could protest.

Not long after, she reappeared with a boot in hand and Islinda went red in embarrassment.

"You should try this," The woman placed the boot beside her bare feet.

"You shouldn't have ...." Islinda gasped, conscious of being very near to tears. She didn't know why she was being emotional. But this was the kindest act anyone has ever done for her. Not even her family.

The woman explained, "My daughter got married weeks ago, the boot belongs to her. It's been idle at home and I have no idea what to do with it. You should have it."

Islinda bit down on her lips, she shouldn't accept this. But the woman was doing this out of sincerity and couldn't refuse it. She slid her feet into the boots and it was a perfect fit.

The woman looked satisfied, "I was worried that it wouldn't fit but it seems my fear was for nothing." She smiled at Islinda.

"Thank you." She said,

She patted her on the shoulder, "I don't know what you're going through, my child, but first comes the rain, then sunshine. Never neglect your health no matter what, you have a whole future ahead of you."

Those were the woman's last words before moving on to associate with her peers. Islinda stared at her new ankle-length black booths. It was sturdy and very comfortable and she wouldn't need to buy a new one anymore. The money would go to her savings now.

Finally, remembering the reason she was here, Islinda moved around the crowd and was able to pick up a bit of information. Just as Remy had said, the village chief died in his sleep last night. He had not been sick, hence everyone took it as the will of the gods even though the loss was great.

Of course, If only they knew.

The village chief was a respected elder, and a vigil was going to be held for him tonight. However, Islinda was stunned when she recognized her family among the crowd and her eyes widened with fear as she saw Remy with Eli. If she didn't know her evil step-sister too well, she would have thought the both of them had become friends.

Remy saw her first, "What's with you? You suddenly -"

Islinda ripped her grasp on the boy, glaring at her icily, "If this is a new game, you better stop it. Do not harm the boy."

Remy gave her a blank look, "Harm what boy? Do you think me so cruel that I would torture children too?" She looked disgusted.

Islinda narrowed her gaze at her. For some reason, her words seemed convincing and that was what bothered her. Remy was never kind, what changed? Did Eli charm her with his innocence?

"Big sister," Eli told her, "You don't have to worry about me, Sister Remy and I have been having a lot of fun?"

"Sister Remy?" Islinda arched a brow, jealousy twisting her guts. Eli had only trusted and called her "sister", now he was extending the title to others that didn't deserve it. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com

As if that was not enough, he wrung out of her hold and went back to holding Remy, saying, "We are going to have a bit of fun before going home."

"Fun?"

"Mother and Lillian are here too. They have come to pay their respect to the chief. Judging from the crowd here, I think it would be a while so I suggest that you go home and finish the chores, don't you think?"

Islinda would have left but her eyes flickered down to Eli in worry.

Noticing her gaze, Remy pulled the boy behind her," Don't worry about Eli, I'll take care of him and he will return safely."

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