Mated To The Cruel Prince novel Chapter 474

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Chapter 474: Ruthless Islinda

Islinda didn’t stay hidden in her room the whole day; she simply made sure to steer clear of Aldric. But most importantly, she didn’t forget that she had been a servant before the short visit to the palace that nearly turned into a nightmare.

Once she had rested and bonded with Prince Wayne, she went in search of Marimar to report for duty. She could have waited until tomorrow to officially begin her work, but Sura had it out for her, and she didn’t want to give the jealous and wicked fae more reason to torment her.

Islinda knew they would be bitter over the fact she had been invited to the matchmaking ball unlike some of them who had never even seen the four walls of the palace. Not that it was her fault. But would they view it that way? No. All that would run through their head was an easy human they could pass their frustration on and bully.

Aldric’s castle was as quiet as ever, and Islinda had to admit that she missed the tranquility. The only time there was hush in the King’s palace was whenever Aldric was passing through. She sincerely missed this place.

Not finding Marimar, she decided to go to the servants’ quarters. There wasn’t much work to be done, and she guessed they were resting. Upon getting there, Islinda knocked on the door, but there was no response, so she opened the door and went in.

Every chatter died as soon as Islinda came in, and all heads turned in her direction. It wasn’t easy being the only human in the house.

Islinda didn’t need to be told she wasn’t welcome here. She might be a servant like them now, but there was still that privilege she enjoyed that they did not. She had a lavish room to herself, even though she was a servant. No wonder Sura resented her.

Islinda stood for several long minutes before a Fae came into sight. It was Sura. She looked Islinda all over, having not seen her for a few days, and there was still that disdain in her eyes. That seemed to wake Islinda from her slumber, and she cleared her throat.

Standing with her head tall, she announced to Sura, "I came to report for duties. Where can I find Marimar?"

Sura scoffed, "Well, look who finally dragged her ass back."

"Excuse me?"

"Oops, sorry." Sura appeared to be apologetic when she wasn’t, apparently taunting her. "You said you are here to report for duties. Is that so? I wonder if there is any work lying around here? No, there isn’t. Why? Because the servants have taken care of them all while you were at the palace bootlicking the royals. Unfortunately, you’re back and returned to being one of us now." She said mockingly, and half the room burst into laughter.

Islinda felt heat and ire rise to her cheeks, and her hands balled into a fist. She knew the Fae was intentionally getting on her nerves, and it was working. Islinda had never been great at managing her temper, and the Fae was testing her self-control.

This was not the first time Islinda experienced bullying, but not on this level. The girls back at the village had ostracized and treated her like a freak because she had been interested in an occupation that had been termed a man’s work instead of gossiping and going to parties with them. They only gossiped whenever she passed through, but they didn’t try to make her life difficult, unlike this nuisance of a Fae called Sura.

By a stroke of luck, Islinda was able to reign in her anger. She took a deep breath and said, "I guess Marimar isn’t here, then." She added with sass, "I’ll go back to my room and return when there’s work."

Islinda began to walk away when Sura said from behind, "Sure, return to the prince, you whore!"

And that did it.

Islinda halted, going deadly still. Her eyes twitched and white-hot anger coursed through her veins. She turned with excruciating slowness and faced the proud Fae. The sound of her blood pounding in her head was so loud, it nearly faded out the presence of others in the room and focused on Sura only.

"What did you just say?" Islinda asked icily, her hand shaking from the great anger rushing through her.

Sura raised a brow, "Am I wrong?"

Islinda wasn’t even sure she was breathing anymore and stared at Sura with reddened eyes. As if that was enough, Sura walked over to her and stood right in front of her, challenging her outright.