Note: This scene contains graphic violence and gore and may be triggering for some readers.
Aldric was far from being a hero. Yet, knowing that the dark Fae prince was the epitome of evil and witnessing his actions were two very different experiences. When Aldric mentioned that he had something to show her, a part of Islinda secretly hoped that he would summon Sura and publicly punish her. However, Islinda should have been careful what she wished for.
Sura stood completely naked, bent over a table. Islinda would have been envious of her naked figure if not for her disheveled appearance and the sheer terror in her eyes. The Fae princess had always exuded pride and confidence, but now, she trembled with unimaginable fear. Islinda couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy; she knew she would have felt the same fear in such a situation.
Turning towards Aldric with an angry expression, Islinda demanded, "What is the meaning of this?"
"I am punishing her," he replied emotionlessly.
"I did not request such a punishment," Islinda frowned at him.
"Good. I am not doing it for you either."
Islinda arched an eyebrow, unimpressed by his response.
"I haven’t given my servants a show in quite some time. It’s about time I tapped into my inner monster," Aldric smirked.
"Inner monster?" Islinda asked, her head slightly tilted.
Aldric’s smile grew sinister as he said, "You should sit, the show is about to begin."
True to his words, two chairs were set up, and Aldric forcefully dragged Islinda towards them. She sighed in exasperation as she reluctantly took her seat. She despised being bossed around by him, but her curiosity got the better of her. Although Islinda felt sorry for Sura, there was a part of her that found satisfaction in knowing the Fae would receive the punishment she deserved. Little did Islinda know that she would come to regret those words later.
"So, what’s next?" Islinda snorted, feigning boredom. "A public flogging? How original."
Aldric’s eyes probed hers, his smile growing increasingly sinister. "Don’t worry, I have something more original in mind. I hope you enjoy it."
Suddenly, Aldric stood up, and a sense of dread washed over Islinda. What was he planning? She felt uneasy being left in the dark.
"Thank you all for joining us on this special occasion," Aldric addressed the gathered servants. Islinda could sense the anticipation on their faces, and they kept their distance. The air filled with an ominous tension, all created by the dark Fae prince.
"I won’t waste your time, because, let’s be honest, none of you can stand my presence, and I have better things to do than stare at your pathetic faces," Aldric sneered.
Islinda winced at his disparaging words, her lips pressed into a thin line. The Fae prince had no respect or regard for anyone. It was no surprise that he was viewed as a nuisance, and everyone wanted him gone. Aldric was unlikeable, and he made no effort to be liked.
"Today, we are here to witness the punishment of one of my staff members, Sura, who dared to call my exclusive human companion a whore."
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