Islinda’s mind was consumed by the sudden vision of a naked man beneath a cascading waterfall, she gasped in shock at the explicitness and absurdity of the scene playing out in her head. The jolt of surprise snapped her back to reality just as Valerie intentionally dropped the dishes onto the table with a resounding thud.
Her head jerked up to meet Valerie’s deep frown, realizing she had been caught off guard by the startling vision. His scolding tone pierced through the air as he reminded her, "No Wrry cats on the table, Islinda."
The combination of the startling vision and the sudden noise of the dishes crashing onto the table left Islinda feeling disoriented and unsettled. She blinked rapidly, trying to shake off the lingering effects of the vision, and refocusing on the present moment.
As the mention of Wrry cats crossed her mind, Islinda turned her attention back to Prince Wayne, who remained perched on the table, his gaze fixed on her. A sense of suspicion and fear clouded her eyes as she stared at the cat, unsure of what secrets he might be hiding beneath his feline facade.
Just as tension began to mount between them, Prince Wayne suddenly meowed, breaking the silence with a startling sound. Before Islinda could react, he leaned forward and licked her face, catching her off guard and causing her to jerk back in surprise. She nearly lost her balance, but Valerie’s quick reflexes saved her from tumbling out of her seat, his strong hands steadying her just in time.
Startled and disoriented by the unexpected display of affection from the Wrry cat, Islinda blinked in astonishment, her heart still racing, and unsure of what to make of Prince Wayne’s behavior.
"Hey," Valerie’s voice carried concern as he reached out, wrapping an arm around Islinda’s side. His eyes reflected genuine worry as he asked, "Are you okay?"
Islinda nodded in response, grateful for Valerie’s support, but as she straightened up, Valerie reluctantly released her, respecting the distance between them.
However, just as the space between them widened, Prince Wayne seized the opportunity to hop onto Islinda’s lap, catching her off guard. A sudden stillness gripped Islinda as she felt the weight of the Wrry cat settle on her, his presence both comforting and unsettling in equal measure.
"Islinda?" Valerie’s concern persisted as he asked again, his gaze probing. "Are you alright?"
Islinda cleared her throat, striving to regain her composure. "Y—yes," she replied, her voice slightly shaky. "I’m fine."
Valerie regarded her with narrowed eyes, unconvinced by her response. His gaze shifted to the Wrry cat, who had nestled himself against Islinda’s side, seeking affection. As Valerie watched the interaction between Islinda and the cat, his suspicions momentarily eased. After all, who would suspect such an innocent-looking creature?
Despite her detached state of mind, Islinda found herself unable to resist the cat’s charms. With a resigned sigh, she reluctantly began to pet him, succumbing to his demands for attention. As she stroked his fur, a sense of calm washed over her, momentarily easing the tension that had gripped her moments before.
"Fine, if you say so," Valerie relented, ceasing his pressing inquiries. Yet, his gaze couldn’t help but drift towards the cat once more, not out of suspicion, but rather a pang of jealousy.
Valerie wished he was the one receiving Islinda’s affection, longing for the closeness they once shared. Despite their current distance, the summer Fae prince refused to lose hope. He believed that Islinda’s anger would eventually dissipate with time, allowing them to return to their former bond.
Once he freed her from Aldric, Islinda would feel gratitude towards him forever. Perhaps then, she would feel the extent of his dedication and affection for her. Until then, Valerie remained steadfast in his determination to win back her trust and love.
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