All eyes were on Islinda and Aldric as they were led down the palace hallways, flanked on all sides by what seemed like a hundred soldiers. It was a sight no one had ever seen before—not even King Oberon, who commanded immense respect and power, had ever walked with such a contingent of guards.
Yet, here they were, escorting Aldric and Islinda as if they were prisoners of the highest order. But for Aldric, the dark Fae prince, the king had deemed it necessary. There cannot be a chance of escape.
As they walked, servants who happened upon them quickly turned away, avoiding eye contact and retreating to the shadows. Those who had no time to flee pressed themselves flat against the walls, giving the pair and their guards a wide berth.
They had their eyes averted, as if making eye contact might bring down Aldric's wrath upon them. It might have been a comical scene, like a parade of fear and awe, but Aldric was in no mood to laugh. Not with Islinda's life hanging in the balance.
