Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 121: She Was Teasing Death

Chapter 121: She Was Teasing Death

"This is...." Islinda gasped as she stared at the courtyard.

"The garden," Issac explained as she excitedly climbed down the cobbled stairs that led into the overgrown and nearly neglected grounds.

The garden was abundant with vibrant flowers, some of them emitting a soft glow that seems to emanate from within. The leaves are velvety and supple, and Islinda could feel the mystical energy pulsing through the air.

The trees are the most significant; majestic and ancient and stretch up towards the sky. Sunlight sifted through the canopy in powerful beams of gold and the rich scent of earth and fragrances filled her senses. The experience was so magical it felt like she was in a dream.

Islinda could not hold it in anymore, looking around with childlike fascination. As much as it annoyed her to say this, she could never get bored in a place like this. There was just so much beauty, how could Aldric not appreciate it?

Issac went on to say, "If you walk deeper into the garden, a small sparkling stream runs through it, but I would recommend never to think of going there."

Islinda gave him a mean pout, how could he tell her of such a thing and pique her curiosity only to forbid her from exploring it? If Aldric was a monster, then he was a heartbreaker.

Seeing the accusing look on her face, Isaac cleared his throat and added,

"At least not alone. "

"Fair enough," Islinda said, turning to further explore the garden, her eyes widened in surprise and awe when a flight of butterflies surrounded her.

The butterflies were larger than the ones she had seen on earth, their wings of vibrant colors, with some translucent. As if recognizing she was a newcomer, they danced around her, one even perched on her nose and she giggled at the slight tickling sensation. Everything was surreal and out of this world.

As if the butterflies had enough fun with her, they flew away with an alarming swiftness that should have scared Islinda, instead, it was magnificent to her. She laughed and laughed, her mood a stark contrast to moments ago when Isaac told her she was dealing with deceitful monsters wearing beautiful skins. Even her beloved Valerie was no exception.

Except Aldric was a bigger monster and Islinda had already made peace that she was going to die while in the Fae realm. Except saying it was easier, but when it came down to reality, Islinda was not ready to lose her life.

Islinda shook her head and slowly walked through the garden when she saw a thicket of beautiful purple flowers. She was already reaching for the petals when Issac suddenly appeared by her side and slapped her hand causing her to yelp and retract it at once.

"What was that for?!" She cried out, tears stinging the corners of her eyes. That was painful.

"Nightshade," Issac explained to her unapologetically, "The plant is known for its beautiful, but deadly, purple flowers. Its toxins can cause hallucinations, paralysis, and even death. You can already imagine how that would feel like."

Islinda expelled a sharp breath, realizing how close she had come to shaking hands with death. These days it almost felt like she was teasing death.

"Fine," Islinda clasped her hands behind her and moved on. She felt a bit guilty for not thanking Isaac for saving her life, but he didn’t apologize for hitting her either - even if he did it with good intentions. In one word, they owed each other nothing.

Islinda checked another part of the garden when she came across the grayish-green colored leaves with a downy bloom wrapped around flower buds. As usual, she reached for the white flowers when Issac batted her hand away again.

"Y-you!" Islinda glared at him, believing he was doing this on purpose now.

Before she could further accuse him, he said flatly, "That is the bloodwort plant, and its toxic roots can cause your blood to clot and lead to heart attack or stroke. It is often used by Fae in curses and hexes."

At this point, Islinda’s jaw fell to the ground before her eyes narrowed with suspicion. Her anger was rising and she couldn’t tell if Issac was being serious or bluffing with his impassive expression. Islinda was almost tempted to ignore his words and snatch the flowers but self-preservation kicked in, so she heeded his words.

Thanks to that, Islinda did not dare to touch other flowers for fear that they would be dangerous and he would smack her hand once more. No, she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction - Islinda bet he enjoyed tormenting her. Like master, like underling.

Hence, Islinda looked around in silence, but of course, she couldn’t keep off her curiosity forever. Instead of flowers, bright red mushrooms caught her attention and she was about to touch it only to hesitate, casting a sharp look on Issac’s way.

But the Fae was not staring at her, seeming to focus his attention on some other flower. Glad there would be no interruption, her hands had barely brushed across the plant when he struck her hand again.

"Hey!!!" Islinda screamed at his face, having reached her wit’s end. She was not entertaining any of his excuses again, annoyed to no end. If she thought Aldric was a mischievous fox, then Issac was a green snake.

Even at that, Issac still said to her with a straight face, "That’s the Fly agaric and it contains a psychoactive compound that can cause intense hallucinations and delirium for humans. It is often used by Fae in rituals and to entrap unsuspecting novices like you."

She shouted at him, "I was only going to admire the mushroom, not consume it or, something!" Islinda was a breath away from tearing him from limb to limb.

"Unfortunately, you are too curious for your good and I don’t trust you one bit." That was his excuse for repeatedly smacking her hand.

"In that case, aren’t you the one at fault?! Why would you have all these dangerous plants in a garden?"

Issac said, "It’s Prince Aldric’s garden, not mine. I believe you should take your complaints to him."

Of course, it would be the dark prince’s handwork, Islinda was not surprised anymore.

She snorted, "He told me that I was the safest here."

Issac retorted, "Those were his words, not mine."

Islinda wanted to faint.