Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 380: Snails Work Faster Than You Did

Chapter 380: Snails Work Faster Than You Did

The kitchen was busy, but not in a way that she was familiar with. If Islinda had been awed with the way the Fae seem to work with their magic the previous time, now she was stricken to the bone with terror and as well embarrassed.

Take for instance, the Fae who just lifted the pot of boiling water with nothing but her ability. What if her magic slipped and she ended up pouring the hot water on someone? Islinda could not help but think of the worst considering she was not used to it.

Thus she stood in the middle of the kitchen like a moron having no idea where and what to start from. Every Fae in here looked like they needed space to work with. What if she distracted them with her flimsy human moves and caused a disaster? The thought of it made her shudder. This was not the kind of kitchen she belonged to.

"What in the Fae are you standing around there for, human? Go and do something!" The Fae named Sura yelled at her and that prompted her to action.

Islinda’s eyes darted around wondering what group to join since the Fae seem to work together, hence the efficiency of their ability. Her gaze landed on an untouched mushroom at a corner of one of the tables and smiled, knowing she could work with that.

She barely reached the table when Sura was in her face, sneering, "What do you think you’re doing?"

Islinda pointed to the mushroom, "You told me to work and stop being idle, didn’t you?"

"I didn’t say you should touch that. After all, who knows if our prince would end up drugged again?"

"What?" Islinda flinched away, as if someone had slapped her across the face. No, there was no way they knew. Maxi had promised that the secret was hidden and Rosalind confessed to operating alone. How then? Islinda was anxious to know.

She snorted, "You and Rosalind had been together in the kitchen that day and yet she ended up drugging the food, the same Akara you made specifically for the prince. I don’t know for the others but I dare to say that the both of you worked together."

Islinda’s heart began to race and she had no doubt the Fae could hear that. If Sura could think that, how many other Fae had the same suspicion? Had they realized she drugged Aldric and she was the reason Aurelia was in the infirmary?

At once, she schooled her expression and did not give anything away. This was merely an accusation with no evidence — unless Aldric or Maxi opened their mouths — Sura must be trying to get the truth out of her mouth.

Islinda lifted her head high and responded firmly, "I have no idea what you are talking about and if you can go around forming speculations in your head, then I can proudly say you’re the idle one here. Rosalind already confessed her crime and paid for it..." Forgive her Rosalind, "If you are in the mood for trouble, then I dare you to go take up your speculations with Prince Aldric. I’m sure he’d be delighted with the news considering he’s the victim here. So please give me my duty and let me be."

Of course, Islinda was playing smart here knowing Sura could never approach Aldric. No one approached the dark Fae prince. Perhaps, she — Islinda — should be given an award for always bothering the dark Fae prince at every turn. Aldric’s mood was unpredictable and he could murder a Fae for even daring to breathe in his presence, not to talk of harassing him. Yes she was indeed gutsy.

Sura gave her a long hard look before chuckling, "You are one smart human, I’ll give it to you. But don’t worry, we still have a long time together and I’m sure your true colors would be revealed in one way or the other." Her eyes flashed with evil intention, "And as for your work, you should pluck those."

Islinda turned to see what she was talking about and her heart sank when she saw the thorny plant.

She swallowed, "You want me to pluck the leaves of whatever that is?"

"That’s a Zindr plant and it’s leaves are known to enhance flavors of most soups. All this while you’ve been enjoying a tasty meal, how do you think it was achieved? A Fae plucked those, now it’s your turn to return the flavor. So get working."

She added," Don’t bleed too much. "

The Fae went back to her work which was merely kneading a dough and Islinda wanted to curse out in anger. Sura was torturing her on purpose, which was evident when their eyes met once more and the Fae mouthed," Get working."

There was no other choice and Islinda had to take a deep breath and braced herself. Fine, she would not let the damn Fae win over her. With cautious fingers, reached for the Zindr plant, each needle-like projection waiting to strike.

As Islinda gingerly grasped a leaf, the sharp points pricked at her skin.

"Ouch." She cried out, bringing her thumb to her mouth and sucking the thin blood. She had not even started and the thorny plant had drawn the first blood.

Sensing Sura’s stare on her, Islinda hardened her heart. The sensation was a mixture of pain and determination as she plucked the vibrant green foliage, navigating the thorns with careful precision.

The plant resisted, eerily alive and clinging to its leaves as if reluctant to part ways like an intricate defense mechanism. It was a brutal war yet persistence prevailed, and Islinda harvested the leaves successfully.

"I’m done!" Islinda went over and dropped the plucked leaves she had put in a bowl in front of Sura who was chatting away with her friend.

Sura stared down at the leaves before her gaze flickered back to the bare Zindr plant as if trying to find fault with her handwork.

"Impressive." Sura said.

Islinda’s heart soared. She won.

"But I’ve seen even snails work faster than you did."

Islinda’s face fell. Fuck her.

She managed kept her composure even as she requested, "If I’m done here, can I please have a moment’s break."

"Just one flimsy work and you want a break? Fine, humans are fragile and I wouldn’t want your lover coming after me. You can go have a break but don’t be gone for long."

Islinda was almost tempted to say thank you as she ran out of the kitchen. As soon as she backed into a corner of the corridor that was far from their hearing, she then burst into tears.

Her hands hurt so much!