Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 500: Friend Or Foe —1

Chapter 500: Friend Or Foe —1

In the bustling market square, Soma, one of Prince Aldric’s staff, navigated through the throngs of Fae, her arms laden with bags filled with various supplies and provisions. As she made her way through the crowded streets, the weight of her burden pulling at her arms, disaster struck.

With a sudden tear, one of the flimsy plastic bags she was carrying split open, sending its contents tumbling to the ground in a chaotic cascade. Soma let out an aggravated growl of frustration, her brows furrowing as she surveyed the mess at her feet. How was she supposed to gather everything back up and salvage the ruined bag?

Just as Soma began to bend down to collect the scattered items, a voice broke through the din of the market. "Need a hand?"

Startled, Soma looked up to see a fellow resident Fae, standing nearby with a sympathetic expression on her face. At first, Soma hesitated, her instincts warning her to be cautious of the Fae’s offer of assistance even though she looked kind and innocent. Even Fae was not spared from devious deals from their kind. A little act of kindness might end up as something bigger. That is if she agrees to it. They were just smarter to deal with it.

However, in her current predicament, Soma found herself begrudgingly accepting the Fae’s help, knowing that she had little choice in the matter if she wanted to salvage her spilled belongings. It wasn’t her turn exactly for the weekly shop, but Sura had to go whine her mouth and get herself into trouble with the Fae prince, nearly losing her life. Now she’s on the bed recovering from the incident and she’s the one unfortunate enough to be sent to the market.

"Sure."

With a resigned nod, Soma stepped aside, allowing the Fae to crouch down beside her and begin gathering up the scattered items. Despite her misgivings, Soma couldn’t help but feel a begrudging sense of gratitude towards the good-natured Fae for coming to her aid.

"Thankfully, I have an extra bag," the Fae said, her voice laced with relief as she reached into her own purchases. With practiced ease, she removed the plastic bag that had been doubled up, offering it to Soma as a replacement.

Soma’s eyes widened in surprise and gratitude as she accepted the spare bag, her lips curving into a small smile of appreciation. It was a small gesture, but in a moment of need, it meant the world to her.

"Thank you," Soma said sincerely, her voice soft with gratitude. With the new bag in hand, she quickly began transferring the spilled items into it, thankful for the unexpected stroke of luck.

As she worked, Soma couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. In a world as unpredictable and dark as the Fae realm, it was reassuring to know that there were still kind-hearted souls willing to lend a helping hand in times of need.

So when she was done and stood up, she said to the Fae, "I don’t know how to thank you enough, but I’m grateful."

"Don’t worry, it’s nothing," The Fae waved it aside.

"Fine, if you say so. Although if you don’t mind, I wonder, what’s your name?"

"Anya." She said.

"I’m Soma."

"Good to know." Anya’s gaze took her in, "And if I might ask, where are you headed? Mind if I help you with all this stuff?"

Soma glanced down at her hands full of provisions and her gaze spilled back to Anya with a slight furrow, "Are you sure about that?"

"Of course!" Anya snatched a bag from Soma before she had a chance to hesitate, saying, "Moreover, there’s not much to do at the moment. If anything, I’m bored. This little walk should entertain me," She joked.

Soma laughed back too. She kind of liked Anya and to be honest, it was relaxing to find someone to talk to while on the way back to Aldric’s castle. Except it wasn’t as simple as she had made it out to be. She and Anya walked in slightly tense silence, the bustling noise of the market fading behind them, Soma couldn’t help but feel a bit awkward. Unlike her earlier enthusiasm, She didn’t quite know what to say to Anya, the kind stranger.

However, as they left the market and stepped onto the main road, Anya broke the silence with a simple inquiry, her voice light and curious. "Why wouldn’t you take a carriage ride with the amount of stuff you’re carrying?"

Soma glanced down at the bags in her hands, suddenly aware of their weight and the strain it was putting on her arms. However, it was the sudden anxiety in her eyes that made Anya raise a questioning brow.

"Why? What is it?" She asked.

Soma’s shoulder slumped. She stopped at the spot unlike Anya who walked ahead and only stopped when she realized she wasn’t following.

"I’m afraid that I work at prince Aldric’s castle and the only reason I can’t use a carriage ride is because none would agree to take me. They’re so afraid of the dark Fae prince so much that they believe everyone and everything related to him is cursed and wouldn’t want any of it." Soma confessed, lowering her head and peering up at Anya to see if she ran by now.

However, Anya made no move, further confusing her and lighting up a little hope inside of her. She really didn’t want to return to the castle alone. It wasn’t enough that the street leading to Aldric’s place was desolate because no one would want to live close to the cursed prince. It was so lonely.

Anya shrugged, "And so?"

Soma looked at her in shock, "You don’t want to run away? Wait a minute...." She sucked in a sharp breath, her eyes lightening up, "You still want to escort me back to the castle?"

"Well, not exactly to the castle gate but close enough that hustling all this stuff inside shouldn’t be a problem. You are cursed, after all and I don’t want to be part of it.."