Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 504: Rich Guest

Chapter 504: Rich Guest

"Isla." She said, introducing herself with her nickname. Not princess, little human, darling, or even her real name, Islinda. Islinda was cautious of revealing her identity in case the vendor recognized her as the famed human captured by the dark Fae prince.

Islinda has gone to two celebrations in the palace so far and it was all Faeries in attendance. She had not sighted a human or half-breed during the duration of her stay. Thinking of it now, Islinda could only assume they didn’t want to stare at the faces of the intruders (the humans) and the abominations (the half-breeds). Knowing Queen Maeve’s attitude, Islinda was sure she didn’t want them near an inch of the palace so they didn’t taint it.

If even the Faeries of Astaria could be cruel to their own, a prince who was unfortunately turned dark Fae, what more the product of a union with their centuries-long fiend, the humans? They were stubborn, short-sighted, and selfish bastards.

Moreover, Islinda simply wanted to connect with her own people without drawing attention to herself. She wanted them to get to know her personally without the judgment and ostracization that was sure to come once they learned of her relationship with the dark Fae prince.

"Isla." Gabi tasted her name on her lips in a way that made her hackles rise for just a minute. She thought the human had connected the dots, only for her to smile, revealing her two dimples, "You have a very chic name."

"Thank you." Islinda flushed, her racing heart returning to normal.

Gabi’s gaze lingered on Islinda, her eyes filled with intrigue and a hint of admiration.

"Tell me Isla, what brings someone like you to our humble abode?" Gabi inquired, her tone tinged with genuine curiosity. "If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were royalty or something."

Taken aback by Gabi’s observation, Islinda glanced down at her attire, suddenly realizing the truth in Gabi’s words. The crimson gown and elegant cloak provided by Valerie, though simple in design, exuded an air of nobility and sophistication that set her apart from the other denizens of the human enclave.

With a sheepish smile, Islinda met Gabi’s gaze once more, a twinkle of amusement dancing in her eyes. "I suppose appearances can be deceiving," she replied with a hint of self-deprecation. "But no, I’m not royalty. I’m just you."

"Girl, you can’t be me because If I were you right now, I would be twirling and rubbing that gown in the faces of my friends right now." Gabi joked and Islinda’s face flushed red deeper.

Islinda clutched the material of her gown nervously, suddenly feeling self-conscious as she was made very much aware of the difference in their status even as humans in the Fae realm.

Gabi must have realized her mistake because she spoke hastily, trying to do damage control by saying, "Or maybe you’re here to have a taste of my mouth-watering sausages? If that’s the case, then come inside the stall. You can’t stand while eating, would you?"

Islinda could only nod her head. She had no idea what to say. While she had been thrilled to connect with her kind, the truth remains she was really shy when it came to socialization. With Maxi, it had been so easy, the fae was so vibrant and likable. Not to mention the Fae are so straightforward and headstrong, she most times don’t even have a choice in their friendship. Like the way King Oberon had instantly taken a liking to her.

But with a human? Perhaps it was because of the past experiences in the village, but it never went well. She was kind of like the odd one and their interests never seem to align. In the end, she would be left out and scorned for being so different. Weird.

However, with a warm smile, Gabi gestured for Islinda to follow her inside. The aroma of sizzling sausages wafted through the air, enticing Islinda’s senses and making her stomach rumble with hunger.

"This is where the magic happens," Gabi said proudly, gesturing to the array of savory delights displayed on her stall. "I make the tastiest sausages in all of the Fae realm, or so I’m told."

Islinda couldn’t help but be drawn in by the tantalizing array of meats and spices laid out before her. Each sausage was cooked to perfection, its rich aroma promising a burst of flavor with every bite.

"I’ll have to try one," Islinda said eagerly, her mouth watering at the thought of sinking her teeth into one of Gabi’s delectable creations.

Gabi beamed with delight and quickly prepared a piping hot sausage, expertly wrapping it in a soft bun and adding a generous dollop of tangy mustard. She handed it to Islinda with a flourish, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Here you go, Isla," Gabi said warmly. "I hope you enjoy it."

Taking a bite, Islinda’s taste buds erupted with delight as the savory flavors danced across her palate. It was unlike anything she had ever tasted before, a perfect blend of spices and seasonings that left her craving more. Even Prince Wayne by her side couldn’t help but relish the delightful look on her face. Although the Wrry cat looked like he wanted to "eat" her.

"This is amazing," Islinda exclaimed between bites, her eyes shining with pleasure. "You truly are a master of your craft, Gabi."

Gabi flushed with pride at the compliment, her smile widening at Islinda’s enthusiastic response. "I’m so glad you like it," she said. "Please, have as many as you like. With a rich guest like you, I wouldn’t mind making more money."

Islinda paused only to realize that the human was teasing her again.

"Sorry," Gabi apologized, although with a note of laughter in her tone, "My grandmother says with my lust for money, she wouldn’t be surprised if I ended up marrying it." She joked.

Islinda savored the last delicious morsel of her sausage when she felt a sense of sympathy and guilt. From her hints so far, Islinda could tell Gabi lived poorly. She too lived the same until Aldric took her away.

However, it hit Islinda at that moment and she pointed out, "You said your grandmother lives here too?!"

Gabi grinned with a knowing look, "My grandmother, mother, and me. We’ve settled here for a long time." She revealed to Islinda’s shock.