Islinda opted to take nothing as she stood waiting for Aldric in the foyer. She had arrived in the Fae realm with nothing to call her own, which meant nothing here truly belonged to her. It was also a subtle act of defiance she wanted to convey to Aldric and a desire to distance herself from any sense of belonging.
She had deliberately changed out of her clothes, a means to distance herself from the memories of the intimate encounter with Aldric. She didn't want to be haunted by the lingering sensations of his touch or the allure of his lips, especially considering how close she had come to succumbing to his charm before Valerie's interruption.
Islinda dressed simply, donning a pair of tunic and pants. She aimed to blend in rather than stand out upon her arrival at the winter court, uncertain of her new status she would hold under Aldric's rule. Would he maintain her privileges or relegate her back to servitude? Islinda couldn't wait to uncover it.
