"I'd prepare another room for you, staying in here for tonight might not be the best idea." Julian said the moment they approached Icarus's room. Icarus currently was unstable emotionally, and he wasn't especially friends with the princess beside him. She might try to act rashly or talk back at him and things might end badly for both her and Icarus. To avoid unnecessary drama, getting her another room just for the night would probably be the best idea.
He might get scolded by Icarus later for going against his wishes, but this was for the best. To make sure that this princess doesn't attempt escaping, he'd personally keep watch over her tonight. Even though her escaping was near impossible, it wasn't impossible, and that was enough to take her seriously.
"I understand," Isabelle replied with a hung head. "But if you don't mind, I'd like to stay with him tonight. If this is a long term situation, don't you think it's necessary that I get to know him?"
Julian's eyes narrowed and he shot her a piercing glance. While she made sense, he failed to understand her reasons. It was obvious she didn't like Icarus one bit, and she understood how dangerous he could be with an unstable temper. Yet, she is offering to stay in the same room with him?
He didn't say any more words to her, nor did he refuse her offer. In fact she was right, this was what he wanted for his friend after all. If Icarus could win her over then perhaps they'll be able to save him before time runs out. And for that to happen they needed to spend as much time as possible together.
Without knocking, Julian pushed the door in and entered the room. Icarus' stare changed from the floor to his best friend's face, and why he didn't complain that he was here, he wasn't particularly pleased to see Isabelle walk right behind him.
"I know you heard us already, and it's your order that she spends her nights here." Julian reminded before his friend could flare up.
Icarus' eyes darted from those of his best friend to the lady behind him and for a while his stare lingered on her before he finally broke the silence. "Do whatever you want.."
Julian smiled before turning towards the door. Icarus seemed to have calmed down, Isabelle should be safe with spending the night here. "I'll be leaving then. Have a wonderful night you two."
Isabelle inched closer to the man seated before her, unsure of how to begin her next sentence. The man from earlier was his brother, perhaps she might be able to get information out of that one easier than Icarus. She had no idea who to ask, but she would start from Icarus, the worst possible option.
"Are you okay?" She started and Icarus flashed her a confused look. He hadn't expected the question, and he was unsure if he had heard correctly. He didn't answer, not until he was certain that she was the one who had really asked him about his well being.
"The man from earlier? He's your brother, isn't he?"
"That is none of your concern 'princess.'" he snapped, his eyes narrowing.
Isabelle resisted the urge to roll her eyes, maintaining a facade of feigned concern. "We're essentially roommates now, I just want to know you better. The rumors are not reliable, are they?."
Icarus scoffed, sitting up abruptly. "Save your false concern for someone who cares. I suggest you go to bed and concern yourself with your own affairs."
This time, Isabelle rolled her eyes and folded her hands behind her back. She was not about to back away because of his dismissive and nonchalant attitude. She saw an opportunity, a chance to gather information that could potentially save her from this place, and she was not about to let it pass so easily.
"I may not care about you, but your gloomy aura is making the air unbreathable. Don't you think I have a right to complain—"
Icarus stood, his tall figure casting a daunting shadow over Isabelle. His cold gaze bore into her, a silent warning to retreat. "I said, go to bed. This is not a matter you should be involving yourself in."
He was definitely threatening, but the princess persisted. She tilted her head defiantly, her eyes locking onto his. "It's my business now Icarus. I'm your 'wife to be,' after all..."
A spark of irritation flashed in Icarus's eyes. He closed the distance between them with swift, purposeful steps. Before Isabelle could react, he pressed her against the stone wall, his proximity unsettling.
"You're doing way too much princess," he hissed, his voice a low growl. "I have been lenient enough, but you're taking my mercy for granted.."
Isabelle could feel the hard surface of the wall against her back, and this level of closeness sent shivers down her spine. However, she maintained her composure, refusing to show any vulnerability. "What are you going to do now? Kill me?" She challenged with a cynical smile on her face.
She attempted to move away, but Icarus's grip tightened, trapping her against the unforgiving wall. The tension escalated, and Isabelle's attempts to break free proved futile. A dangerous glint appeared in Icarus's eyes, a mix of anger and something more primal.
"I don't want you around me, leave!" he ordered, his face inches from hers.
Yet, she persisted, a hint of defiance in her eyes. "I thought you wanted to keep an eye on me, do I bore you now? Don't you want Avalon any—."
Before she could continue, Icarus silenced her with a searing kiss. The suddenness of the action caught Isabelle off guard, and she felt her arrogant self slip away with the feel of his lips. It was a calculated move, a means to stifle her words and assert dominance.
As the seconds passed, Isabelle's resistance waned. The intensity of the kiss stirred conflicting emotions within her, a battle between resentment and a begrudging acknowledgment of how good of a kisser he was.
Finally, Icarus released her, his eyes holding resentment and passion at the same time. "Stop talking, just for one second.." He suggested before releasing her from his clutches.
She had a lot to say, but words failed her. He had just kissed her, and she enjoyed it.
Why did I enjoy it? Isabelle questioned herself as she trailed her fingers over the outline of her lips, trying to recreate his feel. It wasn't her first kiss, but it felt unique in more ways than one.
"How long are you going to keep fantasizing? Go to bed already."
His words jolted her back to reality, and she quickly hurried to her cushion, her mind still wandering. She glanced his way, but he was already lying in bed, his whole body submerged inside the cozy blanket. She was here imagining things while he was fast asleep. The kiss meant nothing, it was just a strategic means to make her keep her mouth shut, and it had worked.
She cursed at him before turning her gaze away. She had to admit that he was definitely different, a force she had never met before. And she had no idea if she was going to survive the storm that he had brought with him