Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 33: The Bribe

Chapter 33: The Bribe

Breakfast that morning was once more awkward, but on the bright side there was no yelling from Madam Alice and the meal had been made by Islinda. It was good to say that the food was safe.

The only thing that could be heard was the sound of utensils clinking against the silverware and Remy’s hushed voice as she spoke to Eli. Sadly, even with her voice lowered, it was still not enough for the family.

A bang on the table startled Islinda and a lump formed in her throat knowing that she was in trouble even before she looked up.

"What is it, Lilian? Is the food not up to your test?" She hoped the food was the problem, not Eli.

"Oh please," Lillian rolled her eyes towards heaven, "We both know that is not what this is all about." Her gaze bored through her.

Lillian pointed towards Eli, "When are you going to get rid of him?"

"Come on, Lillian, the boy has a name, not a thing." Remy retorted, petting Eli on the lead. Not that it helped because the act disgusted her younger sister.

"For god’s sake, Lillian, what has come over you? This is not like you."

"I am absolutely fine, Lillian, I’m merely taking care of a child that has no place to go unlike you whose cruelty extends to children, it seems."

"What?" Lillian’s face was distorted by rage, "Did you just say that to me?"

"I-I don’t -" Islinda attempted to speak but was cut off. She wished not another fight during breakfast and in front of their mother who would likely take it out on her.

"Do not interfere in this, you idiot!" She retorted at Islinda who had no choice but to keep her mouth shut.

Remy and Lillian began to bicker but the strangest thing happened. Eli was seated between both women, even amid the chaos, he looked relaxed, and unconcerned as he ate his food which brought a frown on Islinda’s face. Other children in Eli’s situation would have busted out in tears, frightened and uncomfortable with the tension in the air but Eli was unbothered.

Could it be what she was thinking or Eli simply had no empathy skill? Islinda had seen mentally sick children and the child could be one. Perhaps, that was why his mother abandoned him in the forest. Islinda did not want to acknowledge the other thought that sent chills down her spine. It was impossible.

As if he sensed what she was thinking, Eli met his gaze and a shudder went through her. There was no way that innocent face could be anything more. But then, the Fae creatures were also the beauty that lies. Yet, it didn’t make sense that Eli was a Fae and stayed by her side all this while without killing or enslaving her. Even if she found him in the woods close to the divider, Islinda was conflicted.

However, Eli burst into tears and Islinda was finally relieved. Perhaps, the boy was just slow to emotion, or traumatized, his mother did abandon him after all. Children that encounter such trauma grow up quite quickly and act maturely. Islinda tried to downplay the seed of doubt that has been planted inside of her.

"Enough of this nonsense now!" Madam Alice slammed her palm down on the table and it rattled hard, and the argument stopped except Eli’s choking sobs.

"Don’t cry, Eli," Remy comforted him, and looked genuinely concerned.

Madam Alice continued, "Ever since you brought this boy into our lives, he has brought nothing but discord. So tell me, Islinda, when are you taking him out of here? My cottage is not a charity home, not to mention the food is running slow."

"He does not even eat a lot. We are the ones who chomp everything." Remy said defensively.

Madam Alice glared at her with blazing intensity, "A word more and I would cut off your tongue and offer it to the young beggar to eat." she threatened, and that made not only Remy, but Islinda bristle. She was offering Eli no such thing.

Her gaze returned to Islinda, "When is the boy leaving?"

"As soon as a new chief is appointed. He would search -"

"That is too far. I can’t even stand staring at his face for an hour more." Lillian interrupted her, staring the boy down. As a child he was, Eli didn’t last under the scrutiny of her gaze.

Islinda let out a trembling breath, pressing a hand to her throbbing head. What was she going to do? Why was she even going through all this trouble for a child she has no idea of his identity?

"I’m going to the market to sell the deer skin today. I think it would fetch me quite a sum,"

"What?" Lillian’s interest peaked.

"Perhaps, do any of you need anything? I would buy you." Islinda offered with her hands fisted in her laps. She didn’t want to do this but she had no choice.

It was a bribe for them to let Eli stay. However, it hurts Islinda because the money would have gone to her needs and she adds to her savings too. But that was not happening anymore, not with the way Lillian and her mother’s eyes were glinting.

"Islinda dear," Madam Alice’s voice turned kinder, "Why offer such a thing with your hard earned money?"

"It’s nothing, mother. I should have realized Eli would be a burden when I brought him here. It’s right that I compensate you for your understanding and patience." Islinda said with a tight smile.

"If you say so then." Her grin widened, "I think I need a new coat for the rest of winter."

Emotions tightened in Islinda’s chest, she too wanted a new coat. But that was not happening anymore.

"And I, a new booth," Lillian requested. She giggled afterward, excited at the thought of adding new footwear to her collection.

Islinda nodded in agreement, then turned to hear Remy’s demand. Surprisingly, she remained quiet which was strange. The older sister was usually the one making the most ridiculous request.

"I don’t want anything."

"What?" Everyone in the room was surprised.

Remy said, "Just let Eli and I join you on the trip."

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