Doomed

"Where is she?" Aldric demanded from the dinner table, his gaze falling on the Fae who returned alone.

Marimar's nervous gaze darted across the hall, desperately seeking another Fae to take her place. She had been thrilled when Prince Aldric promoted her to Aurelia's position, but now she felt trapped in a precarious situation. She feared losing a limb or worse, her head, all thanks to Lady Islinda.

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Marimar answered, "My prince, Lady Islinda has expressed her desire not to join—"

Before Marimar could finish her statement, a crashing sound echoed throughout the hall, causing her to nearly jump in fright. She couldn't bring herself to meet Prince Aldric's eyes, but she could sense his burning fury. The room suddenly grew colder, her own breath forming mist in the air. As if the raging storm outside the castle was not enough, Marimar, being a spring Fae, found the temperature deeply unsettling.