Green Snake

Breakfast proved to be no improvement over the rest of the day. 

Aldric was absent, occupied with court matters as usual. However, instead of dealing with Elena's sharp tongue like the day before, Islinda found herself enduring Karle's unwelcome company at the table. From the outset, Islinda and Karle had never seen eye to eye, so it was no surprise that breakfast became strained.

Karle and Elena dominated the conversation, oblivious to Islinda's presence as they chatted loudly. She chose to ignore them, finding solace in their disregard. Unsurprisingly, Karle seemed more interested in learning about Elena's family and her role in the summer court than in antagonizing Islinda. 

It was painfully obvious that Karle was attracted to Elena. Who wouldn't be? She possessed both beauty and intelligence, hailed from a prestigious family, qualities highly prized among the high Faeries.