She lets him, a strange but satisfying sensation filling her body.

She just rolls her eyes.

He couldn't tell what she was feeling.



"Hello, Ash." The older prince smiled gleefully as he sauntered into the room. He noticed Isiea, and he raised a sardonic eyebrow. "And what, may I ask, are you doing with the half-breed? Could it be you're actually helping her escape? Oh dear, what a dreadfully treasonous idea youve come up with. I'm sure Mab will be quite disappointed in you."

Ash said nothing, but his hand on hers clenched tight. Rowan chuckled, circling them like a hungry shark. Ash moved with him, keeping his body between Isiea and Rowan.

"So, little brother," the older prince mused, adopting an inquisitive expression, "I'm curious. What made you risk everything for our wayward princess here?" Ash said nothing, and Rowan tsked. "Don't be stubborn, little brother. You might as well tell me before Mab tears you limb from limb and banishes you from Tir Na Nog. What is the price of such loyal obedience? A contract? A promise? What is the little harlot giving you to betray your entire court?"

"Nothing." Ash's voice was cold, but Isiea might have caught the faintest tremor below the surface. Rowan apparently did, for his eyebrows shot up and he gaped at his brother, before throwing back his head with a wild laugh.

"I can't believe it," Rowan gasped, staring at Ash in disbelief. "You're in love with the Summer whelp!" He paused and, when Ash didnt deny it, collapsed into shrieking laughter again. "Oh, this is rich. This is too perfect. I thought the half-breed was a fool, pining for the unattainable Ice prince, but it seems I was wrong. Ash, youve been holding out on us."

Ash trembled, but he didn't release her hand. "I'm taking her back to Arcadia. Get out of our way, Rowan."

Rowan sobered immediately. "Oh, I dont think so, little brother." He smiled, but it was a cruel thing, sharp as the edge of a blade. "When Mab finds out, you'll both be decorating the courtyard. If shes feeling merciful, maybe shell freeze you two together. That would be tragically fitting, dont you think?"

(Sorry, that was really long)

She still felt it, though.

She just stays silent, looking disinterested and a little annoyed.

Was that a good thing or a bad?




"Of course," Rowan went on, scratching the side of his face, "you could always beg forgiveness, drag the half-breed to the queen, and still be in Mab's favor. In fact," he continued, snapping his fingers, "if you go to Mab right now and turn over the princess, I'll even keep my mouth shut about what I saw here. She won't hear a peep out of me, I swear."

Ash went rock still; Isiea could probably feel muscles coiling beneath his skin, the tension lining his back.

"Come on, little brother." Rowan leaned against the door frame and crossed his arms. "You know its for the best. There are only two choices here. Hand over the princess, or die with her."

It was a good thing. For now.

Did it feel good?

Isiea rolls her eyes. ,, Just do it, dumb[butt]. Theres literally no reason for you to ruin your life over something this stupid. ,,

Yes, actually. It did.