Chapter 16: Return To The Fae Realm

"Your Highness!" Isaac raised his hands in surrender as an intense ball of flame was hurled at him. 

And just like that, Prince Valerie came close to murdering someone else again, thankfully, the figure leaped away in a timely fashion. Only stopping short when the figure addressed him by his title. 

After Islinda left, Valerie had never felt such peace since he arrived in the human realm. That kiss had done something to him and he could not wait to see her the next day. Although it was getting frustrating that he could only see for a few hours; he wanted to spend more time with her. 

Strangely sleep overtook him again, but even with his eyes closed, his other senses were alert and when he heard movements, he knew then that he wasn't alone. Nor was it Islinda this time. It was getting late and the human would not risk coming back here for the fear of her life. 

Valerie's breathing was ragged and there was tension in his body until he recognized the figure was a Fae, not a human and he let out a breath of relief. 

"Your Highness," Isaac called with more confidence knowing he wasn't going to attack him anymore. 

"Who are you?" Valerie asked, a note of distrust in his voice. 

Issac was just a common soldier and not among the elite regimen guiding the loyal family, hence it was not surprising Prince Valerie was not able to recognize him. 

He bowed his head, introducing himself, "I'm Issac, one of the soldiers among the search parties sent by the king to search for you since your disappearance. Luckily enough, I stumbled into the human realm and now have found you." Issac repeated his words exactly the way Prince Aldric instructed him. 

While Prince Valarie was the future leader of the kingdom of Astaria, he was currently employed by the cruel prince and his loyalty was currently with him too. Also, Isaac liked his head on his shoulder and Prince Aldric never goes back on his threats. 

"Is that so?" Valerie was able to relax now, his hand resting on the side where he was injured. Now that the adrenaline coursing through his veins had burned away, he could feel the throbbing pain of the wound. 

"You're hurt," Isaac said, walking over to check up on him only to step back when he realized the prince had not permitted him to touch him. 

"I'm fine," Valerie said, lifting his tunic to show him the gash which was becoming more of a scab now as it healed. Give it a few more days and his flesh would be as good as new. 

Other wounds would have healed quickly but this one was from a wraith, Valerie guessed their infection or poison, whatever they carried, made it harder for them to heal. No wonder many Faeries have perished in their hands. Had it not been for Islinda, he would have succumbed to the wounds and died. The thought of Islinda brought a smile to his lips, he couldn't wait to see her again. 

Valerie sat back down on the bare floor which he was used to these past days. The cot (bed) at the corner of the room was so grotty and dilapidated he would rather stand, than lay on it. 

"Your Highness," Isaac was alarmed when he saw the prince on the bare floor. Fae creatures were prideful and his prince stooped low by sitting on the ground. 

He attempted to pull the prince off the ground but Valerie lifted his hand, "Let me be." He said, halting his movement. 

There was a moment of silence between them as Issac sought to understand what was happening here, however, he remembered what he was here for and said, 

"It's a good thing that you're safe, your highness. However, we should leave, I'm sure his majesty would be glad to know that you're well and alive." 

Valerie's calm expression hid the spasm of panic that swept over him, but if one looked closely, one could see his hands shaking. He could not leave now. No, he wasn't ready to leave yet. Valerie knew that it was over if he returned to the Fae realm, he wouldn't be able to see Islinda anymore. 

"I can't go," Valeria said. 

"W-what?" Issac stuttered, confused. What was going on here? The prince was rescued and should be eager to return to the palace. Suddenly, the female human he had seen come out of the cottage flashed in his mind. By chance…. No, it can't be. 

Valerie lifted his face and Issac swallowed when he saw the desperation in there. And his suspicion was confirmed when the prince said, 

"I want you to do something for me." 

By the gods, no! Issac wailed inwardly. Not him too. Why do both of the princes want him to do something for them? He was not even special. 

"Return to the Fae realm," Valerie told him, "Tell my father that I'm safe and fine. However, I cannot return for the moment because I have unfinished business here." 

A cold shiver washed over Issac when he realized this was exactly as Prince Adric had predicted. Just what was he up to? 

"I would carry the message to His majestic then, my prince!" Isaac bowed low, his eyes cast to the ground as he was afraid the prince might look into his eyes and find out what he was up to. 

"You would get back to me afterward. I'm afraid that I have a lot of needs to be met in the human realm and you are the only one I trust for now." Valerie said to him with high expectations. 

A lump formed in Issac's throat at those words. Prince Valerie can't trust him because he worked for his brother now. Yet he couldn't express those words to him for fear of his life. The prince would definitely hate him when he finds out the truth. 

"Yes, my prince," He straightened up. 

With a final bow, he turned and left the cottage with the pretense of going to send a message to the king. But Isaac knew he was going to Prince Aldric instead. All he had to do now was find Maximus who would take him to wherever his master was. 

But first, he would have to pass the horse's test.