Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 154: Deal With Issac

Chapter 154: Deal With Issac

"Surely, my prince, there must have been some hobbies that didn’t involve killing, you must have explored before being deployed to the battlefield," Issac told him, waiting patiently for an answer.

"Hmmm," Aldric breathed, rubbing his jaw thoughtfully, "Now that I think about it, I once had an interest in science. It was fascinating to study the origin and structure of the Fae magic bestowed upon us by the gods, how it could be so similar yet different, and learning to wield it."

"That is not what I expected." Issac was stunned, surprised by the news. Aldric did not look like a science geek to him. The prince studying science seems productive - and dangerous. If he makes a major discovery that amplifies his devastating dark power, he would likely be undefeatable.

For the first time, the glint in the prince’s eyes was not menacingly and he effused, "Aren’t you curious how our magic is dispensed? Why does one Fae court have a greater effect on the continent than others? Is it just the survival of the fittest or does greater biodiversity of Faeries lead to greater stability?"

When Aldric turned to meet Issac, he noticed that the Fae was unmoving at the spot and looked lost.

"Oh. Sorry for that. You are right, I had forgotten how fun it was dabbling in science. Good thing I have a lab built downstairs and would have to visit it after collecting dust for centuries."

He suddenly whirled around without warning, nearly startling Issac as he pointed a finger at him," Never tell Islinda that I have a lab, " He scratched the back of his head, "It has been years and I’m not sure I’m still as good as before."

Issac had to blink twice to confirm what he saw. Wait a minute, was the prince nervous? By the gods, no way.

Before he could comment on that, Aldric continued to ramble, "Not to mention that I dabbled in the dark arts a bit. Who knows what she would touch and get herself killed? I didn’t feed, house, and clothe her only to lose her that way, you understand right?"

He faced him and the intensity of Aldric’s blues orbs roused Issac to reality. He cleared his throat, straightening up, "You have nothing to worry about, my prince, I’ll keep her away from there by all means knowing what she is capable of."

Issac decided to pretend not to have heard the prince say he dabbled a bit in the dark arts which encompasses many spells and actions ranging from unforgivable curses to brewing dangerous portions, a power much natural to the witches and partly accessible to the dark Faeries and did he forgot to add that the practice was illegal in Astaria. Such practice was the reason he - Aldric - became a dark Fae. No, he did not hear that at all.

"Although, there can be many other hobbies you might love doing and have not explored yet." Issac subtly tried to change his mind.

"Yes, you’re right!"

"I’m right?" Issac pointed to his chest, confused.

Aldric gestured dramatically, "My head is swimming with inspiration right now and I don’t think I will be getting bored anytime soon. I loved translating books too and who knows, I might be magnanimous enough to translate some of our books into English for lovely Islinda.... And speaking of which, why hasn’t she arrived yet?"

The dark prince noticed the time gone during their conversation and yet there was no sign of the human he had been confident about would burst into his study earlier on.

"Fine," He grinned, rubbing his palm together with glee, "She wants to play tough, I’m game."

"Aren’t you a bit too worked up for this?" Issac wanted to say but thought it better to keep his mouth shut. He would not be the collateral damage in their game.

"I will take my leave now," Issac said.

Aldric gestured at him to leave without sparing him a look and Issac was a bit disappointed. So much for thinking they had gotten a little closer.

But Issac barely took two steps when something hit him and he turned and told him, "You don’t hold court session."

Aldric lifted his head, "What?"

"You said you didn’t have enough reports, however, it doesn’t make sense because, with my time spent in the palace, problems never seem to end in the Fae realm."

"What are you trying to say?" Aldric’s interest was piqued and he gave Issac his full attention this time.

"You have been on the war front and away from the winter court for years, a high Fae should have managed your people else the winter court would be in shambles by now."

"In one word, a winter high Fae withheld the reports from coming to me even after it was made clear that I’m here to stay?" Aldric said, an edge to his voice.

"I can’t really say, it’s just a theory, my prince. However, look around your palace, it’s almost deserted and there’s not one winter-high Fae coming to pay respect. I think it’s something you would have to look into, my prince."

Aldric sighed, "An inevitable trip to the winter court. Interesting." He turned to his second in command, "You have been quite useful today. Tell me what you want and I will grant it to you. I am suddenly in the mood for favors." He stretched his body languidly to prove the point.

"Then give me your word."

"My word?"

"That no matter what happens in the future, you would not punish my family or loved ones for what I did."

"If only this is not a premonition that you would betray me in the future?" Aldric smiled mirthlessly, seeing through him.

But Issac said, "The future is unpredictable and I don’t know what goes through your mind, my prince. I only want to keep my family safe, nothing else."

Aldric tutted, "What a disappointment."

Issac’s heart sank as it became clear that the prince would not grant such a wish.

"Fine, I’ll make you the deal so it would not be said by a certain human that I am wicked even to my subordinate," Aldric said all of a sudden, shocking Issac who couldn’t hold back the joy on his face. For the first time, Islinda was useful to him. He would thank her later - in his own way.

"I would not punish your family for your future crime."

"Thank you, my prince," Issac bowed his head, full of gladness.

"But on one condition," He added out of nowhere, causing Issac’s happiness to cease.

Issac’s face fell but he still tried to be hopeful. He asked, "On what condition, my prince?" and waited patiently for an answer.

"No matter what you do in the future, you would never cause or bring harm to Islinda. I’m afraid that contrary to most Faeries’ expectations, Islinda would not die in my hands, her death caused instead by the so-thought-righteous royal family. Now promise me that you would not be part of such devices and would focus on her safety, even above mine."

It took Issac a while to answer and when he did, he said," I promise you my prince to keep the human Islinda safe from harm just as you keep your claws off my family. "

Aldric grinned, "We have a deal then."