Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 285: Match Them As Couples

Chapter 285: Match Them As Couples

This was not a date, Islinda told herself even as she stared at her reflection in the mirror and the Fae servants fussing over her. This was just Aldric seeking her companionship outside his castle, that’s all. It was strictly platonic, she convinced herself.

However, for a strictly platonic dinner, Islinda did not dress the part. Her garment was a stunning shade of ivory, providing a sleek and elegant appeal. Ever since learning that silvers, blues and ivories were the colors used to identify the Winter court, Islinda made sure to put it on whenever she had the intention of impressing or flattering Aldric.

The plunging V-neckline created a flattering and eye-catching look, intentionally drawing attention to her collarbone and the creamy swells of her breasts. Thankfully, the long sleeves offered a bit of coverage while maintaining a fashionable and chic aesthetic. As a short dress, the garment fell above her knee, the length adding a flirty and energetic vibe to the dress’s overall silhouette.

Islinda had no idea why Aurelia of all Fae chose this dress, but it was making a statement. All she hoped now was that Aldric liked it. Why does she care if he liked it anyway? Islinda was taken aback by the thought. She was being weird again.

"My lady, you are so beautiful you might as well be a fairy. Are you sure you’re not secretly a Fae in disguise?" Lizy gushed over her, the other two Faeries with her laughing conspiratory.

Islinda cracked a coy smile, touching her face as she stared at her reflection. Although the Fae was intentionally flattering her – which was a huge boost to her self-esteem – Islinda could not recognize herself either. It felt like she was staring at a different person.

The Faeries did her make-up, lining her eyes and dusting some sparkly green eyeshadow on her eyelids, ferociously highlighting her light brown eyes and making it shine. She was practically glowing like a goddess. Her hair was let loose, the brown locks tumbling about her shoulders in waves. In one word, she exuded sophistication, femininity, and a touch of allure.

"Prince Aldric has arrived!" One of the Faeries announced as if this was the epic moment that they had been waiting for.

A knock at the door caused Islinda’s heart to race and she placed a hand on her chest. She wasn’t sure that she was ready to face him yet. Not that Eli was waiting for her to make up her mind. She squeezed her eyes close just as the Faeries chorused a greeting.

Islinda sucked in a deep breath and then turned to face him nervously. For over a minute, it was just that both of them and everyone else vanished, ceasing to exist in their world. Eli stared at her unabashedly, his blue eyes piercing her to the core, and a deep flush spread across her skin.

Islinda suddenly wished to hide away from his scrutiny, he almost seemed to undress her with his intense look and did not even seem ashamed one bit. When he looked downward, her face grew hotter knowing he was checking out her bare and smooth legs. While Islinda was not as tall as the average Fae with their perfect features, her legs were still long and shapely and her heart was filled with joy when Eli’s eyes stayed a little longer than usual.

When he finally lifted his gaze and their eyes collided, the breath was knocked out of her lungs and her body felt like it had been set on fire. The desire in Eli’s eyes was alive and burning, threatening to consume her whole.

"Princess, you look stunning," His voice was low and husky, sending a shiver down her spine. The heat crept up her neck and Islinda looked akin to a red ripened tomato.

She cleared her throat at once, "Thank you," Islinda tore her gaze away, fighting against the unclean thought racing through her mind.

"You don’t look so bad, either," Islinda told him, her turn to take him in.

Eli wore a formal attire of blue with ivory embroidery. His pants, and princely overcoat was free of creases. If this was Aurelia’s attempt to match them as couples, it was working. The dark Fae prince was clean-shaven and Islinda moaned inwardly at the loss, the stubble did give him a hot mature look that made her lady bits quiver. It was a secret but Islinda had been looking forward to stroking those grown beards - in her lustful imagination.

Valerie’s hair was longer, giving him a slightly effeminate look unlike Aldric’s shorter hair that was pulled in a low bun and it looked effortlessly flattering, the angles of his face sharp. By the gods, whether Aldric or Eli, he was a very breathtaking gorgeous Fae and her eggs were weeping for him.

Islinda shuddered, shaking the thought out of her head. What in the world of Fae has gotten into her? She could admire Aldric all she wanted, but never go down that lane. Why would she have a child for him? She must have lost her mind for a moment there.

"Well, thank you, princess." He grinned at her, no doubt she just stroked his ego.

He stretched out his hand, "Are you ready to leave?"

Islinda stared at his hand, biting on her bottom lip, "Yes."

She cautiously placed her smaller hand in his as if scared that he would bite but Aldric closed his hand around hers, strongly. She was with him now.

"I’ll be back," Islinda turned to thank the Fae who had helped her turn out this gorgeous but Aldric was already pulling her through the door without a word of thanks.

A luxurious carriage awaited them outside, but before he helped her climb in, Aldric said, "Wait."

Islinda obeyed, waiting with anticipation. She watched as Eli waved a hand over his face and aside from feeling the familiar tingle of magic, nothing else changed.

"What did you do?" She asked, curious yet cautious.

"Glamorizing my appearance so I don’t send all the Faeries in the marketplace scampering away and ruining our date."

"Oh." Islinda nodded in understanding and was about to go in but her head whipped around the next minute as she fully comprehended his words.

Did he just say "date" ....