Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 292: No Rules

Chapter 292: No Rules

Okay, maybe, things weren’t as easy as she had made it out to be, Islinda realized now as she glanced at the unfriendly faces watching her. It was obvious that the female Faeries looked down on her and didn’t want her around. But it was too late now to back out, especially since Eli declared he would die winning the race just to have that kiss. Also, she was not a coward nor a quitter.

They were given a baton which they were to hand to their partners, the males, who were awaiting them at the second half of the race course. The males were the finishing leg and the first Fae to arrive at the finish point would be crowned the winner. The couples would go home with the prized Wrry Cat she hadn’t been able to keep her eyes off. Eli was right, that beautiful creature had bewitched her.

Islinda has seen this race played a couple of times in the human realm but not with this variation. There were strict rules to follow unlike this one where willfully interfering with another competitor’s course and preventing a competitor from passing was the highlight of the match. The only rule to observe was a false starting; they had to begin together.

To be honest, Islinda had no strategy other than to avoid the pompous Faeries and let them battle it out amongst each other. They loved displaying their strength, right? Surely, they wouldn’t put much attention on a fragile, poor human like her. So the plan was while they fought each other, she would sneak around till she reached Eli and handed the baton to him.

However, calling it a sixth sense, Islinda felt like she was ostracized from the group and the Faeries avoided her as if she were a plague. About nine Faeries were participating in the race with her and each of them had sneered and glared at her. At this point, Islinda had a bad feeling they might attempt to gang up on her.

"All participants, head to the starting line."

Following the instructions, they lined up side by side along a curved start line marked on the track. Islinda took a deep breath, stealing a final glimpse at her opponents at the left only to realize they were watching her too. Alright, that was not creepy at all. Fuck, who was she kidding? They were out for her. What’s with the Fae and their dislike for humans?

Well, it’s not like her human counterparts treated them any better either. But then, why take it out on her? She had even saved their beloved crown prince, Valerie! She deserved some respect. Not that they recognized her.

"On your mark," The starter’s voice pierced through the air as they got into position, "Set. Go!"

A booming sound went off the same moment they took off and chaos ensued immediately! The females weren’t kidding around and yes, they did put a target on her back.

Islinda watched out, leaping late minute as a vine crept out of nowhere, controlled by a spring court Fae, and tried to strike at her, but thanks to her swift move, it hit the other Fae by her side who lashed out in response.

The furious Fae was an autumn court Faerie who called upon the wind and it engulfed the perpetrator, spinning the Faerie around wildly as if in a tornado as she screamed at the top of her lungs.

Well, lucky her! Islinda was proud of her shrewdness and deftness. However, she shouldn’t have rejoiced so soon because the earth suddenly shot up in front of her and she ran into the wall and felt her world swirl.

Islinda didn’t even realize when she fell or the baton slipped from her hand because her head was spinning. She shook the dizziness away but it did little to help. She felt a sharp pain and lifted a hand to her nose only to wince at the slight touch. By the gods, her nose was broken.

As if that was not enough, her hand came up with blood. Anger burned through Islinda, she was going to kill that bitch that did this to her. Islinda wanted to give up, Ouch, it hurt too much. However, the memory of the Wrry cat flashed in her head and she stood up to her feet, stumbling slightly. She would win this race. How possible was it though?

On the bright side, Islinda noticed half of the female Faeries were caught in their opponent’s sabotage or the other. Three were still battling it out while only one female was close to handing the baton to her partner and it was the same Fae who slammed that wall in her face.

No! This was not happening! Not on her watch! Her best revenge against that Fae now was to win!

Islinda did not know where the strength came from but she was running at an incredible top speed. As a hunter, she had always been fit, but she was seriously pushing her body this time. Her lungs burned, protesting with the lack of oxygen, but who needed to breathe when not just her Wrry Cat, but her pride was on the line?

The three fighting Faeries saw her and attempted a combined attack but Islinda has had enough of their bullying! The expert precision that she used to dodge every one of their attacks was even shocking to Islinda herself. She never knew she was capable of such fluid motion. No, a Fae ghost must have possessed her at this point.

Not only did she dodge their elemental assault but manipulated them into a formation where they ended up attacking each other and they broke into a fight again between themselves. Sadly, the time she used to outsmart the Faeries, the bitch Fae had already handed the baton to her partner who took off.

Even if she were to run over to Eli, it would be too late for him to meet the finish line. So Islinda did what came to her mind. No rules applied to what she was about to do and she was merely exploiting the loophole.

"Eli!" Islinda shouted at the top of her lungs and the dark Fae prince unfailingly gave her the attention she wanted.

Then with all of her strength, Islinda hurled the baton at Eli. She was good with archery and watched with anticipation as the baton sailed through the air.

For a moment there, it looked like Eli wouldn’t catch it, but perhaps it was luck from the maker, because he leaped so high it was amazing and caught it in his hand, landing firmly on his feet.