Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 332: The Walls Have Ears

Chapter 332: The Walls Have Ears

The excitement had nearly fizzled out by the time Islinda returned and Maxi was tamed compared to earlier. They ate dinner in comfortable silence, at least for some, Islinda was full of nerves trying to predict how much time was left before Aldric succumbed to the drugs.

"Am I that handsome you can’t help but steal glances at me, princess?"

Islinda choked on her food when her eyes collided with Eli’s and she began to cough to the point tears slipped down her face and she reached blindly for water.

"Here," Eli beat her to it, bringing the glass to her lips and she downed the whole thing.

"Shh, easy there, princess." The dark Fae prince was attentive to her needs, rubbing her back till she recovered from the coughing fit.

Islinda lifted her face to thank Eli and couldn’t look away. She was held spellbound, slightly breathless at the care and adoration in his eyes. He was so sweet. However, her heart squeezed painfully at the thought of betraying him. It was not her fault though, if only they had met in a better place and time. If only Eli had his own body and he was not the same as Aldric, then perhaps, she might have considered staying.

"Aww, the both of you are so adorable," Maxi commented, and the both of them broke out of the haze, the moment ruined for them.

Maxi continued, "Tell me though, when are we expecting babies? Have I told you that I love those cute adorable little demons with their chubby arms and innocent eyes that promise not to harm until they’re pulling your hair –"

"Maxi!" Issac hushed her, his eyes hard and reproving.

She really had no filter or boundaries. Perhaps it was years of limiting herself to her shifter form, Maxi did not have great relating skills and tended to blow most conversations, often resulting in misunderstandings, hurt feelings, lost opportunities, and unmet expectations. He had to work on her people skills, or else her meeting with his mother was doomed.

"Oh. You’re Dark Fae, so no adorable babies...." Maxi trailed off, realizing what her words had caused.

The tension was thick and bound the hall like a noose. Eli stiffened as if someone just slapped him on the face and Islinda noticed it and held her breath. The room was so silent that if one dropped a pin it could echo loudly.

Eli let out a nasty, sardonic laughter that did nothing but heighten the tension in the hall that one could cut with a knife. Everyone held their breath, watching the scene with anxious anticipation and waiting for Aldric to explode.

Instead, he turned in his seat and faced Islinda with a twisted smile, "Princess, I find that I’m suddenly interested in babymaking, so would you help me create a damned dark Fae child that would run loose?"

Islinda stiffened and she had no idea if it was because of Eli proposing he got her pregnant or the shock he knew of the derogatory words Aurelia had said to her earlier. Perhaps it was both and it rendered her speechless.

Aurelia bristled at the spot and Islinda had no doubt the Fae must believe she tattle on her. If only she knew this was the least subject she would bring up with Aldric. The walls seem to have ears indeed and Islinda could only hope at this point that it kept her own secret.

Islinda cleared her throat while straightening up, "How much wine have you had, Aldric."

His lips curled up with a twinkle in his eyes, "Princess, I never get drunk. Everything I do is with my eyes wide open."

"Perhaps, it’s best you retreat for the night." Islinda decided to take this opportunity to tuck him in bed although the dark Fae prince had a completely different idea right now. She would handle him somehow, another opportunity like this might not arise. Perhaps, she should thank Maxi for creating a suitable atmosphere.

"Of course, princess. I am at your service." He gave her that wink that made her stomach flip and her heart beat erratically. The gods help her tonight.

Eli was up on his feet and addressed his guest, "It was nice having you over my esteemed guest, however, I have a procreation duty to fulfill." He announced breezily that one might think that he was joking.

Unfortunately, the joke itself was not funny and it was reflected in the uncomfortable expression of everyone present. Most especially Islinda, who was as tense as a tree. She did not want to be part of whatever funny idea Eli conjured.

The dark Fae prince went over to Maxi’s side and lowered himself to her level, "Thank you for the marvelous idea, Issac’s fiancée. I cannot thank you enough for opening my eyes," He smirked, ruffling her hair in front of everyone.

While the gesture seemed strange and inappropriate to the Fae servants, Issac and Islinda did not mull over it knowing Maxi was his beloved horse Maximus. They were more concerned about his behavior.

Maxi must have a conscience because she too realized her master was on the path to destruction, "Aldric, you can not –"

"Issac," Eli cut her off, focusing on Issac this time with his hand stretched out expectantly.

That was when Islinda remembered that he had given the medallion to Issac during the space and now wanted it back.

Issac was reluctant to hand the medallion over to the dark Fae prince, his narrowed gaze connecting with hers and questioning her. Islinda knew if she had given the word, Issac would have withheld the medallion and stand the risk of incurring Eli’s wrath. That was how righteous he was. However, Islinda subtly shook her head, she could handle him. Only then did Issac place the medallion in his palm.

"Good move, Issac. Although for a moment there, I feared you wanted to rebel against me," Eli drawled with a knowing look.

"Have a pleasant night, Prince Aldric." Issac bowed his head, avoiding the confrontation.

Eli smiled, turning his gaze on Islinda, "Shall we, Princess?"

"Wait –!" Islinda opened her mouth to ask for a moment but she had already been pulled into the spiraling darkness.