Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 364: Marry Her Second Cousin

Chapter 364: Marry Her Second Cousin

Unlike the kingdom of Astaria whose lush beauty was currently buried away in deep snows that were induced by Prince Aldric’s foul temperament, the summer court was alive with the scent of blooming flowers, and the landscape a symphony of lush greenery and colorful blossoms. Sunbeams filter through the foliage, casting a golden glow that bathes the surroundings in a perpetual, ethereal sunlight.

The sound of laughter was heard In the Raysin family’s manor. Their daughter, lady Elena hosted a little informal soiree in the garden under the evening sun. Most of her friends in attendance would be leaving for the matchmaking ball, so it was basically a farewell soiree.

The atmosphere is filled with the soft hum of magic, melodious music played on instruments by a band of Faerie musicians at the corner, and the air filled with the sweet scent of summer flowers. The Fae in attendance were mostly nobles and adorned in ethereal gowns which were in varying shades of yellow, the signature color for the summer court.

None of the guests were bothered by the heat of the evening sun because the inhabitants of the Summer Court revel in the energy of the season, and their magic is intertwined with the warmth of the sun.

Lady Elena as the host stood out from the others, resplendent in a gown that seemed to be woven from golden sunbeams, the material shimmering with each movement she made and possessed the aura of regal grace.

Elena was a beautiful summer Fae with luminous skin that seemed kissed by the sun, her hair a color of spun gold that cascaded down her shoulders in loose waves, and adorned with flowers that seemed to react to her presence by changing colors.

Her eyes were the same golden shade as Valerie’s which was not surprising since both shared an ancestry and not because summer Fae mostly had eyes the color of the summer sky. Her own eyes held a depth of intelligence and sparkled with a mischievous light. Her light brows were adorned with luminescent crystals that did not fall off even when she spoke expressively.

Elena gestured gracefully, the delicate artistry of her painted nails, which were golden glittering dewdrops like liquid jewels, catching attention as she spoke. Without even looking, she grabbed a drink from a serving Fae, never once breaking the attention of her guest as she lifted the goblet to her red lips and sipped. The drink was a liquid that shimmered like moonlight, offering a sweet and intoxicating nectar harvested from enchanted blooms.

Elena left the group, to schmooze with another, making sure none of her guests was neglected and with each step, she moved with a fluidity that echoed the rustling leaves and the gentle sway of wildflowers in the breeze. In one word, she didn’t even need to try hard to draw attention, her presence alone was a harmonious blend of natural elegance and otherworldly charm.

In one word, Elena was born to rule and it was no wonder Queen Maeve was trying everything possible to "secure" her for Valerie even if they were sort of related. It was not a huge problem, not when the blood ties were very much diluted, yet it was still odd — and the gossip shared the same opinion.

While Elena answered, smiled, and laughed at every joke told, the truth remains she wanted to be anywhere but here. Elena wanted to be in bed and have a long sleep since they — her entire family — would be leaving for the capital city tomorrow for the ball.

Queen Maeve had offered them a medallion to travel with and make their journey easier, and while it was an honor to possess such a powerful piece, her family wouldn’t miss the opportunity to flaunt the riches of the Raysin family by traveling on foot.

The same way her mother organized the soiree in her name to indirectly prove to every Fae in attendance that her daughter was easing into her queenly role already. The handwriting was written on the wall and while the parents hadn’t spoken to her about her choice of partner, it was clear they approved of Prince Valerie, no one else.

The matchmaking ball was the latest rave in the summer court considering almost all the unmated high Fae would be in attendance. It was all everyone could talk about and it created a discomfort that twisted knots in Elena’s stomach. Each word, loaded with implications and expectations, especially directed towards her, felt like an unwelcome weight, pressing down and stirring a sense of unease.

The casual discussions about compatibility and potential matches by her guests only annoyed her knowing her fate was doomed. As the youngest strongest female unmated Fae, Elena always knew her marriage would be a political one if she was unable to find her true mate. But being married to her second cousin Valerie? That had never crossed her mind. Unfortunately, the nightmare — as she termed it — was happening. And quickly.

Valerie wasn’t a bad choice, he was actually a nice Fae, but the fact they shared a common ancestry turned her off. If she were to settle down, it would be with someone else, like a breath of fresh air. Not that Elena had expressed that thought to her parents yet. They will be greatly disappointed, including great, great, great Aunty Maeve. She was not some property to be bought for the sake of the summer court.

Her attention was roused to the ongoing conversation in her circle especially when one of the females said, "How can we call this matchmaking ball fair when the most charming bachelor, Prince Valerie, has been reserved for another?"

At her words, the Fae turned her way and Elena realized that all eyes were on her while she absent-mindedly swirled the drink in her godly. Some jealous moves never get old.

"Oh, don’t worry, you can have him if you’re able to convince my parents to not marry me off to my cousin," Elena replied snidely.