Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 368: Cold Shoulder

Chapter 368: Cold Shoulder

The servants set up the barely eaten dinner in Islinda’s room, which meant the aggrieved human had an idea of his coming, and yet when Aldric appeared, she did not as much as acknowledge his presence.

Her cold dismissal left a sour taste in Aldric’s mouth and his lips were pressed into a thin line. He was usually the one treating others in such a callous manner and was not pleased to be at the receiving end of it.

"Hello Islinda," He said, coming to stand in front of her.

Islinda ignored his courtesy, staring at nothing.

Aldric smiled through the embarrassment, determined to change her mind, "I realized that you haven’t eaten all day and decided to bring you something —"

Islinda did not wait for him to finish speaking because she turned on the bed, giving the dark Fae prince her back which was a great insult.

Aldric stood on the spot utterly dumbfounded. Either Islinda had grown some balls or she was seeking death. But Aldric was not petty enough to punish a human giving him the cold shoulder. Moreover, he decided on his own to come feed her, but Islinda did not exactly force him to.

He repeated Maxi’s words in his head, "Show her a bit of respect and enough freedom."

He ordered the Fae attendants, "You can leave us alone."

None of the Fae protested, if anything, they were more eager to leave the room, sensing the suffocating tension between both couples — they believed them to be.

Aldric was concerned about Islinda stepping on his pride, hence the reason he sent the audience away. If the human insulted him in secret, the Fae wouldn’t know about it. But in front of everyone, he was bound to lose it and might do something he regretted. All just to protect his reputation and to make sure no one gets an idea. Nor could they know the control Islinda has over him.

With the both of them alone, Aldric watched her with his muscular arms folded across his chest.

"Are you really not going to eat something?"

Silence.

He pressed on, "If you are to come up with another plan for escaping the Fae realm, you need the energy to do so."

Her body went rigid at the prospect of another plan, however, it relaxed almost immediately as if realizing it was not worth the effort. Aldric frowned at her reaction, Islinda was not the type to give up easily. Had he gone too far this time? Aldric felt trapped by the feeling of guilt.

No, she was merely throwing a tantrum and would come around soon, Aldric believed. So he walked over to the smaller mahogany table where the meals were set and delved into it. His appetite had returned and Aldric ate ravenously believing Islinda would not withstand the aroma and would come to join him.

But when a while went by and Islinda had not even turned from her position on the bed, all of the food Aldric had consumed settled heavily in his stomach like lead. He lost his appetite once more and he put down his utensil.

Aldric closed his eyes and grasped onto the control that was slowly slipping through his fingertips. Islinda had the natural talent of getting to him without effort. He needed her to eat, not starve herself. She was essential for his plan which meant she had to be in optimal condition.

What good was she to him if she died? That was the excuse Aldric told himself as he disregarded every word Maxi had told him and stalked over to the bed. The dark Fae prince didn’t even give her as much of a warning before he carried her off the ground as if he weighed less than paper and dumped her on the edge, making sure she sat upright.

He could see the fiery anger burning in her orbs but she wouldn’t say it out and kept her lips pressed shut. Aldric had never been more frustrated with her unresponsiveness and she didn’t even fight back or scurry back into her sleeping position when he turned to get a seat. No, she remained on the spot like a good human. Aldric liked her stubborn self better.

Aldric pulled the chair closer so he was able to capture her legs between his strong thighs and likely evoke a reaction from her since the first method did not work. He knew she would squirm whenever he made a move on her.

Contrary to his expectations, Islinda did not act in response, if anything, he was the one who shivered from the closeness. Aldric gritted his teeth, he can’t lose control at a time like this.

"Tell me then, what do you want me to do, Islinda? Should I apologize? Get down on my knees before you eat or talk to me then?"

Islinda turned the other way without an answer and he quickly snatched her face, sliding a finger beneath her chin and lifting it until she was staring into his eyes.

Aldric knew it was selfish of him to demand her attention after what he had done to her, but he couldn’t let her starve. Nor does he have the option of forcing the food down her throat either.

"Talk to me," He pleaded.

For a moment there, it seemed she would continue with the cold treatment, but she whispered tiredly, "Just leave me alone."

Aldric slowly withdrew his hand, his countenance etched with disbelief as if the weight of unmet expectations had settled heavily upon every feature.

His eyes which were once bright with anticipation, now widened in surprise, mirroring the unexpected turn of events. The downturned corners of the mouth revealed a subtle frown, conveying the emotional letdown that accompanied the shock. He never thought Islinda would dash his hope and he couldn’t help but wonder if this was what she was feeling right now.

Now that the message had been passed, Islinda deftly went back to bed and was about to lift the cover over her body when Aldric revealed, "There is a matchmaking ball at the castle and you have been invited by Queen Maeve. You will attend with me."

Islinda halted, her eyes widening slightly from the news. The Fae Queen did not exactly like her.... Well, she can put her out of this misery.

"Fine, I’ll go."

Fine?! Just like that?! Aldric was both flabbergasted and furious. Wasn’t she going to argue her way out of this one and beg her not to take her to the ball? Islinda was not stupid and knew the Queen wanted her out of the picture... unless she really wanted out. Smart human.

Aldric told her with all malicious intent, "Valerie would be there too." He studied her reaction and he sure got what he wanted.

Islinda stiffened on the spot, the thought of meeting Valerie hitting her hard. It is not like she could have avoided him forever. Good thing, she wanted to speak to him anyway for the last time.

"Do whatever you want, Prince Aldric."

Aldric had no idea if it was because Islinda was suddenly nonchalant to the things that would have roused a reaction out of her or the fact she called him formally by his princely title, but his nostrils flared and he stormed out of the room angrier than he had ever been.

Damn her.