Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 378: Hate Him

Chapter 378: Hate Him

Aldric was torn. He knew he should resist, but the allure of temptation in his arms was hard to ignore. He couldn’t bring himself to punish her, especially when she was paying for her offense in such an intriguing way - a way he thoroughly enjoyed.

He tightly wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her flush against him. Islinda responded with an aggressive kiss, as if she couldn’t get enough of him. She inhaled a soft gasp as he returned the fevor, her mouth parting as he slid his tongue. As their tongues intertwined, Aldric couldn’t help but compare the memories his alter ego had tortured him with. He reveled in the warmth of her body, sliding his hand up her back, wishing her clothes weren’t in the way.

Now understanding Eli’s attraction to her, Aldric sympathized with the fool. Islinda was indeed a sweet temptation, and he himself was falling into her seductive trap. A low growl escaped his lips as she ground against him, sending pleasurable shudders down his spine and causing a noticeable reaction below his waistline.

What had possessed Islinda to kiss him like this? Though suspicion lingered, Aldric pushed it aside, focusing solely on the sensations coursing through his body. He focused on her and her sweet lips and the way their hands roamed each other’s bodies.

Islinda would only came up for air for a few moments before her lips were back on his and they kissed and kissed and kissed till Aldric drowned out any troubling thoughts or the possibility that he was playing right into Islinda’s hands. None of that mattered; it was just the two of them in their own little world.

Finally, they broke apart, but Aldric’s arms remained wrapped tightly around her waist as he gazed at her with awe-filled eyes. His attention fixated on her wet, swollen lips, his desire intensifying. No words were necessary as he reached out and brushed his thumb across her plump bottom lip, causing her to shiver involuntarily.

Islinda swallowed hard, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Aldric smirked, lowering his head once again to grant her a sweet and tender kiss. He relished in the rapid beat of her heart, a clear indication of the emotions he evoked within her.

They stared into each other’s eyes and the innocent wonder thrilled Aldric enough he decided to forgive her and take things slowly with her. He was about to speak when she tilted her head, and said unsure, "E—Eli?"

Whatever light died in Aldric’s eyes and was replaced with the cold fury. Of course, Aldric thought bitterly, he should have known. Islinda wouldn’t kiss him without ulterior motives.

Sensing the chilling change in his demeanor, Islinda tried to step away, but he grabbed her waist tightly, in a bruising hold. His lips curled into a sarcastic smile as he spoke, "You never cease to surprise me, little human."

Color drained from her face, confirming her worst fears. She struggled against his hold, but it was futile.

Continuing with a sneer, he added, "But I must admit, that kiss was truly unforgettable. I’m sure Eli will be delighted when I show him the images."

"Let me go, you bastard!" Islinda cursed and shoved against him, all to no avail. The affection Aldric had seen in her eyes during the kiss was replaced with anger and resentment. Great resentment. Perhaps, he should be delighted that there was no hatred. Or maybe she was too taken with Eli, she couldn’t get herself to hate him completely. Foolish human.

"Why did you reject coming for dinner? Neither have you eaten all day?" He questioned her, annoyed at the thought of it.

Islinda glared at him. She spat out, "I see the Fae did not convey my message properly. So listen carefully now, I’m not interested in your meals. So you can take your food and shove it up your —"

She was caught out by a whimper as Aldric suddenly yanked her hair so tight, curling his fist around her locks and pulling her so she was staring into his stormy eyes and his lips were annoyingly close. Damn him.

"Listen to me," Aldric said with a low, dangerous voice, "As long as you’re under my roof, you would eat and take everything that I give you. Do you understand?!"

Instead of answering, Islinda laughed at him, "Thanks for confirming that I’m your prisoner and not the petty excuse of a guest you keep on deceiving yourself with. Perhaps to soothe your conscience. But in the end, it’s not hard to show your nature, is it?"

Aldric’s jaw ticked and his blue eyes darkened with so much rage, his hands shook with the impulse to snap her neck and be done with her. But that was what she was asking for, wasn’t it? Death by his hands.

A cold sinister smile crossed his features, "Perhaps you’re right and I’ve been deceiving myself all this while. Perhaps, it’s time I teach you how I treat my prisoners."

He pushed her away roughly and while Islinda felt relieved by the freedom, she was still stung by his action, this was the same Fae she had been missing moments ago.

"Is someone out there?!" Aldric commanded and Islinda realized he was not speaking to her when the door was hesitantly opened and she saw a familiar Fae come in

"Good," Aldric smiled so evily her belly sank at the ominous feeling in the air.

"Listen to my command," Aldric said to her, "From now on, Islinda has been stripped of her guest status and she would be a part of the staff in this castle."

Islinda was not the only one whose jaw fell, the Fae too was dumbfounded by the announcement.

"But my prince, she’s your —" Marimar darted nervously between the both of them, hinting at their presumed relationship.

But Aldric’s murderous look cut her short. He said while looking her in the eyes, "Since she’s ungrateful for the things that I have provided her under my care. It’s time she worked for it."

Islinda held his gaze, challenge in her eyes. Good, this was better. Now, she had enough reasons to quell that flustering in her belly, rather, she would hate him.