Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 389: Four Princes

Chapter 389: Four Princes

"Finally, you have arrived," Queen Maeve greeted the Raysin family with a warm smile as they entered the palace ahead of the ball.

"Your Majesty, Fae Queen Maeve," the entire Raysin family bowed as a display of respect.

"Oh, come on, we’re too close for this," Queen Maeve attempted to be polite, savoring the moment. After all, she had risen far above her equals.

As the Raysin family rose to their feet, Queen Maeve approached Elena, scrutinizing her from head to toe with eager eyes.

Elena, noticing the queen’s keen gaze, smiled up at her. "Fae Queen Maeve, it’s an honor to be in your presence."

Queen Maeve placed her hand on Elena’s shoulder, all smiles. "You’ve grown prettier since the last time I saw you. Why don’t you call me Queen Mother at this point?"

Elena was momentarily speechless. She had heard tales about the queen, and kindness was not one of her greatest qualities. Why was she suddenly being so sweet? And asking to be called Queen Mother? Elena couldn’t ignore the subtle maneuvering.

However, she quickly recovered from her confusion and responded, "Isn’t it a little too early to conclude?"

The queen, realizing the young Fae wasn’t fully on board with her intentions, laughed awkwardly. "Indeed, you’re right, my dear. There are three princes, and I’m sure they would fight over your hand in marriage."

"Four, Your Majesty."

"Excuse me?" Queen Maeve was confused, but a part of her suspected the underlying meaning.

"There are four princes in attendance. I heard Prince Aldric would be here, and I’m honestly curious about him. I’ve heard tales of the dark Fae prince but haven’t met him face to face. He’s a difficult Fae to catch a hold of," Elena said with a fascinated tone, raising alarms in everyone’s heads.

Queen Maeve was stupefied by the girl’s statement and looked between the parents, who shook their heads in denial. She had asked them to "encourage" their daughter, and this was not going as planned.

Quickly regaining her composure, Queen Maeve continued to play the perfect host. She changed the conversation on purpose. "I’m glad to have you as guests in my palace, and we will ensure you’re well-settled in time for the ball that will commence soon. Please get enough rest; it is going to be a long night."

"Thank you for your kindness, Fae Queen Maeve," they all curtsied in unison.

Queen Maeve spun around, and her entourage followed suit. Whatever kindness that had been on her face fell at once, and her handmaiden straightened, having recognized the ugly look on her face. Trouble was looming.

Once out of hearing range, Queen Maeve barked an order, "I don’t care how you do it, but I want Valerie summoned immediately!"

"Of course, Your Majesty," her handmaiden meekly obeyed, yet her demeanor became stern as she gestured for the other servants to search for Valerie by any means necessary.

Queen Maeve seethed with anger as she walked on. Valerie was being casual about the whole thing while Elena was at risk of being snatched away by his other siblings. That idiot! Her hands were clenched so tight her nails dug into her skin. He couldn’t even appreciate her efforts to secure his throne. How long would she continue to hold his hands like a youngling?!

"Are you there?" Queen Maeve called her attention.

"Of course, my Queen," her handmaiden, who had purposefully trailed behind, ran over and stood before her with her head lowered.

Queen Maeve, still walking, gave an order. "Keep an eye on Elena and let me know if any of them approach her."

The handmaiden understood who "any of them" referred to and nodded in response.

Queen Maeve knew her co-wives would not stay idle and would likely make a move, especially Queen Nirvana. The Spring Queen was a thorn in her side, unlike Queen Victoria, who had remained neutral in this war. This was why she hadn’t bothered Victoria and her son Andre much. However, she trusted no one, and the silent ones are always the ones to stab you in the back. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Queen Maeve looked out for everyone.

At the moment, Queen Maeve had a different intention as she marched towards the King’s residence. Once she arrived at the royal court, she was stunned to be denied entry as the two royal knights stationed at the entrance blocked her with their spears crossed.

"Get lost," she said with a cold gaze.

"I’m sorry, Fae Queen Maeve, but His Majesty did not request your presence today nor does he wish to be interrupted."

But Queen Maeve was not interested in their reasons and ordered again, "Get out of my way."

"But my Queen—"

The guard was still speaking when blazing flames raced toward him, and they had no choice but to break formation, leaving the entrance unguarded. Seeing that, Queen Maeve attempted to move, but they once again put the spear in her way.

There was nothing but coldness in Queen Maeve’s eyes as she stared at the weapon. This time, she held nothing back as she attacked the two guards while her entourage watched the scene with their hearts in their throats.

As the queen of Astaria and a strong Summer Fae, Maeve was a skilled fighter. The guards were on the defensive, aware that if they harmed her, they would be committing murder against the queen of their nation, unlike Queen Maeve who fought skillfully.

Thus, it was a hard battle to keep the Queen at bay and protect their lives. It was not surprising that Queen Maeve was able to defeat them.

In a matter of minutes, the door to the room was forcefully shoved open by the body of one of the guards who was sent flying into the hall.

Thus, the court session came to a sudden halt, including the king who was surrounded by his advisors, courtiers, and officials. Tense silence reigned as Queen Maeve sauntered into the hall, making her epic entrance.

The guard whom she had kicked into the room lay on the ground covered in soot, and she purposely stepped over him as if he were a mat while the guard groaned in pain, feeling the heels digging into his back and breaking bones.

Queen Maeve made a statement as she literally walked over the guard and stood in the middle of the room. She then tilted her head, scrutinizing everyone in the chamber before her gaze settled on her husband seated on the throne—and then her empty throne at his side.

She smirked cruelly. "Hello, husband?"