Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 392: Support Aldric

Chapter 392: Support Aldric

"Elena, you have to think about the future of our family!"

"Elena, you have to consider your status and reputation!"

"Elena, think about the consequences of your choices!"

Elena sat on her bed as her family lectured her about the importance of making a careful choice at the matchmaking ball that night. However, she was too focused on the anticipation of meeting the dark Fae prince later.

"Are you even paying attention?" Her mother waved her hand in front of Elena’s face, bringing her back to reality.

"You want me to choose Valerie," Elena stated the obvious.

"Yes," her mother nodded with softened eyes, trying to persuade her. "That would be the right choice. The safe choice."

"Why?" Elena wondered.

"Why?!" Her father scoffed, the muscle in his jaw visibly working. He said sternly, "I didn’t invest all of my resources into raising you for you to bring shame to this family!"

"Alfredo!" His wife warned him, her lips pressed together. The couple communicated silently, and he eventually calmed down.

She turned to her husband sweetly, "Could you please give me a moment alone with our daughter?"

Reluctantly, Alfredo left the room. He had seen the defiant look in Elena’s eyes and felt it was his duty to impose some sense on her. However, out of love for his wife, he respected her wishes.

"I hope you can talk some sense into her, because if not, I will personally ensure she understands the consequences of her actions. I will not stand idly by while she brings ruin upon this family," he threatened.

"Alfredo?" Juan waited for him to leave.

With some murmurs and grumbles, he finally departed, slamming the door on his way out. Elena, however, remained unfazed, wearing a bored expression.

Once her husband was gone, Juan approached the bed and crouched down in front of Elena. She gently took her daughter’s hand and looked up at her. "Elena," she called softly. "What is going on with you?"

It was unlike Elena to behave this way. While she had strong opinions about the Fae and was headstrong, she always did what was best for the family. But now, it seemed like she didn’t care if their family fell into ruin. She was acting strangely.

"What do you expect from me when you and father are the ones deciding my future?" Elena retorted sassily.

Juan stood up and sat on the edge of the bed, still holding Elena’s hand. She spoke tenderly, "But we’ve discussed this before. You always knew something like this would happen. You are a strong and beautiful Fae, and if you don’t find your bonded mate, you might not have the luxury of marrying the Fae you want."

She took a deep breath and continued, "I understand that you’re scared, but listen, I was once in your position. Your father and I had an arranged marriage, and look how well it turned out. Moreover, you know Valerie to some extent, and he is a good Fae. He would take care of you. Not to mention, he’s the future king of Astaria, and by marrying him, you have the opportunity to do something great for our family and the future of Astaria." Her eyes brightened with excitement. "You would become queen and rule over all of Astaria. You would bring honor and status to our family--"

"But that’s not guaranteed," Elena interrupted.

"What?"

Elena raised her head proudly. "There are other princes who could contend for the throne."

"Seriously?" Juan was utterly flabbergasted. She rubbed her temple, feeling at her wit’s end with her daughter.

"Valerie is the crown prince, Elena," she reminded her daughter, in case she had forgotten.

"But King Oberon can still change his mind," Elena argued.

"There are only two moons until Valerie’s coronation. There’s no time left, and King Oberon wouldn’t want to upset the balance," Juan explained.

"Anything can happen in such a short amount of time, mother," Elena insisted.

It was the confidence in her daughter’s voice that upset Juan. She stood up abruptly, her face filled with frustration. "And what exactly do you think will happen?!"

She gave her daughter a stern look. "Which of the other princes would King Oberon crown as the new king? Prince Theodore?"

Juan scoffed, "The spring Fae might have supporters due to his powerful mother Queen Nirvana, but he’s not strong enough to lead the Fae. Plus, he has a scandalous private life with all the controversy surrounding his elven daughter."

"Or what about Andre? He is not fit to be a king, nor does he have solid supporters. I would never entrust the fate of my precious daughter to someone like him. You deserve so much more, Elena. That’s why we have chosen the best of the princes for you," Juan smiled, believing she had convinced her daughter with these reasons.

"But what about Aldric?"

Juan’s smile vanished.

"No, absolutely not. I forbid you to even consider him as a potential suitor, Elena. I thought it was mere curiosity when you mentioned him before, but this is getting serious. You will not entertain the thought of being with him," she declared.

"For starters, mother, he’s not ’wretched’. Did you know that Aldric has amassed wealth twice the amount of Valerie from his war prizes? And the king owes him numerous favors that he can collect anytime he wants?" Elena explained excitedly. Her daughter was slowly losing her mind.

"Elena!" Juan felt her blood rushing to her head. There was real fear in her eyes. What was going on with her daughter? She could not recognize her anymore.

"If it’s wealth you’re interested in, have you forgotten that once Valerie becomes king, all of that wealth will belong to him? He will have the wealth of the nation, the strength of the military, and the support of the people. Aldric’s glory will not compare to that!"

"But with the support of our family, all of that could be Aldric’s," Elena said, her eyes shining with excitement.