Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 395: Humans Were Confusing

Chapter 395: Humans Were Confusing

The ride to the palace was quiet, but there was an undeniable tension between them. Aldric sat across from Islinda, creating a large gap as if he feared their skin touching. This made Islinda wonder if she was somehow tempting his control over himself. Usually, she was the one running from his seductive prowess, not the other way around.

In that moment, a bad idea entered Islinda’s mind. What if she tried to seduce him and bring out Eli? Sure, Aldric had agreed he would let them meet tonight, but she was impatient and greedy. Just thirty minutes with him was not enough. If Eli were to come out, she could have hours, even days with him.

"No, no, this is a terrible idea," Islinda thought to herself, battling with her conscience. Her previous attempts at manipulating Aldric had failed miserably. He always seemed to have the upper hand. However, if she could bring out Eli, it would make tonight’s ball go smoothly. Eli was kind and sweet, unlike Aldric. He also didn’t hate Valerie and would never reveal her secret affair. It was an opportunity too good to pass up.

"What are you planning against me this time, little human?" Aldric’s voice broke her train of thought, with a hint of amusement in his tone.

She looked at him, and as expected, his face displayed that sardonic smirk. Only Aldric would find amusement in the idea of her plotting his downfall. The Fae was truly insane.

"Of course, I plot your downfall every second, and yet you keep me by your side?" She asked, narrowing her eyes as she tried to understand his twisted mind. He truly was one peculiar Fae.

Aldric’s smile widened. "Well, the point is to keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Besides, toxic love seems to be the trend these days."

Islinda stared at him, mouth agape, in response to his last comment before rolling her eyes. He was so full of himself.

Aldric burst into laughter, mocking her, but Islinda couldn’t help but be fascinated with the sound. His laughter made him look happier, more handsome, and less evil. Catching herself before she let her thoughts wander, Islinda quickly looked away, determined not to be swayed.

Silence enveloped them once again, and Islinda couldn’t deny that things felt less awkward when they talked. It made the journey more enjoyable, and they would reach the palace before they knew it.

She sat on her side of the couch, arms folded and tapping rhythmically on her elbow. What was she going to say now? She still despised Aldric, but she craved companionship in moments like this.

As she stared out the window, she noticed the absence of Maximus, the horse shifter.

"Where’s Maximus?"

Seeing the furrow on Aldric’s face when she mentioned his name, Islinda sensed that something was wrong.

"Don’t tell me you had a fight with Maxi too?" she guessed.

Aldric didn’t need to answer; the clenched jaw spoke volumes.

"The gods help you," Islinda shook her head sympathetically. "You say I have a knack for ingratitude, but you seem to have a talent for pushing your loved ones away. I should applaud you." Her words dripped with sarcasm.

"Drop it," Aldric gruffly responded.

Surprisingly, Islinda didn’t push the matter and let the conversation fade away. This was unlike her, and Aldric couldn’t help the shock that registered on his face. He quickly composed himself, revealing nothing.

He refused to admit that he enjoyed her talking and found pleasure in the sound of her voice and the movement of her lips. Unfortunately, he couldn’t let his guard down. If Islinda ever discovered the power she held over him, he would be doomed. He had to push her away and prevent the seed Eli had planted between them from growing.

He was a monster, incapable of feeling, especially for a fragile human. This was just a fleeting feeling, and once he became king and obtained what he desired from her, he would send her away. Everything would go back to normal. Yes, he was sure of it. He was a Fae with many years ahead of him, while Islinda would age and fade from memory within two centuries.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Islinda was creeped out by his intense stare. It was as if Aldric was contemplating which part of her body he would devour for dinner, if he were a cannibal.

The stare was unsettling, causing Islinda to reach for the gemstone around her neck and close her hand around it. It was slightly warm, and she wondered if it would protect her from Aldric as well. She hadn’t tested its powers yet.

Aldric answered, "I’m trying to imagine how you would look when you’re old. I’ve heard that humans become wrinkly and ugly with age." He chuckled, attempting to make a joke.

Islinda’s jaw dropped. Was this Fae for real? She had never felt so insulted.

Her face twisted with annoyance, she replied, "You’re a bastard."

Aldric laughed, assuming she had grown accustomed to his insults. But Islinda didn’t have a retort; she glared at him with such intensity that Aldric felt a brief moment of guilt before he dismissed it. Islinda turned her attention back to the outside scenery, completely ignoring him.

Except the dark Fae prince did not know Women were extremely sensitive about their looks and he had imagined her old and ugly. Yes, he practically slapped her on the face.

Initially unfazed, Aldric began to feel bothered by Islinda’s complete disregard for him. He had a feeling it was because of what he had said. But then, that couldn’t be! It was only a remark.

"Are you mad at me? Did I do something wrong?" Aldric couldn’t help but ask. The silence was becoming uncomfortable. Humans were confusing at times. He had only spoken the truth.

Islinda stared back at him in disbelief. Does he not understand what he did? She huffed in frustration, and then resumed looking outside. Islinda couldn’t help but think Aldric was both an asshole, a fool and a big bully.

Baffled, Aldric blinked at her back. Females were so complicated to understand. He sighed in exasperation and settled into the nerve-wracking silence.

Damn, the ride was boring.