Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 400: Power To Make Aldric A King

Chapter 400: Power To Make Aldric A King

She and Valerie would never have ended up together, Islinda finally concluded after Andre’s explanation. Islinda accepted that she was not a Fae, nor was she from a powerful Fae family. A relationship with Valerie was simply not realistic; they would always be nothing more than a pipe dream.

Currently, Islinda and Andre were waltzing across the dance floor in a slow dance. Unlike Aldric, Andre maintained a small yet respectable distance, which touched Islinda. She realized that Andre’s good manners were another reason why they worked well together. If she had to fall for any of the princes, it should have been him.

However, Andre had flaws too, and Islinda knew he was a natural flirt. He was sweet and cheerful, but Islinda wasn’t sure if she could handle sharing him with numerous other superior and beautiful Fae. They were better off as friends. Plus, in this harsh realm, Islinda needed a companion.

As they moved closer together due to the limited space, Islinda rested her chin on Andre’s shoulder as they swayed from side to side. She knew that Andre wouldn’t interpret the gesture as anything serious. They were merely helping each other out.

They had been dancing for quite a while now, and the other girls had scattered away. Nevertheless, Islinda occasionally caught glimpses of a few of them glaring at her even while in the arms of their dance partners. They looked down on her and believed she didn’t deserve to talk to a prince, let alone dance with him. In their eyes, she was not worth competing against but rather a doormat to be stepped on.

In one word, aside from the queen, half of the females wanted to kill her. Islinda sarcastically thought that her name would surely go down in the history of the Fae as the most hunted human.

Islinda made the mistake of looking up at that moment and her heart skipped a beat when her eyes met Valerie’s. His gaze was so intense that she shuddered, feeling completely exposed. Why was he looking at her like that when he had his intended at his side?

Islinda quickly looked away, searching for Elena instead, hoping that she hadn’t witnessed the intense exchange between her and Valerie. The last thing she wanted was for Elena to come after her, thinking there was still something between her and Valerie. However, Islinda had nothing to worry about because the Fae was looking elsewhere. At someone.

Her gaze was fixed on Aldric, and Islinda’s blood ran cold. No! Her heart almost leaped out of her chest, and she couldn’t understand the reason for her instant panic. Why was she scared?

"Islinda, is something wrong?" Andre asked, noticing her distress and showing concern.

"No, I’m fine," Islinda replied, stepping away from him. The thrill of dancing had vanished, and her stomach churned with nerves.

Islinda rubbed her clammy hands on her dress, glancing over at Elena, who was no longer looking at Aldric. She unconsciously sighed with relief, but unfortunately, their eyes met at that moment.

Unlike the others who looked at her with pure malice and fury, Elena’s gaze was filled with condescension. Islinda felt like dirt in her presence, and they clearly did not belong in the same league. Islinda didn’t cower; instead, she stood tall and returned the favor. She disliked Elena immediately.

She heard Andre sigh, "I will never understand you, females. Thank God I won’t be getting married anytime soon."

Islinda opened her mouth to reply, her eyes still narrowed at Elena, when an announcer interrupted her.

"All bow for Queen Nirvana! All bow for Queen Victoria!"

This time, Islinda was not caught off guard, promptly bowing her head to the royalty alongside Andre, although she sneakily glanced at the Queens from the corner of her eyes.

Her expectations were certainly met, and then some. The Queens were so ethereal and beautiful that Islinda almost found herself compelled to kneel down and worship them. They were practically goddesses. Plus, it was easy to identify which court each queen belonged to, even without relying solely on the similarities to their children.

Queen Nirvana demanded attention with her entire appearance, creating an obvious comparison to Queen Maeve’s outfit. Islinda couldn’t decide which dress she liked better, as both were stunning, albeit extravagant. It was no wonder the two Queens clashed often.

On the other hand, Queen Victoria dressed simply, and Islinda admired the genuine smile on her face. She now understood where Andre inherited his easy-going nature. Queen Victoria seemed the most down-to-earth out of the two Queens.

As the Queens walked over to their designated spots, Islinda noticed the difference in status. Only the Fae Queen had her throne, which was located beside the empty King’s throne. Although the other queens sat in lavish seats at the side, it was clear which of them held the most power.

How in the world could King Oberon handle three wives? Islinda had no idea. Being in a complicated relationship with Valerie, Aldric, and his other half Eli was tiring enough.

Once the Queens were seated, they rose to their feet and the dancing resumed, although Islinda was already done.

"It was nice dancing with you, Prince Andre," Islinda curtsied, adhering to proper etiquette at the end of a dance.

"Likewise," Andre replied, returning the gesture.

"Good luck with the swarm of females that will be after you now that you’re free," Islinda hinted, referring to the attention he would undoubtedly receive.

Andre smiled roguishly before sighing at the end. This was going to be a long night.

Islinda returned to her seat beside Aldric, who barely spared her a glance as he sipped his wine and scanned the room as if selecting his next target. What was he planning tonight? She had no idea.

Islinda stole another glance at Elena, her body filled with tension. Aldric had been avoided by females like the plague, but now that he was receiving attention from a powerful Fae who could make him King—a dream of his—Islinda was alarmed.

What was this unsettling feeling brewing inside her?