Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 401: Aldric Took Control Of Her

Chapter 401: Aldric Took Control Of Her

The dance concluded, signaling the beginning of Fae Queen Maeve’s opening speech. Stepping onto the dais with an air of intelligence, her gaze surveyed the room, taking in the sight of the attending Faerie. Some were seated while others stood, all with drinks in hand. The Fae had a notorious love for drinking.

From her position, Queen Maeve spotted Islinda, causing a shiver to run down her spine. Islinda immediately averted her gaze, still feeling the intense attention from the Queen. She wanted to scream out in frustration, to make it clear that she wasn’t pursuing her son and was just minding her own business. But she remained silent.

The Queen, with an easy smile upon her face, glanced away from Islinda and began her speech. Her voice carried powerfully across the room, augmented by some form of magic.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the Fae realm, I welcome you all to tonight’s event!"

The crowd erupted into applause and cheers in response to the Queen’s welcome. Though Islinda didn’t feel inclined to applaud, she didn’t want to stand out as the odd one and reluctantly joined in. However, Aldric, with a blank expression, continued to stare fixedly at the Fae Queen.

The Fae Queen exuded grace and elegance as she continued with enthusiasm, "Tonight marks a momentous occasion in the history of Astaria. We gather here not only to celebrate the grandeur of our majestic kingdom, but also to partake in a tradition that has bound our destinies for generations - the Matchmaking Ball.

"His majesty and my husband, King Oberon..." Her gaze glanced towards his empty throne, "unfortunately isn’t able to join us due to matters concerning the kingdom." Despite the awful memories of the day weighing on her mind, Queen Maeve’s facial expression remained unwavering.

"He built Astaria from scratch with his own hands, sweat, and the wisdom bestowed upon him by the gods. Today, we stand in the enchanting realm of Astaria, where magic and destiny intertwine. Once more, we come together under the auspices of love and unity. The Matchmaking Ball is not merely an event; it is a celestial dance orchestrated by the stars themselves, guiding us towards the connections that transcend time.

"As your Queen, I stand before you with the fervent hope that each of you finds a love as deep as the ancient roots of our trees. Let tonight be a celebration of love, a testament to the enduring power that unites us all. May the spirits of the Fae bless this gathering with harmony and serenity.

"In this radiant ballroom, adorned with the brilliance of our kind, open your hearts to the possibilities that destiny lays before you. Seek out the connections that resonate with your very essence, for in those bonds, you shall find strength, joy, and eternal companionship.

"To the eligible Fae attendees, may your steps on the dance floor be guided by the threads of fate. Embrace the melodies that fill the air, for they are the whispers of the cosmos, revealing the matches meant to be.

"And to those who approach the dance of destiny with trepidation, remember that love knows no boundaries. Let your hearts be free, and may the Matchmaking Ball weave tales of enduring love that shall be sung for generations to come.

"As the Queen of Astaria, I hereby declare this Matchmaking Ball open, invoking the magic that binds us all. May love find its way into every heart present here tonight. Enjoy the festivities, dance with abandon, and let the magic of this evening create bonds that withstand the test of time.

"Long live Astaria, and may the Matchmaking Ball bring forth unions that illuminate our kingdom with everlasting love and joy!" The Queen concluded, met with a silent hall.

As if on cue, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, acknowledging Queen Maeve’s powerful speech. Even Islinda had to admit that the Queen was an excellent orator with a captivating stage presence. Yet, Islinda saw through the façade.

The Queen had spoken of love knowing no boundaries, and yet she had already chosen a suitable match for her son, Valerie - Elena. It was clearly a political move, and only fools would believe that their steps were guided by the threads of fate tonight.

If there had been dancing before, the intensity doubled this time as almost everyone sought a partner. Islinda watched as Valerie finally took to the dance floor with his intended, Elena and it pained her. Getting over her first love was no easy task, especially when Valerie had so quickly dismissed her in front of his family and the Faeries of Astaria. And now, he danced proudly with this new companion, simply because she was Fae and from a powerful family.

He had never loved her. She was merely a consolation prize when he was feeling vulnerable and needed someone in his life to help him. Islinda felt her stomach sink as she realized just how thoroughly she had been used. It was not exactly a startling discovery, everyone seemed to use her in this real realm. A self-deprecating laugh escaped her lips, drowned out by the sounds of music and joyful chatter.

"Is it torturous for you to watch them?" a voice whispered in Islinda’s ear, startling her. She turned to see Aldric seated beside her, a sinister thrill in his eyes as he seemed to relish her misery.

"Mind your business," Islinda spat, hastily wiping away the tears that had involuntarily streamed down her face.

"You could return the favor," Aldric suggested.

"What?" Islinda replied, her voice filled with disbelief.

"Kiss me," Aldric repeated, his eyes cold and calculating.

"What?!" Islinda exclaimed, utterly bewildered by his audacity.

At first, she assumed Aldric must be joking, but when she looked into his gaze, she saw only determination. Anger washed over her as she realized his true intentions.

Islinda attempted to stand, but Aldric forcibly held her down, saying, "You can use me to make him jealous. He needs to see what he’s missing out on."

Islinda laughed bitterly. "Really? Is that your agenda? You want him to lose control like before so the two of you can fight, and King Oberon will have reason to strip him of his crown prince title. Well, I refuse to be manipulated a second time. I won’t let you use Valerie through me."

With a wrench, she broke free from Aldric’s grasp and stood, determined to leave.

Aldric, however, stopped her in her tracks, saying, "Perhaps the Queen won’t try to kill you if she realizes you’re fooling around with me."

Islinda momentarily considered his offer, but then she remembered her protection. She tugged at the necklace, reminding him of its significance.

Surprise flickered across Aldric’s face, indicating that he had forgotten about it.

Islinda grinned maliciously, content at having bested him at his own game. However, in the next moment, she found that her body no longer obeyed her.

Aldric had taken control of her.

No!

-----

Happy new year to everyone in advance! First of all, I want to thank all of you who has been a massive support to this book. I never thought I would get this far, but with your help, I did. Thank you so much! I appreciate all your comments, powers tones and even your fast passes. As a little thank you, here’s a code for seven lucky people to redeem and get 10 fast passes ( ABDHYTU7LC2XQVDCA).

With the year 2023 gone and 2024 beginning, this book continues of course. My fans from over the years, knows already I never leave a book unfinished. At the same time, I would be starting a new work in a few weeks and I hope I receive the same support as you did to this book. So here’s the raw version of my upcoming work and please give me your earnest review about it.....

"Look away," the voice echoed in her head.

Amayah knew she shouldn’t peep, but then, a flash of those well-packed muscles entranced her. Her throat suddenly felt dry, and saliva gathered in her mouth like a dog salivating over food. If "he" was a delicacy, then this one was steamy and delicious.

He had his back turned to her while he bathed, and she marveled at the smooth skin stretched over solid muscle. Her gaze quickly captured the ripple of those muscles each time he scooped water over his body.

This wasn’t just spying; Amayah felt like a pervert.

---

Amayah wasn’t a pervert, but she sure became one after spying on a very handsome man while he bathed. In her defense, she didn’t see his nakedness, just his back. His beautiful back. Unfortunately, the handsome man turned out to be a king, not just any other king, but the villain king of the kingdom of Emberfall.

Unfortunately, karma catches up with Amayah because King Alaric demands she takes responsibility for him. He goes as far as kidnapping her to keep her as his bride.

Despite successfully escaping, Amara soon discovers that the king is no benevolent ruler; he is a malevolent figure who has even taken the life of his own queen. Now, for reasons known only to him, he relentlessly pursues Amayah.

While she contemplates hiding, the stark reality sets in—the kingdom is under his control, and he will spare no effort to find her. What started as a daring gambit now unfolds into a perilous game, one that the kin g is determined to see through to its ominous end.