Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 403: Tell Me Everything

Chapter 403: Tell Me Everything

Islinda found solace in the tranquility of the quiet garden. Her voice had become hoarse from the hours spent screaming and crying online, but now that her thoughts were collected, she was able to appreciate the serene sight before her.

The palace garden resembled the one at Aldric’s castle, but here it was wider and devoid of dangerous flowers. It was clear to her now that only a psychopath would have such flowers in a place accessible to anyone. However, very few people ever visited Aldric’s castle, as it was mostly inhabited by his staff and rarely received outsiders.

In the human realm, Ryder’s father had a stunning garden that village children would often sneak into to catch a glimpse or simply enjoy its beauty. Sadly, the same couldn’t be said for Aldric’s garden, as even innocent children were too terrified to breach its walls.

Frustrated, Islinda pushed thoughts of Aldric aside. If she weren’t bound to him by servitude, she would have left the human realm long ago. As she explored the garden, she was delighted to find familiar flowers from her world in full bloom here. The Fae realm seemed to possess a magical allure, as the roses were larger and more vibrant than anything she had seen in the human realm.

Yet, she couldn’t forget the danger that lurked in this place. Islinda recalled as she touched the flowers. Also she was out here all alone where Queen Maeve had the power to capture and kill her effortlessly. Her hand instinctively reached for the necklace resting against her chest, finding solace in its warmth.

Although it failed to protect her from Aldric’s intrusion into her mind, it provided some comfort. Who knows, perhaps Aldric had tampered with the necklace to ensure only he could harm her. After all, he was capable of many nefarious deeds.

Trying to distract herself from such thoughts, Islinda immersed herself in the intoxicating scents and sight of the garden. She couldn’t resist plucking one of the roses, a decision she soon regretted. Back in the village, tales circulated of dire consequences for humans who stole from the Fae realm, especially from the palace. They were said to be forever trapped in the Fae realm.

Although she hadn’t technically stolen anything, she was bound to Aldric until he released her. However, she didn’t envision that happening any time soon. Perhaps he would only set her free when she was old and of no value to him, after spending her youth trying to fulfill his impossible dream of becoming king.

Seeking respite from the cold, Islinda noticed a stone bench in the center of the garden. Two tall trees provided some protection from the snow as she sat down. She knew she shouldn’t stay out in the cold for long, but she would rather freeze than return to the suffocating ballroom. If she isn’t there, Aldric wouldn’t plan anything evil against Aldric. She should be freezing by now, but the dress must have been designed to ward off the cold to a limit because it was still not enough

In this place, she couldn’t hear the music from the ballroom, it was just her, the cold, and the quiet. As she leaned back and closed her eyes, attempting to meditate, she was abruptly startled by the sound of a snap, like a stick breaking. Her eyes flew open, and she immediately sat up, scanning her surroundings with caution.

Her senses heightened, Islinda searched for any sign of an intruder. There was no view of anyone but she knew what she had heard. She was mindful of her steps while hunting and someone must have mistakenly stepped on one, the sound was unmistaken. Someone was here. She only hoped she wasn’t being hunted.

There was nothing but silence and Islinda could not take it anymore. She stood up and began to search the scene.

"Hello?"

She called out cautiously, her voice echoing through the deeper, darker parts of the garden. Throughout this, she discreetly checked her necklace for any signs of tampering, making sure it was still securely in place.

"Maybe it was nothing," she muttered to herself, turning around, only to collide with someone. A Fae.

Before she could scream, the Fae swiftly covered her mouth with his hand. Islinda’s eyes widened in recognition. "Valerie?" she choked out, her surprise quickly giving way to anger.

"Islinda," Valerie responded, a hint of relief in his voice.

The initial shock transformed into consuming anger within Islinda. "Get lost!" she snarled, attempting to move past him, but he quickly grasped her wrists, holding her firmly.

"Please, Islinda, don’t go," Valerie pleaded, concern etched on his face.

Glaring at him, she snapped, "I said, get lost!"

Islinda managed to wrench her wrists free, but once more, Valerie blocked her path, his expression a mix of desperation and sincerity. "Please, Islinda, I know I don’t deserve to talk to you right now, but I need to explain myself."

She let out a sarcastic laugh. "At least you acknowledge that you don’t deserve my attention. So, let’s keep it that way."

"Islinda please, I just need to explain things. Everything." He said with desperation.

It looked like Islinda was about to ignore him again but she finally halted and snarked, "Fine, your Royal Highness, Valerie, begin to explain yourself starting from the beginning. I’m so curious to learn why you denied our relationship," Her father rose, "Fucking tell me why you attempted to swap my soul?! Fucking tell me why are you after me right now when you should be having a happily ever after with your bride, Elena."

Valerie swallowed guilt when she let out a self-deprecating laughter, wiping at the tears at the corners of her eyes. He has done a good job of hurting her.

"But most of all...." Islinda sucked in a deep breath, "Tell who is Tatiana? How is she connected with you and why is it that Aldric hates you so much? So yes, you have a lot of explanations to do, Valerie. "

Valerie’s expression changed at the mention of Tatiana and Islinda noticed that because she smirked coldly, saying," Now, shall we begin? "