Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 409: Such Empty Promises

Chapter 409: Such Empty Promises

Aldric said, "Explain further, how you plan to elevate me to the throne," in an attempt to placate the young tiger that believed its claws had grown long enough for it to go hunting on its own.

"Let us dance first, your highness," Elena said with a sly smile.

Aldric, of course, saw no issue with that. To dance with such a lovely Fae as her was flattering. He was curious to see what would become of this.

Taking his hand, Elena ushered him onto the dance floor. Encircling his neck with her arms, she pressed her ample chest against him while also arching her hips. There was not even an inch of space between them as they were pressed together.

Aldric was not stupid; he knew what Elena was offering, and while the sensation was thrilling, he preferred a more challenging conquest. It made him more aroused and reminded him of a certain human. Where was she by the way?

He lifted a brow, arrogantly, "Are you ready to talk then?"

"Can’t we just enjoy the moment?" Elena sighed, growing tired of his persistence to talk. "This is a party after all. You should relax." She attempted to massage his scalp as a gesture to help him relax, but he swiftly caught her hand.

"Not my hair." He warned.

"Fine," Elena huffed, frustrated with his resistance. "As you wish."

Silence fell between them, but Elena found herself far from bored. She looked at Aldric with fascination, considering it progress to be dancing in his arms. Meanwhile, Aldric narrowed his eyes suspiciously. He spoke, breaking the silence, "Aren’t you afraid of the consequences of dancing with me? I see Queen Maeve over there, glaring at us. She’s probably imagining burning us to a crisp."

"That sounds delicious," Elena flirted with him.

Once again surprised by Elena’s response, Aldric found her intriguing. However, maintaining his guard, he wondered if this was another ploy by Queen Maeve to distract him while she harmed Islinda. Was Elena of the Raysin family genuinely interested in him? No, it can’t be.

Unless she wanted a taste of him.

Before he made Rosalind a steady "companion" Aldric had brave noble females climb into his bed. They considered him an exotic Fae and wanted a taste of his prowess in bed. Good. It’s been a while since he scratched his itch. But then, Aldric was not stupid. Elena was reserved for Valerie. This might as well be another trap. He scoffed inwardly, Queen Maeve was getting creative.

You should know," he began cautiously, "Procrastination only makes it easier to see through the cracks."

Elena’s frown deepened. "You think I’m nervous and uncertain? You believe I am not serious?"

Aldric shrugged nonchalantly. "What can I say? I am a busy Fae," he replied, his gaze hardening. "And I find your timing quite suspicious. I do not appreciate having my time wasted."

"Do you think this is a trap?" Elena gasped in disbelief.

"You tell me, is it a trap?" Aldric challenged.

Frustrated by his lack of trust, Elena retorted, "You are such a stubborn Fae. By dancing with you in front of everyone, including my parents and Queen Maeve, I am willingly tempting my fate."

Aldric scoffed. "Your plan, not mine. Perhaps you should have planned better."

Anger flashed in Elena’s eyes as she absorbed his inconsiderate words. Despite Aldric’s harsh demeanor, she decided to push forward. She proclaimed, "I am interested in you."

A burst of laughter escaped Aldric’s lips, causing Elena to flush with embarrassment. "I am serious, Prince Aldric," she said firmly.

"I didn’t mean to imply that you were not serious," Aldric clarified. "It seems you are the one who is mad."

With a sigh, Elena closed her eyes and reopened them determinedly. "How can I prove my feelings for you?"

"You don’t have to," Aldric growled, his warning tone sending chills down Elena’s spine. "Just return to your seat after this dance and pretend this conversation never happened."

Aldric tried to pull away, but Elena grasped him tightly, pressing closer against him. He gritted his teeth and glared at her. Although Aldric had no interest in her, his body seemed to have other ideas, and it appeared she was taking advantage of it.

Aldric hissed, "If you make another move like that, I will lift your skirt and take you in front of everyone. I will ravish and shame you in their presence, and we will see if any Fae are interested in taking a bride tainted by the dark Fae prince." He took pride in his bad reputation.

Elena shivered, feeling both fear and thrill. Aldric’s words aroused her, but she also recognized the threat in his eyes. Taking her in front of everyone would damage her family’s reputation irreparably, and they would likely disown her.

"You are not like this with the human," she accused, referring to his relationship with Islinda.

"Islinda serves a different purpose," Aldric retorted, annoyed that she had brought Islinda into the conversation. "You mean nothing to me."

Then let me serve a greater purpose," Elena pleaded desperately, cupping his face in her hand.

Aldric furrowed his brows. He did not appreciate clingy females, and the only person he wanted near him was the annoying human who seemed to have vanished. "Where is she?" he thought. Realizing he had been distracted for too long, he decided it was time to focus.

Seeing Aldric about to retreat, Elena frantically clasped his other cheek with her remaining hand. "Once you marry me, you can become king. My family holds significant power, and —"

"They would abandon you the moment they suspect your interest in me," Aldric interrupted, abruptly cutting off her fantasy. "Who would support a dark Fae prince on the throne?"

"No, they wouldn’t," Elena shook her head defiantly. "I am their only child and their hope. It will be difficult at first, but eventually, they will relent. Besides, I am incredibly intelligent and —"

"Thank you for the company, but I am done with you," Aldric declared, pushing her away as she clung to him.

Aldric scoffed, unimpressed by her delusions of making him king. Only the gullible would fall for such empty promises.

But just as Aldric turned his back on Elena, the attack came.