Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 414: Sense Of Safety

Chapter 414: Sense Of Safety

The soldier’s stern gaze fixed upon the gemstone around Islinda’s neck, and he interrogated, "What is that?"

Islinda hesitated momentarily, feeling the weight of scrutiny not only from the soldier but also from the surrounding Fae. "It’s a protective gemstone," she replied, her voice unwavering despite the nervous flutter within her.

Islinda felt uneasy revealing her advantage in a hall full of enemies. With the knowledge of the protection necklace, her vulnerability was exposed. If anyone intended to harm her, all they had to do was rip the necklace from her neck, leaving her defenseless. But she had no other choice.

Feeling compelled to provide more information, she added, "Prince Aldric gave it to me for my safety." It was clear that Islinda was in no position to possess such a precious artifact.

The soldier closely examined the gemstone, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Is that so?" he muttered, seemingly unconvinced.

Islinda rolled her eyes, finding some confidence in King Oberon’s words. "Come on, I’m the only human here, what do you expect me to do? Hand myself over to the wolves?"

Either the soldier had a personal vendetta against her, or she had failed to persuade him, because he roughly ripped the necklace from her neck. A hiss of pain escaped Islinda’s lips as the necklace was torn away, leaving her chest exposed. Vulnerable to the prying and judgmental gazes of the Fae surrounding her.

The soldier held the gemstone triumphantly in his hand. "The King’s order was to investigate the attack thoroughly, so I will be confiscating this. Until it is confirmed that it is merely a protection necklace, it—" The soldier let out a scream of pain as Aldric grabbed his hand, crushing it. Nobody had noticed when he had arrived, but his expression remained unreadable as he continued to squeeze the guard’s hand, causing the Fae to tremble in agony.

Finally satisfied with his torture, Aldric cast the guard aside as if he were dirt, clutching the gemstone in his hand. He then lifted the necklace with a sigh, noticing the broken chains. To everyone’s surprise, he took Islinda’s hand, opened her palm, and placed the gemstone inside it. "I’ve heard that females are resourceful. Do something about it."

Islinda blinked in surprise. Was he suggesting that she repair the necklace? But how...?! Islinda held back her questions, acknowledging the fact that, at least, she now had the gemstone in her possession. Its soft warmth enveloped her with a sense of safety.

"Thank you—" Islinda started to say to Aldric, only for him to interrupt with a command. "Next!"

Taking it as her cue to move on, Islinda couldn’t help but feel irritated that he had brushed her off. She turned to glare at his back, muttering to herself, "Asshole!"

Her eyes happened to meet Valerie’s gaze, who was leading the search for the males. His brows were slightly furrowed as he observed her watching Aldric. Islinda quickly looked away, feeling as though she had been caught doing something wrong. She hadn’t forgotten the earlier kiss and the unsettling feeling it had left in her stomach.

Now that Aldric was in charge, the females were too scared to move forward in the line. Those at the front gladly gave up their positions and retreated to the back. Islinda had no doubt that Aldric would soon lose his temper and use his shadow manipulation to keep them in line.

And so, it was just Islinda who finally made it to the entrance. Once outside, she looked around uncertainly, unsure of where to go. Wasn’t there supposed to be a Faerie who would direct her to the chamber fit for a queen?

Her thoughts were interrupted as four Fae guards suddenly appeared, flanking her on both sides and nearly startling her out of her wits.

"Who are...?" The question was on the tip of her tongue when a graceful Fae, a male, approached and bowed before her.

"Your ladyship."

Islinda eyed the Fae cautiously.

"Lennox at your service, your ladyship. I will be in charge of attending to your needs for the duration of your stay. Come, let me lead you to your chambers," he said, gesturing towards a well-lit passageway.

Islinda had her reservations about trusting a stranger’s word, but she remembered King Oberon’s command and the protection necklace in her hand. She took a deep breath and replied, "Let’s go, then."

Islinda walked through the palace walls accompanied by her entourage. Every Fae she encountered bowed to her, and she reciprocated the gesture respectfully, earning curious looks from Lennox, who remained silent as if he had seen nothing. Those reports would go directly to the king.

Aldric’s castle was grand, but the King’s palace was even grander and more vibrant. At this hour, Aldric’s place would be settled for the night, giving off an eerie ghost town vibe. But here, there was a flurry of activity that Islinda knew she would miss when she returned tomorrow.

For a moment, she almost wished that Aldric lived in the palace, only to remind herself that this place was filled with snakes and vultures ready to tear each other apart for power. She had been thrown into the intricate web of relationships and power dynamics that defined the Fae court.

"We have arrived, your ladyship," Lennox announced, pushing open the door.

Islinda knew her room would be opulent and extravagant, but the sight before her took her breath away. She had her own living room, a bathroom with a large bath emitting swirls of steam, and a bedroom with a balcony.

"By the gods..." The delight was evident on her face, and it took Lennox’s presence to prevent her from squealing in joy at the luxurious accommodations.

"I hope, my ladyship, that the arrangement meets your expectations?" Lennox humbly inquired.

Was he joking? This room was beyond magnificent! It was a chamber fit for a queen...

Islinda quickly composed herself, mimicking the poised demeanor of the shrewd queens of Astaria. She was a lady, after all, and had to act like one.

"Thank you, Lennox, it is more than decent," she replied, her voice laced with a touch of authority.

Lennox’s eyes twitched, and Islinda wondered if she had overdone her performance. She cleared her throat and added, "I am quite pleased with it."

Instantly, a smile appeared on Lennox’s face.

"I will send a maidservant to attend to you. Although, forgive me, your ladyship, there are only two available for the night due to limited resources," he informed her, subtly hinting at the fact that there were hundreds of other faeries to be attended to.

"No!" Islinda exclaimed.

Lennox tilted his head, surprised by her refusal. "No?"

She refused again, determined to trust no one in this palace ruled by Queen Maeve and her co-wives. Although the king had commanded her safety, what would happen after she left? The faeries were skilled in casting hexes. What if one of them stole a hair from her while she bathed and inflicted her with a strange ailment? She was taking no chances.

"No maidservants, please. I believe I can manage on my own," Islinda politely insisted.

Lennox appeared taken aback by her refusal, but quickly composed himself. "Very well, if that is your wish. However, should you require assistance, you may ring the bell over there..." He gestured towards a bell attached to the room via a rope. "A servant will come running... or you may request my presence."

Although Lennox did not disclose his specific role in the palace, Islinda couldn’t help but sense that he was not someone easily accessible without the king’s favor. A warm feeling spread through her stomach at his offer of assistance.

"Your wardrobe has been stocked. If you have no further needs, I shall take my leave," Lennox informed her.

Just as he was about to depart, something struck Islinda. "Wait!"

Lennox turned, his eyebrows raised in surprise.

"What can I assist you with, your ladyship?" he inquired.

Islinda opened her palm, revealing the gemstone. "The chains have been ruined. Is there a way to repair them or any crude instrument that could hold them together?"

Lennox reached out to take the gemstone, but Islinda instinctively pulled it back protectively to her chest. She didn’t actually want it repaired, but what if Lennox, like the others, couldn’t be trusted and switched it with a fake? She was simply being cautious.

His lips twitched at her gesture, and Islinda felt a pang of guilt. However, she detected understanding in Lennox’s eyes, and he responded, "I will bring the crafter here instead."

Lennox bowed low, saying, "I shall return shortly, your ladyship."

Moments later, Lennox returned with a young Fae who promptly requested the necklace. Islinda handed it over hesitantly, but in the blink of an eye, the necklace was as good as new. Islinda’s jaw nearly dropped to the ground. No wonder Aldric hadn’t been concerned with its repairs. It had been stunningly effortless.

However, with the gemstone once again around her neck, Islinda felt a sense of safety. Maybe, just maybe, she would survive the night.