Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 423: Out Of The Bag

Chapter 423: Out Of The Bag

Power crackled in the air and Maxi’s clenched fists indicated that she was prepared for war. The enemy, Anya, had been defeated in the first round, but her sore loser mentality prevented her from retreating. Instead, she called for reinforcements. However, Maxi would not allow anyone, especially Anya, to take Isaac away from her or ruin the beautiful relationship she had built with her family. Today, Maxi would deal with Anya.

Anya turned and saw Maxi at that moment. Perhaps it was Maxi’s intense gaze, or maybe it was just a trick of the eye, but the blood drained from Anya’s face. A shiver traveled down her spine. Anya could have sworn she saw Maxi’s eyes flicker black.

When Isaac noticed Maxi’s arrival, his expression paled upon witnessing the murderous look on Maxi’s face. Her dark Fae side was on the verge of being exposed. Isaac’s panic-stricken eyes caught the attention of his mother, who had never seen him look so scared. She sensed that something was amiss.

Before Maxi could take another step, Oma intervened. Maxi saw the shock and realization in Oma’s eyes, causing the air to be knocked out of her lungs. She felt like a monster, a dark Fae. Fear threatened to overwhelm her before she remembered that Isaac had chosen her. There was no way he didn’t know about her true nature. Maxi took a risk, hoping that Isaac’s love for her would prevail.

"Maxi, it’s me," Oma called out, placing a tentative hand on Maxi’s shoulder. As Maxi stiffened, Oma’s grip tightened, reassuring Maxi that she had reached her. Maxi’s bloodlust faded, and she could see through the haze that had clouded her vision. Her ears rang, and she realized that her sole focus had been to eliminate Anya. It was a flaw that came with being a dark Fae – their dark side was always craving blood. Once they tapped into that darkness, it was difficult to recover. However, with a bit of control, all would be well.

Unfortunately, not all dark Fae possessed that level of control. It was far too easy for them to give in to the temptation of their dark side. Embracing evil was effortless and gratifying. Dark Fae weren’t bound by rules or morals. Yet, succumbing to their desires only led to destruction. Some of their kind had managed to resist this temptation. The dark Fae had been misunderstood for ages, and their sacrifices for a better world should not go to waste.

These were the reasons Maxi managed to snap out of her bloodlust. She looked at Oma, her eyes wide, her clothes soaking wet from sweat. Oma now knew what Maxi truly was. Then, thoughts of Anya crossed Maxi’s mind.

Maxi only wanted a glimpse of the Fae, but Oma quickly blocked her view protectively. It was as if Oma was afraid that Maxi might harm Anya. Maxi’s face fell, and the excitement she had felt upon arriving at this place dissipated like a gust of wind. Oma now saw her as a monster.

"You should go upstairs," Oma advised Maxi firmly, redirecting her attention to Anya’s mother. "What a surprise to see you, Emma!" Oma exclaimed, feigning surprise and delight. "I’ll be back shortly; my daughter-in-law suddenly doesn’t feel well."

Oma’s statement held some truth. Maxi wasn’t feeling well and would have attacked Anya if Oma hadn’t intervened. From her position, Oma could see her son relax, knowing that Isaac was aware of what was happening. They would have a thorough conversation about this later.

Oma didn’t even think twice as she led Maxi to Isaac’s room. Her initial intention was to lock Maxi in her own room, but her instincts told her that being surrounded by Isaac’s scent would be beneficial for Maxi. Perhaps it was because Oma’s late husband’s scent had always calmed her in dire situations when her emotions were rampant. Oma assumed the same would be true for Maxi.

"Stay here. I’ll handle this," Oma instructed Maxi, wincing at the acknowledgment that Maxi was likely much stronger than her. However, this situation required finesse and wit rather than strength. Oma knew Emma and Anya well enough to deal with them.

Maxi nodded, but Oma sensed the inner turmoil within her. Perhaps Oma had been too harsh with her. She swallowed, taking another glance at Maxi before hesitantly stating, "Don’t worry. Everything will be fine."

However, as Maxi lifted her eyes and locked gazes with Oma, Oma detected the flaw in her assurance. How could everything possibly be fine? Maxi was a dark Fae. Their kind was typically executed on the spot, except for the dark Fae prince. Maxi was no princess, and if others were to discover that Oma was harboring a dark Fae, she had no idea what fate awaited her and her family.

Leaving Maxi behind, Oma closed the door and leaned against it, her palm covering her face. She sighed, wondering how on earth she would handle this situation. If only her husband were here; he would approach this situation with practicality. However, Oma realized the futility of such a wish because her husband would have likely executed Maxi on sight. As a former captain of the king’s guard and a dark Fae, the two didn’t mix. If Maxi had managed to survive, it was because her husband had held her back.

Downstairs, Anya couldn’t shake what she had witnessed. She repeatedly told herself that it was a trick of the eye, but doubts lingered. An uneasy glance at Isaac confirmed that he had also noticed something, although he avoided making eye contact with her.

Oma finally descended the stairs, her gaze fixated on Anya, observing her reaction calmly. Anya wondered if Oma had also seen what she saw. It was difficult to ascertain, as Oma’s expression revealed nothing. Isaac might have been enchanted by the peculiar Fae, but not Oma. Anya knew her well enough to understand that she would prioritize her children’s well-being above all else.

"Emma, it’s delightful to see you!" Oma greeted the Fae, walking over to her as they exchanged pleasantries.

"You too," Emma replied curtly.

Oma’s gaze flickered towards Anya, and she noticed Anya’s forced smile. Anya winced inwardly.

"And you too, Anya," Oma said, acknowledging her presence.

"Thank you, Oma," Anya responded with a strained tone.

They all took their seats, and Oma positioned herself across from them. She said to Emma, "I must admit, I was taken aback by your unexpected visit."

"The same way I was taken aback when my daughter informed me about Isaac’s engagement," Emma retorted with a hint of spite.

Oma and Isaac locked eyes, silently communicating their shared dilemma. Isaac wanted to speak out, but Oma knew that his heightened emotions would only lead to disaster. She needed to take charge and handle this situation. After all, she also had claws.

Oma replied with a sweet smile that didn’t reach her eyes. "Perhaps the news wouldn’t have been so shocking to you if your daughter hadn’t intruded during a family gathering. We’ve been good friends for years, Emma, but your daughter’s behavior yesterday was not befitting of a proper lady."

Emma wanted to retaliate, but Anya placed a hand on her mother’s lap, silencing her. Anya gave her mother a glance as if to convey that she shouldn’t exacerbate the situation.

Anya spoke up, "That’s why we’re here now, my mother and I, to formally apologize to you, Oma."

Surprise flashed across Oma’s face, but she maintained her composed expression.

"Indeed, that’s why we’re here," Emma concurred, her expression tight.

Anya rose to her feet, bowing her head. "I apologize for being disrespectful towards you, Isaac Kayla, and..." She forced herself to say it, "Maxi, yesterday. I allowed my emotions to override my senses and behaved inappropriately. I’m sorry, and I promise it won’t happen again."

Oma sensed all eyes on her, waiting for her response.

"O-of course, your apology is accepted," Oma replied. "We’ve known each other for years, and a minor misunderstanding cannot ruin our relationship. Issac?"

Issac in question had a clenched jaw and disinterested expression. Oma had caught him staring upstairs more than ten times now. He grumbled something that sounded like a response and Oma took over, smoothing the relationship.

"As much as I would love to entertain you more, Emma, I’m afraid I have a lot of things on my hands." Oma dismissed them politely.

"Of course, I wouldn’t want to keep you from your duties." Emma said, her words carrying a lot of meanings especially with the way her gaze traveled upstairs.

"Come Anya, let’s go."

"Does this mean I can come over anytime, Oma?" Anya inquired hurriedly even as her mother drew her mother.

Oma gave no response other than a big bright smile that made her cheeks hurt.

Once outside, Anya came to an abrupt halt, her steps faltering, while Emma’s features twisted into an unappealing expression.

She scoffed," She sure holds a lot of pride even for a widow. Come Anya, I’m sure there are a lot of better Fae out that would want you for a wife. It’s their loss actually."

"No." Anya answered stubbornly.

"No?!" The Fae sounded shocked that her daughter refused .

Anya suddenly looked at her mother, "By chance, do you know anyone that can look into a Fae’s background?"

Emma narrowed her eyes, "Why?"

Anya responded with a glint in her eyes, "I’m suddenly curious about Issac’s fiancée."

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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 king is determined to see through to its ominous end.