Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 426: Dine With Beautiful Predators

Chapter 426: Dine With Beautiful Predators

Getting involved with the royal family was never a wise decision, Islinda came to realize after receiving a message that she was to join them for breakfast. There was no explanation for this sudden announcement, and Valerie had already left the room by the time Islinda emerged from the bathroom.

As a result, Islinda was left feeling confused and nervous about the announcement. Thankfully, she had persistently questioned the Faerie who had delivered the message and, despite his annoyance, he eventually explained that the other Faeries who had been detained after the attack would also be joining the breakfast. She was one of only two privileged individuals who would be dining at the King’s table. The identity of the other person was not revealed.

Following the message, two maidservants entered Islinda’s room to prepare her for breakfast with the royal family. They sifted through her wardrobe, rejecting dress after dress until they finally settled on a striking red gown. Islinda couldn’t help but notice that Fae fashion was often daring, and this choice was no exception.

Islinda would have liked the dress if it weren’t for the high slit that conspicuously revealed her toned thighs whenever she moved. While she was confident enough to pull off such a bold choice, after the way King Oberon had noticed her the previous night, she had reservations about wearing something that might suggest she intended to seduce him in front of Fae Queen Maeve.

However, no matter how hard she tried to persuade the cheerful maidservants to change the dress, they insisted that it was perfect for her and spoke excitedly about her appearance. They only furthered Islinda’s confusion by expertly styling her hair into a Fae updo, applying makeup to her face, and painting her lips a bright red.

When Islinda finally looked at herself in the mirror, she couldn’t help but let out a startled gasp. The reflection staring back at her was unrecognizable. The updo was an elaborate braid twisted into a high bun, adorned with tiny sparkling lights reminiscent of fireflies. Her brown eyes were enhanced by gold eyeshadow, with crystals accentuating the corners and adding an enchanting charm.

Islinda was surprised and captivated by her own transformation. She could no longer see a human with round ears, but instead a Fae. She unintentionally vocalized her observation, prompting one of the maidservants to sigh and comment, "Indeed, you would pass for a Fae if your ears were pointed."

The other servant suddenly gasped, struck with an idea. "Not if we have the right accessory!"

Startled, Islinda asked, "What do you mean?"

The Fae maid smiled, producing a small, beautiful necklace. "Thankfully, I anticipated this. This is a special accessory. Once you put it on, your ears will become pointed, just like ours. It completes your appearance, making it perfect."

Curious, Islinda asked, "Really?"

The maid responded, "Yes, you should try it on." She moved closer to Islinda and noticed the other gemstone necklace she was wearing.

However, upon seeing it, the Fae frowned. She gently suggested, "I’m afraid you’ll have to remove that necklace."

Surprised, Islinda spun on her heels and narrowed her eyes suspiciously at the Fae maid, holding the gemstone protectively in her hand. "What?!"

The maid quickly reassured her, saying, "You cannot wear two necklaces, as it would ruin your appearance. Furthermore, the gemstone appears to be charmed and would interfere with the function of the other necklace. You must take it off."

"No!" Islinda exclaimed, stepping away from them and clutching the gemstone tightly in her hand, as if afraid they might take it from her.

Both maidservants exchanged concerned glances. The maid with the necklace spoke, "I don’t understand, your ladyship. What is so important about that necklace that you cannot part with it for a few hours?"

"I said no!" Islinda raised her voice, surprising the maidservants with her response.

Islinda simply did not trust them. What if this was a plot by Queen Maeve to leave her defenseless? She was not foolish enough to fall for such a scheme.

Realizing her mistake, the Fae maid sincerely apologized, bowing her head. "I’m sorry for suggesting it, your ladyship. I thought it would look good on you and it seemed like you were interested in our culture. It could have been a nice diplomatic gesture, showing that humans can embrace our Fae culture. Nevertheless, I apologize for the inconvenience."

Just as the Fae maid was about to return the necklace to its box, Islinda said, "Wait!"

She paused, biting her lip nervously. She was torn between caution and optimism. Queen Maeve couldn’t harm her in broad daylight, and King Oberon had indirectly offered her protection. Furthermore, she would be leaving soon, and Aldric would be there with her. She would be safe.

With trembling hands, Islinda reached out around her neck and removed the gemstone necklace. Encouraged by the Fae maid’s smile, she allowed her to put on the new necklace.

"Do you think there will be any side effects?" Islinda asked as the necklace, shaped like a half moon, hung on her chest and the Fae maid prepared to clasp it closed.

The maid replied, "No, my lady, it’s just an accessory." She stepped back as soon as she finished clasping the necklace.

Islinda gently touched the golden necklace, feeling the familiar tingle of magic. She watched in awe as her ears began to grow, slowly and steadily, until they were neatly pointed like a Fae’s. It was beyond belief. It wasn’t an illusion; her ears were actually real, fleshy, and now a part of her.

"No way!" Islinda exclaimed, touching her ears in amazement. The maidservants laughed, sharing in her curiosity and fascination.

"Now you truly look like one of us, my lady," one of them said.

Islinda looked at herself in the mirror and indeed, she appeared to be a Fae, not a human.

"We should leave now, my lady," one of the maidservants stated.

"Alright," Islinda breathed, "Lead the way."

As the maidservants turned to leave, Islinda hurriedly placed the protection necklace inside her pillowcase. Unless someone thoroughly searched her room, no one would know it was there.

Now, it was time to dine with these beautiful predators.