Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 429: Execute The Dark Fae

Chapter 429: Execute The Dark Fae

King Oberon clenched his eyes shut, trying to contain his palpable anger. When he opened them, they were clear, but his tense frame shook. Islinda couldn’t understand how Fae Queen Maeve could live with constantly provoking her husband. If they were in the human realm, a king would have likely killed or divorced such an impudent wife already.

But Islinda knew it was because of Queen Maeve’s influence. The summer Fae Queen was a symbol of peace for Astaria, and the people loved her so much that they would die for her. Queen Maeve had dug her claws so deep into Astaria that uprooting them would not be easy. Queen Maeve was holding Astaria together, and King Oberon had sacrificed so much for his lifelong dream of a united Astaria that he could not afford for it to shatter. King Oberon detested his queen, and yet he couldn’t do without her.

Before King Oberon could answer, Aldric beat him to it, curling his lips in that familiar way. "Of course, Queen Nova’s position cannot be filled by a careless human, and that’s what you’re currently occupying, isn’t it, Fae Queen Maeve?"

Queen Nirvana snorted with laughter, clearly enjoying the show, while Queen Maeve’s face drained of color. Aldric’s words were a big slap across her face. She was only the Fae Queen because Nova was no longer around. That reminder was something Queen Maeve loathed, and Islinda could tell by the sinister shift in her countenance.

Fae Queen Maeve looked at Aldric, flashing a vulpine smile as if remembering that he was a formidable opponent and that she had been going easy on him. "You’re right," she admitted. "This is Queen Nova’s position, and I’m not going anywhere."

Islinda watched as Eli’s hands formed into fists beneath the table. It seemed that his mother, whether it was Aldric or Eli’s, was still a sensitive topic. Islinda had no idea what she had been thinking, but she reached out and covered his palm with hers.

Eli’s attention was broken, and he turned to look at her with surprise in his eyes. However, his lips quickly curled up, and he turned her palm, intertwining their hands instead. Islinda swallowed, feeling her heart flutter as he stroked the top of her palm. She both hated and loved the sensation at the same time.

Queen Victoria pleaded, saying, "Can you stop fighting? We came here to enjoy a meal as a family."

"I’m all for peace, but not everyone at this table deserves to be part of this family, and it’s no surprise the breakfast is a disaster," Valerie snarled, eyeing Aldric.

Islinda watched the scene with a tight-lipped expression, even though she had plenty of retorts for every quip directed at Aldric. Why was she even defending him? Islinda told herself it was because Eli was innocent in this case, not because she liked Aldric. She also found herself disappointed in Valerie. Lately, he had become someone she couldn’t recognize.

Furthermore, this was not her place, and Elena seemed to have the same idea. The Fae ate elegantly amid the chaos happening around them. Islinda’s gaze shifted to the king, who also ate through the commotion. This was not the first time he had been subjected to such a scene. Islinda felt pity for the king; if only he hadn’t married three wives. Their eyes met, and Islinda quickly dropped her gaze. That was close.

The argument continued around her. Valerie said, "The palace would be much more peaceful if he left."

Aldric responded. "Don’t worry, dearest brother, I’ll be leaving soon, and I’m sure Islinda cannot wait to come as well."

Islinda flinched in her seat, glaring at Aldric. She hated when he dragged her into his petty fights with Valerie. She hated having to pick sides when they could try to get along.

"I’m afraid that’s not possible, Aldric," Queen Maeve suddenly said, causing the hair on Islinda’s back to stand up. What did she mean by that?

Aldric seemed curious as well.

"Have you forgotten that we have a dark Fae in captivity? It falls on your shoulders to execute him at midday today, after all, you reminded me of that yesterday. The dark Fae is your responsibility, isn’t it?" She said smugly.

Islinda felt her bones crush as Eli squeezed her hand, holding onto strength. She didn’t dare complain and silently bore it all, knowing how he must be feeling. At this point, she already expected Eli to let Aldric in, seeing as he was the one who always dealt with the violence. He must feel horrible having to execute his own kind.

"Is that true?" Eli pinned his father with a accusing look. "You didn’t bring that up in our meetings this morning."

King Oberon wiped his mouth with a napkin before putting it down. "While the investigation results are accurate, there are rumors circulating amongst the public that the dark Fae is your doing. They believe your intention was to harm Lady Elena and jeopardize your brother, Valerie’s ascension to the throne. The dark Fae is your instrument."

"Fae talk nonsense, and when have I ever cared about what they said about me?" Aldric said firmly, his eyes hardening.

"You will execute the dark Fae publicly, in the gallows. This move will reassure the Faeries of Astaria that you’re not harboring a group of dark Fae that would aid your treasonous plan of seizing the throne," King Oberon commanded.

Eli burst into laughter, a long and hysterical one that made everyone at the dining table uneasy, including Islinda. Who knows what the villainous dark Fae prince was thinking?

He cleared a tear from the corner of his eye. "I didn’t know that the Fae of Astaria were such good storytellers. Now, tell me, Father, what would happen if I refused this order?"

For the first time, Islinda saw something close to pity flash in King Oberon’s eyes, but it disappeared as quickly as it came.

"Trust me, Aldric, it’s for your own good."

Eli snorted. "Trust you? You lost that right the day you let her die."

The king swallowed guiltily, but he didn’t let any other emotion show.

"Fine, I’ll do it. Not because I have no choice, but because I have a human to protect now, and I wouldn’t want someone else to claim her in my absence." He smirked straight at Valerie.