Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 435: Kill Islinda

Chapter 435: Kill Islinda

Queen Nirvana erupted in laughter when the servant she had dispatched to spy on Queen Maeve’s quarters returned with news. The revelation that her co-wife was seething with rage amused her to the point of tears.

How she wished she had witnessed that moment herself; the memory would be seared in her head forever. Even though Queen Nirvana was in the hall when the incident happened, it didn’t concern her much since she wasn’t the one who challenged Aldric. If anything, this worked in her favor.

Queen Nirvana harbored no animosity towards Aldric, as he hadn’t interfered with her plans. In fact, she preferred him alive as long as he eliminated Maeve and her spawn Valerie. Once they were both out of the picture, only then would she consider him an enemy. After all, Aldric desired the throne of Astaria, and she wanted her son there instead.

"Also, there is something else," the servant told her.

"What is it?" Queen Nirvana’s lips curled up, a delighted gleam in her eyes.

"Fae Queen Maeve is searching for the human."

"The human? Do you mean Islinda? Interesting," Queen Nirvana chuckled, then walked over to a desk and picked up a gemstone, the same one Aldric had gifted Islinda.

Queen Nirvana caressed the gem, lifting it in the air to stare at it with a smirk. Others might not recognize it as an amulet, but she, gifted in craftsmanship, identified it as the protection amulet Aldric had given Islinda. She acknowledged Aldric’s meticulous planning.

She looked at the servant, one of the maids who had served Islinda early that morning, working for Queen Nirvana. Her main role was to retrieve the necklace, which had been successful by the looks of it.

Queen Nirvana said, "One of Queen Maeve’s shortcomings is she tends to overlook the bigger picture when furious. I don’t blame her, though; that flaw comes with being a summer court Fae, so much energy, so much anger inside them. It’s no wonder their tempers are so short. And now she would overlook the King’s order and harm our husband’s special guest?"

"Hmmm," Queen Nirvana wrapped her arms across her chest, the gemstone dangling from her hand while tapping her nose, seemingly in thought.

Her expression brightened, and she announced to the servant, "Why don’t we help Queen Maeve this time? Send messages to our people, tell them that anyone who catches sight of Islinda should kill her. Although they should be careful enough to make the crime scene look like Queen Maeve’s doing. I want to help my co-wife, so it’s right that she takes all the glory." Queen Nirvana smiled sinisterly.

Meanwhile, Prince Andre arrived at the quarters reserved for Islinda, but the guards at the entrance stopped him.

"I’m sorry, my prince, but you are not permitted to come in," one of the guards said.

"I just need to get in there for a minute," Andre tactically said, and the guards assumed he was there to see Islinda. Knowing Islinda was with him, Andre couldn’t lie that he wanted to see her.

"I’m afraid that Lady Islinda isn’t in a state to receive visitors," said the other one.

’Or rather was not available to receive visitors,’ Andre pointed out mentally, noticing the way they twisted their words and misled outsiders into thinking Islinda was around.

Why wouldn’t they just admit Islinda was not in? Unless someone ordered them not to and they deceived others to believe she was not in and just didn’t want to receive visitors.

Good thing he came through the front door, and if others were spying on him right now, they would believe he was clueless about Islinda’s whereabouts too.

"Listen, I just need...." Andre lunged forward, attempting to bypass them, but the guards were skilled and held him back.

The guard said apologetically, "I’m sorry, my prince, but this is a high order."

"From who?" Andre wanted to inquire, but he didn’t want others to suspect how much of an interest he had in Islinda.

So he only huffed and straightened his tunic like a haughty prince, frustrated over being roughed up. And then he strode away.

However, this was all a facade because minutes later, Andre climbed into Islinda’s place through the balcony. It had been easy sneaking in considering this was broad daylight and security was tight with Aldric’s actions, but he was no autumn prince for nothing. He might not be as strong as Valerie or as cunning as Aldric, but he had his strengths too — and tricks too. As a spy, breaking into a place was easy for him.

He tested the balcony door for spells, and when he felt nothing, cautiously opened the door and came in. He followed Islinda’s direction and stalked into her bedroom knowing there were still guards stationed outside. He had no explanation if they caught him snooping around.

In the bedroom, Andre carefully removed the pillow, and the gemstone fell out. He sighed in relief; having the gemstone was crucial, as he didn’t want to see disappointment on Islinda’s face when he shared the news. Aware of her stubbornness, he considered the possibility that she might have searched for it on her own.

With the gemstone secured in his palm, Andre retraced his steps and left Islinda’s place the same way he had entered. Upon returning to his residence, he found Islinda pacing in his living room. He stood silently, observing her with a sympathetic shake of his head.

Islinda must have sensed his presence because she turned, relief washing over her. She approached him, hope in her eyes, "Did you get it?"

Andre smiled and opened his palm, witnessing the joy in her eyes when she saw the gemstone.

"By the gods, thank you so much!" Islinda launched herself into his arms, hugging him tightly.

When they parted, she unclasped the necklace, intending to put it on.

"Give it to me; let me help you," Andre offered, and she handed it to him without much thought.

Andre moved closer, tentatively lifting her silky soft hair, and was greeted by the refreshing scent of lavender that wafted into his nose. He held his breath, surprised by the sharp reaction he had to it. She smelled so good. However, he ignored it and looped the necklace around her neck, touching the column of her throat and noticing how smooth it was to the touch.

Backing away, Andre snapped out of his momentary distraction. What the hell was that? His heart was racing.

Islinda, on the other hand, didn’t realize the absence of the familiar tingle of magic, her attention diverted by Andre’s actions.