Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 472: The One From Her Dream.

Chapter 472: The One From Her Dream.

When they arrived at the castle, Aldric closed his eyes and took a deep breath, feeling the comforting embrace of home. Glancing down at the sleeping woman on his lap, a smile curled his lips. Seeing Islinda rely on him even for the simple act of sleeping brought a sense of warmth to his heart.

As Maxi and Isaac stepped out of the carriage, Aldric carefully carried Islinda and got out as well.

"The both of you go ahead, I’ll tuck her into bed and then we can talk," he said to Isaac, implying the conversation they needed to have about their falling out weeks ago.

"Alright, my prince," Isaac answered.

"Hmmm, see you then," Aldric said, and left with Islinda.

It was peculiar, but for the first time, Aldric noticed subtle changes in his palace. It looked cleaner than usual, the flowers were fresher, and the air carried a sweet fragrance. The servants must have sensed his return and put in effort to make his home more welcoming.

Normally, he wouldn’t have noticed or cared about such trivial changes, but perhaps it was because he was slowly walking with Islinda in his arms that he took it all in. If it weren’t for her, he would be striding through the passageways focused on serious business. At least his servants cared enough to put in the extra effort.

Arriving at the room, the first thing that greeted Aldric was the Wrry cat, and his lips lifted in disgust at once. Wayne, or whatever name Islinda called him, sat in the middle of the room as if he knew about his mistress’s arrival.

It wasn’t just the intelligence in the cat’s eyes or its ability to seemingly spy on people that bothered Aldric, it was also its beauty. Aldric had to admit he hadn’t met a Wrry cat this majestic before, and it bothered him the way Islinda was so attached to it. If she weren’t sleeping right now, Aldric bet she’d be holding it close to her. He couldn’t fathom sharing such affection with an animal.

The whole of Islinda’s attention was supposed to be spent on him. Well, after she died tonight, he would skin it alive and probably have his servants make him a Wrry cat soup. Aldric hasn’t had it before, but he bet the gods it would be tasty. He smiled evilly at the thought.

Perhaps it was his malevolent expression, it made the Wrry cat scamper away for safety. It seemed as though the dark Fae prince was planning his demise; prince Wayne could see it written all over his face. Not that it was going to happen. If that prince laid a hand on him, he would reduce him to ashes.

Thankfully, Aldric ignored the cat and proceeded to lay Islinda on the bed. He tucked her in carefully, even though the chill had dissipated. He had relinquished his control over Aimsir, and the change was immediate. Instead of winter, it was now the blooming spring season. Their realm had finally emerged from its winter slumber and embraced the warmth of the sun. It was the season for Queen Nirvana to shine and dominate the courts; Fae Queen Maeve wouldn’t like it, and Aldric would be on the sidelines, observing the drama.

"Sleep well and come find me when you wake," Aldric whispered, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. He brought the covers up to her chin and then retreated.

On his way out, he encountered the Wrry cat, and their eyes locked in a bizarre standoff. Aldric had a staring contest with a cat for over five minutes before he relented.

"Wake her from sleep, and I’ll make that Wrry cat soup faster," he threatened the animal.

The Wrry cat snarled in return and assumed an attacking stance, but the dark Fae prince ignored it, looking pompous knowing that he had the upper hand.

"We’d see." He declared.

As soon as Prince Aldric left and the door closed behind him, Islinda opened her eyes. She sat up, placing a hand on her racing heart. She had feigned sleep when they arrived at the castle, not wanting to face Aldric. Pretending to be asleep was the most difficult act she had ever performed. Aldric, being a Fae, could sense the slightest change in her, so she regulated her breathing until he had tucked her in and left.

Islinda touched her forehead where Aldric had kissed her, wearing a puzzled expression. What had gotten into Aldric? Could it be that he somehow liked her? It seemed plausible, considering he and Eli were one. If Eli cared for her, then maybe Aldric was beginning to open up as well.

No, Islinda shook her head. She still harbored reservations about Aldric’s actions. This was the same person who had killed the Fae he loved. What more her that he wasn’t even in love with yet? And she couldn’t forget his thirst for power and his ulterior motive towards her. Aldric’s pursuit of the throne of Astaria would not be hindered by love, she knew that. Yet, despite all this, she had fallen for him. She felt doomed.

Lost in her thoughts, Islinda was startled when something jumped onto her bed. She opened her mouth to scream, only to see Prince Wayne, the Wrry cat, sitting there. Joy filled her, and she happily hugged the cat to her chest as if reuniting with an old friend.

"I missed you so much, and I’m so sorry," she apologized, realizing she had neglected him in the past few days at the palace. But she had no choice, as Wrry cats were spies and wouldn’t have been allowed inside.

Prince Wayne purred and rubbed against her, showing affection. Islinda gently pet him, grateful that he wasn’t being angry or retaliating with scratching. As she stroked the cat’s head, she suddenly had a vision of a woman caressing another man’s head affectionately. She couldn’t make out the man’s face, but she recognized the woman and it was the same demon she had seen in her sleep.

As soon as her eyes connected with the woman’s, Islinda returned to the present with a gasp. She winced as her head started throbbing. She began to rub her temple with a troubled expression. What the hell was that?