Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 473: Islinda Would Die Tonight

Chapter 473: Islinda Would Die Tonight

"I believe both of us have been at odds lately," Aldric said to Issac, who was seated in his office.

"I believe so," Issac concurred.

"I told you I don’t forgive betrayal," Aldric sternly reminded him.

He stood from his chair and began to circle around Isaac like a predator closing in on its prey. The hairs on Issac’s body stood on edge from that ominous gesture; however, he sat still and resigned himself to fate. Whatever happened, he would gladly bear the consequences for his actions.

"I know," Issac answered.

Aldric stopped moving and looked him in the eyes. He said, "And yet, you did betray me. You collaborated with my brother and almost ruined Islinda’s life."

Guilt flashed across Issac’s face upon recalling that incident. However, he schooled his expression and, sitting ramrod straight, he said, "I didn’t exactly have a choice, and trust me when I say I haven’t forgiven myself for that."

"Fine," Aldric breathed after a long stare. "It’s all in the past, and Islinda has managed to ’coerce’ me into giving you a second chance." He emphasized, recalling the way the smart human manipulated Eli into the deal.

Issac stood up from his seat, then bowed his head to Aldric, saying with gratitude, "You’re humble, my prince. I can’t thank you enough."

Aldric appeared unmoved by his words, but inwardly he was pleased with his gratitude.

He told Issac, "Kalamazoo has been taking over your duties. He is a bit clumsy, but not too bad. I’ll suggest you take him under your wing. However, be well aware not to trust him. Except for those I personally recruited, no one under this roof is to be trusted."

"Your advice is appreciated, my prince. Would that be all, Prince Aldric?"

"Yes, that would be all for now. You’re dismissed."

"Thank you, Prince Aldric." Issac prepared to leave.

However, just as his hand reached for the doorknob, he heard Aldric say, "Issac."

He turned. "Yes, my prince?"

"There will not be a second chance," he warned.

Issac swallowed nervously and got the point.

"Of course, my prince. Clearly understood."

"Good."

He subtly nodded his head and opened the door. About to head out, he nearly bumped into Maxi at the entrance.

"Hello, my lovely Fae," she chirped, waving at him excitedly.

However, that did not fool Issac, as his brows furrowed with suspicion. Had she been listening in on their conversation?

Just as he opened his mouth to scold her, Maxi kissed him on the lips without warning. It was a brief kiss made to disarm him, and it worked well.

"I’ll see Aldric now," she pulled him out of the way and went in, slamming the door in his face.

Issac stared at the door, puzzled. What in the Fae just happened? Maxi just tricked him. Issac sighed, then shook his head. He left to find Kalamazoo, his new assistant.

"I did not call for you," Aldric groaned as soon as he saw Maxi. He was honestly not prepared for her trouble. Unfortunately, "Trouble" was her name.

"Aww, someone didn’t miss me. Fortunately, I did not miss you at all," Maxi retorted.

"Liar," Aldric could see right through her.

Maxi huffed, but said nothing else. Her relationship with Aldric was so deep that nothing could come between it. Except Issac, her mate. Or her sister, Islinda. Oh, Oma and Kayla too. Damn, she had too many people she liked now. And a lot to protect as well.

The dark Fae shifter took the same seat Issac had occupied moments ago, but unlike her elegant mate, she placed her legs on Aldric’s desk and crossed them like a rascal. Aldric saw it and said nothing, already used to her antics.

"Whose clothes did you steal this time?" Aldric asked, looking her over.

Maxi glanced down at her expensive tunic and smirked, "My mother-in-law bought it for me. It’s pretty, isn’t it?"

Aldric gave her a strange look. What has come over his horse shifter?

"Don’t look at me that way, you prick. You fell in love with Islinda, so why does it sound strange that I want a normal life with Issac?"

"What? I am not in love with Islinda," Aldric let out a mocking laughter. "Has the few days you spent with Issac done something to your head or what? You know that I’m incapable of loving."

"Yes, you are incapable of loving. But Eli is. You and Eli are one and the same. One cannot exist without the other," Maxi said to him.

Aside from Islinda, who stumbled upon the truth by accident, Maxi was the only one who knew about his split personality. The both of them were even closer than siblings and had only each other to rely on. They could not survive without the other.

"Which is why she has to go," Aldric stated coldly.

"What?" Maxi blinked, a feeling of dread forming in the pit of her stomach. "You finally are letting her go, or...?" she trailed off, not wanting to admit it.

"I plan to kill Islinda tonight," Aldric finally revealed to her.

The blood drained from Maxi’s face, and she quickly jerked up to her feet. "No," she shook her head in refusal.

"She’s getting too close to Eli, and he has already made enough stupid choices for her. Look at the trouble he caused in the palace. If I let this go on, I might wake up one day and find my own existence dominated by my foolish alter ego, and all of us would be doomed. Islinda is no longer an asset; she is quickly becoming a threat."

"Even at that, Aldric, killing her is too—"

"You shouldn’t have gotten attached to her," Aldric said sternly.

Rage flashed across Maxi’s face, and she said through gritted teeth, "Islinda is the first person after you to accept me the way I am, and you’re telling me to just accept her death like that? What happened to using her to bring down Valerie and letting her go in the end?"

Aldric snarled, "Well, that unfortunate end would come soon if we don’t do something now. You think everything would turn out well just because Issac accepted you? Does his family even know—"

"They know what I am, and they accepted me that way," Maxi said defensively.

"Oh, your secret is getting out little by little. Have you forgotten that, unlike me, you don’t have any protection, and once your secret is out..." Aldric withdrew, taking a deep breath.

He said softly this time, "The both of us know that it is over once Valerie becomes king. You of all people said it from the beginning: a little sacrifice can’t be too bad for our vision."

Maxi opened her mouth to speak, but no words could come out. She was conflicted and furious at the same time. In the end, she stormed out of the room with a heavy weight pressing down on her chest. Islinda was going to die today, and she couldn’t stop it.