Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 499: Spying For Both Queens

Chapter 499: Spying For Both Queens

Aurelia was in Queen Nirvana’s receiving room awaiting her arrival and while her demeanor was composed, her eyes betrayed her nervousness. The Queen finally arrived, exuding an air of regality, her gaze sharp as she regarded Aurelia with keen interest.

"Aurelia," Queen Nirvana called out, sounding surprised, even though Aurelia knew that her handmaiden who trailed behind her, must have informed her of her arrival. No one could get an inch close to the Queen’s chamber without permission unless asking for death. There were guards outside for protection.

"Your Highness," Aurelia dropped into a formal bow.

"Oh come on, Aurelia, you do know there’s no need for such formal pleasantries between us. You have earned your right to be casual with me." Queen Nirvana said, flashing a vulpine smile that revealed her sparkling teeth.

"You are too gracious, my queen," Aurelia said, still bowing her head formally. She was not a fool to get too chummy with the royals, especially Queen Nirvana. The spring Fae Queen delighted in being respected and having sovereign power. If it was possible, she would have the whole Fae realm worship at her feet. How do you become close with that kind of Fae? No, Aurelia would rather not close that line.

Queen Nirvana shook her head ruefully, "Fine, have it your way, then." The Queen said, heading over to the table where there were two teacups and a kettle of boiling tea. She served them tea while Aurelia watched.

"Come. Have a seat. " Queen Nirvana sat down, gesturing to the available seat.

Aurelia obeyed without hesitation and settled down.

"Drink." Queen Nirvana ordered.

Aurelia picked up the cup and lifted the tea to her lips, drinking without pausing to suspect foul play. The Queen would not poison her tea, not when she was still useful and hadn’t given her reason to question her loyalty. Aurelia was more concerned when she outlived her usefulness. She knew too much to be spared.

"Seeing that you consented me in broad daylight, I can only guess that something great happened." The queen started the conversation, lowering her tea.

Aurelia put down her tea too, her action less graceful than the Queen’s. She said, "You are right, my Queen. Something did happen last night. A whole lot of it."

Intrigue and fascination flashed in the Queen’s eyes, anticipation gnawing inside of her to get the latest news that would be no doubt useful to her cause.

Aurelia took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Your Majesty," Aurelia began, her voice measured, "Islinda, the human, has managed to escape Aldric’s clutches."

Queen Nirvana, was a bit stunned by the news, however, she was quick to compose herself. A faint smirk played at the corners of her lips, betraying a hint of amusement.

"Go on," the queen urged, her tone laced with intrigue with her keen eyes fixed on Aurelia.

Aurelia continued, her words steady despite the weight of the information she carried. "Islinda engaged in a fierce confrontation with Aldric, resulting in her escape from his stronghold. Currently, Aldric remains imprisoned within his own domain, unable to pursue her."

At this revelation, Queen Nirvana’s amusement bubbled forth, manifesting in a melodious laugh that echoed through the chamber. "Imprisoned by his people," she chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. "Truly, the irony is too delicious to ignore."

Aurelia remained composed, though inwardly she bristled at the queen’s amusement. The situation was far from humorous, and the implications of Aldric’s confinement could have far-reaching consequences for the members of his staff and the fragile balance of power among the Fae courts.

For starters, what would the king do if he heard his son, a prince, was being held hostage by his own staff? Then add the fact Aldric would be livid once he was out and they had no idea what he would avenge his entrapment. Also, what would the spring queen do with this piece of information?

"And what of Islinda?" Queen Nirvana inquired, her laughter subsiding as she refocused her attention on Aurelia.

Aurelia hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew the queen’s interest in Islinda was more than mere curiosity—it was a matter of political intrigue.

"She is currently missing, my Queen," Aurelia replied, her voice tinged with concern. "Her whereabouts are unknown, but it is clear that she seeks to distance herself from Prince Aldric."

Queen Nirvana’s expression shifted, her demeanor becoming more somber as she contemplated the implications of Islinda’s disappearance. She nodded thoughtfully, her mind undoubtedly already spinning with plans and contingencies.

"Very well, Aurelia," she said finally, her voice carrying a note of gravity. "Continue to monitor the situation closely. Your service to me is duly noted. You may leave now."

With a respectful bow, Aurelia turned to depart, her mind racing with the weight of the queen’s scrutiny. She knew that her role in this delicate game of politics was far from over and that the fate of Islinda hung in the balance.

As soon as Aurelia left, Queen Nirvana called for her handmaiden who had given her privacy earlier.

"You called for me, my Queen."

Queen Nirvana lifted her lazy gaze onto her, "I need you to send a message to Ralphie. Tell him that I need his help in tracking down a little human." She said, her eyes glinting with malicious intentions.

Queen Nirvana has still not gotten over that report she had gotten about a certain human coming back to life and needed to confirm whatever Islinda was. What is Islinda’s real identity? If Islinda would be instrumental in the future, then she had to get ahead of everyone else. If she is a foe, then her life has to be forfeited before she becomes a problem like Prince Aldric. It was Oberon’s fault for leaving that weed to foster and now, it was choking everyone.

Meanwhile, on Aurelia’s way out of the palace, she intentionally bumped into a Fae on the way and no one got to see the little note that was swiftly exchanged.

The Fae she had bumped into was no one else but Queen Victoria’s maidservant and she quickly rushed to hand the information to her mistress.

"Your majesty," The young Fae handed the note to Queen Victoria who had been busy with her embroidery.

Queen Victoria’s face was unreadable, a furrow creasing her face only when she got to the part where Lizy was still missing. However, by the time she got to the end of the message, she was now cursing aloud. What in the Fae was wrong with Aldric?

And yes, Aurelia was spying for both Queens. She got to survive, right?