Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 502: The Human Enclave In Astaria

Chapter 502: The Human Enclave In Astaria

Standing at the entrance of the bustling marketplace, Islinda felt a surge of exhilaration coursing through her veins. With her arm outstretched in appreciation and her eyes closed, she embraced the freedom that surrounded her.

The cool autumn breeze caressed her face, carrying with it the sweet aroma of seasonal blooms and freshly harvested crops. The lively chatter and vibrant energy of the market-goers filled the air, adding to the sense of joy and liberation that washed over her. In that moment, Islinda realized that freedom had never felt so sweet, so invigorating, and so utterly exhilarating.

It was no wonder that the Fae who passed her by gave her strange looks, probably assuming that she was not right in the head. Not that Islinda cared. After everything that she has been through, She deserved this moment to herself. Islinda has tried enough.

Valerie stayed true to his words and let her go. Islinda knew the decision was difficult for me, she could see it in his eyes, which was why Islinda decided not to land herself in a situation that would require her to seek him out for help. She wanted to limit their communication and as well, prevent any misunderstanding whatsoever.

At least he had been a darling, enough to hand a coin purse full of money that had made her eyes go wide in shock. The amount of coins Islinda had on her would have been enough for her to spend two years in the human realm. And yet, Valerie expected her to lavish them in one or two days? Islinda was not a fool to think her freedom would last more than a day or two. Adric was definitely coming back for her.

Anyway, she accepted it and thanked him sincerely. Valerie was the crown prince, giving her such a huge amount would take nothing out of him. And then, there was the meticulously drawn map of Astaria. It was so detailed that Islinda could never be lost as long as she had it.

So Islinda accepted the offerings, tucking them securely into the folds of her cloak, and stepped into the bustling streets of the Fae city. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, she was free to roam without the weight of Aldric’s presence bearing down on her.

Islinda wasted no time wandering through the labyrinthine streets, marveling at the sights and sounds of the Fae city. Vibrant colors and exotic scents filled the air, and she found herself drawn to the eclectic array of shops and stalls that lined the bustling thoroughfares.

Unknown to Islinda, she was not the only one exhilarated by the freedom. Prince Wayne who was cradled in her arm as they walked through the street purred in delight. Finally, it was just him and his beloved. It had been so annoying sharing her with those Fae princes. Good thing, he got his revenge on that bastard dark Fae prince.

Prince Wayne had been tempted to revert to his human Fae, however, he wasn’t strong enough. He still needed more substance to break this form he had adopted to roam this realm. Thankfully, help had come and he didn’t need to expose himself.

After the first soul he had consumed, he had not claimed another. Not yet. It already took him enough energy to cloak his energy from Aldric, a constant hunt would draw suspicion from the dark Fae prince. But away from the palace, he was definitely feeding tonight. Not to mention, it was just him and his beloved, alone tonight. The thought of it sent a huge thrill through him.

Well, looking around now, the fae realm was not bad and looked colorful, but both of them did not belong here. He couldn’t wait for his princess to wake. Until then, he wouldn’t mind playing the role of her dutiful Wrry cat and sticking to her side.

Islinda couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched, amid the hustle and bustle of the city. Everywhere she went, she could feel the weight of curious eyes upon her, their gazes lingering just a moment too long for comfort. With her round ears, the Fae inhabitants could see her human origins, and it made her acutely aware of her status as an outsider in their world.

Despite the discomfort of the lingering stares, Islinda refused to let it dampen her spirits. She was determined to make the most of her newfound freedom, to explore every corner of the Fae city and revel in the sense of liberation that Valerie’s unexpected act of kindness had afforded her. Also, Prince Wayne was a strong comfort, taking in the scene with the same earnest thrill as her.

As Islinda wandered on the enchanting market of the Fae realm, her gaze caught sight of a fellow human amidst the sea of faeries and magical creatures. The human, a seller of jewelry, stood amidst a colorful array of trinkets and baubles, her presence a rare and welcome sight in this mystical realm.

For a fleeting moment, their eyes met, sparking a glimmer of hope within Islinda. She had yearned for human connection amidst the unfamiliar faces of the Fae, hoping to find solace and camaraderie in someone who shared her heritage.

But to her dismay, the human’s gaze quickly flickered away, her attention drawn elsewhere as she tended to her wares. Islinda’s heart sank with disappointment, her hopes of striking up a conversation dashed in an instant.

To be honest, Islinda had imagined a chance encounter leading to lively conversation, a meeting of kindred spirits in this strange and wondrous land. Yet the reality was far from her expectations, leaving Islinda feeling a pang of loneliness amidst the bustling crowds.

With a heavy sigh, Islinda resigned herself to the solitude of her surroundings, realizing that finding a connection in the Fae realm would be no easy feat. But still, a glimmer of hope remained, a spark of possibility that she might find a fellow human to share her journey with.

Little did Islinda know, her wish would soon be granted in a way she hadn’t anticipated.

Turning a corner, Islinda found herself on a bustling street teeming with humans and half-breeds, a stark contrast to the ethereal beauty and magic of the Fae realm. It was as if they had carved out their own little enclave within this tumultuous world, creating a town that felt strangely familiar yet distinctly different.

The air hummed with the chatter of merchants hawking their wares, children playing in the cobblestone streets, and the aroma of hearty meals wafting from nearby taverns. Islinda’s senses were overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and smells of this human-infused corner of the Fae realm.

What in the Fae?