Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 532: [Bonus - ] Return To Aldric

Chapter 532: [Bonus Chapter] Return To Aldric

Note: This is a bonus to commemorate you guys for helping me get added to the top 25 author channel. It is a means of official identification of a top author on WebNovel and after four years of writing, I finally got in. I’m so happy right now and thank you guys for making such a thing possible for me. May the odds ever be in your favor.

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"No," Islinda reiterated.

"Yes," Milo persisted, his determination unwavering.

"You choose Gabi, that means I’m coming along too. Moreover, she said she’d take care of me since you’re so worried," Milo insisted, his determination shining through his words.

"Gabi is not your babysitter, and Aldric’s castle is no place for babies," Islinda countered firmly, unwilling to budge on her decision.

So Islinda and Milo argued back and forth, the tension mounting as they each stood their ground. Despite Islinda’s concerns, the boy was stubborn and made a compelling argument. Milo reasoned that it was better to serve Islinda than to be out on the streets, resorting to desperate measures just to survive.

Resignedly, Islinda had no choice but to let them do whatever they wanted. They would probably shiver in fear and give up once they saw the dark Fae prince. Moreover, Aldric wasn’t going to let them step a foot into his castle anyway, so they could go on with their hopes high.

Islinda spent the rest of the day in Gabi’s company, the two of them discussing their plans and preparing for the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, Milo eventually grew bored and sought out Valerie, eager to associate with the kind, crown prince of Astaria. To Milo, aside from Islinda, Valerie was practically a hero, and he hung around him with admiration shining in his eyes.

A hero that couldn’t better the living condition of Haven’s Reach even though he had the power.

One good thing about Gabi’s company was that it limited Islinda’s interactions with Valerie, especially after their awkward encounter. With Gabi and Milo around, Islinda’s focus shifted to preparing for her return to Aldric’s palace, and the need to ensure Gabi and Milo remained safe on the property until then. Their presence served as a buffer, keeping Islinda occupied and minimizing any potential discomfort or tension between her and Valerie.

As late afternoon descended, Islinda and Gabi were still engrossed in conversation when Valerie entered the room, interrupting their girl time together. Both women glanced up at him, curiosity evident in their expressions. Islinda was on the verge of asking what he needed when Valerie interjected, "You have a visitor, Islinda," catching her off guard with his announcement.

Islinda’s brows furrowed in confusion when Valerie mentioned a visitor, wondering whom he had invited this time. She mentally sifted through her recent interactions, trying to recall if she had inadvertently neglected anyone. Despite her efforts, she couldn’t conjure up a face beyond Gabi and Milo, whom she had associated with the previous day. Aware of Valerie’s penchant for surprising her with unexpected guests, Islinda tempered her expectations.

"Tell me who it is?" Islinda pressed Valerie, unable to contain her curiosity any longer.

"You’ll see when we get there," he smirked cryptically.

They entered the living room, and Islinda’s eyes widened with surprise and joy as she spotted Isaac’s familiar face. Ignoring everything else, she let out a loud scream and dashed over to the Fae, pulling him into a tight hug.

Relief flooded through her upon seeing him, knowing that he and Maxi were safe and that Aldric hadn’t harmed them yet.

But to Islinda’s disappointment, Issac didn’t stay for long, his visit cut short by the pressing need to return and assist Maxi in controlling the staff who were plotting to free Aldric.

While the capture of Aldric was initially perceived as a positive development, it soon became apparent that it left a significant power vacuum within the castle. Despite Maxi’s capable leadership, she remained just one Fae against many, and the delicate balance of power within the castle hung precariously in the air.

Issac, ever loyal and eager to support Maxi, expressed his readiness to return and assist her in maintaining control. With a sense of urgency, he delivered a message from Maxi to Islinda.

’Islinda barely had three more days of freedom before she was to return to the castle and Aldric would finally be freed’

The message left a bittersweet taste in Islinda’s mouth, a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of her freedom. Despite the pang of sadness that accompanied the realization, she knew deep down that this respite was never going to last forever. Gratitude swelled within her and Islinda made a silent vow to herself – she would find a way to repay Maxi for her kindness and assistance.

The weight of the message lingered with Islinda long into the night, its implications casting a shadow over her thoughts and leaving her restless. As darkness descended and the world around her grew quiet, Islinda found herself turning and tossing in her bed, unable to find solace in sleep. Each toss and turn only served to heighten her anxiety, the uncertainty of her future weighing heavily on her mind.

With each passing moment, Islinda’s thoughts drifted to the impending deadline of her return to the castle. She couldn’t shake off the fear of what might transpire once Aldric was freed, and the consequences for those who had played a part in his capture, namely Issac and Maxi. She could only hope that her safe return home in three days’ time would be enough to quell Aldric’s wrath and prevent him from resorting to drastic measures.

The air was still and heavy, the only sound being the steady rhythm of Islinda’s breathing. She had finally succumbed to sleep after a long day, her body finally relaxing into the warm embrace of rest.

But that peaceful moment was shattered when a figure loomed over her, casting a dark shadow across her face. Islinda’s eyes flew open, the remnants of sleep quickly fading as she found herself staring into a pair of piercing blue eyes.

Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized the voice that spoke, a voice that was all too familiar yet filled her with dread. The words echoed in the silent room, sending a shiver down her spine.

"Hello, my love. Did you miss me?"