Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 540: Islinda’s Holiday Was Over

Chapter 540: Islinda’s Holiday Was Over

Aldric’s eyes snapped open, a sinister glint dancing within the depths of his slightly glowing blue irises. His lips curled into a smile, but there was a darkness lurking beneath the surface. With a slow, deliberate movement, he turned his gaze towards the necklace clutched tightly in his fist, his expression shifting from a smile to a smug grin.

Aldric possessed numerous skills honed over the years, "skills" that had satisfied his "voluntary" lovers time and again. This was the first time he had done such a thing. In the past, he had never deemed it worth his time or energy to pursue a female in such a manner, as none had been motivating enough to warrant the effort. Though he had always ensured his partners received the best servicing, deriving his own pleasure from them in the process, no one had ever compelled him to go to such extreme lengths. No one, that is, until Islinda—his mate. With her, everything was different. She ignited a fire within him unlike anything he had ever experienced before, driving him to act in ways he never thought possible.

His mind intrusion skills were were typically employed for terrorizing his targets within their subconscious or extracting vital information. However, the newfound variation he had just experienced intrigued him and Aldric was sure as hell going to put it into practice. After all, didn’t they say practice makes perfect?

Such a naughty thing his mate had been.

Despite her anger towards him, Islinda had not resisted him, a realization that brought immense joy to Aldric; knowing that his mate desired him stirred a primal sense of satisfaction within him. Islinda’s whimpered cries of his name, "Aldric," rather than Valerie’s, only ignited a euphoric sense of validation within him. Aldric basked in the intoxicating euphoria of knowing that Islinda wanted him, not his oblivious brother who slept mere steps away, unaware of the passion unfolding between them.

Aldric couldn’t shake the vivid memory of how Islinda had twisted in her sleep as his tongue caressed along her folds. He recalled the way she had writhed and gasped, her body arching against the bed as he delved deeper into her tight, heated core. With each touch, she had spread her legs eagerly, moaning in pleasure and welcoming his intimate exploration. Islinda had grasped his hair tightly, her fists burying into the strands as she pulled him closer, her moans mingling with his name on her lips.

A low, guttural rumble emanated from Aldric as he looked down, his gaze fixated on his own body’s response to the illicit thoughts swirling in his mind. The undeniable arousal coursing through him served as tangible evidence of the power his mate held over him. Remembering how Islinda had unraveled in her dreams, how pleasure had washed over her, Aldric couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret for his confinement. It was agonizing to know that he couldn’t act on his desires, especially when presented with such a beautiful sight. If it hadn’t been just a dream, he would have taken her in that moment, consequences be damned.

He would have rewarded her real good, shown her the sweet benefits of being his mate. Shown her that she could never run from him. Shown her that she need not fear him. Atleast not anymore. He would have eased her fear and replaced it with pleasure. Enough she would never walk nor step out of his bedroom for a week. And then when he would put his mark on her....

Fuck.

He was getting ahead of himself.

For now, marking Islinda was out of the question. Islinda could never know that she’s his mate. It was a secret he couldn’t afford to let slip, not with the countless enemies that lurked in the shadows, waiting to exploit any weakness. He trusted Maxi and Issac to keep their mouths shut, knowing that if they didn’t, he would handle the situation himself.

He couldn’t risk making Islinda a walking target for his enemies. The mere thought of what they would do to her once they learned of her connection to him sent a shiver down his spine. Protecting Islinda and keeping her safe was his top priority, even if it meant denying himself the full extent of their bond for the time being.

Aldric felt a newfound sense of determination coursing through his veins, igniting a fierce resolve to claim the throne of Astaria like never before.

Aside from the desire for power and glory, more than just his own life hung in the balance; he now bore the weighty responsibility of protecting his mate, his Queen-to-be. The thought of Islinda ruling alongside him filled Aldric with a sense of pride and purpose. She was more than just his mate; she was the beacon of light that would quell the darkness within him. Together, they would reign over Astaria, ushering in a new era of prosperity and peace for their kingdom. For all Fae kind.

Although one thing worried Aldric. Islinda’s mortality. While he, as a Fae, could potentially live for centuries without fear of aging, Islinda’s human lifespan was finite. If she were fortunate, she might live for a century, but even that would be a fleeting moment in comparison to Aldric’s immortal existence.

The prospect of outliving his beloved mate filled Aldric with a profound sense of sadness and longing. He knew all too well the agony of being separated from one’s other half, as some Fae were driven to madness by the relentless yearning. Others, like his father, grew indifferent to the world around them, consumed by grief and loss.

Aldric had never harbored pity for Oberon, his father. In fact, if anything, he had resented him for his perceived failure to protect his mother. Yet now that he had a mate of his own, he couldn’t help but empathize with Oberon’s plight. The thought of potentially following in his father’s footsteps, consumed by grief and longing after the loss of his mate, struck a chord deep within Aldric’s heart.

As a Fae, Aldric understood that having a mate was considered a rare and cherished blessing among his kind. However, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the universe was playing a cruel joke on him by granting him a human mate. While he couldn’t imagine wanting anyone else but Islinda as his mate, he couldn’t help but resent the limitations of her human lifespan.

He couldn’t fathom why the gods hadn’t shown him favor by extending Islinda’s life. It was a bitter reminder of the lack of benevolence from the higher powers above. Throughout his life, Aldric had felt overlooked and disregarded by the gods, and this situation only reinforced his belief that they held no sympathy for him or his desires.

Unless of course, he find a way to extend her life..... Aldric’s mind raced with unorthodox possibilities. With his history of defying the unimaginable, he couldn’t dismiss the notion entirely. Straightening up, a serious expression settled on his face as he considered the potential solution.

If the dark Fae ritual had transformed him from a light Fae, then perhaps there was a way to replicate it for Islinda. Turning her into a dark Fae, like himself, would make her a hybrid—a being with extended lifespan and enhanced abilities.

With determination burning in his eyes, Aldric mulled over the radical idea that had taken root in his mind. Of course, such had never been done. Not that it couldn’t be done. Countless thoughts raced through his head, but one thing remained certain: Aldric’s mind was made up. The idea held the promise of ensuring their time together lasted far beyond the constraints of her human mortality. He would not be gifted a mate only to lose her. Islinda would rule with him as long as he lived.

With newfound determination coursing through his veins, Aldric clenched his fists, feeling the weight of the shackles binding him. It was time to break free from his confinement and set his plan into motion. He had compromised enough on behalf of Islinda, his beloved mate, and his patience was wearing thin. Apologies to Islinda, but her little holidays was over. It was time to move forward, to secure their future together, no matter the cost.