Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 566: Clash Of Princes —2

Chapter 566: Clash Of Princes —2

"Let us settle this once and for all. A duel to the death. That way, neither of us will be held accountable for the outcome."

For a moment, Islinda forgot how to breathe. A duel to the death? Her blood ran cold at the thought. There was no way these two idiots were about to kill each other, especially not over her. Not on her watch. She gasped, her heart pounding with fear and disbelief.

Aldric’s response to the proposition was a dark chuckle, a mirthless sound that sent shivers down Islinda’s spine. His eyes gleamed with amusement as he mocked his brother, "Oh, how delightfully savage of you, brother dearest. Very well, Summer Prince. Let the games begin. I’m in."

"

"You haven’t even heard the terms and conditions?" Valerie interjected, his voice laced with disdain as he despised the arrogance in Aldric’s tone.

"I don’t care about whatever terms are set for this duel, as long as it doesn’t result in me unfairly handing Islinda over to you," Aldric retorted, his words dripping with resentment. He paused, his gaze narrowing as he considered his brother’s motivations. "Moreover, it’s obvious that you have the upper hand here as the instigator of this duel and as the beloved prince of Astaria. You’d undoubtedly raise the bar so high to ensure my defeat, wouldn’t you, brother?"

A blush crept up Valerie’s cheek as he found himself unable to refute Aldric’s claims. The taunts, especially the "brother" title, stung, and Valerie balled his hands into fists, struggling to maintain his composure. He knew Aldric was deliberately trying to provoke him, but it still grated on his nerves.

Valerie spoke firmly, "What is unfair is you wielding bedeviled powers that shouldn’t belong to this realm at all. I’m striving to ensure fairness in this duel, which is why it will take place in the palace a week from now. Furthermore, you will only be permitted to use your winter powers."

"This is utterly ridiculous!" Islinda protested vehemently, her mind spinning with confusion. She couldn’t discern what was more troubling: the fact that they were planning to kill each other or that Aldric would be severely handicapped in the fight.

Valerie had claimed it would be a fair duel, but the reality was far from equitable. The summer Fae prince had spent his entire life — which was a lot in human years — honing his abilities, accumulating lots of experience, unlike Aldric, who had predominantly relied on his dark Fae powers. On the other hand, if Aldric were to use his full powers, he would hold a significant advantage, one that could tip the scales in his favor. Unfortunately, everyone knew the devastating potential of Aldric’s twisted darkness which was no wonder Valerie banned it.

In that moment, Islinda found herself torn. She didn’t want Valerie to die, at the same time, she didn’t want Aldric dead either. She couldn’t decide whether to support or blame either of the princes, each of whom seemed to be playing a dangerous game with high stakes..

"Don’t do this," Islinda pleaded with Valerie, her voice thick with emotion as she implored him to reconsider. She couldn’t bear the thought of him risking his life in a duel for her sake.

Valerie’s resolve remained unshaken, his gaze steely as he met Islinda’s pleading eyes. "If I win the duel, you would be free from your servitude to Aldric," he declared, his voice firm. "And if I lose, I will keep my distance from you, ensuring you never have to suffer my presence again. Either way, I will do whatever it takes to protect you."

Islinda’s heart constricted at his words, a flood of conflicting emotions washing over her. She had never doubted Valerie’s sincerity, but the thought of him sacrificing himself for her sake filled her with a profound sense of guilt. She couldn’t bear the idea of him paying the ultimate price because of her. Yet she knew there was little she could do to dissuade him now. Except if course, Aldric disagreed. He was the only one that could end this now.

"Don’t!" Islinda’s voice was filled with urgency and desperation, her eyes flashing with fury as she pleaded with him to reconsider this reckless decision."This cannot happen, not while I’m alive!"

Aldric’s smirk only widened at her protest, his arrogance palpable. "Oh, but it is happening, my dear. And I assure you, you’ll be around to witness it all. I’ll protect and make sure you live long enough."

Turning his attention to Valerie, Aldric’s expression turned cold and calculating. "Deal," he agreed, sealing their fate with a chilling finality.

The sense of betrayal cut through Islinda like a knife as she looked at Aldric, realizing he had agreed to the duel without hesitation. Anger and frustration bubbled within her, knowing that one of the princes’ deaths would weigh heavily on her conscience.

"I can’t wait for this to be over," Aldric declared, his satisfaction evident. It was clear that he saw Valerie’s proposition as a means to rid himself of a nuisance, leaving Islinda solely in his grasp. But to Islinda, it felt like the beginning of a nightmare from which there would be no waking up.

"Me too," Valerie echoed, his voice laced with determination and a sense of purpose. Unlike Aldric, his motivations were driven by a desire to protect Islinda and rid the Fae realm of Aldric’s menacing presence. He saw the duel as an opportunity not just to defeat his rival, but to ensure Islinda’s safety once and for all.

With Aldric out of the picture, Valerie hoped that Islinda would come to understand the depth of his feelings for her. Perhaps then, she would be willing to give him a chance, to see him for the protector he truly was, rather than the aggressor Aldric painted him to be.

"Now that this is settled, come along, Islinda," Aldric declared, moving to lead Islinda away. However, Valerie intercepted his path, blocking his way with a determined stance. He lifted a brow, "What now?" He asked.

"Have you forgotten the rules of engagement?" Valerie retorted, his voice firm as he met Aldric’s gaze head-on. "During the duel, the fate of Islinda belongs to either of us, until one of us emerges victorious. And I say Islinda stays. You have held her hostage long enough." His words carried the weight of authority, challenging Aldric to defy the established terms of their battle for years.

Aldric’s laughter echoed through the air, a sinister edge to his tone as he addressed Valerie. "I knew you were cunning, hiding behind your facade of the noble Summer Prince, deceiving the people with your false image. But I’ve never forgotten the rules of our world. As for my dear Islinda..." He turned to her with a smirk, mischief dancing in his eyes. "She made a deal to accompany me to the Winter Court, and I intend to hold her to it. We’ll be leaving immediately."