Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 576: Revenge On Aldric

Chapter 576: Revenge On Aldric

Elena and Aldric stood side by side, gazing out into the expansive night sky, illuminated by the shimmering stars above. Servants bustled around them, diligently preparing their tents for the night’s rest.

"It’s been centuries since I last graced the Winter court with my presence. I’m eager to rediscover the icy splendor it holds," Elena remarked, her voice filled with anticipation. Her gaze softened as she turned to Aldric, a wistful expression crossing her features. "I’ve heard tales of your mother’s reign, a queen beloved by all accounts. I wished I had met her while she was alive."

Upon her words, Aldric stiffened momentarily, a flicker of tension crossing his features before he regained his composure with practiced ease. If Elena hadn’t been observant, she might have missed the moment entirely.

Undeterred, she pressed on, noticing Aldric’s relaxed facade. "The hypocrisy of the Faeries of Astaria is glaring," she pointed out. "They adore your mother yet scorn you. Have they ever considered that a Queen so cherished could never give rise to a monster?"

But Aldric couldn’t suppress a snort of laughter, catching Elena off guard. She turned to him, her expression a mix of surprise and confusion. "What’s amusing, Prince Aldric?"

Instead of answering immediately, Aldric tilted his head, studying Elena with an intensity that would unsettle any other Fae. Yet Elena met his gaze without flinching, holding his stare until he was the first to break away.

With a deliberate movement, Aldric slipped both hands into his pockets and took a step closer, looming over her. Despite Elena’s bravery, she couldn’t help but unconsciously swallow nervously. His eyes gleamed like cold steel orbs, and his swirling shadows danced across his skin, casting an ominous aura over the moment.

Aldric’s voice, deep and seductive yet tinged with danger, cut through the night air as he asked Elena, "Tell me, Elena, what is your true purpose here?"

Elena was momentarily taken aback by his question, but she quickly gathered herself, inhaling deeply and lifting her chin defiantly. She had not anticipated Aldric seeing through her facade so easily, but she couldn’t help but admire his quick wit and cunning intellect. His reputation truly preceded him.

"What on earth are you implying?" she retorted with a forced laugh, feigning ignorance to his inquiry.

"Don’t toy with me," Aldric warned, his expression growing taut, his smile taking on a sinister edge.

Elena abandoned any pretense, meeting his gaze head-on. "I told you what the Queen—" she began.

"Not that excuse!" Aldric interjected sharply, his intensity causing Elena to pause. He reached out, grasping a lock of her red hair and letting it slip through his fingers. "You’re intelligent, Elena. If you truly wished to evade the Queen, you could have done so without involving me. Am I wrong?" he challenged, a dangerous glint flickering in his eyes, adding to his menacing aura.

"You’re right," Elena admitted, her tone conceding. "I learned of your journey to the Winter court, and I saw an opportunity worth seizing." She held his gaze steadily. "Queen Maeve wouldn’t be able to reach me there, affording me more time to ’persuade’ you regarding my proposal," she emphasized.

"I believe that you already got your answer."

"No, Prince Aldric –"

Elena began to protest, but Aldric silenced her by pressing a finger against her lips. The unexpected touch startled her so much that Lola, the witch manipulating her from within, momentarily froze in place. Surprisingly, the prince’s touch wasn’t as cold as she had anticipated from a creature rumored to be a monster; instead, it sent a jolt of electricity coursing through her. What was happening?

She took a step back, her breath coming in short gasps. Realizing her facade had cracked, she chuckled sheepishly. "Well, that was unexpected."

Aldric wore a smug expression, clearly aware that she was more affected than she had let on. He spoke with a hint of warning in his voice. "You’re welcome to stay as long as you wish. Just remember, don’t cause any trouble or hinder my plans. Follow those two simple rules, and we won’t have any issues."

With his instructions given, Aldric turned to leave, only for Elena to shout after him, "The human, Islinda!"

Aldric stiffened at the mention of her name, but Elena noticed the tension swiftly dissipate from his frame. The dark Fae prince was adept at concealing his emotions, except when it came to the human.

Turning back to her with an expressionless face, Aldric issued another directive. "Another rule to follow while you’re here: don’t inquire about Islinda."

As he turned away again, Elena couldn’t resist probing further. "Why?" she asked, lifting a brow. "Because you’re fond of her?"

Aldric slowly glanced at her over his shoulder, his expression darkening and his demeanor turning cold. Elena stood her ground bravely, trusting that he wouldn’t harm her. Or at least, hoping so.

"Ask that question once more, and I’ll show you what I do to rule breakers," Aldric threatened, his tone chilling. "I couldn’t be more happy that you ran out of the palace by yourself and I wouldn’t be accused of kidnapping when your body is not discovered."

Elena shivered, nervously swallowing as the gravity of Aldric’s words sank in. Prince Aldric was truly a rebel, showing no regard for authority or the power it held. With that, he left her alone.

Moments later, a servant approached Elena. "My lady, your tent has been prepared," the servant informed her, offering a slight bow.

Without a word, Elena followed the servant to her tent, seeking solace in its comfort. Lola, the witch residing within her, couldn’t fully appreciate the luxurious accommodations, as she was preoccupied with other concerns.

Unlike Prince Valerie, it had become apparent that Prince Aldric would not be easily brought down. He was too formidable and suspicious. Despite Lola’s attempts to manipulate him using Elena’s charms and allure, it seemed futile.

It dawned on Lola, the witch within Elena, that the only way to truly hurt the dark Fae prince and exact revenge for the pain she felt when she killed Dorcas was to eliminate Islinda. The human had to perish. Although Lola couldn’t comprehend how Islinda had survived her previous attempt, she was determined to ensure that Islinda wouldn’t return to Astaria alive.

Yet, as Lola’s mind drifted to the moment when Aldric’s touch grazed Elena’s lips, a thrill coursed through her.

"No," she admonished herself, forcefully pushing the distracting thoughts aside. Those were Elena’s emotions, and nothing would sway her from her mission.