Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 590: Wasted Efforts

Chapter 590: Wasted Efforts

Islinda woke up in a bad mood. And it might have to do with the fact that she had erotic dreams of Aldric all through the night that had her still throbbing with desire this early morning. She couldn’t shake the suspicion that Aldric had somehow invaded her subconscious, although she usually sensed his presence in her dreams. But then, blaming the dark Fae prince for her arousal provided a slight consolation, fueling her determination to resist his influence even more fiercely.

It was so bad that Islinda didn’t dare join Aldric and his new companion, Elena, for breakfast, scared that she might lose control and jump him right in front of everyone. So she had her breakfast alone in the privacy of her room where she squirmed uncomfortably on her seat, bewildered by the sudden intensity of her sensations. Even the tantalizing breakfast tasted like rubber in her mouth as her body was pulled taut like a stringed instrument.

It wasn’t until she entered the tub to bathe that her resolve finally shattered. Unable to resist any longer, Islinda slid her hand downwards and began to touch herself. The relief was instantaneous, and a moan escaped her throat, startling her into quickly covering her mouth with both hands. She couldn’t be sure how soundproof her tent was, but she hoped fervently that her actions had gone unnoticed.

As Islinda muffled her whimpers and moans, she indulged in pleasuring herself, envisioning Aldric’s fingers replacing hers instead. Her movements grew more frenzied, her pace quickening until she was gasping for air and her hips spasmed beneath the water, her body tightening as she reached her climax. Collapsing limply in the tub, her breaths came fast and heavy, a satisfied smile curling her lips. Though a lingering ache remained, as if she yearned for Aldric himself rather than temporary relief, it had subsided to a comfortable throbbing, allowing her a moment of respite.

Islinda felt a lot better and was confident that she could stand before Aldric without thinking of climbing him and rutting him like an uncivilized animal. She was not usually like this though, what was going on with her? Islinda could feel a lot of changes going on within her lately, hence couldn’t exactly piece the reason for it.

"Miss Islinda, it’s time to move." A familiar servant informed her and only then did Islinda leave the comfort of her tent.

The sun bathed the surroundings in warm light as tents were dismantled all around them, and Islinda realized she was the last one emerging from hers.

As she surveyed the bustling activity, she felt a prickling sensation on the back of her neck and turned, locking eyes with Elena. The Fae exuded a haughty aura as she made her way towards Islinda, who inwardly groaned at the impending encounter. She wasn’t eager to deal with Elena’s presence.

Turning away, Islinda wasn’t exactly fleeing the confrontation but rather seeking to avoid unnecessary trouble. Still, Elena managed to catch up with her.

"Morning to you, Islinda," Elena greeted, her tone carrying a hint of smugness.

Damn the Fae and their agility, Islinda cursed inwardly. Despite her frustration, Islinda turned around, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

"Well, morning to you too, Elena. I trust you had a pleasant night?" Islinda replied, her tone polite but guarded.

"Of course, I did. Aldric proved to be delightful company," Elena replied, a hint of cunning in her eyes.

Islinda blinked, caught off guard by Elena’s response. She sensed the hidden meaning behind her words, designed to provoke a reaction. Despite Elena’s attempt at deception, Islinda saw through her facade.

Islinda blinked, momentarily taken aback by Elena’s response. She saw through the veiled implication in her words. Elena’s statement was crafted to be magnanimous, easily misinterpreted by the unsuspecting. However, Islinda wasn’t fooled by her trickery.

"Yes, Aldric is indeed a delightful company. I had the pleasure of experiencing it last night," Islinda replied, relishing the way Elena’s composed facade faltered.

"What?" Elena stiffened, her eyes widening in shock.

Islinda sensed Elena’s curiosity and left her to wonder about the details of her encounter with Aldric. It was all part of Islinda’s plan, a game of wits where two could play.

"Enjoy the rest of his ’company’," Islinda taunted, savoring her newfound upper hand in the confrontation.

Feeling smug, Islinda turned to leave, but Elena’s grip tightened on her arm, pulling her back. Islinda hissed as Elena’s nails dug into her skin, glaring at the Fae with indignation. Though Elena seemed to relish causing her pain, she was careful not to draw blood, displaying a cruel sort of restraint.

"You shouldn’t bother me," Elena snarled, baring her teeth in a threatening manner.

"Indeed," Islinda sneered, her voice laced with sarcasm. "I can’t fathom why someone of your stature would be bothered by a mere human like me." Meeting Elena’s gaze with equal intensity, Islinda felt the crackle of electricity between them, the air thick with tension.

As Islinda observed the deep loathing in Elena’s eyes, she couldn’t help but wonder about the source of such animosity. Was it lingering resentment over Valerie? Yet, Islinda couldn’t help but find Elena’s hypocrisy amusing, considering her own blatant pursuit of Aldric. Or perhaps, it was simply a common sentiment among Fae females towards her, fueled by jealousy and a desire for her demise. Islinda couldn’t entirely blame them; after all, she effortlessly cultivated close relationships with the three princes, a feat many Fae couldn’t achieve. They must be seething with envy.

Suddenly, Elena’s grip loosened, and her demeanor shifted dramatically. She wrapped her arm around Islinda’s shoulder and bumped hips with her in a friendly gesture, a stark contrast to her previous hostility.

"Of course, I was only teasing," Elena chuckled, her laughter ringing false in Islinda’s ears.

Islinda frowned at the change in her attitude until her senses picked up on a familiar, crisp and sharp scent wafting through the air. It was all too obvious; Elena was merely putting on a show to maintain appearances for Aldric’s sake.

"Don’t forget, we’re in this together on this trip. We could have a lot of fun," Elena said sweetly, though Islinda couldn’t shake the underlying threat beneath her saccharine facade.

Maintaining her expressionless demeanor, Islinda stood her ground as Elena leaned in, planting a peck on her cheek before breezing off to greet Aldric, engaging him in conversation.

Islinda let out an exasperated sigh. She was not really in the mood for this childish antics. She would be the last person to fight over a man. Well, in this case, a Fae. Even one as deliciously handsome and sexy as hell as Aldric.

And no, she firmly shut down her mind before it could wander into dangerous territory.

She left both of them behind and made her way to find her horse. Fae horses were notably larger and stronger than their human counterparts, yet Islinda had formed a remarkable bond with the majestic creature.

Currently, she was stroking its mane affectionately while murmuring soothing words. "You know, it would have been wonderful if Maxi had come along. I’m certain the two of you would have hit it off..." Her brow furrowed in thought, "That is, unless she decided to assert her dominance and intimidate you. She can be quite arrogant at times." Islinda chuckled softly, reminiscing about past encounters with Maxi.

"Islinda," Aldric’s voice interrupted her moment of tranquility with her horse.

But that was the least of her concerns, for it appeared her body had not forgotten that this Fae was the very reason she had tossed and turned in bed all night, plagued by erotic dreams of him. In an instant, all of Islinda’s efforts to suppress her desire went up in smoke.

Fuck.