Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 598: Messed With

Chapter 598: Messed With

Islinda’s heart felt lighter, and she couldn’t help but smile now that she was back on good terms with Aldric. She resumed serving food to the remaining Fae, feeling a sense of satisfaction in providing for them. She caught sight of the elderly Fae once more, and the knowing wink she received caused her cheeks to flush with embarrassment. However, their encounter ended there.

Unlike the first time, when a thick feeling of despair hung in the air like a suffocating blanket, now the atmosphere was lively and full of chatter. The Faeries seemed rejuvenated, their spirits lifted by the food and companionship. The small act of kindness had brought them together, and they were no longer burdened by empty stomachs. Happiness bloomed on their faces, replacing the previous worry and hunger.

Not only had Aldric cooked food for them, but he had also shared out goodies and coins. In a moment when they had been destitute, Aldric had emptied his pockets, giving all he had. Islinda could only hope that being a prince came with privileges and perks, as they were left with nothing else but their clothes. No food. No money..

However, as Islinda looked at the faces of the giddy younglings running around with high energy, she knew that the effort was worth it. The joy reflected in their eyes made it worthwhile. She would rather starve herself than let others suffer like this. Islinda smiled, feeling a sense of fulfillment wash over her, knowing that she had made a positive difference in their lives.

Yet, her happiness was short-lived as the atmosphere suddenly shifted.

The Faeries turned in unison towards a direction, their expressions morphing into ones of concern. Islinda frowned, sensing that something is amiss. She peered ahead, wondering what the Faeries were looking at. Then, she hears it – the heavy sounds of galloping horses approaching rapidly.

It happened so quickly. The tranquility of the village was shattered by the sudden arrival of uniformed soldiers, the powerful hooves of their horses kicking up clouds of snow as they charged through the streets.

The winter Fae residents scattered in all directions, their panicked cries mingling with the snorts and whinnies of the charging horses. Children cried and screamed for their mothers while the males tried to shield the females from the chaos descended upon them.

To add to the ominous moment, what looked like a snow storm started, making visibility low. Islinda’s heart began to pound in her chest as she found herself caught in the midst of the pandemonium, frozen in fear as a massive horse charges directly towards her.

Before disaster could strike, a strong hand grabbed her arm and pulled her out of harm’s way with surprising agility. Islinda stumbles backward, her heart racing as she looks up to see Aldric standing beside her, his eyes narrowed in determination. Islinda breathed in relief, grateful to have Aldric at that moment.

As the soldiers continued their reckless charge through the village, their shouts and commands adding to the chaos, Aldric grabbed Islinda, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps as they retreated to a secluded corner, watching the mayhem unfold before them.

Islinda’s eyes widened in shock while her heart clenched with anguish as she observed the fear and panic etched on the faces of the villagers. She could hear their frantic whispers and cries of distress, their sense of security shattered by the sudden intrusion of the soldiers.

No matter how much she thought about it, she could not understand their motive. It was as they relished invoking fear among the winter Fae residents.

However, Islinda’s attention was drawn to the luxuriously dressed high Fae who descended from his horse, frowning deeply at his imposing presence. His demeanor oozes with arrogance, and even from a distance, she can sense the air of superiority that surrounds him like a cloak.

The winter storm, which had been raging moments before, suddenly comes to a halt, as if at the command of the one of his soldiers. The sudden cessation of the storm clears the visibility, revealing the full extent of the chaos that has unfolded in the village.

The high Fae surveys the destruction with a cold satisfaction, his eyes sweeping over the huddled Faeries with disdain.

"Who dared to feed the residents here without my permission?!" His voice echoes across the now-silent village with authority.

Islinda’s heart sinks, not because they had unknowingly incurred the wrath of a powerful high Fae, but because she had come to the realization why this village lived in abject poverty. She had suspected that they must be in suppression of their greedy leaders, but this was all the confirmation that she needed. The winter Faeries were living at the mercy of a powerful and ruthless high lord.

Islinda’s hands clenched into fist as the anger ran through her veins and for the first time, she wished Aldric could commit murder. That bastard had to go. She could end him too. However, she could not reveal her ability, nor could she take on that legion of powerful soldiers.

But Aldric was a Prince and his action would not be questioned, especially now he did so for the general good. They were scared of him. Right now, Islinda wanted Aldric’s dark on the loose for the better good. He was going to be a morally gray hero.

With the unwavering determination, Islinda turned to Aldric to present her case, only to meet mere air. What in the Fae? Where had he gone? He was just here moments ago. Wait a minute, could it be. .. Islinda’s face lit up with hope and she quickly turned to the scene. Lo and behold, Aldric was there.

Unbeknownst to Islinda, while they had been hiding away from the chaos, Aldric’s jaw had tightened with suppressed anger, his eyes blazing with fire. It wasn’t just the soldiers’ act of harassing the residents that fueled his fury, but also the careless disregard for his belongings.

His clothes and properties,along with those of his entourage, scattered haphazardly, represented a violation of his personal space and dignity, fueling his simmering rage beneath the surface. Like every Fae knew in Astaria, the dark Fae prince, Aldric had a deep aversion to his possessions being messed with.