Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 599: Family Réunion

Chapter 599: Family Réunion

The high Fae’s voice reverberated through the village square, his words laced with menace and authority. As his horse lurched forward threateningly, the winter Faeries nearby recoiled in fear, their faces etched with dread at the looming consequences.

"I ask once more, who dares to feed you peasants without bringing it to my attention, the high lord of the Winter court!" he thundered, his voice carrying a chilling undertone that sent shivers down the spines of those gathered.

The winter Faeries looked between one another, wondering what to do. While they could easily deliver the kind-hearted Fae who had fed them — not that he was seen at the moment — and be saved, they were Fae and it was in their nature, to pay back good with good. They were not humans who could easily betray their fellow all to save their own self. Instead, they held onto their sense of honor and integrity, refusing to betray someone who had shown them kindness. They were willing to face the consequences of their actions with dignity rather than live in shame and dishonor.

With steely resolve, the residents remained silent, facing the High Lord with unwavering bravery despite the fear that flickered in their eyes. They were determined to defend their benefactor, even if it meant risking their lives.

As if sensing the resolve in the winter Faeries’ eyes, the Winter High Lord chuckled coldly. "Is that so? You’re all prepared to die. Fine. But let it not be said that I didn’t give you a second chance." With a subtle gesture, he signaled to a soldier who swiftly snatched a Fae child from their parents’ arms.

"Mama!" The child’s screams echoed through the chaos as he was forcibly torn from his mother’s arms. He kicked and thrashed in a desperate attempt to break free, but the soldier’s grip remained firm.

"No!" The parents’ cries rang out in horror as they watched their child being taken away. With tears streaming down her face, the mother was the first to move, driven by maternal instinct, summoning her magic in a desperate bid to reach him.

However, before she could act, another soldier intervened, swiftly neutralizing her with a freezing spell. She stood frozen in shock, her arms outstretched toward her child, her eyes wide with disbelief and despair.

"No!" The husband’s anguished cry filled the air as he summoned ice from the ground, lashing out at the soldier with desperate fury. But his efforts were in vain as he was swiftly subdued by the other soldiers, pinned to the ground and frozen in place, his expression a mix of agony and frustration.

Meanwhile, the child was forcibly handed over to the Winter High lord, who wasted no time in brandishing his iron sword and pressing it threateningly against the boy’s tender neck. Gasps of horror rippled through the crowd as they witnessed the high lord’s merciless act.

With a sadistic laugh, the high lord reveled in their fear and desperation, relishing the power he held over them. "So, what will it be this time?" he taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "The child, or the answer I seek?"

This time, the answer was evident on the faces of the Faeries. Faes did not bear children as readily as humans, and as a result, each child was cherished and valued dearly. Threatening a child was viewed as a heinous crime, even by the high lord himself. But then, what could they do?

For years, their petitions and pleas had fallen on deaf ears, unable to reach King Oberon’s throne. The king seemed more preoccupied with his grand plans of constructing a uniformed city for all Faeries, indifferent to the plight of his own court. His prolonged absence had left them vulnerable to the whims of the High Lord, who ruled with impunity.

The situation might have been different if Queen Nora were still alive. She had been known for her kindness and her advocacy for the welfare of their people. Under her reign, the Winter court had flourished and thrived. But alas, her marriage to Oberon and subsequent relinquishment of power had left the court in disarray and chaos. If only she had not married Oberon and retained power, the Winter court would not have descended into such despair and ruin.

Just as residents teetered on the brink of desperation, Aldric emerged from the crowd, a commanding presence that demanded attention. With unwavering resolve, he stepped forward and spoke with authority. "I did,"

"What?" The High Fae lord’s confusion was evident as he beheld the cloaked figure standing before him. For someone who had dared to challenge his authority, he expected a more formidable opponent. Instead, he was confronted with a figure that seemed entirely ordinary. He scoffed in disbelief, wondering if this was some sort of joke..

As Aldric stood tall before the high lord, a tense silence enveloped the crowd, broken only by the harsh sound of their breaths. Then, in a bold move, Aldric reached up and slowly pulled back the hood of his cloak, revealing his face to the high lord.

The high lord’s eyes widened in shock as he gazed upon Aldric’s face. A look of recognition flashed across his features, quickly replaced by fear. He stumbled backward, his grip loosening on his sword until it slipped from his fingers and clattered to the ground.

For a moment, the high lord stood frozen in place, his eyes locked with Aldric’s, unable to tear his gaze away. It was as if he had come face to face with a nightmare he thought he had left behind.

Sensing an opportunity, the child in his hold seized the moment and darted away from the high lord’s grasp, disappearing into the safety of the crowd. The high lord remained rooted to the spot, his mind reeling.

"Hello Uncle." Aldric said, a sinister smirk tugging his lips to the side.

"No...." Karle, High Fae, brother to Queen Nora and current High Lord of the Winter court, stumbled backward, his eyes wide with disbelief as he tripped over his own feet and collapsed to the ground in a heap.

It felt like a nightmare, one from which he desperately wished to awaken.

In that moment, he realized he had just dug his own grave. His actions had brought about consequences he never could have anticipated.

Everyone knew of Aldric, whether related to him or not. The dark Fae prince’s reputation preceded him, his heart as black and unforgiving as the deepest abyss. Karle’s heart sank as he realized he had just dug his own grave by threatening Aldric.