Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 625: Decadence

Chapter 625: Decadence

Islinda developed cold feat at the last minute, the gravity of what she was about to do dawning on her. She did not exactly have a clear plan, except get in and get out of the party at the due time. It was not jealousy but Islinda wanted to catch Aldric in the act — of cheating on her. No, not that. If she could stay at the party until the end without anything happening to her, that would only prove Aldric wanted her out of the way so he could have his fun. She intended to confront him with his hypocrisy. Then, she would never trust him again.

How dare he try to trick her?

In the letter Aldric had sent, he had not mentioned the orgy and rambled on about her safety and all. Islinda seethed inwardly. Of course, females were expected to sit still and look pretty, awaiting the return of their male counterparts after they had all the fun they wanted. Except, that was not happening. Aldric broke the trust between them first. If Aldric was intent on having fun, she would have fun too. After all, they owed each other nothing. They weren’t even together. Just two people in a complicated relationship who tangled under the sheets sometimes.

Although Islinda was thrilled at the thought of what she was about to do, she still felt a bit of trepidation, especially as she ran her hands through her outfit. Islinda’s attire for the party was nothing short of scandalous, designed to catch attention and provoke desire. Not that it was exactly her choice, the dancers were expected to captivate and enthrall the audience. And she was unfortunately one of them.

The fabric was of the deepest red, the color of temptation and the neckline plunged dangerously low, displaying a lot of cleavage while the skirt was slit up to her thigh, allowing her legs to peek through with every step she took.

Delicate chains adorned her waist, accentuating her hourglass figure, and to complete the ensemble, she wore high-heeled shoes adorned with gems. Her hair was then styled in loose waves that cascaded down her shoulders, framing her face in a seductive manner.

Islinda had no idea what Aldric would think, but an inkling told her he’d likely explode once he saw her and would kick her out before the party even began. Good thing, the dress came with a veil they wore over their face to increase their mysterious allure and keep their identity hidden. The veil was flimsy enough to allow her to see everyone while still obscuring her face. This way, Aldric wouldn’t know who she was, nor would he be able to stop her from attending the party.

Hence, despite its revealing nature, Islinda wore the attire with confidence, embracing the freedom and sensuality it came with. She was ready to make a statement and assert her presence in the winter court, even if it meant pushing the boundaries of propriety.

Islinda had to admit she was quite impressed with the efficiency of her two maid servants, Ginger and Ailee. Although it was brief and not exactly cleanly executed, they’ve gone through the dance routine. The Fae dance was unlike anything Islinda had seen before, it was strange and mesmerizing with a lot of sensual and tantalizing movements.

Islinda tried her best, but she could not move with the otherworldly grace the Fae did, their bodies swaying in perfect harmony with the hypnotic rhythm of the music. It was just brief rehearsal but her waist was beginning to hurt. Well, it did not matter anyway. Ginger and Ailee would cover her shortcomings. All she had to do was not draw attention to herself and break out of the group when the time is right.

"My lady," Ginger stepped into the room nervously and announced, "It’s time."

Islinda nodded her head, her eyes steel with determination as she slipped on the veil and stepped out of the room. Ailee was waiting outside for them and they signaled with their eyes to confirm all was going as planned. Although they were dressed in identical outfits, it was not hard to see that Islinda was different with her more curvier shape unlike the willowy and slender nature of the Fae females. Compared to them, Islinda looked exotic.

As they joined the band of dancers, Islinda couldn’t help but notice the doubtful looks from the two dancers closest to them. It was as if they were questioning her presence among them, unsure if she truly belonged or was an intruder. Yet, Ginger and Ailee quickly stepped in to defend Islinda, their fierce gazes enough to silence the doubters and refocus their attention on the upcoming performance. Islinda flashed her maidservants a grateful smile, and they returned it with warmth. Anything for their young mistress.

Islinda had no time to brace herself before they were called into the hall, and she rushed in only for the breath to be knocked out of her. Islinda knew the Fae communed with nature, but this was on a whole other level.

The bouquet hall was transformed into paradise, as if the lush, vibrant lawns of the palace had been invited inside. Nor did it seem like the frozen waste of the winter court as fresh vines adorned the walls, their delicate tendrils intertwining with the intricate carvings and ornate decorations, while flowers in full bloom adorned every surface, filling the air with their intoxicating fragrance. The place felt alive, vibrant, and teeming with the energy, one that Islinda felt in her veins.

However, that was where anything innocent about the party ended. Now, it was a dimly lit hall of decadence, with the Fae embracing the night and surrendering to their desires. Long banquet tables stretched across the room, draped with rich silk cloths in deep hues of crimson and gold, and laden with an array of sumptuous delicacies.

Faeries flitted about the hall, their attire leaving little to the imagination as they reveled in hedonistic pleasures. Some danced with wild abandon, reflecting the primal instincts that surged through their veins under the cover of darkness while others lounged on the ornate couches, savoring goblets of wine and feasting on exotic fruits and delicacies with their company. Some even wore elaborate masks, further shrouding their identities in mystery and adding an air of intrigue to the festivities.

Islinda felt a head rush from the overwhelming sensory experience. It was as if every corner of the hall was infused with magic, from the decorations to the very air she breathed. Aldric had always warned her to stay away from enchanted foods, but it seemed the very ground she stepped on was enchanted.

As her gaze swept across the room, it seemed to snag on Aldric at that very moment. What in the Fae.....?