Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 641: Battle Night

Chapter 641: Battle Night

Islinda wondered what she would have done without Ginger and Ailee. With her experience with Rosalind and the likes of them, she doesn’t trust the Faeries working for Aldric too easily. But it seems the both Faeries were godsent.

After her moments of outburst, Islinda came up with the idea of asking her two favorite Fae for help. To be honest, she felt guilty dragging Maxi and Issac into this mess especially after Aldric’s clear warning to them not to follow after him in the winter court. Unfortunately, the situation was dire and she needed all the help that she could get.

Islinda spent hours all alone and nearly losing her mind from the thinkings she had to do when the door burst open and the two of them came in.

"You must need company." Kalamazoo said, before shutting the door behind him and leaving them alone.

Islinda glowered at the door even though she was somewhat grateful for the idea of company. But if Kalamazoo truly wanted to help, he would let her go so she could go investigate Elena and the damage she had done on Aldric.

"My lady, we heard what happened!" Both of them expressed their concern for her.

Perhaps it was the earnestness reflected in their expressions and the unwavering support they had already shown, but Islinda found herself divulging the truth—at least, her suspicions—about Elena’s alleged witchcraft on Aldric. The revelation shocked them, yet what astonished Islinda more was they believed her words, unlike Kalamazoo’s skepticism.

Ginger and Ailee expressed disbelief at Aldric’s sudden change in demeanor—cold, distant, and cruel toward Islinda. They couldn’t reconcile this attitude with the dark Fae prince they knew, who they believed would never mistreat her. In Ginger’s words,

"We see the way the prince looks at you with eyes lidded with fervent desire as if wanting to eat you alive."

A blush crept up from Islinda’s neck to her cheeks, intensified by their mention of the orgy party and Aldric’s uncharacteristic act of shielding her nudity rather than claiming her openly, as Fae customs dictated.

Feeling utterly mortified, Islinda silently pleaded for the ground to open up and swallow her whole. The Fae’s unabashed openness about sexuality never failed to leave her feeling uncomfortable, no matter how long she had been among them.

After overcoming her embarrassment, Islinda outlined her plan to Ginger and Ailee. Ginger then casually mentioned she had a discreet way to deliver the letter to Maxi promptly, though she kept the method a secret, hinting at its illegal nature and the potential consequences if discovered.

Grateful for Ginger’s assistance, Islinda expressed her thanks profusely, causing the Fae to blush in embarrassment. It turned out the Fae didn’t like to be thanked when rendering help. While Ginger slipped away to dispatch the letter, Ailee remained by Islinda’s side. It was a strategic move to avoid raising suspicion, and getting Ginger in trouble.

Ginger and Ailee hailed from the Autumn Court, their bond akin to sisters despite lacking a biological connection. Often likened to twins, they were frequently paired for tasks due to their unparalleled efficiency when working together, which explained why they were assigned to Islinda.

Their personalities diverged slightly. Ginger was the talkative one while Ailee was more reserved in her speech. Similarly, Ginger’s playful demeanor contrasted with Ailee’s serious and dedicated nature. Though their differences became more apparent when apart, when together, they radiated boundless energy and affection, making them an inseparable duo.

As night descended, Islinda found herself deprived of the customary dinner gathering in the expansive dining hall with the others. Kalamazoo, taking charge, instructed Ginger, who had already returned from her secret mission, to deliver her meal to her room.

Contemplating a hunger strike in defiance, Islinda’s resolve weakened when hunger pangs struck with intensity, prompting her to consume everything on the tray and requested more. If she were to stand against Elena, she knew she needed every ounce of strength she could muster, though she couldn’t help but notice her increasingly voracious appetite in recent days, yet, she dismissed it as nothing.

"How about we keep you company?" Ailee suggested, concern lacing her words. "You shouldn’t be alone, especially with that witch lurking about. Who knows what she’s plotting?" Ailee referring to Elena as a "witch" was more out of spite than actual knowledge of Elena’s true nature,

They speculated that Elena either had a witch in her employ or dabbled in dark sorcery herself, a practice frowned upon among the Fae. Being both a Fae and a witch was considered impossible, as it defied the natural order. Also, such manipulation of magic, especially against royalty and a high lord like Aldric, was akin to playing with fire, and she would likely get burned to a crisp.

All Islinda needed was evidence. Then she pour down her fury on the Fae. She knew Elena was behind her sudden inability to speak in the grand hall; it had to be some sort of spell. Else, how could she explain regaining her speech the moment she left the hall? Clearly, Elena didn’t want Islinda spreading suspicion with her words. Faeries were not fool and would notice something was wrong with their prince if they looked too closely. Islinda vowed to tread carefully from now on.

"Thanks for the offer, but I’ll be fine. You have done a lot for me, already. Please go get some rest. ". Islinda said warmly, declining the offer to stay.

"I don’t snore, and you wouldn’t even notice I’m here." Ginger persisted.

"I’m fine." Islinda told her, stepping forward and hugging her. The Fae hugged her tight. Islinda turned and repeated the same gesture to Ailee. "See you tomorrow then." Islinda waved.

However as soon as they walked through that door, the warmth on Islinda’s face vanished and her expression became fiercely grave. Ailee was right on one thing, the witch would come for her tonight. If Elena couldn’t get Aldric to do the job, then she would undoubtedly finish the jobs herself.

It was no wonder that Islinda was dressed in nothing but her undies. If she was going to fight while in bed, she wouldn’t want anything to get in the way. Above all, when Islinda tucked herself into bed, she slipped a knife beneath her pillow. If Elena dared to attack her in her sleep, it was safe to say that she wouldn’t be leaving here alive. As she closed her eyes, she waited, knowing that the moment of reckoning was imminent.

In the dead of night, a shadow descended upon Islinda, and her eyes snapped open just as hands closed around her throat.