Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 68: Prince Valerie

Chapter 68: Prince Valerie

"Who goes there?"

Two Faeries guards were on defense, the spear in their hands raised while their other hand was alight with their magic as soon as the portal opened in the courtyard, ready to attack the intruder.

A figure stepped out as the portal closed off and they peered at him until recognition dawned on them and they let go of their weapon, shock on their faces.

"Your Highness," They said, bowing their head as Valerie came into view, the princely aura he had intentionally subdued whenever Islinda was around was on display and they couldn’t stand the power.

Valerie had an impassive look as he walked through the palace ground, the guards making a way for him. This was not where he wanted to be. He had just portaled himself out of the human realm after meeting Islinda for the last time.

That day when the humans intended to capture him, Issac got to him first. The Fae had just been telling him the hunter’s plan when he picked up the sound of their footsteps in the forest. In a panic, he used the medallion and made a huge mistake.

The medallion worked with the mind and one actually had to think about where he intended to go before the portal would work. In a panic, he thought about the Fae realm and appeared in the capital where everyone saw him.

The rumors would spread like wildfire that the prince appeared in the city and would surely get to his father. Hence, Valerie could no longer remain in the human realm when everyone knew he was back. If his father suspected a female human was the reason he refused to return and take on his princely duties, it would not bound well for him nor Islinda.

He was the strongest heir - except for Aldric - his father would rather start a war with the human and get rid of Islinda - not that the humans would bother about the death of a commoner - than lose him. And that was Valerie’s fear, that Islinda would die because of him. He would rather her remain a secret and secure a safe place in the fae realm for her. Soon, he would be crowned king and with his power, they would be together.

"Your father has been anticipating your return, your highness, One of the king’s men appeared and led the way.

Valerie merely acknowledged his presence with a nod of his head and continued with his journey. They recognized the prince was not in a chatty mood and let him be. They were more grateful that he returned in one piece and the king would happen to see him.

"Your majestic, his royal highness, Prince Valeria," The majordomo announced, the guards at the entrance opening the door at the same time and the prince walked in.

Valeria was an entirely different person as he walked into the throne room with his head lifted, clarity in his eyes, and exuded confidence. Valerie had taken the time to dress up before meeting his father, looking every bit the prince he was.

Perhaps, It was a good thing Islinda was not here to see him because she would have died from the shock of seeing him this way. Guilt gnawed at Valerie’s chest for not telling her the truth, but it was necessary. Some secrets were worth keeping and he would tell her everything when he returned for her.

"I’m back, Father," Valerie announced, bowing his head in front of his father.

"Good, the gods safely brought you back where you ought to be." His father said with grace, depicting the king he was.

"My boy," Queen Maeve stood from her chair and walked to him dramatically.

For someone who was supposed to be his mother, the woman might as well pass for his sister if they walked side by side in the human realm.

Queen Maeve possessed the unusual beauty of the Fae, with skin so white it looked like fresh snow on a cloudless day. Her fiery red hair which was a prominent feature of the summer Court fell to her butt in waves and her eyes which were a molten gold, shades lighter than her son’s. She was slender and the gilt metal covered the half of her pointed ear, worn as an ornament.

Her purple dress was luxurious and she walked with such rare grace it was no surprise she was royalty. Above all, it was obvious that the prince of the kingdom of Astaria had gotten his beauty from his mother. Although, it was rare to spot an ugly Fae. Beauty was imbued in their heredity.

"Mother," Valerie’s face softened at the sight of his mother.

"I almost thought that I lost you," The queen fussed, checking his face and visible part of his body for any sign of injury. While faeries are readily influenced by instincts and are not influenced by emotions, they still have humanity. They possess empathy and care if they want to.

Although weakness is frowned upon and fae children are honed from birth to grow up independent and powerful. In Fae society, it was survival of the fittest. In one word, they care, but can care too much and that’s when the problem can set in.

Valerie chuckled, "You obviously think little of me, Mother. I won’t die that easily, you think I would leave you alone to father."

Queen Maeve laughed, patting his cheek and staring at him with adoration in her eyes.

She then let out an exasperated sigh, saying, "When your father permitted that cursed boy to take care of you in the human realm, I was almost tempted to march down there myself and take you back home."

Valerie frowned, confusion in his eyes, "What are you talking about, Mother?" He suddenly had a sinking feeling in the pit of his belly.

"What do you mean? Didn’t Aldric take care of you in the human realm?" She asked him, now staring at him in confusion.

The blood drained from Valerie’s face just as his hands balled into fists, everything making sense to him.

That damned bastard.