Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 90: I Don’t Have A Heart

Chapter 90: I Don’t Have A Heart

Anyone who took Aldric’s words for nothing must be a fool, especially with that mischievous look in his eyes, which was why Islinda panicked when she felt that tingle wash over her, a tell-tale sign that magic has been used.

"W-what?" She was left in confusion and anxiety which was heightened when Rosalind and other Fae gasped, cupping their mouths with their palms.

Islinda’s anxiety grew and she turned to Aurelia, knowing the older and friendly Fae would not hide secrets from her and tell what Aldric has done to her. But the woman’s jaw was rather open and she had a look of surprise which made her brows furrowed.

Surely, that demonic Fae didn’t make her grow a horn or something, right? Islinda chuckled uneasily, mentally. But the mirth fell when it dawned on her.

Oh no, he didn’t.

As if Adric could tell what she was thinking, he mouthed, "Mirrors," with a slow smile and Islinda remembered at once.

With gloomy anticipation, Islinda whirled around to see what Aldric had turned her into, only for the breath to catch in her throat. She stumbled back from the shock, finding it hard to believe. How was this possible? It couldn’t be.

Contrary to her thoughts - and relief - Aldric did not make her grow horns or a gnarled appearance. Instead, he turned her into a Fae.

A Fae!

Islinda reached hesitantly for the pointed tip of her ear and it was real. She gasped at her reflection in the mirror following her move. Her brunette hair was now platinum blonde with blue highlights at the tip and was still in a single braid down her back.

Her hair was perfect and glossy, but the most astonishing feature was her luminous purple eye. What kind of wretched magic has Aldric used on her? Her skin was glistening and there seemed to be slight changes in her body shape. She looked Fae.

Anger flared inside of her and she faced Aldric, a growl that sounded animal-like emitting from her throat, "What have you done to me?!"

Her hands were balled into fists and the gods knew nothing would stop her from using them if he didn’t offer her an explanation.

Of course, a vulpine’s grin quirked his mouth, "I used a glamor on you, at least the necklace did, albeit a highly complex one. You would look and feel like a fae, perhaps, even behave like one. Even the strongest of Fae wouldn’t be able to see past the glamor unless you take the necklace off." He sighed dramatically, "You don’t know how much trouble I went through to purchase this. It was quite expensive."

Dread crawled up her spine at the thought of the length he had gone to get this.

"Why?" Islinda rasped, tired of his antics.

It didn’t make sense. Why would he glamor her into a Fae? Was he ashamed of taking her, a human, to this party where Valerie would supposedly be present? Not that she expected much from Aldric. Perhaps, this was why Valerie left her in the human realm. He too was ashamed of her. Humans would always be beneath Fae, after all.

Aldric’s answer was a cruel and biting laughter. He said to her, "Surely, you didn’t think I would hand you to Valerie that easily?"

"What?" Fear began to grow inside of her again. What was he up to tonight? What does he have in store for Valerie? She feared greatly for his safety.

Aldric suddenly stepped in front of her and she didn’t move away, knowing it wouldn’t do her any good. The monster Fae always gets what he wants anyway. He took her face and palmed it with his gloved hand, Islinda flinched but remained still otherwise.

The leather felt soft and flexible on her skin but it didn’t calm her, instead her breathing was ragged. She stared into his beautiful blue orbs devoid of life, wondering what he was thinking? Just how does his mind work? Was war and pain the only thing he could think of? Islinda wished she could have a walk in his mind.

However, this close to him, Aldric felt less of a monster until he opened his mouth and ruined it all.

"I intend to spice up my brother’s party by adding a bit of drama, which is you. Islinda, you are the element of surprise and a gift to my brother," He added with mirth, "And often gifts are packaged nicely,"

Cold fury made her frame tremble and with her unnatural appearance, her eyes glowed with anger. She spat out, pointing at him,

"One day, Aldric... " Her teeth were gritted, "I promise you, just one day, Aldric, You are going to regret every single thing that you have done to me. To everyone that you have hurt with your twisted games and war. Just one day." Her tone was wistful.

Aldric almost seemed to have been shaken by her words until the malicious grin spread over his features and he said, "Only a Fae with a heart has room for regrets. I don’t have one."

He stepped back with a grim expression, a great tension in the room. His head snapped to Aurelia and he commanded her, "We leave now. Find her a garb for the journey, it’s going to be cold tonight."

"Yes, Master Aldric."

With those words, he left while Aurelia had the other Faeries sort through her wardrobe until they came up with a cape that was made of dense wool and decorated with fur, and embroidery. The gentle combination of colors and textures created a fairy look that was both romantic and cozy.

"The warm woolen fabric and fur edging on the hood will protect and secure you in case of bad weather," Aurelia explained as she helped her into it. The three decorative toggles prevent it from flying open in motion.

The Fae mumbled under her breath, "Not that we expect bad weather tonight, but the prince’s orders are not to be taken for granted."

Islinda absent-mindedly stroked the natural linen thread delicate embroidery framing the cape.

She sighed, "You would be there with me, right?"

It was strange but Islinda has come to trust the Fae a little even if she worked for Aldric. She was kind, professional, considerate, and extremely likable. But the Fae at that moment jerked her head and blinked at her, surprised.

"What?" Islinda’s stomach dropped with a bad premonition.

"Didn’t you know? You’re riding with Master Aldric alone."