Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 99: Prince Of Manipulation

Chapter 99: Prince Of Manipulation

The princes did not die.

Nor did they remain frozen forever.

Valerie was the first to begin to unfreeze himself. Everyone watched with awe as his frozen self began to glow with a heated orange color and water leaked out onto the floor. It dawned on everyone that the prince was melting the ice from the inside and soon enough Valerie broke free, shaking away what was left.

As soon as Valerie was free, his eyes searched for her, and when he saw her, let out a relieved sigh. He had barely taken a step towards her when everyone heard the unmistakable sound of ice cracking.

Unlike Valerie who freed himself slowly and carefully, Aldric’s freedom was instantaneous and callous. Wickedly sharp icicles shattered across the room with the force of him breaking free, the shards flying around as Faeries screamed and went on the defense.

The princes were not the ones with powers and the Faeries protected themselves with it, unlike a certain human. Islinda saw her life flash before her eyes as one of the large icebergs flew toward her. She couldn’t even make a move, her feet stuck to the ground.

All she did was scream and instinctively bring her hand up to shield her face, anticipating the impact - which never came. Her breathing was ragged and her eyes were shut for a while until she realized nothing happened.

She slowly opened her eyes and saw Valerie’s outstretched hand and a puddle of water at her feet. Islinda let out a shaky breath as she realized what happened. Valerie saved her life. He melted the icicle before it could reach her.

Heart filled with relief, she was tempted to run over to Valerie and give him a hug of gratitude only to see the Fae prince fall to his knee with his head lowered, and said, "Your majesty,"

"Huh?" Confusion filled her brain until Islinda looked around and realized that every single Fae in the room had adopted the same pose, including Aldric.

The great Aldric?!

And she was the only one standing.

Islinda swallowed, talk about awkwardness.

Islinda did not dare look at what, or rather, who awaited her, instead, she fell to her knees and bowed her head to the ground, refusing to look up. Islinda was not entirely stupid and had made the connection that the Fae with the booming voice must have been the one Valerie referred to as his majesty. If Valerie was the prince, then his majesty was the king.

She was in the same room with the king of the Faeries. A lump formed in her throat and refused to go down. This was it, her life was finally coming to an end.

"All rise." The king commanded with authority.

Islinda did not want to rise. No, she was very much comfortable in this position. In reality, she was just not ready to face this situation. She did not ask to be dragged into this drama. Yet, she did not dare to disobey the order of the king. Just like the human kings, they do not take it lightly being disobeyed.

Back on her feet, Islinda nearly screamed in terror when she discovered the Fae king was standing right in front of her. How did he get here so quickly? She didn’t even see him move. What was she supposed to say to him? However, his features rendered her speechless.

The king was the same as Aldric. No, what was she saying? They resembled each other so much that it was rather unsettling. The king had the iciest blue eyes that could freeze over an ocean, unlike Aldric’s orbs which had a bit of dark humor in them.

Thankfully, the king had blonde hair which was a stark difference between him and his son. And while the king was older, he was quite good-looking. Just as Valerie and his mother Maave, the king and Aldric could pass off as brothers in the human realm. What’s with the Fae realm and their youthful appearance? It was weird.

As if Queen Maeve could sense that she was observing her husband, she shot a glare so intense from her seat that Islinda choked on her saliva, coughing. And here she was thinking humans were the only ones capable of such emotion. It seems female Fae’s weren’t spared from jealousy either.

But no, she was not interested in her husband at all, Islinda wished she could tell that to the Queen’s face. She wanted her son, Valerie instead, not her husband, even if he was quite handsome. No, Islinda shuddered at the thought. It was disgustingly weird.

"A human.... " The king said, his intense gaze taking her in, not that she dared to look him in the eyes. Islinda couldn’t help but wonder if it was astonishment or revulsion the Fae king felt towards her.

Probably, the latter. Fae’s has never thought highly of humans.

The king took his eyes off - which was a huge relief - and turned them on his sons, "What is the meaning of this chaos? And what is a human doing here?!" He barked.

While the question was directed at both princes, Islinda sensed Aldric was the one being questioned in particular.

True to her thoughts, he answered,

"Apologies my king, but that is the same question I would like to ask the crown prince, Valerie?"

"What?" Islinda was not the only one who said that aloud. Valerie was as equally confused as she was - and angry. His hands were tightly fisted and he looked like he was going to explode again.

"What are you talking about?" The king had narrowed eyes full of suspicion.

"I heard of my brother’s welcome party and decided to attend and give him my best wishes considering I have been instrumental in his safe return home. However, the instant I unveiled the little surprise I had come with, he attacked me instead. Surely, it isn’t a crime to attend a party with a human for company since other beautiful Faeries avoid me?"

Islinda’s jaw dropped to the ground. Anger rose inside of her, the bastard was good at manipulating his words and arousing pity.

As if that was not enough, he added, "Tell brother, is that not the case, or is there something else you’re not telling us?"