Mated To The Cruel Prince-Chapter 834: Change Of Mate

Islinda’s eyes fluttered open and she instinctively reached for the space beside her, where Aldric usually lay. Her hand met only the cold, empty sheets. He was gone.

Only Ginger and Ailee were around to attend to her.

"My lady, you should have this," Ginger said, holding up a small bowl filled with a dark, thick liquid. The smell wafted up, causing Islinda’s nose to wrinkle in distaste.

"What is this?" Islinda asked, her voice raspy. She eyed the ugly-looking liquid suspiciously.

"His Highness ordered the royal physician to prepare something to calm your nerves," Ginger replied, her tone gentle but firm.

At the mention of the Prince, the memories of yesterday’s nightmare surged forward, causing Islinda to wince. She shut her eyes tightly, as if that could block out the haunting images from her mind. It didn’t.

"I’ll have that," she said hurriedly, reaching for the bowl. Her hands trembled so badly that if Ginger hadn’t steadied her, the bowl would have slipped right from her grasp.

"My lady, are you sure you’re alright?" Ginger’s voice was more cautious now, her eyes filled with concern.

Islinda nodded quickly, unable to speak as she forced the concoction down her throat. It tasted like vomit, and she nearly gagged. Gods, couldn’t the physician have added a sweetener? If this was revenge for Aldric’s tirade yesterday, it was certainly effective.

By sheer will, Islinda managed to finish the medicine and handed the empty bowl back to Ginger, collapsing against the headboard with a weary sigh.

A strange warmth spread through her veins, a soothing sensation that unknotted the tension she hadn’t realized she was holding. Her body relaxed completely, and a sense of calmness replaced her anxiety. She felt her strength slowly returning, as if waking from a deep sleep.

"My lady, would you have your bath now?" Ailee, her other maid, asked softly.

"Of course, I would love to," Islinda replied, feeling a bit more like herself. She rose from the bed, shedding her clothes and walking naked toward the steaming bath her maids had prepared.

The water was laced with aromatic oils and perfumes, a luxury she was beginning to grow accustomed to. Although Aldric’s palace had never been lacking in comforts, the royal palace here in Astaria was on a whole different level.

As she sank into the bath, a deep moan of satisfaction escaped her lips. Ailee gently massaged her scalp, while Ginger meticulously washed her feet, treating her with the utmost care. For a brief moment, Islinda felt like royalty.

"My lady," Ailee started, her voice filled with excitement, "Prince Aldric has set up a date for the both of you. He has ordered that we bring you there once you are done here."

"Oh." Islinda’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.

She had assumed that Aldric would be consumed with his coronation duties and the unrest spreading through the kingdom. That he had made time for a date in the midst of everything touched her deeply. And she needed the distraction.

"Well, what are we waiting for then? Let’s hurry up!" Islinda’s spirits lifted at the thought of spending time with Aldric, away from the palace’s troubles.

Since it was to be an outdoor affair, Islinda chose a simple tunic and pants. She was tired of the heavy, extravagant dresses that came with royalty. This outfit reminded her of the life she had before being entangled in this chaos. Not that the tunic wasn’t regal in its own right, but it was simpler, freer.

Once dressed, Ginger and Ailee led her to an open field outside the palace. The sun was high, casting warm, golden rays over the lush greenery. But there was no sign of Aldric.

"Didn’t you say this was a date? Where is Aldric—" Islinda began to ask, only to be interrupted by a huge shadow that fell over them. The light dimmed, and a strange, uneasy silence settled over the field.

"What is that?" Ginger whispered, her face pale as she looked up at the sky.

A monstrous creature was soaring above them, its massive wings blocking out the sun. It was an enormous beast, one that should never have been near the borders of Astaria.

Panic broke out among the soldiers stationed around the field. They began shouting orders, their voices filled with urgency and fear.

"An attack at the palace! Ready your magic!"

"My lady, we should take cover. The palace is safer," Ailee urged, grabbing Islinda’s arm and pulling her back. But Islinda felt a familiar warmth flare within her, the bond between her and Aldric sparking to life.

"I’m here, love," Aldric’s voice echoed in her mind.

She turned her gaze back to the sky and saw Aldric perched on the back of the beast, his figure unmistakable. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

"Oh, fuck," Islinda cursed under her breath. What was her troublesome mate up to this time? Aldric would be the death of her.

She spun around to face the soldiers, who were still preparing to unleash their magic.

"Hold your fire! Prince Aldric is with the beast! Hold your fire!"

But she was a woman, and a half-breed at that. The soldiers either didn’t hear her or chose to ignore her.

They unleashed a barrage of magic towards the beast, their spells crackling with lethal energy. Aldric maneuvered swiftly, dodging most of the attacks, but one blast caught the beast. It released a deafening growl, the sound so intense that everyone shielded their ears.

The beast’s flight wavered, and without stability, it began to descend rapidly. The soldiers shouted warnings, urging everyone to take cover as the creature crashed onto the field. The impact shook the ground violently, raising a cloud of dust so thick that visibility was completely lost.

Islinda’s heart pounded in her chest, her eyes stinging with dust and fear. "Aldric!" she called out desperately, searching for him.

She hoped nothing to Aldric. If anything happened to him, she would —

"Hello little mate," Someone whispered into her ears and Islinda released the breath she had been holding.

Was it too late to ask the gods for a change of mate?