Mated To The Cruel Prince-Chapter 871: Trusting Aldric

Aldric did not return to his bed that night, meaning the first time they were supposed to sleep together as mates never happened. Just as he had commanded, her things were moved into his place. However, the new environment unsettled Islinda. Perhaps if he had been there, her sleep would have been better.

She tossed and turned all night until sleep finally claimed her in the early morning. It came as a huge surprise when she woke up and found someone’s arms wrapped around her. Her heart leapt with joy. She turned to ask Aldric why he’d had a sudden change of heart, but the joy quickly faded. It wasn’t Aldric.

"That’s quite disappointing. I thought you’d be more delighted to see me," Maxi said, stretching out, her dark hair spilling around the pillow like a waterfall.

Islinda blinked, momentarily mesmerized by the feline grace of Maxi’s movements. Maxi was beautiful, though plenty of women were. But there was something about her that could turn a straight person gay—even one with a mate. Islinda shuddered, looking away. What the hell was she thinking?

"When did you arrive?" Islinda asked, forcing a smile. She had missed her very crazy, attractive friend.

Maxi yawned and wrapped an arm around Islinda. "Quite early in the morning. I wanted to have a serious talk with your mate but found you instead. I needed sleep too, so here we are."

Islinda gave her a strange look. "You left your mate?"

"Nope. Issac dove straight into work as usual. If you thought he was rigid before, think of him now as an overprotective mate."

Islinda threw her hands up dramatically. "What’s with all these males thinking we’re helpless princesses who can’t protect themselves?"

Maxi shrugged. "Beats me."

She added, "Although Issac has a point. He said something about securing the castle in case of an attack. We still haven’t forgotten the Raysin family has it out for Aldric, and they might try to attack him—if only to give Valerie an advantage in the upcoming death duel, which brings me to the question..."

Maxi grew serious, locking eyes with Islinda. "What the hell was going through your damn mate’s head?! A death duel, seriously? Why mess up such a good opportunity Oberon handed him?"

The question brought back memories of her fight with Aldric—the parts that weren’t about sex—and it made Islinda’s anger flare again.

"Trust me," she spat, "I’ve been there. He’s not changing his mind."

"He can’t change his mind."

"What?"

"It’s a Fae thing. Once you issue a death duel, you see it through. Going back on your word would be so shameful you’d rather take your life than retract it. That’s why you think twice before issuing one."

A tick appeared in Islinda’s jaw. "Your race is fucked up."

Maxi scoffed. "You’re one of us now, remember?" She pointed at Islinda’s belly. "And your baby. The dark Fae prince having a pregnant mate is the latest news in Astaria. Congratulations."

"Thank you." Islinda’s hand unconsciously reached to caress her still-flat stomach. "It’s quite a pity her father is determined to make her fatherless."

"Her? It’s a girl?"

"I don’t know. I just feel it is. More like pray it is. I can’t imagine having a son as headstrong as Aldric. I’ll be outnumbered. I’d rather have a cute princess. Maybe she could soften his stony heart."

Maxi nodded. "That’s a strong opinion. But you know royalty prefers males."

"Aldric’s mother was a strong queen," Islinda countered.

"Well, you’ve got a point. And knowing Aldric, he probably wouldn’t care. He may not show it, but Aldric craves the closeness of a family. Male or female, he’ll love and protect his child with his life. You should trust him. The decision he made was stupid, but Aldric always has a plan B."

Maxi continued, "Now that I think about it, I’m starting to see why he made this move. Even if Aldric becomes the dark Fae King, our race would never be free—not with Valerie on the throne. Everyone knows Valerie hates everything Aldric stands for. What’s to stop him from ordering an attack on the dark Faeries once he’s king? The idiot has to be eliminated, one way or another."

Maxi was right. As Islinda considered it, it made sense. She had seen firsthand how deep Valerie’s hatred for the dark Faeries ran. Once Valerie had the throne, even Oberon wouldn’t be able to stop him. He’d no longer be king, and he’d have to watch his son destroy his brother and wipe out an entire race.

Hearing Maxi’s words gave Islinda strength. She decided to trust Aldric again. He was the dark Fae prince, after all. Aldric was invincible.

She let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding, feeling as though a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

She looked at Maxi with gratitude, then pulled her into a tight hug. "It’s so good to have you here. I didn’t realize how much I missed you until now."

Maxi grinned. "Yes, I know. Everyone wants a piece of me."

Islinda rolled her eyes. The dark Fae horse shifter was full of herself, but that didn’t make her any less lovable.

At that moment, Islinda’s stomach growled, and Maxi pulled back to stare at her. "I think the little monster wants food. Come on, let’s go fatten you up."

Islinda paused, raising an eyebrow.

Maxi quickly flattered her. "Don’t worry, you’re beautiful just the way you are."

Islinda was about to smile at Maxi’s considerate words, only for Maxi to add, "Even when you put on a few pounds."

And for the first time, Islinda questioned how she became friends with Maxi.

"Come on," Maxi encouraged her, already on her feet, "While Aldric figures out his shit, he would have a party in his place. I’m about to become a god mother, that is worth celebrating."

With a groan, Islinda pushed herself up to her feet. The day doesn’t seem so bad with Maxi by her side.