Mated To The Cruel Prince-Chapter 873: Last Time Together

A sudden shift in the air had Maxi’s eyes springing open, and she jolted up, ready to fight whoever had intruded, only to realize it was Aldric. She immediately relaxed, running a hand through her hair, though she shot Aldric a glare. Islinda had been the first to crash in bed after the party ended, exhausted. Maxi had stayed behind to secure the baby gifts and ensure everything was in place, including Islinda’s safety, before joining her in Aldric’s bed. With Aldric’s absence, she had taken over his position.

In a way, Maxi was more protective of Islinda, not just because they were sworn sisters, but because Islinda was carrying the next generation of dark Faeries, opening a new era. And not everyone was happy about that.

Maxi didn’t care if she could never give birth herself. She would take care of Islinda’s child as if it were her own. After all, she was the baby’s godmother. What godmother wouldn’t fiercely protect her godchild?

"Finally, look who decided to show up," Maxi taunted.

Though she understood Aldric’s intentions and the necessity behind his actions, she was still mad at him. Furious, even.

"I had to take care of some things," Aldric said gruffly. He was not in the mood for an argument. The day away from his mate had worn him down, and he needed to be with her during the few remaining hours before the uncertain battle tomorrow.

"I don’t blame you for that, Aldric," Maxi said firmly, "but in your goal to secure a future for our kind, I hope you don’t lose what’s most important. Trust me, you don’t want to follow in Oberon’s footsteps."

Aldric growled, "I’m nothing like him."

"Really? I bet he thought he had everything under control until he lost Nova."

A dangerous rumble came from Aldric’s chest, a warning to Maxi that she was slowly crossing the line. His mother had always been a sore topic.

Maxi sighed, stepping out of the bed and walking over to Aldric. She stood in front of him. "It’s my fault anyway. I’ve been hard on you, demanding you restore a kingdom on your own. Which isn’t possible. Not even Oberon built Astaria alone. He had help."

She continued, "All I’m saying is, you don’t have to do it alone. You have a mate now. A child. The future of the dark Faeries. You’re not a failure if you don’t succeed in your mission. The gods have given us a second chance with your child. We could move away from the Fae realm, establish our kingdom elsewhere. You don’t need to lose your life or family for a vision that might be too much for you."

Aldric looked her hard in the eyes, and for a moment, Maxi thought he was considering her words. But then he replied, "Thank you for your advice. Now, here’s my stance. My child is the future of the dark Faeries, and he will grow in the land that belongs to him. He will not be a stranger in a foreign land and will inherit all that I fight for. The dark Faeries will rise again. That is all you need to hold on to."

Maxi pressed a hand to her temple. Of course, Aldric wouldn’t listen. His pride and reputation were at stake. "Do you have a plan?" she asked, knowing he always did. He had to. "Valerie will surely fight dirty."

"That is what I’m counting on."

"What?"

"Desperation brings out the worst in us, don’t you think?" He smiled mysteriously.

Maxi raised a brow. "So you’re keeping secrets now?"

"You’ve been a loyal friend and sister to me, Maxi. But this is my fight. However, if something happens to me..." He glanced at Islinda, ensuring she was still asleep. "Take her far away. You and Issac, make sure she’s safe. Perhaps then, you can create that new dream of yours."

"Aldric—" Maxi began, but he lifted a finger to silence her.

"That is your order from your king."

Maxi’s jaw clenched as if she would fight his decision, but she soon conceded. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

A slow, sad smile graced Aldric’s face. "I’ll miss you, old friend." freewёbnoνel.com

Maxi’s eyes burned with fury, and she growled, "Don’t start that nonsense with me. This isn’t goodbye! You’ll fight tomorrow, and you will win. Understand?"

Maxi’s raised voice stirred Islinda from her sleep. Both of them composed themselves at once so she wouldn’t realize what they’d been discussing.

"Aldric?" Islinda asked, clearing her eyes. She sat up, realizing it wasn’t a dream.

"See you tomorrow, Maxi. Now I need to be with my mate."

Maxi left without another word, while Aldric took off his shoes and clothes, leaving only his underwear, and slid into bed with Islinda.

"You’re here?" Islinda said, tracing his face with her palm.

"Yes. Let’s sleep," he said, pulling her close, her head resting on his arm, her face against his chest. Despite the tension of the impending duel, Islinda felt calm.

An awkward silence settled between them until Aldric broke it. "There’s something I haven’t told you."

"What?" she asked.

"My middle name."

Islinda’s eyes widened. "But that’s sacred. No one should know it —"

"Except you’re my mate. Your mine, Islinda. It’s overdue already."

Her heart pounded in anticipation. "What is it?"

"Nyx. My middle name is Nyx. Aldric Nyx Huxstabel."

"Wow," she breathed. "That suits you, Nyx."

A rumble of approval came from him at the sound of his name on her lips. "Only my mother has called me that. Now, you alone have power over me, Islinda."

"I don’t like this," she frowned. "You’re talking like you’re going to die."

"I won’t die."

"Then stop acting like it’s a goodbye."

Aldric’s gaze turned fierce. "I, Aldric Nyx Huxstabel, swear on my name that I will not die. If I do, may my soul never rest."

Islinda slapped his arm. "Don’t say that. When you die—hopefully a long time from now—you’ll rest in peace. Now shut up and sleep."

A slow smile curled Aldric’s lips. "As you wish, my Queen." He kissed her head, holding her close.

With her by his side, tomorrow’s fight didn’t seem so daunting.

Islinda woke up slowly, still wrapped in Aldric’s arms. She had expected him to already be awake, preparing for the death duel that loomed over them, but instead, he lay peacefully beside her.

For a moment, she let herself simply watch him. Aldric looked so young, peaceful, and kind in his sleep, a far cry from the fierce warrior and prince that the world saw.

For a brief second, Islinda let herself believe that everything was normal—that they were just two people in love, with no wars, no duels, no responsibilities waiting to tear them apart.

She couldn’t resist brushing away a lock of hair that had fallen over his forehead, gently tucking it behind his ear. As she did, Aldric mumbled in his sleep, his eyes still closed. "I bet you must be glad you have a mate as handsome as me." A slow, lazy smile spread across his lips.

Islinda chuckled softly, her heart swelling at his words. But the warmth in her chest quickly turned cold. The reality of what the day held for them came crashing back, and her smile faded.

In a few short hours, Aldric would be facing Valerie in a death duel, and the thought of losing him—of death taking him away from her forever—gnawed at her insides. Her stomach twisted in knots, and her heart felt like it was being shattered into a million pieces.

Aldric, even in sleep, sensed her sadness through their bond. His eyes fluttered open, and he found her watching him, her face tight with worry. For a long moment, they simply stared at each other, their emotions hanging thick in the air between them.

A tear escaped Islinda’s eye, rolling down her cheek. Before she could brush it away, Aldric reached over and licked the tear with his tongue, his gaze locked on hers.

"Don’t waste your tears," he murmured softly, his breath warm against her skin. "I’m not going anywhere."

His words were meant to comfort her, but they only deepened her need. The thought that this might be their last morning together gripped her tightly. If Aldric was truly going to face death today, she needed this moment with him, something to hold on to, something to savor. If this was their last morning together, she wanted to remember every heartbeat, every breath, every touch.

Aldric must have sensed her desperate need, for in the next instant, he rolled over her, pinning her beneath him. His lips found hers, urgent and hungry, and she responded with equal fervor, her hands tangling in his hair as her legs wrapped around him. When he slid into her, her breath hitched, a gasp caught in her throat as their bodies moved in perfect sync.

Aldric was gentle, as though savoring every second, making love to her with tenderness that belied the storm of emotions they both felt.

Islinda surrendered herself to him completely, letting go of her fears as they lost themselves in each other. Their bodies moved in perfect sync, their breaths mingling, their hearts pounding as one. In no time, the room was filled with their moans, and they both cried out as they reached the height of ecstasy together, holding each other as tightly as they could.

As they rode out the wave, Islinda clung to Aldric, savoring the feel of him, the warmth of his skin, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Whatever happened today, she would hold on to this moment forever.