Monster.
Islinda could finally understand why Aldric was called that because he was one. She had never seen anyone take such delight in another’s misery as Aldric did at that moment. Islinda could not forget the pure ecstasy on his face as he tore the dark Fae apart from limb to limb.
As a hunter, one would think Islinda was used to the gore, but she was sick to her stomach. She had never witnessed someone being slaughtered in front of her as if he were a chicken. Aldric had no qualms about torturing.
Their gazes locked, and she stiffened in response. For the first time, Islinda was terrified of Aldric. If he can do that to a fae, what will happen to her once she has served her purpose? Valerie was correct; Aldric was rotten to the core, and she could not put her trust in him.
Even with her doubts, she screamed his name when she saw Queen Maeve move threateningly towards him, her heart in her throat, "Watch out! Aldric!"
Quickly, Aldric dove out of the way as a ball of fire whizzed by and crashed into another area of the room. When the Faeries in that direction saw it coming, they squawked and ran for cover.
Looking slightly taken aback, Aldric turned to Queen Maeve. He never imagined the Queen would attack him in public.
He remarked sarcastically, "I never thought you were capable of a surprise attack, Queen Maeve." You should have just asked for a spar if you needed one."
"Y—you!" Queen Maeve seethed, white-hot rage coursing through her veins.
Queen Maeve was a sight to behold, her face and a portion of her hair matted with blood. Her outfit was ruined, and her co-wives chose to remain silent rather than assist her. If there was one thing Queen Maeve despised, it was sympathy. The Fae Queen was unreasonable at the time, and no one wanted their offer of help to backfire.
"You dare to defy the crown?" She roared at him, staggering like a drunken Fae despite the fact that it was only the fierce anger within her that made her tremble. "You disregarded my authority and humiliated me!"
"Take a look at me! Look at the Queen of this land! "Look what you did to the Queen of Astaria," she commanded, grabbing the attention of the audience and drawing them to her cause.
"Look at what you did to me," she said, her voice lowering to a whisper.
The Fae had conflicted expressions on their faces, and they could not look Queen Maeve in the eyes. They regarded Queen Maeve as their nation’s mother, even though she appeared to be in a state of disarray. At the same time, Aldric had captured the dark Fae who had attacked Lady Elena and had done what had to be done. For the first time, the Queen’s supporters were divided.
Queen Maeve threw her head back and started laughing, her eyes betraying her insanity as she seemed to sense the discord among her people. When the laughter died away, Queen Maeve’s eyes became as cold as glaciers.
She said, "Arrest him."
Queen Maeve was the only one who remained standing, stunned, until King Oberon approached her.
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