Mated To The Cruel Prince novel Chapter 566

Chapter 566: Clash Of Princes —2

"Let us settle this once and for all. A duel to the death. That way, neither of us will be held accountable for the outcome."

For a moment, Islinda forgot how to breathe. A duel to the death? Her blood ran cold at the thought. There was no way these two idiots were about to kill each other, especially not over her. Not on her watch. She gasped, her heart pounding with fear and disbelief.

Aldric’s response to the proposition was a dark chuckle, a mirthless sound that sent shivers down Islinda’s spine. His eyes gleamed with amusement as he mocked his brother, "Oh, how delightfully savage of you, brother dearest. Very well, Summer Prince. Let the games begin. I’m in."

"

"You haven’t even heard the terms and conditions?" Valerie interjected, his voice laced with disdain as he despised the arrogance in Aldric’s tone.

"I don’t care about whatever terms are set for this duel, as long as it doesn’t result in me unfairly handing Islinda over to you," Aldric retorted, his words dripping with resentment. He paused, his gaze narrowing as he considered his brother’s motivations. "Moreover, it’s obvious that you have the upper hand here as the instigator of this duel and as the beloved prince of Astaria. You’d undoubtedly raise the bar so high to ensure my defeat, wouldn’t you, brother?"

A blush crept up Valerie’s cheek as he found himself unable to refute Aldric’s claims. The taunts, especially the "brother" title, stung, and Valerie balled his hands into fists, struggling to maintain his composure. He knew Aldric was deliberately trying to provoke him, but it still grated on his nerves.

Valerie spoke firmly, "What is unfair is you wielding bedeviled powers that shouldn’t belong to this realm at all. I’m striving to ensure fairness in this duel, which is why it will take place in the palace a week from now. Furthermore, you will only be permitted to use your winter powers."

"This is utterly ridiculous!" Islinda protested vehemently, her mind spinning with confusion. She couldn’t discern what was more troubling: the fact that they were planning to kill each other or that Aldric would be severely handicapped in the fight.

Valerie had claimed it would be a fair duel, but the reality was far from equitable. The summer Fae prince had spent his entire life — which was a lot in human years — honing his abilities, accumulating lots of experience, unlike Aldric, who had predominantly relied on his dark Fae powers. On the other hand, if Aldric were to use his full powers, he would hold a significant advantage, one that could tip the scales in his favor. Unfortunately, everyone knew the devastating potential of Aldric’s twisted darkness which was no wonder Valerie banned it.

In that moment, Islinda found herself torn. She didn’t want Valerie to die, at the same time, she didn’t want Aldric dead either. She couldn’t decide whether to support or blame either of the princes, each of whom seemed to be playing a dangerous game with high stakes..

"Don’t do this," Islinda pleaded with Valerie, her voice thick with emotion as she implored him to reconsider. She couldn’t bear the thought of him risking his life in a duel for her sake.

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