Mated To The Cruel Prince novel Chapter 756

Chapter 756: Her Execution

It was clear to Valerie that everyone in the palace was against him; how else could no one have told him that Islinda was in the palace? Thinking of the hours he could have spent with her if only he hadn’t been sleeping left him in anguish.

Derek had claimed he had no choice, that he — Valerie — needed the rest. However, Valerie couldn’t care less for any sleep even though his body demanded it after nearly burning himself out. If he had known Islinda was around, perhaps she would have kept him company. He couldn’t help but relish the thought of placing his head on her thigh and drifting off to sleep.

It brought back the memories of when they were still together. Being with Islinda was the best thing that had ever happened to him. He had been the happiest then. But now, his life was nothing but misery.

"Islinda, open up. It’s me," he knocked on her door and waited patiently for her to answer.

However, when minutes went by and there was still no movement from the other side, he knocked again. "Islinda, I know that you are in there."

He had heard about the meeting with his father, and it hadn’t been long since she returned. There was no possible way she could be asleep already.

"Just open up," he added, "Please. I just want to see you."

Valerie knew he was a miserable bastard, but he’d rather be a fool for her. Tomorrow was the death duel, and for all he knew, he might not even survive it. If he was going to die tomorrow, he at least needed to see her face one last time. Valerie needed to register the memory in his head. He needed the strength only Islinda could give him.

"Islinda, please... just open up," he moaned, placing his head against the door.

She couldn’t do this to him. She couldn’t turn her back on him when he needed her the most. No, this was all his fault. He had let Aldric poison her mind and turn her against him. This was all on him. If only he had been brave enough to hold onto her hand, perhaps everything wouldn’t have turned out this way.

Valerie was still wallowing in self-pity when the door opened and he nearly fell in, barely managing to catch himself at the last minute. He straightened up, his heart pounding, and met Islinda’s gaze. Huh? His brows furrowed in confusion instantly.

Islinda stood before him, her face partially hidden behind a delicate veil that left only her eyes visible. The rest of her face and neck were covered, the dark fabric contrasting starkly against her skin.

Valerie blinked, trying to make sense of her appearance. There was no occasion in the palace that required such attire, and the sight left him in confusion.

"Are you going somewhere?"

"What? No." Islinda shook her head. "I am not going anywhere."

"Then why are you...?" He couldn’t speak anymore, gesturing over her strange appearance instead.

Islinda quickly formulated a lie to keep her transformation a secret. "I... I caught a cold, Valerie," she said, her voice slightly muffled by the veil. "That’s why I’m covering up. I don’t want to infect anyone."

Valerie’s eyes widened in alarm. "A cold? Have you seen the healer?" he asked, stepping closer to her. "You need to be checked."

Islinda’s heart pounded as she realized the risk of him lifting the veil. If he discovered the truth, it could complicate everything. Hence as reach out to touch her forehead, Islinda instinctively leaned back, avoiding his hand. The movement startled him, and a look of hurt crossed his face.

"I just want to make sure you’re okay," he said, his disappointment palpable as he dropped his hand. "You do know I hate seeing you like this."

"I appreciate your concern but It’s really not that bad, Valerie. Just a little cold. The healer simply said I should rest and stay warm." Islinda said politely, even though her words were all lies.

It honestly surprised her the way she flawlessly lied. The Fae were incapable of lying. But then, she figured out it might have to do with the fact that she was half human. And for that, Islinda was honestly grateful, else she would have been doomed in this situation.

Valerie nodded reluctantly, his eyes still filled with worry. "Alright, but promise me you’ll see the healer if it gets worse."

"I promise," she said, hoping to ease his mind and he hopefully leaves her alone. Except that was not the case.

Valerie’s shoulders relaxed slightly, but that was it, he made no move to leave. The both of them stood there, neither of them speaking, the tension in the air palpable.

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