Mated To The Cruel Prince novel Chapter 784

Chapter 784: The Real Fun Is About to Begin

The arena buzzed with energy, and every pair of eyes seemed to be fixated on Islinda. The overwhelming attention made her heart race, and a surge of anxiety washed over her.

This was the first time she’d ever been in the spotlight in such a massive gathering, and the pressure was almost suffocating. She clung to Andre’s arm, her fingers tight against his sleeve as she tried to ground herself.

Just when she thought it couldn’t get any worse, a group of pixies darted toward her, their tiny wings fluttering rapidly as they hovered in front of her face. Their voices were high-pitched and insistent as they demanded, "Smile! Beautiful human princess! Smile!"

Caught off guard, Islinda forced a large, nervous smile just as a blinding flash went off. She closed her eyes reflexively, feeling her pulse quicken. When she opened them again, she was greeted by the sight of her own face displayed on several enormous screens around the arena, each showing her awkward grin.

"You have got to be kidding me," Islinda muttered, her eyes wide in disbelief. Seeing her picture broadcasted in such a public manner was surreal, almost like a dream—or more accurately, a nightmare.

A loud cheer erupted from a certain section of the arena. Islinda glanced over and saw that the humans gathered there were the loudest of them all, chanting her name like a chorus. "Islinda! Islinda!"

The sound echoed across the stands, leaving her dumbfounded. Her lips parted in shock as she stared out at the crowd, not quite comprehending how she had become this popular.

"Wave and give them your brightest smile. They’ll love it, trust me," Andre whispered into her ear, still waving enthusiastically at his own fans, who were equally as boisterous.

Unsure but willing to follow his advice, Islinda gave a hesitant wave and forced another smile. To her surprise, the crowd cheered even louder, and a strange sense of exhilaration began to creep in. She felt herself start to relax, enjoying the attention despite her initial nerves. She had never understood the appeal of fame, but now, in this moment, she could see how intoxicating it could be. The energy of the crowd, the cheers, the adoration—it was hard not to get swept up in it.

"I didn’t know you were this popular," Islinda remarked, her gaze shifting to the screens where a live recording of her was now playing.

"I didn’t know you were this loved either," Andre quipped, his teasing smile making her blush.

"They’re probably only supporting me because I’m with you," Islinda said modestly.

Andre shook his head. "No, I don’t think so. You’re forgetting all the good work you did at Haven’s Reach, the human enclave in Astaria. You’ve earned their loyalty, Islinda."

The realization hit her then. The humans in the crowd were there for her, showing their support. She had fought for their rights in the kingdom, but she hadn’t expected this kind of admiration. She waved again, this time more sincerely, and they responded with even more enthusiasm.

But just as Islinda was beginning to enjoy the moment, her gaze inadvertently met Queen Maeve’s. The intensity of Maeve’s glare was so sharp, so filled with loathing, that it felt as though a dagger had been thrown directly at her.

Islinda felt her heart skip a beat, the shock so sudden that she stumbled in her long heels. She would have fallen if not for Andre, who quickly wrapped his arm around her waist, catching her just in time.

Islinda felt her face flush. This was getting out of hand. The cheers of the crowd were making her head spin, but she couldn’t ignore the disdainful looks from some of the more traditional faeries. They made their distaste for her presence clear, scrunching their noses in disgust. But their objections were drowned out by the overwhelming cheers that have taken over the arena. freewёbnoνel.com

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