Mated To The Cruel Prince novel Chapter 815

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Chapter 815: Power Over Azula

All eyes were on Islinda and Aldric as they were led down the palace hallways, flanked on all sides by what seemed like a hundred soldiers. It was a sight no one had ever seen before—not even King Oberon, who commanded immense respect and power, had ever walked with such a contingent of guards.

Yet, here they were, escorting Aldric and Islinda as if they were prisoners of the highest order. But for Aldric, the dark Fae prince, the king had deemed it necessary. There cannot be a chance of escape.

As they walked, servants who happened upon them quickly turned away, avoiding eye contact and retreating to the shadows. Those who had no time to flee pressed themselves flat against the walls, giving the pair and their guards a wide berth.

They had their eyes averted, as if making eye contact might bring down Aldric’s wrath upon them. It might have been a comical scene, like a parade of fear and awe, but Aldric was in no mood to laugh. Not with Islinda’s life hanging in the balance.

After what seemed like an eternity, they stopped at a large, ornate door. The captain of the guards, standing ramrod straight, commanded, "Go in."

Aldric did not so much as glance at him. He simply took Islinda’s hand, squeezing it reassuringly, and led her inside. The heavy door swung shut behind them with a resounding thud, sealing them in a gilded cage.

Silence fell, heavy and suffocating.

The room they entered was luxurious, more opulent than anything Islinda had ever seen. Rich tapestries lined the walls, and the furniture was crafted from the finest materials. A large bed, draped in silk, dominated the center of the room.

It was a room meant to impress, perhaps even to comfort, but the opulence did nothing to ease the knot of dread in Islinda’s stomach. She knew without a doubt that they were prisoners in all but name, and that the next few days—or hours—would determine their fate. Her fate.

Aldric sensed her anxiety through the bond that connected them. Without a word, he pulled her into his arms, holding her close as though his embrace could shield her from the world. Islinda buried her face in his chest,trying to find solace in the steady beat of his heart.

"Don’t worry about a thing," Aldric murmured into her hair, his voice a low rumble. "I’ll kill anyone who tries to hurt you. Like I promised, this kingdom is done for if anything happens to you."

Islinda sighed, breathing in his scent, finding it oddly calming. "You’re only one person, Aldric. You can’t kill every single Fae in Astaria."

Aldric growled, his voice full of dark promise. "They should try me and find out. They call me a monster—they’ll see what a monster is truly capable of." He pressed a kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering there as if to seal his vow. "I’ll let the world burn and build a paradise from the ruins for you, my little human."

Islinda chuckled softly, lifting her head to meet his gaze. "You do know I’m no longer a human, Aldric. What’s all this fuss about then?"

"I don’t care," Aldric said, reaching out to lift her chin with a crooked finger. His eyes bore into hers, fierce and unwavering. "You will always be my little human."