Mated To The Cruel Prince novel Chapter 878

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Chapter 878: Valerie Was Stronger

Islinda nervously settled into her seat in the arena, Issac sitting beside her. She couldn’t shake the unease that gnawed at her. Aldric had been convinced that the riot during the last death duel, the one where she had been attacked, was orchestrated by Queen Maeve.

Though there was no hard proof, Islinda believed him. If Queen Maeve had been ruthless enough to deliver Queen Nova into the hands of the dark Faeries, someone as inconsequential as her would be easy prey. She was nobody and could never even match Queen Nova’s strength or reputation.

Just like before, the arena was filled to the brim, buzzing with energy and anticipation. The crowds were even larger than last time, so much so that Faeries spilled out beyond the arena itself.

Screens powered by the Fae’s magic were erected to display the action for those who couldn’t find a seat. The excitement was palpable; everyone was eager to see how this death duel would end, given that the first fight had been interrupted by the riot.

The previous unresolved battle had left many Faeries unsatisfied, and it sparked debates across Astaria about who was the stronger between Prince Aldric and Prince Valerie.

Arguments turned into physical altercations, with Faeries of mostly winter and summer courts clashing over their favored prince. But what caught Islinda’s attention most was the growing support for Aldric.

His past trip to the Winter Court had won over many Winter Faeries, and they now spoke of him with admiration, praising his magnanimity. The Winter Faeries had begun to rally behind him, even defending him in these fights against the Summer Faeries, who were still loyal to Valerie.

King Oberon, having learned from the chaos of the previous duel, had taken steps to prevent another riot. No Winter Faerie was seated near a Summer Faerie; in fact, the courts were seated as far apart as possible. It was a precaution meant to ensure that the tension between the two groups didn’t erupt into violence again. The king would not allow his arena to descend into chaos again.

As usual, King Oberon took his seat, his presence commanding immediate attention. His royal knights flanked him on all sides, a formidable wall of protection.

His wives and children arrived next, taking their places in the exclusive royal box, which was elevated above the common crowd. All eyes in the arena followed their movements, and Islinda couldn’t help but feel a pang of nerves as the royals watched with the same regal detachment as before.

A heavy silence fell over the arena as the anticipation built for the fight. Islinda’s heart hammered in her chest. This was it. The duel was about to begin.

All the eyes in Astaria were on the arena, waiting to witness the outcome of the battle between Aldric and Valerie. The first match had ended in chaos, but this time, there would be no interruptions, no escape. Only one prince would emerge victorious. The other, dead.

Just like before, Valerie was the first to arrive, and a wave of cheers erupted from the crowd at the sight of their beloved prince. He had always been a favorite, but today, he seemed to command even more admiration.