Music Recommendation : Ruth. B. —If By Chance.
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Islinda sensed Aldric’s disappointment without needing to look at his face. She felt the subtle change in his demeanor, the way he tensed, his hand stiffening on her waist. She recalled that the dark Fae prince was used to getting his way with almost everything.
Well, he better start getting used to disappointment because that was what he would get from now on. Islinda was still hurt over the fact that he had agreed to the death duel despite her pleading. Everything he did was not for her, but for the throne. Her own survival was also tied to him gaining the throne of Astaria — she hadn’t forgotten.
Islinda attempted to pull out of his grasp, but his hand felt like an impregnable wall, and she couldn’t free herself.
"Let go," she warned him through gritted teeth.
But Aldric remained unmoved. If anything, his annoyance was palpable, evident in the flare of his nose. "Tell me the truth," he demanded, "do you still have feelings for Valerie?"
"What?" Islinda blinked up at him, her mouth slightly agape, stunned. However, astonishment soon turned to pure annoyance.
"You’re such a fool," Islinda shook her head in disappointment, anger blazing in her eyes. No, she was the fool for having any expectations of him.
Irritated, she spat out, "Let me go, now!"
Aldric shoved her against the nearest wall, forcing the air from her lungs. "No. You will answer my question," he declared defiantly.
Islinda’s anger flared. How could she have ever missed this bastard during her time away? She was truly foolish for falling for him.
"Get. Off. Me," Islinda hissed, seething. She had already resolved to kick him in the place where the sun never shines if he made any funny move.
"I don’t understand..." Aldric muttered, his expression unreadable as he searched her eyes. "You’re confusing."
Islinda had already lost her patience, but as soon as she lifted her knee to carry out her threat, Aldric deflected the move with lightning speed. Before she could comprehend what had happened, he had spread her thighs apart and positioned his own knee tantalizingly close to her aching core. Islinda forgot how to breathe.
"Aldric..." Her voice wavered now, the earlier confidence vanishing as she realized her vulnerable position. Fuck. What has she done?
She swallowed hard as Aldric drew closer, his presence overwhelming. He looked crushingly, heart-stoppingly, and terrifyingly handsome, like a figure straight out of a fairy-tale painting. Even without his pointed ears, there was no mistaking his otherworldly aura. The dark Fae prince was beautiful and terrifying all at once.
Aldric’s hand cupped her cheek, his touch sending shivers down her spine and making her pulse race. "I know..." he trailed off, his fingers trailing down her jaw and then lower to her throat, intentionally brushing lightly across her chest, causing her breath to hitch. "that your body instinctively reacts to me."
His touch lingered, brushing the underside of her breast, and Islinda couldn’t stifle a gasp. Their eyes locked, and she realized he knew exactly what he was doing to her, his intention clear as he sought to prove his point.
"I can smell your arousal," Aldric’s voice was low, sending shivers down Islinda’s spine as his knee pressed against her. She couldn’t suppress the moan that escaped her lips, her body responding eagerly to his touch, igniting a fiery sensation in her core. "I know how much you need me," he murmured, his movements only intensifying the sensations coursing through her.
Islinda clenched her teeth, fighting to stifle her moans. She despised how easily her body yielded to Aldric, resenting her own vulnerability to his touch and manipulation. What spell had he cast over her?
Her eyes, heavy with desire, met his as he continued. "And yet you would still support another man. Could it be that you’re using me?" Aldric’s expression was a mask of disbelief, challenging her with his accusation.
Whatever passion had ignited within Islinda was extinguished in an instant, replaced by a coldness that left Aldric perplexed. Had he overstepped his bounds? He had only posed a question.
"You..." Islinda’s voice trembled with suppressed fury as she bit back her words. He wasn’t worth it. She had hoped, prayed, and wished for his change, yet he only grew worse. Now he dared to accuse her of using him? There were limits to Islinda’s patience, and this was it.
"Let. Go. Of. Me." Islinda’s words were a low growl, her eyes blazing with a hatred that finally prompted Aldric to step back, his own brows furrowing in confusion.
"Did I say something—"
"If I am to accompany you to the winter court, then we would have to establish some ground rules," Islinda interjected.
"What?"
Islinda pressed on. "From now on, you will not touch me inappropriately, attempt to seduce, kiss, or coax me into bed."
"What?" Aldric was dumbfounded.
"Do you agree to these terms, Prince Aldric?" Islinda’s tone was firm, her expression serious and unyielding. She meant every word.
Aldric’s face contorted with anger. "You act as if you haven’t made advances toward me either?"
"Don’t worry. It won’t happen. Unless you plan to force yourself on me, rest assured I won’t initiate or respond to any advances from you. From now on, I’ll simply be your hostage, Aldric," Islinda retorted. "And if you wish to revoke the privileges you granted me as a guest and return me to servitude, I won’t object."
Aldric was taken aback, his expression darkening. After a moment of silence, he coldly declared, "Fine. I’ll keep my distance from now on, lest I be branded a pervert or worse, a rapist." He then commanded, "Gather only the essentials. We’re leaving for the winter court immediately."
"Yes, Prince Aldric," Islinda replied, her tone resolute.
Moments ago, Islinda and Aldric had been engulfed in a whirlwind of passion, but now they were back to square one. Despite her inability to control her feelings for Aldric, Islinda resolved to suppress them rather than be with someone who would question her own affection.
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Hello, my wonderful readers! Thank you for embarking on this thrilling journey with me this month. As we approach the new month, I’m excited to continue the adventure with Aldric and Islinda. What can you expect in the upcoming Chapters? Well, brace yourselves for a death duel between Aldric and Valerie. Who will emerge victorious, and who will meet their demise? And let’s not forget about Islinda—her heritage will be further explored, revealing more captivating secrets. Stay tuned for all the excitement!
As a reminder, it’s best to purchase privileges at the beginning of the month rather than the end. Thank you for reading "Mated To The Cruel Prince," and here’s to hoping for the success of my new book!