Music Recommendation : Can you hear me — Munn
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Aldric was in a bad mood and while everyone else thought the frown on his face was a perpetual look, the truth remains that the dark Fae prince was bothered with the incident that morning. Aldric was mad, pissed, frustrated, angry, furious — he thought of every negative word — with Islinda.
He could not understand her. If he wasn’t sure that she was his mate, Aldric would have been convinced that Islinda was toying with him. But he knew all about the mate bond, the pull, the attraction. Being mates meant that things would be smoother between them. That nature would run its course and they’d naturally fall for each other.
Of course, it doesn’t mean that he wouldn’t work his relationship out. Aldric was putting in great efforts and he had thought that after last night’s event that things had been settled between them. But then, she had proved him wrong. Again.
She kept pushing him away. Putting this distance between them, amid his efforts. Islinda does not realize how much her rejection stings her. Perhaps it had to do with the fact that she was human and did not feel the bond as much as he does.
He was Fae and the emotions are heightened for him. Maybe he was the fool to have shown his card by caring too much. Islinda knew her worth to him and that he could not kill her — atleast not while Valerie remained the crown prince of Astaria. He might force her to play his games, but he could never truly hurt her. She was his mate for crying out loud.
She was supposed to want him. He was supposed to be her desire. Her pride. Islinda was supposed to love him. And yet, she left him in pain on his bed even while he had pleaded, begging for her soothing touch. For her to relieve him of the torment he was under. Islinda doesn’t even realize how much power she wielded over her. And yet, she abandoned him again.
She should have never come into his bed at all. She should have never given him hope in the first place. Perhaps this was the punishment from the gods for all his wrong doings. They might have given him a mate, but he was better off without one.
Aldric barely glanced at the herald who bangs his halberd near the main door. "His Royal Highness and Highlord, Prince Aldric."
The grand chamber of the winter court was opened at once by the two guards as Prince Aldric strode in, his presence commanding the attention of all while the air was heavy with attention.
His eyes, like chips of ice, pierced through the room, sweeping over the assembled cabinet members, their faces betraying a mixture of fear and trepidation at his presence. But Aldric’s expression was stoic as he took his place upon the throne, his expression a blend of authority and contempt.
"I have just two questions and then this will be over. Trust me, I’m not in the mood for long talks right now and you do not want to test me." Aldric said, his voice cutting through the silent hall like a blade. The apprehension was thick in the air and Aldric relished that they squirmed under his intense gaze and tension. As a villain, he loved having that effect on people.
"Tell me, lovely high Faeries of the Winter court. Why was there no one to welcome upon my return to Astaria from the war front?" Aldric’s words dripped with sarcasm, adding at the last minute, " I don’t even receive petitions from my own people or have someone relived me of my position without I knowing?" He accused them with a knowing look, seeing through their guilt.
The cabinet members exchanged nervous glances, but none dared to speak up in response to Aldric’s question. If anything, his cold smile only sent shivers down their spines, his eyes blazing with a dangerous light.
"Time up. Honestly, it was a bad idea not to answer my question at all. But no problem, one more question remaining." He smiled assuredly. Not that his warm smile calmed them, if anything, it was ominous.
"And now," Aldric’s voice rang out with chilling authority, "tell me why the Winter Faeries are left to languish in poverty and hunger while the high Fae live in comfort and prosperity?"
The silence that followed Aldric’s question again was deafening, the cabinet members shifting uncomfortably under his intense scrutiny. But it seemed they took his warning to heart, because one of them spoke up, his voice trembling with fear.
"Prince Aldric, the harsh climate of the Winter Court makes agriculture difficult, unlike the other courts such as the Spring court, which thrive on it," the cabinet member explained. "As a result, we rely on our artistry to trade with the other courts for food and supplies. However, they have been raising prices and hoarding resources, leaving us with little to sustain ourselves."
Aldric showed no reaction until he was done. And then finally, he said, "So Instead of addressing the issue and finding a solution to alleviate the suffering of the Winter Faeries, you all had chosen to burden the masses further by raising taxes?" He questioned them.
"No, Prince, no, high lord —"
"You have failed in your duties to the people of the Winter Court," Aldric interrupted him, his voice like ice and eyes ablaze with fury. He was in no mood for excuses, having made his research before summoning this meeting.
He said, "And for that, you will pay the price."
With a swift motion, Aldric drew his weapon, a familiar double edged paragon sword which was his signature weapon for slaying down his enemies. The cabinet members realized at the last minute that they were in danger.
Aldric’s plan was meticulous, having only invited the members he wanted dead to the meeting. Hence it was twelve Faeries against one, yet they cowered with fear. One by one, Aldric began to slay them, their screams echoing off the icy walls as they fell to the ground, their blood staining the pristine floor.
As the last of the cabinet members lay dying at his feet while he was drenched in blood from head to toe, Aldric’s cold smile returned, his message delivered loud and clear.
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Sorry it came late, but it’s my birthday today! 💃💃