Mated To The Cruel Prince-Chapter 826: Family Meeting With Aldric —1

Islinda’s eyes fluttered open to the sight of a handsome face hovering above her. Aldric’s bright eyes gleamed with a wicked, satisfied grin as he looked down at her, his tousled hair framing his chiseled features. "Morning, beautiful. I take it you had a pleasant sleep?" he murmured, his voice husky.

Instead of returning his smile, Islinda scowled at him. Pleasant sleep? How could she get any sleep when he wouldn’t let her catch a wink? They had been going at it like rabbits."

Before she could unleash the full brunt of her annoyance, Aldric’s grin widened, and in a swift motion, he slid inside her, pulling a loud moan from her lips.

The retort she’d been prepared to deliver dissolved into a gasp as her body reacted instinctively to the intrusion. Her cheeks flushed, and she bit her lower lip, trying to suppress another moan that threatened to escape.

"Yes," Aldric groaned, his voice deepening with pleasure as he began to move his hips slowly, deliberately. "That’s the sound I’d rather hear from your mouth right now."

The gods help her, Islinda thought, her head falling back against the pillow. Aldric would be the death of her. But even as she clung to her annoyance, her body betrayed her, arching toward him, seeking more of the pleasure he knew how to provide so well. She felt herself slipping back into that intoxicating haze that had consumed them for the past two days.

The mating haze.

Islinda had learned about it after they had marked each other, a biological process triggered when mates claimed each other. The haze was a period of intense heat, where neither could think of anything else but the need to be together, constantly. And the most dangerous part of it? The female was at her most fertile during this time.

She couldn’t help but feel a pang of concern. She knew what Aldric thought about children. The last time they had spoken about it, he hadn’t expressed any outright displeasure, but he had made it clear that his children wouldn’t be safe in a realm so divided and against them. No children, he had said, at least not until the situation was more stable.

But then Aldric had to know that and did not complain, so she led it go. So they threw themselves into each other, surrendering to the haze with abandon.

For two days, the palace staff had left them alone, understanding all too well the nature of the mating haze. Only when it was absolutely necessary did they bring in food, and even then, Aldric had nearly snapped the poor servant’s head off for daring to enter their space. Fae males were notoriously territorial during the haze, especially when it came to their mate. Eventually, someone had the sense to carve a small hole through the door to slip in meals, a much safer option for all involved.

But as consumed as they were by their passion, neither Islinda nor Aldric cared much about food. Not when there were far more pressing, more pleasurable activities to engage in.

Today, however, was different. The haze had lessened, and as they finished freshening up, Islinda noticed a line of soldiers in their living room. She tensed, feeling Aldric’s immediate shift beside her. Good thing she was not naked.

He stood protectively in front of her, his body rigid with tension, his eyes blazing with a warning as he glared at the soldiers.

The general leading the contingent raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Calm down, Prince Aldric. You and your mate are pardoned from any punishment," he announced, his tone firm but respectful.

Aldric blinked, surprise momentarily breaking through his protective demeanor. Pardoned? He hadn’t expected that. The general continued, "You are to prepare for a meeting with the king. You both have been summoned."

The soldiers filed out as quickly as they’d come, and in their place, a group of maidservants entered, their eyes downcast as they bowed. "We are here to prepare you," one of them said softly. Islinda looked at Aldric, seeking his approval. He nodded, signaling it was okay.

The maidservants worked quickly and efficiently, dressing Islinda in a simple yet elegant gown, perfect for the meeting ahead. None of them spoke to her beyond the occasional instruction or request, but Islinda didn’t mind. Her mind was already spinning with questions and concerns. What was the king’s purpose in summoning them?

When Aldric emerged from the adjoining room, dressed in his royal coat, Islinda’s breath caught in her throat. She’d seen him dressed like this before, but every time he took her breath away. He exuded an effortless confidence and raw power that sent her heart racing.

Aldric noticed her reaction and smirked. "Like what you see?" he teased.

To his surprise, Islinda replied honestly, "Yes. And I’m so glad you’re mine."

Aldric’s eyebrows shot up, surprised at her candor. It wasn’t often that Islinda expressed her feelings so openly. Unable to resist, he pulled her close, capturing her lips in a slow, seductive kiss. His hand trailed down her back, but before it could wander further, she swatted it away.

"Behave, Aldric," she chided, though her lips twitched with a smile.

He winked at her. "I’m always on my best behavior. Now, come." He took her hand and hooked it around his arm. "Let’s go cause some trouble."

Islinda halted, shooting him a warning look. "We are not causing any trouble," she warned.

"Alright, ma’am, if you say so," he replied with a playful salute, though the mischievous glint in his eyes told her otherwise. Trouble was Aldric’s middle name, and everyone knew it.

With guards trailing behind them, Islinda felt her nerves tighten as they approached the grand chamber. She held her breath as they entered.

"Hello, fam," Aldric greeted with his usual taunting tone, and Islinda groaned inwardly. Of course, he couldn’t resist stirring the pot.

The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. Queen Maeve’s glare sent shivers down Islinda’s spine, but she stood tall beside Aldric. He wasn’t backing down, and neither would she.

"What a wonderful day to become one big family, isn’t it?" Aldric continued, his voice dripping with mock sincerity.

The room remained silent, filled with unspoken threats and simmering grudges.