Mated To The Cruel Prince-Chapter 667: Tomorrow

The hug lasted only a moment before Islinda began to pull away. While she had missed Andre, this was really not the time for such displays, and too many eyes were on them. If anyone were to misunderstand the friendly embrace and report it to Aldric... Islinda shuddered at the thought, knowing his jealous nature all too well.

However, she soon realized Andre didn’t budge a muscle, and she remained trapped in his embrace.

"What are you doing?" Islinda narrowed her gaze at Andre, uncomfortable with his behavior.

"What do you think I’m doing?" he replied, feigning ignorance and tightening his hold. "I missed my human friend. This is me expressing it," he claimed, leaning his head on her neck.

But Islinda wasn’t having any of it. Sensing he was up to no good and suspecting it had something to do with Aldric, she told him firmly, "Stop it."

This time, Andre loosened his grasp enough for Islinda to pull back, yet his hand remained around her waist, holding her in place. His intense gaze fell over her, causing her to gulp nervously and shift her weight from side to side.

"W-what are you doing?" she stammered, her heart beginning to race as Andre gracefully reached out and tucked a white strand of her hair behind her ear.

"I’m sending a message to your lover," Andre said, his eyes blazing with fiery intensity, the air thickening with sudden sexual tension.

"What?" Islinda blinked in confusion, her heart racing. She didn’t exactly like Andre that way, but she couldn’t control her body’s reaction to a handsome Fae prince making a move on her.

Before Islinda could ask further questions, Andre began to lean in, and her eyes widened. Panic set in. What the hell was going on? Were they not just friends? Or had she been the only one thinking that way?

Islinda stiffened, unable to move from shock. Just as Andre’s lips were about to meet hers, she turned her face at the last minute, and he kissed her cheek instead. The feather-light touch of his lips sent a thrill through her.

Before she could dwell on the kiss, she heard him whisper into her ear, "It’s tomorrow."

"What?" she whispered, confused. But Andre simply smiled slyly, then let her go, leaving her head reeling.

"Tomorrow..." she repeated, looking at Andre, who winked at her knowingly. It finally dawned on her. Her birthday was tomorrow.

Fuck.

She didn’t realize it was so soon. She hadn’t even prepared herself mentally for the great revelation. Tomorrow, everyone in the Winter Court would know she was a half-breed.

Islinda needed more time. Time to rescue Aldric from Elena’s control and expose her evil nature. Time to tell Aldric how she felt about him, without him diving into uncovering her lineage. She had made peace with the fact that she was in love with a villain. The death duel between Valerie and Aldric was inevitable. One of them had to die for the other to live. And she didn’t want it to be Aldric. But if somehow her dark Fae prince didn’t make it... Aldric had to know that he was loved.

She sighed, stepping away from Andre, realizing the others were still staring at them with questions in their eyes. They were probably questioning her relationship with Andre.

She scratched the back of her head and introduced him to Ginger and Ailee. "I’m sorry for that, but this is Prince Andre from the Autumn—"

As if recovering from their shock, Ginger and Ailee quickly stepped forward. "Your Highness!" they prostrated before him.

"Oh, thank you... you don’t really have to bow...." Andre was overwhelmed by their reverence.

"Your Highness!" They even bowed their heads lower, ready to worship his feet if needed.

Islinda’s mouth twitched at the scene, stunned by the respect they showed the prince. For the first time, she saw something akin to excitement dancing in the otherwise reserved Ailee’s eyes. It dawned on her how honored and loved Andre was by his people. Islinda understood how privileged she was to hang out with the likes of him, even though her encounters with the rest of the royal family had always been disastrous.

Kalamazoo recovered at that moment, his eyes cold with fury as he trained them on the Autumn prince.

The instant he took a step toward Andre, Islinda recognized his intent and quickly put herself in the way, commanding, "That is enough already."

Kalamazoo would not harm her, not without incurring Aldric’s wrath.

"He’s not welcome here. " Kalamazoo protested.

"So I am not permitted to receive visitors as well?" Islinda challenged him.

"It was the High Lord’s order that you remain here," He said, avoiding the real question.

"You mean locked up in her room?" Gabbi challenged.

Kalamazoo turned and glared at her. She returned the glare, lightning practically sparking between their eyes. How dare a lowly human speak to him that way?

"So she’s locked up for her safety?" Andre asked, his brows raised.

Kalamazoo was taken aback by the question. He paused thoughtfully, then replied, "I guess so?"

"Good. In that case, my brother knows she’s most safe with me," Andre finalized with a sly smile.

"What?" Kalamazoo realized he had fallen into Andre’s trap too late.

"I’m the Autumn prince. No one could possibly hurt Islinda while I’m with her. And speaking of which, I need a tour of the Winter Palace, and of course, I’m taking Islinda along. You can join us too. That way you’d be our tour guide while keeping an eye on her. Isn’t that awesome?" Andre suggested brilliantly, a gleam in his eyes.

Kalamazoo’s jaw tightened, perceiving the underlying insult in prince Andre’s words. However, he had no choice but to comply. "Fine," he growled.

"Yeah! A tour!" Milo rejoiced, oblivious of the tension simmering just beneath the surface, ready to explode at any moment.

Islinda sighed inwardly, knowing that trouble was far from over. She could only hope that Aldric doesn’t join them, else they’re doomed.