Mated To The Cruel Prince-Chapter 692: Get Into Her Head

The dungeon door closed behind Aldric with a heavy thud, and he turned his gaze towards the Fae guard standing stiffly at attention. Aldric could see the anxiety etched into the guard’s features, a sight he was used to receiving from people whenever he was around them.

"Why are you the only one guarding the dungeon?" Aldric’s voice was stern, his frown deepening.

Although Islinda’s weapon and charms were neutralized, standard protocol dictated that the dungeon be guarded by at least two individuals. It was easier to outwit one guard, but nearly impossible to deceive two.

The guard, a young Fae trembling under Aldric’s scrutiny, lowered his head and answered, "My lord, my partner left mere minutes ago to relieve himself." His voice quivered slightly.

This was the same guard who had previously believed that killing Islinda would be doing the realm a favor. Now, faced with the dark Fae prince, his bravado had vanished, replaced by fear.

Inwardly, the guard panicked, wondering if Islinda had reported his earlier rough treatment and if Aldric was here to mete out punishment. The dark Fae prince’s reputed affection for his human captive was well-known, and the guard braced himself for retribution.

To his shock, Aldric merely said, "Keep an eye on her," before turning on his heel and walking away.

The guard let out a sigh of relief the moment Aldric’s footsteps faded into the distance. His shoulders sagged, and he leaned against the cold stone wall for support. That was close, he thought, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow. He was definitely not laying a hand on Islinda, at least until he was given authority to.

Aldric turned the corner and almost collided with Elena. She seemed to materialize out of nowhere, her presence as sudden as it was unwelcome.

"There you are," she chirped, her voice trying to convey nonchalance. Her eyes, however, betrayed a flicker of something more intense—desperation, perhaps, or a keen interest that she was trying hard to mask.

Glancing behind Aldric, she quickly deduced that he had paid Islinda a visit. "You should have told me you were visiting Islinda," Elena continued lightly, her tone strained with the effort to appear casual. "I would have tagged along." She paused, studying his expression. "Tell me then, has she confessed to her crime?"

Aldric’s gaze hardened, his eyes narrowing as he assessed Elena. "Islinda maintains her innocence," he replied curtly, his voice edged with frustration. "She claims she has done nothing wrong."

Elena’s eyes widened slightly, a flash of irritation crossing her face before she quickly smoothed her features. "Nothing wrong? After everything we know about her manipulations?" She laughed, a brittle, forced sound. "She’s obviously lying."

Aldric’s expression remained unreadable, but there was a dangerous glint in his eyes. "You seem very invested in this case, Elena. Almost as if it’s personal."

Elena’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second before she composed herself. "Of course I’m invested," she said, her voice steady. "Islinda’s actions have put everyone at risk. She’s a threat to our safety and stability. My duty as your friend is to ensure justice is served."

Aldric lifted a brow, "My friend?"

"Yes, a friend. Isn’t that what I am?" Elena said with a kind smile.

"Of course," Stepping closer, his presence towering, but not intimidating, Aldric said to her, "You’re the one I trust the most. Thank you for being that friend, Elena."

"It’s nothing." Elena answered, "Let’s go to your office. We’d have more opportunities to discuss in private."

"Lead the way."

Elena nodded, walking ahead as the night cloaked the castle in shadows. The staff were retreating for the night, and guards took up positions for their patrols. With the revelation of Islinda’s alleged crime, security was tighter than usual, and everyone was on high alert.

As Elena and Aldric entered his quarters, the dark Fae prince called her name. "Elena."

She turned and froze, panic flickering across her face. She knew exactly who was responsible for her sudden paralysis.

"What are you doing, Prince Aldric?" she demanded, her voice strained with fear and confusion.

"I need to be sure," Aldric said, taking slow, deliberate steps toward her. His eyes were dark and intent, and Elena could feel him trying to invade her mind. The sensation was unsettling, a violation of her very thoughts.

"Need to be sure of what?" she managed to say, though she couldn’t move her body. "This is Islinda’s doing, isn’t it? She’s gotten into your head again. You shouldn’t have visited her cell. I told you to trust only me, Aldric. It’s only me that is on your side, Prince Aldric."

Aldric groaned, his head buzzing with a cacophony of muffled voices, each vying for his attention, each telling him who to trust and who not to trust.

"Shut up!" he roared, his eyes wild and bloodshot. Aldric was breathing deeply, his chest rising and falling rapidly with anger. His glare bore into Elena,fury painting his features. For the first time, his eyes seemed to truly see, cutting through the haze of manipulation and deceit that had clouded his mind. No one told him what to do. No one can control him!

"If it’s her doing or yours, I’ll find out for myself," he declared, stepping closer to Elena.

He then placed both hands on her head, and with a surge of dark energy, he invaded her memories. Aldric sifted through her thoughts, searching for the truth, only to jerk back moments later, his eyes wide with shock. What the hell?

"You! You are not—" Aldric began, but before he could finish, Elena punched him hard in the face. The blow was unexpected and powerful, sending him staggering back.

Aldric got right back to his feet, anger in his eyes, just as Elena’s appearance began to change. Before his very eyes, she transformed into Maxi.

"Hello, charmed friend," Maxi smirked, cracking her neck with a groan of exhaustion. "Damn it," she said. "Pretending to be Elena was quite taxing. She does talk too much and deserves an award for her acting skills, don’t you think so, Aldric?"