Mated To The Cruel Prince-Chapter 732: Ask For Forgiveness - 1

Valerie hurried through the corridors of the palace, the look on his face portraying the turmoil he felt inside. He couldn’t forget the dread that settled deep in his chest after Andre had come into his room with a regretful expression: his father, King Oberon, had discovered his attempt to perform a soul swap on Islinda.

He had been devastated as hell and wanted to go to Oberon to explain himself, but there was no more time, the hearing had begun. All those while he was seated beside his father, Valerie had not been himself.

Valerie’s heart had pounded relentlessly throughout the proceedings in the grand hall, each thud echoing his growing anxiety. He half-expected his father, King Oberon, to publicly expose his crime before the assembly and make him bear the full brunt of the consequences

King Oberon was a stern and uncompromising ruler, known for his strict adherence to justice. A crime as abhorrent as a soul swap, one that defied the natural order seemed beyond forgiveness.

As he sat there, Valerie’s mind raced with the possible outcomes. He could already envision the scene where he would be stripped of his title as crown prince. His father, he thought, would cast him aside without hesitation to preserve the integrity of the kingdom and to save Aldric, the beloved son.

Yet, to Valerie’s astonishment, as the proceedings unfolded, there was not a single mention of the soul swap. The assembly moved forward without addressing his grievous error.

Valerie’s heart thudded with disbelief, and a rush of emotions overwhelmed him. His father had chosen to protect him, to spare him from the public humiliation and severe punishment he so feared. Gratitude, relief, and a sudden, fierce surge of happiness filled his chest, almost making him want to burst out in joy. His father’s decision not to expose him felt like a lifeline, a sign of love and protection he had not anticipated.

The king had chosen to frame Elena for the crime instead, a move that saved both his sons. Valerie was acutely aware of the injustice of the situation, but he couldn’t bring himself to object. The shift in focus from his crime to an innocent fiancée should have troubled Valerie deeply. But instead, he felt a twisted sense of relief, a selfish gladness that he was not the one being sacrificed.

He had never truly cared for Elena, finding her more of a burden than a partner. The thought of marrying her had always filled him with a sense of obligation rather than affection. And now, with her out of the picture, he felt a surprising sense of liberation.

Feeling a newfound appreciation for his father’s complicated love, Valerie was anxious to go see the old man and plead his case. He had not exposed his crime, surely, he would find a place in his heart to forgive him. He had to find a way to gain back his father’s trust again.

The passages seemed endless as Valerie made his way to the king’s chamber. His nerves were frayed, and his palms were slick with sweat. Every step felt heavier than the last, the weight of his impending meeting with Oberon pressing down on him. The thought of his father’s disappointment, possibly even anger, gnawed at his resolve.

No, he can do this. His father loved him. He would forgive him.

When Valerie reached the grand doors of the king’s chamber, he was greeted by the imposing figure of Lennox, his father’s trusted advisor. Lennox’s expression was stern, his stance unyielding. It was clear he had been expecting Valerie, and he barred the entrance with a firm, resolute presence. freēnovelkiss.com

"His Majesty needs his rest," Lennox said, his voice low and unwavering.

Valerie’s face fell at once. He knew his father too well to believe that he was resting. He was the crown prince, the closest to his father — after his favorite son, Andre - and the king rarely took time to rest, especially not with the kingdom’s affairs weighing heavily on his shoulders.

"Move aside, Lennox," Valerie demanded, trying to infuse his voice with authority. "I need to speak to my father."

Lennox didn’t budge, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I’m afraid I can’t do that, Your Highness. The king has given strict orders not to be disturbed."

Frustration bubbled up inside Valerie, when he saw that force wasn’t going to work. Had it been others he would have intimidated them with his crown prince position, but not Lennox. The Fae was loyal to the king through and through.

"Please, Lennox," Valerie’s voice broke, a raw edge of desperation creeping in. "I have to see him. Just let me speak to him for a moment. It’s important."

Valerie’s bravado finally crumbled, replaced by a desperate, pleading look. He needed to talk to his father, to explain himself, to try and salvage what little hope remained.

Lennox’s eyes softened just a fraction, the hard lines of his face easing as he took in Valerie’s distress. He seemed to weigh his options, and finally, he stepped aside, though not without a warning.

"Don’t get your hopes up, Your Highness," Lennox said quietly. "He’s not in a forgiving mood."

Valerie swallowed nervously, his throat tight with anxiety. Whatever happened next could very well seal his fate. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he nodded his thanks to Lennox and pushed open the doors to his father’s chamber.

King Oberon sat at his desk, his posture rigid and his eyes focused on the documents spread before him. Valerie’s heart ached at the sight of his father, a Fae who always commanded respect and authority, now looking burdened and weary.

"Father," Valerie began, his voice trembling slightly as he stepped into the room. The sound of the door closing behind him echoed ominously.

King Oberon’s gaze lifted, and the weight of his disappointment hit Valerie like a physical blow. There was a profound sadness in his eyes, mingled with a stern resolve. The silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating.