Mated To The Cruel Prince-Chapter 740: The King’s Order

"What do you mean the King’s army is here?" Maxi and Issac were already on high alert, their gazes sharp and anxious.

Aldric didn’t answer immediately. His eyes had that distant look again, as if he wasn’t fully present, caught up in whatever his little birds were showing him through their strange psychic connection. The silence stretched uncomfortably as they waited for him to speak.

"They’re not here for a fight, it seems," Aldric finally said, his voice tight with unease. "But I’m not comfortable with their presence either. Whatever they’re here for, it can’t be anything good." He stood, preparing to leave, then hesitated, realizing he had a bigger problem to deal with.

Azula.

Damn it.

"Maxi," he said, turning to her, "you keep an eye on her." He nodded toward Azula.

Maxi opened her mouth to protest, but Aldric cut her off. "You come with me, Issac."

Maxi and Issac exchanged a stunned look. It was a huge deal that Aldric was suddenly asking for Issac’s help, and Maxi wouldn’t mind babysitting a hundred Azulas if it meant that her mate’s relationship with Aldric could be repaired.

"Don’t think too much about it," Aldric downplayed it, noticing Issac’s surprise. "I’m only calling on you because Kalamazoo hasn’t arrived yet."

"Sure. Anything you say, Your Highness," Issac replied, trying to keep his excitement in check.

Aldric nodded, then turned sharply toward the door, Issac following closely behind. As they left, Maxi met Azula’s gaze, filled with a mix of apprehension and determination.

Azula’s lips curled into a sly smile, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Looks like it’s just you and me," she said, her tone dripping with mockery.

Maxi huffed, folding her arms across her chest. "Don’t get any ideas. I’m watching you."

Azula shrugged nonchalantly, popping another grape into her mouth with deliberate seduction. "Oh, I’m sure this will be... entertaining," she purred, her eyes dancing with wicked amusement.

Maxi rolled her eyes, exasperated but resolute, as she kept a vigilant eye on Azula, ready for whatever mischief the demon might try to stir up next.

As soon as Aldric and Issac stepped out, they nearly collided with a guard who was hastily making his way towards them, clearly on his way to inform Aldric about the unexpected visitors.

"Let them in," Aldric instructed, his voice clipped and authoritative. "I’ll meet them in the courtyard." freёnovelkiss.com

"Yes, my prince." The guard bowed slightly, then turned and hurried back down the corridor to relay Aldric’s orders.

Aldric’s jaw was clenched as he thought what this visit could possibly mean. The only time he received royal summons was whenever he was needed for war. However, he was currently on a break except of course, how father had unanimously decided his little "break" was over.

It wouldn’t surprise him though. Not after the hearing yesterday. In his father’s defense, this was his way of protecting him. As if running had ever settled any problem. Moreover, he was Aldric, the dark Fae prince of the winter court and he was not afraid of anyone. It was high time even his father began to understand that.

Issac, sensing his tension, glanced at him. "What do you think they want?"

"Nothing positive," Aldric muttered grimly, striding towards the courtyard. "Why else would they come unannounced?"

They moved quickly through the winding halls, the tension palpable between them. As they approached the courtyard, the distant sound of hooves and clinking armor grew louder, a reminder of the formal and foreboding presence waiting for them.

Issac’s hand went instinctively to his sword hilt, his posture rigid with readiness. "Are we expecting a fight? I mean this caught us by surprise and with the attack from the Raysin family, I don’t think we have it in us to face off the king’s armies.

Aldric shook his head, though he didn’t seem entirely convinced. " No, my father wouldn’t fight me without a reason, at least as far as I know. But stay alert. I don’t trust even the King’s army to play by the rules."

They stepped into the courtyard just as the gates were being opened to admit the visitors. The courtyard, usually peaceful and empty, now seemed fraught with anticipation.

The soldiers marched in, their polished armor gleaming, led by a stern-looking officer. His gaze swept over Aldric and Issac, lingering with a hint of disdain before he spoke.

"Prince Aldric," the officer began, his tone formal but laced with an edge. "We are here under the King’s orders."

Aldric’s eyes narrowed slightly. "What business brings you to my doorstep?"

The officer’s lips curled into a thin, humorless smile. "The King requires the presence of Islinda, the human under your care."

Aldric’s expression hardened, his eyes narrowing with a mix of suspicion and concern. "What does the King want with Islinda?"

"That is not for me to say, Your Highness," the officer replied, his tone icy. "I am merely following orders."

Issac glanced at Aldric, noticing the tension radiating from him. Aldric’s fists clenched at his sides, his knuckles white. "Islinda is not available," he said, his voice clipped. "She is unwell." Not that it was enough to describe Islinda’s condition right now.

The officer raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "The King’s orders are not to be defied, Prince Aldric. He was very clear. Islinda is to be brought to the palace without delay."

Aldric’s mind raced, the implications of the order sinking in. He couldn’t let them take Islinda—especially not with Azula still possessing her body. He couldn’t even dare think what would happen if they discovered her real identity. The King’s interest in her, whatever it was, could only spell trouble. Aldric was about to run crazy from over thinking!

"You can inform the King that Islinda’s current condition makes moving a little too difficult. She needs rest and care, not a journey to the palace." Aldric said, his voice steady but laced with defiance.

The officer’s eyes flickered with irritation. "I am not authorized to negotiate. If Islinda is unfit to travel, the King will send his own physician to assess her condition."

"That won’t be necessary," Aldric snapped, his patience wearing thin. "I’ll bring her to the palace myself. "