Mated To The Cruel Prince-Chapter 747: The One You Need

Hours before Islinda’s Arrival...

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Andre walked briskly through the corridors of the palace, his heart beating quickly. He had received a summon from his father, King Oberon, which was sudden and unexpected, especially given the recent strain in their relationship. Ever since the incident with Valerie and the soup swap, Oberon’s trust in him had noticeably waned. Even now, Andre knew to tread carefully with him.

His father had given him any punishment which was unnerving on its own part. He would have preferred the king giving him a harsh scolding or punishment and get over it, other than this silence — well, until now.

Andre arrived at the grand double doors of the king’s chamber and knocked, his heart beating faster than usual. A guard opened the door and ushered him inside.

King Oberon, looking dashing as usual, despite having lived several centuries and fought many wars, stood by the window, gazing out at the sprawling palace gardens, his hands clasped behind his back. The atmosphere was tense, charged with unspoken words.

"Father, you summoned me?" Andre’s voice was respectful, tinged with eagerness to prove himself.

Oberon turned slowly, his piercing eyes locking onto his son’s. "Yes, Andre. Come in."

Andre stepped into the room, the doors closing behind him with a soft thud. He felt the weight of the king’s scrutiny as he approached, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Sit," Oberon gestured to a chair near the window.

Andre obeyed, trying to maintain a calm exterior. "What is it you wish to discuss, Father?"

"I have a matter of great importance to discuss with you. Despite recent events, I believe you still have the potential to serve this kingdom well."

Andre’s heart lifted slightly at his father’s words. "Thank you, Father. I am eager to serve and regain your trust."

The king’s expression remained stern. "Islinda will be arriving at the palace soon."

"What?" Andre said, his calm facade nearly slipping at that announcement. He never saw that one coming. And to think that he had been planning to pay the said Islinda a visit only for his father to beat him to it.

Although at this point, Andre had no idea whether to be worried about his father’s sudden interest in Islinda. So far Islinda has made a good impression on King’ Oberon, but with the matters recently, Andre didn’t know what to think.

"That is quite a surprise." Andre said, trying to keep his tone bland and his expression neutral. He didn’t want to give away what he was thinking. Even as his father’s confidant, he deserved to keep some matters to himself.

Oberon said, "Her presence here is of significant consequence. Valerie has lost his mind and Aldric is blinded with power. I cannot tell what is going on in their minds. With the death duel around the corner, I want eyes on her. She’s the bone of contention in the first and you cannot tell what one is capable of until they’re driven to a corner.

I need you to ensure that her stay is smooth and without incident. She must feel welcomed and safe, but you must also be vigilant. We cannot afford any mishaps."

Andre nodded his head in understanding. "I will do my best, Father. I will make sure she is treated with the utmost respect and care."

Unknown to King Oberon, he had no idea how relieved his son was right now. Andre had thought his father was about to task him with getting rid of the human that had his sons wrapped around her fingers. While Andre was loyal to his father, Islinda was somewhat special to him and he couldn’t do anything to her.

"There is more,"King Oberon said, his eyes narrowing. "I need you to keep an eye on Queen Maeve, and Nirvana especially. The gods must have seen this coming and gave me reprieve by giving me your mother. But those two, they are and would never be up to no good. Their feelings towards Islinda are... complicated. I fear they may try to undermine her presence here. Report any suspicious behavior directly to me."

"I understand, Father. I will be discreet and thorough. I would keep an eye on Islinda and ensure nothing happens to her"

The king nodded, satisfied. "Good. Do not let me down, Andre. This is your chance to prove your loyalty and worth."

Andre bowed deeply. "I will not fail you, Father."

As Andre turned to leave, Oberon’s voice stopped him. "Are you friends with Islinda? Are you fond of her, just like your brothers?"

Andre froze, his heart nearly stopping at that moment. Where did that even come from?

The question caught him off guard, and he could feel the familiar Fae inability to lie constricting his thoughts.

He opened his mouth, stumbling over his words. "I... well, Father, it’s not quite like that... I mean, Islinda is... she’s..."

Oberon’s sharp gaze did not waver. Andre’s face grew hot, his cheeks flushing a deep crimson. "It’s just that... Islinda... she..."

The king’s eyes narrowed, his suspicion deepening. "You cannot lie to me, Andre. Speak the truth."

Andre swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his father’s scrutiny. "I... I do care about her, Father. She’s... special. But its not like my brothers. I mean... I cannot fight over her as well. That would drive you crazy. I mean Islinda is charming but

It’s more like... I want to protect her. Make sure she’s safe."

Oberon’s expression softened slightly, but the sternness remained. "It’s nice to know you think of the affairs unlike the others. And you’re right, I’ll run crazy at the thought of my trusted son also fighting for done woman. At this point, I can’t help but wonder if Islinda’s some demon that has charmed the lot of you." freeωebnovēl.c૦m

He continued," I am not against you falling in love, but your feelings for her could compromise your judgment. You must remain impartial and vigilant. Do not let your emotions cloud your duty."

Andre nodded, his face still burning with embarrassment. "I understand, Father. I will not let my feelings interfere in my work."

Although that already felt like a lie on Andre’s lips considering what he knew about Islinda.

Oberon studied him for a moment longer, then waved a hand dismissively. "Go, then. Remember what I said. Earn my trust, Andre. Every day."

Andre bowed and left the chamber, his heart pounding.

*********

Back at the present...

Andre took on the role of a host as he led Azula

down the palace halls, their footsteps echoing off the marble floors. Azula walked beside him, her eyes scanning the ornate decorations and high ceilings. The group of attendants followed them, their whispers hushed and respectful.

As they approached a grand set of doors, Andre turned to Azula. "The king will see you later," he informed her. "Your quarters are the same as your last visit"

The room fit for a queen.

Azula’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "I wasn’t told I’d be spending the night,"

Andre replied. "It’s best not to question the ways of the king. Also, his orders are not to be disobeyed either,"

Azula exchanged a look with Maxi, who had been trailing just behind them. They both knew Aldric would be furious when he found out they wouldn’t be returning today.

" Fine. I don’t have a choice anyway. "Azula muttered. So far she had been successful in her role of emulating Islinda.

Reaching the door to her quarters, Andre paused and gestured for her to enter. "Make yourself comfortable," he said. "The king will summon you when he’s ready."

As they entered the lavish room, Andre’s eyes fell on Maxi, Azula’s chaperone. "Your own separate room has been prepared," he began, addressing Maxi, "so you can rest comfortably."

Maxi quickly shook her head, saying before Azula could interfere. "Thank you, but I’d be more comfortable staying with Islinda."

Maxi wasn’t a fool to leave Azula all by herself. That was the purpose of coming in the first place. To keep an eye and make sure she doesn’t step out of line, endangering herself and Islinda.

Andre paused, considering her words before nodding. "Very well, if that’s what you prefer." He turned to both of them and said, "Rest up and make yourselves comfortable. The king will summon you when he’s ready."

With that, Andre exited the room, leaving Azula and Maxi alone. The door clicked shut, and the attendants busied themselves with final preparations before quietly exiting, leaving the two women in the opulent chamber.

Azula sank into one of the plush chairs, relaxing and relishing the sensation unlike Maxi who scanned the room as if assessing it for potential threats.

"Well, this is unexpected," Azula muttered, glancing at Maxi.

Maxi nodded. "We’ll have to stay on our toes. King Oberon is unpredictable and cunning — and you wonder where Aldric inherited such. Anyway, You did great so far. "

Azula smirked with pride, "I told you, I’m good at anything I put my mind into. Give it time and even you too would realize that you don’t need Islinda. I’ll be the one you all would ever want."