Mated To The Cruel Prince-Chapter 751: Unexpected Guest

Just as Andre had predicted, King Oberon sent for them later that night. However, Maxi was like a mother hen, fussing over Azula and telling her what not to do while the servants dressed her for the meeting.

Unfortunately, Maxi’s constant chatter grated on Azula’s nerves. If it weren’t for Maxi’s importance to Prince Aldric and the endearing Issac, she might have entertained the thought of burning her to a crisp. But then, she couldn’t do that. Not in front of the servants anyway, and risk revealing what she was.

"Remember, don’t speak unless spoken to," Maxi fretted, adjusting a fold in Azula’s dress. "And please, for the love of all that is sacred, don’t make direct eye contact with King Oberon unless he addresses you directly."

Azula clenched her jaw, biting back a retort. She knew Maxi meant well, but the endless stream of warnings was pushing her patience to the limit. Even as daring as Azula was, she wasn’t suicidal.

Sure, she could fight Oberon if push comes to shove, but the Fae had years of battle experience and ability. Not to mention, he had the entire kingdom at his beck and call. Azula could fight one Fae, not thousands of them.

Moreover, what Aldric and the others don’t know was the fact that she was still recuperating. Islinda’s consciousness in this body has halved her powers and she wasn’t as strong as before. With years of being dormant and existing in the void, she might as well have gone past her prime. She could never engage the king in a fight, rather flee for her life.

"And keep your answers short and respectful," Maxi continued, oblivious to Azula’s growing irritation. "King Oberon has a keen sense for deceit, so be honest but careful."

"Fine." She said in a sing song, hinting at her growing annoyance.

Maxi ignored her tone, continuing to day, "And don’t forget to—"

"Maxi, enough," Azula snapped, unable to hold back her frustration any longer. "I get it. I’ll behave. Isn’t that the point of the whole deal?" She subtly pointed out the deal she had with Aldric.

Maxi blinked, taken aback by the sharpness in Azula’s voice, but she quickly recovered. "I’m just trying to make sure you understand what you’re going into."

"Crystal clear. Now stop bothering me, Mama." She teased her.

Maxi rolled her eyes, giving her the space she needed.

The servants finished their work, and Azula took one last look at herself in the mirror.

"You look perfect," Maxi pointed out.

Azula looked every bit the part of a noble guest, if not the very bit like Islinda. But inside she felt like a caged beast. This was not her style, however, it was not like she had a choice.

She followed Maxi out of the room and down the corridors of the palace. The walk to the throne room was quite tense with Maxi keeping a worried eye on her, while Azula kept her emotions tightly in check.

This was the moment they had been waiting for.

The palace was grand and imposing, every corner a reminder of King Oberon’s power. As they approached the grand hall, Azula could feel the eyes of the palace guards on them, their expressions unreadable. They stood so still they could easily be mistaken for statues.

They were the King’s inner guards and Azula could feel their intense gazes, scrutinizing every move they made incase they had intent to harm the king. It was quite unnerving.

The most nervous person was Maxi. She was well aware of Fae strong enough to see through glamors. She was playing a risky game here by daring to step into king Oberon’s palace with her identity as a dark Fae. It was like offering herself up like a piece of sacrifice.

Unfortunately, she was a soldier and this was her duty. She would not run away from danger when she had made up her mind to serve Prince Aldric to the end. If she perishes, then so be her fate. She would be sorry for leaving Issac for sure, but even he too understood what the job entailed. They were soldiers after all. Now, Maxi could only hope that the glamor holds or the king is too enamored with Azula to notice her.

When they reached the throne room, the doors swung open, revealing King Oberon seated on his throne, his piercing gaze fixed on them.

Damn, he really was expecting them.

King Oberon’s aura filled the room like a tangible weight pressing down on them.

Maxi bowed deeply, and Azula followed suit, her heart strangely pounding in her chest.

"Your Majesty," Azula began, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. "I am here."

King Oberon’s gaze shifted to Azula whom he assumed was Islinda, and she felt a shiver run down her spine.

"Islinda," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "Step forward."

Azula complied, stepping forward with as much grace as she could muster. She kept her eyes respectfully lowered, her mind racing with all the possible outcomes of this encounter.

King Oberon studied her for a long moment before speaking. "You look better than the last time we met. With my son Aldric’s reputation, I assumed that you would be dead by now, to be honest."

Azula’s throat felt dry, but she managed to respond. "I did think the same your majesty, but prince Aldric sure is full of surpises and seems to be as magnanimous as his father, the majesty, the king." She flattered.

From the corner Maxi was impressed with Azula’s ability to hold her own with the king. However, this was far from over and she still was concerned.

King Oberon’s eyes twinkled with a hint of amusement as he looked at Azula. "Your words are as sharp as your reputation, Islinda. Flattering and respectful, a rare combination."

Azula dipped her head in acknowledgement, a polite smile on her lips. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Please, have a seat," King Oberon gestured to a chair placed strategically beside the dais .

Azula obeyed, gracefully sitting down while Maxi stood beside her, trying to make herself as invisible as possible. Thankfully, Oberon’s attention was entirely on Azula; he had no interest in her chaperone.

Once Azula was seated, King Oberon leaned forward slightly, his gaze never leaving her. "I have ordered refreshments for us. I hope you don’t mind."

Though her belly was tight with tension, Azula kept her smile. "Not at all, Your Majesty."

With a nod from King Oberon, the grand doors swung open, and a line of servants entered the room, carrying trays of delicacies and beverages. They moved with practiced elegance, setting the table before Azula with an array of sumptuous treats.

The tension in the room was palpable. Maxi, standing to the side, looked ready to bolt at any moment, but she held her ground, knowing how crucial this moment was.

King Oberon watched Azula closely as she took a delicate sip from her goblet, masking her unease with practiced ease. "I trust the food is to your liking," he said, his voice smooth.

Azula nodded, setting the goblet down. "Yes, Your Majesty. It is quite exquisite."

King Oberon smiled, pleased. "Good. We have much to discuss, and I want you to be comfortable."

A lot of thoughts were running through Azula’s mind, but she maintained her calm demeanor. "I appreciate your hospitality, Your Majesty."

As the servants continued to serve, the knot in Azula’s belly remained. She knew that this was just the beginning and that the real test was yet to come. King Oberon’s eyes never left her movement, and Azula had to be at her best to navigate this treacherous meeting.

"Tell me, Islinda, about your life in the human realm. And how was your first encounter with my son, Aldric?" King Oberon asked all of a sudden.

The question caught Azula off guard. It felt invasive, prying into Islinda’s private life. Yet, this was the king, and she had no choice but to comply. She took a deep breath, preparing to respond, when the grand doors creaked open once more.

Before she even looked, Azula felt a chill down her spine. She knew instinctively that she would not like the newcomer. Her gaze met Queen Maeve’s, and the air in the room seemed to grow colder.

Queen Maeve was stunning, with an ethereal beauty that seemed almost unnatural. Her eyes, however, were as cold as ice as they locked onto Azula. The queen’s presence commanded attention, and the tension in the room thickened.

King Oberon straightened slightly on his throne, a strained smile on his lips.

"Ah, that was unexpected. But how kind of you to join you, my Queen." He said with thick sarcasm.

Maeve’s smile was equally polite, but there was a sharpness to it. "I couldn’t resist, my king. I was curious about our esteemed guest." Her eyes flickered to Azula, and the disdain in them was unmistakable.

Azula forced herself to remain composed, despite the icy stare. She dipped her head in a respectful nod. "Your Majesty."

Azula didn’t like her one bit.