Mated To The Cruel Prince-Chapter 872: Baby Party

Islinda and Maxi sat down for breakfast at the long, elegant dining table, bathed in the soft morning light filtering through the high arched windows. The air was filled with the savory aroma of cooked meats, fruits, and freshly baked bread.

Despite her worries for Aldric, Islinda’s body reacted differently at the sight of the steaming bowl of meat placed in front of her. Her stomach growled loudly, and her mouth watered instantly.

She hadn’t expected to have an appetite, not with the weight of Aldric’s dangerous duel on her mind, but something primal took over the moment the aroma hit her nose.

Without thinking, Islinda dived in, grabbing pieces of meat and shoveling them into her mouth with alarming speed. The tenderness, the flavors—it was as if each bite unlocked an even deeper hunger she hadn’t realized was there. She tore through the bowl like she hadn’t eaten in days, her focus entirely on devouring every last morsel.

Maxi froze, fork suspended in the air, her eyes wide and her mouth slightly agape. She watched Islinda with an expression of utter disbelief, unable to tear her gaze away from the scene unfolding before her.

Islinda, so engrossed in her meal, didn’t notice Maxi’s stunned reaction at first. It wasn’t until she looked up, her mouth full of meat, and saw Maxi’s open-mouthed stare that she realized what she was doing. She paused, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She quickly swallowed and wiped her mouth, trying to compose herself.

"Oh gods..." she pushed the plate away. "I—I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me." Islinda’s embarrassment was palpable, and she ducked her head, trying to hide her flushed face behind her hair. "I don’t know why, but I’m so hungry. It’s like I haven’t eaten in a week. And it’s just the meat... it’s so delicious."

Maxi finally blinked, leaning back in her chair as she chuckled, the shock wearing off. "Well, it’s safe to say you’re enjoying breakfast more than I expected." She shook her head in mock disbelief, though there was a note of humor in her voice. "I think I might postpone my plans for getting pregnant if it makes me eat like that. If I can even get pregnant..."

Though Maxi had said it as a joke, her words became heavy in the air, pulling the moment into an uncomfortable silence.

Islinda softened, sensing the deeper concern hidden behind Maxi’s teasing remark. "Hey," she began, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Maxi’s. "I know it might be harder for some Fae to conceive, but if there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that you’ll be pregnant. I can feel it."

Maxi offered a faint smile, though her eyes still held a hint of worry. "You think?"

"I know," Islinda said firmly. "It might take some time, but it’ll happen. And when it does, that child will be as fierce and beautiful as you are. More over, I know Issac, anything he puts his mind into, he would do it."

Maxi squeezed her hand back, the tension easing from her shoulders as she let out a long breath. "Thanks, Islinda."

"You’re welcome," Islinda replied with a smile. "Now eat before I consume eveything on this table."

Maxi laughed at the joke and they eat in peace. However, it wasn’t until the afternoon that Islinda realized that Maxi had not been kidding about the baby party.

Islinda did not want the party. Something about the idea of a celebration made her feel uncomfortable especially knowing the duel was tomorrow. She should be thinking of ways to help Aldric — which was pretty much useless — or pray for him —more like drive herself mad with worry.

"That’s exactly why you need this, Islinda. If there’s ever a time to remind yourself that life is still worth celebrating, it’s now. Plus, it’s not every day the dark Fae prince’s mate is expecting. The staff are all excited—let them pamper you for once." Maxi tried to convince her.

Islinda realized then that perhaps she needed it, something to clear her mind from the suffocating tension of tomorrow’s battle.

Reluctantly, Islinda allowed herself to be pulled out of her room. As they walked down the hall, the sounds of laughter and chatter reached her ears, a welcome break from the eerie silence that had settled over the palace since they returned.

When she stepped in, Islinda was shocked at Maxi’s hardwork. The castle’s hall had been transformed into a vibrant space filled with ribbons, flowers, and colorful decorations. The air smelled of sweet pastries and fresh blooms.

There were long tables laden with food and drink, and at the center, a large throne-like chair had been placed for Islinda, draped in soft silks and surrounded by delicate gifts.

"By the gods, Maxi," Islinda was so overwhelmed that she hugged her so tight, she literally squeezed the life out of her lungs.

"Alright, that’s enough." Maxi broke away, "This is just the beginning and I wouldn’t want you going all emotional on me."

"I know, but I can’t help it. The gesture is so sweet." Islinda wiped the tears from her eyes. She swear she usually wasn’t this emotional.

"Oh come on." Maxi pulled her along.

The staff, mostly women — Aldric would kill any male that comes around her — had already gathered, each one holding a small, beautifully wrapped present.

There were giggles and whispers as they saw Islinda, their eyes bright with excitement. They came forward to greet her with respectful bows. The entire room exuded warmth and love, making Islinda’s heart swell with emotion.

Maxi nudged her gently. "See? I told you this would be good. Now go sit down and enjoy being spoiled."

As soon as Islinda took her seat, the festivities began. They played a lot of games like guessing the baby’s gender, speculating on the name, and even predicting which traits the child would inherit between her and Aldric.

The women laughed and cheered as they made their guesses, some saying they were certain the baby would have Aldric’s piercing eyes, while others joked that they hoped the child wouldn’t inherit his stubbornness.

Islinda, at first feeling awkward with all the attention, soon found herself swept up in the joyful atmosphere. Every few minutes, another gift was handed to her. It was a lot, baby clothes, soft blankets, tiny shoes, and handmade toys.

It was so much that Islinda wanted to return some. But Maxi quickly reminded her never reject a, Fae’s gift — it was considered rude and could attract curses.

Islinda sighed. She had no choice but to accept. At this rate, she wouldn’t even have to shop for her baby things. There was more than enough already.

Each present was more thoughtful than the last, and as Islinda opened them, she couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the kindness of these people, many of whom she had barely related with since coming into this castle as Aldric’s captive.

For the first time, Islinda realized that the Fae weren’t just always full of evil, they had light too. They could love and be kind. Just like humans.

At some point, one of the cooks brought out a towering cake shaped like a baby’s cradle, and everyone oohed and aahed at the sight of it.

As the festivities carried on, Islinda found herself forgetting, at least for a little while, about the death duel tomorrow and the fact that many things could go wrong.