Mated To The Cruel Prince-Chapter 876: Goodluck Kiss

Returning back to the arena didn’t sit right with Islinda. Although Aldric had won the previous death duel, watching him being beaten by Valerie was not the best feeling. freewebnoveℓ.com

Unfortunately, she was about to relieve the horrible feeling again.

Islinda didn’t take her seat in the arena immediately, she followed Aldric into the back room and into his dressing room. This was the spot where Aldric would stay until he was summoned into the arena.

The dressing room was modest yet functional, designed with the bare essentials. The walls were a dull gray stone, cold to the touch, and unadorned except for a few hooks holding armor and weapons.

A large, weathered wooden bench sat in the center of the room, scattered with armor pieces, bandages, and a flask of water. In the corner, a metal rack held Aldric’s weapon, his infamous double-edged paragon spear, its sharp edges gleaming menacingly under the light.

A small washbasin in the corner held clear water, its surface rippling with the subtle drafts that swept through the space. Above it, a cracked mirror hung crookedly on the wall, reflecting Aldric’s stern face as he prepared for battle. The room smelled faintly of sweat and leather, the scent of other fighters who had passed through before.

There was an oppressive stillness here, compared to the chaos waiting beyond the doors. Everything reminded her this match was real and her heart tightened painfully.

Aldric broke the silence. "Are you sure you want to stay here?" His voice was soft but laced with concern, his eyes watching her as she took in the bleak surroundings.

"Why?" Islinda quipped, turning to him with a teasing smile. "Do you have another woman you plan to sneak in while I’m away?"

Aldric smirked, crossing his arms over his chest. "That sounds tempting. However, I have a mate who has a demon living inside her. I fear what would become of my fate if she catches me cheating."

The joke about Azula, the demon that shared her body, shouldn’t have been funny, but Islinda burst into laughter nonetheless. The absurdity of the situation, the gallows humor, lightened the mood momentarily.

"You’re right," she chuckled, wiping her eyes. "Cheat on me, and you’ll find out the rage of a pregnant mate and a vengeful Azula."

Aldric grinned at her before suddenly grabbing her by the waist. Without warning, he twirled her around in the air. Islinda squealed, her laughter turning into a mock demand as she flailed. "Put me down, you brute!"

Eventually, he set her back on her feet, and she collapsed into his arms, still laughing, burying her face against his chest. She punched his arm lightly and shook her head. "You are an asshole, you know that?" she said, breathless but smiling.

Aldric looked down at her with soft, adoring eyes. "I’m your asshole," he replied, his voice full of affection. "And I would never wish for any other woman than you."

He leaned in and kissed her, his lips warm and soft against hers. They kissed for what felt like an eternity, a tender moment that made them forget about the looming duel and the harsh reality that awaited them outside the room. When they finally pulled apart to catch their breath, Aldric grinned down at her.

"Come on, help me warm up," he said, taking her hand and leading her to a small mat in the corner.

Islinda knelt beside him, holding his feet as Aldric started his warm-up with a set of push-ups. Each time he pushed himself up, he would sneak a kiss before lowering himself back down, making her giggle. The small gestures of affection made her forget, if only for a moment, the severity of what he was preparing for.

Islinda’s eyes wandered to his body, marveling at the way his muscles flexed with every movement, the runes etched across his skin glowing faintly in the light.

Despite their earlier intimacy that morning, the sight of his raw strength stirred something in her, and a familiar heat began to pool inside her.

She bit her lip, her thoughts wandering to how easily she could straddle him right now. The urge was overwhelming, her body craving him once again.

Aldric must have sensed it because he smirked mid-push-up, his eyes catching hers. "Get your mind out of the gutter, little mate. That’s not happening," he teased, not missing a beat.

Islinda growled in irritation, her cheeks flushed. She knew this sudden surge of lust wasn’t entirely her own doing—Azula, was undoubtedly behind this. She was influencing her behavior.

"With that look in your eyes, I’m scared you’ll take me right here and now," Aldric teased, placing a hand dramatically over his chest, feigning fear.

He was messing with her, and she knew it. "Fine, suit yourself," she grumbled, pretending to be upset, though deep down, she knew he was right to focus on his preparations. He needed to warm up for the battle ahead, and she was distracting him.

Just as she started to rise from the mat, Aldric caught her by the face and kissed her again, this time with an intensity that took her breath away. She melted into him, her annoyance forgotten as their lips moved together in a deep, passionate kiss.

"Kiss for good luck," he murmured against her lips, kissing her again, this time slower, more deliberate, as if savoring the moment. The kiss was filled with emotion, heavy with the unspoken fear that this could be their last moment together. When they finally pulled apart, Islinda could feel the sting of unshed tears in her eyes.

"Don’t try anything that’ll make me kill you," she growled, her voice a mix of frustration and worry. "Make sure you win that battle, or I’ll hunt you down in the land of the dead. There will be no rest for you."

Aldric chuckled, brushing a thumb across her cheek. "That’s my girl. I wouldn’t expect anything less. Stay safe, Islinda."

He gave her one last peck on the lips before stepping back, so she could leave.