Mated To The Cruel Prince-Chapter 878: Valerie Was Stronger

Islinda nervously settled into her seat in the arena, Issac sitting beside her. She couldn’t shake the unease that gnawed at her. Aldric had been convinced that the riot during the last death duel, the one where she had been attacked, was orchestrated by Queen Maeve.

Though there was no hard proof, Islinda believed him. If Queen Maeve had been ruthless enough to deliver Queen Nova into the hands of the dark Faeries, someone as inconsequential as her would be easy prey. She was nobody and could never even match Queen Nova’s strength or reputation.

Just like before, the arena was filled to the brim, buzzing with energy and anticipation. The crowds were even larger than last time, so much so that Faeries spilled out beyond the arena itself.

Screens powered by the Fae’s magic were erected to display the action for those who couldn’t find a seat. The excitement was palpable; everyone was eager to see how this death duel would end, given that the first fight had been interrupted by the riot.

The previous unresolved battle had left many Faeries unsatisfied, and it sparked debates across Astaria about who was the stronger between Prince Aldric and Prince Valerie.

Arguments turned into physical altercations, with Faeries of mostly winter and summer courts clashing over their favored prince. But what caught Islinda’s attention most was the growing support for Aldric.

His past trip to the Winter Court had won over many Winter Faeries, and they now spoke of him with admiration, praising his magnanimity. The Winter Faeries had begun to rally behind him, even defending him in these fights against the Summer Faeries, who were still loyal to Valerie.

King Oberon, having learned from the chaos of the previous duel, had taken steps to prevent another riot. No Winter Faerie was seated near a Summer Faerie; in fact, the courts were seated as far apart as possible. It was a precaution meant to ensure that the tension between the two groups didn’t erupt into violence again. The king would not allow his arena to descend into chaos again.

As usual, King Oberon took his seat, his presence commanding immediate attention. His royal knights flanked him on all sides, a formidable wall of protection.

His wives and children arrived next, taking their places in the exclusive royal box, which was elevated above the common crowd. All eyes in the arena followed their movements, and Islinda couldn’t help but feel a pang of nerves as the royals watched with the same regal detachment as before.

A heavy silence fell over the arena as the anticipation built for the fight. Islinda’s heart hammered in her chest. This was it. The duel was about to begin.

All the eyes in Astaria were on the arena, waiting to witness the outcome of the battle between Aldric and Valerie. The first match had ended in chaos, but this time, there would be no interruptions, no escape. Only one prince would emerge victorious. The other, dead.

Just like before, Valerie was the first to arrive, and a wave of cheers erupted from the crowd at the sight of their beloved prince. He had always been a favorite, but today, he seemed to command even more admiration.

Valerie had clearly taken a lesson or two from Aldric because, like his rival, he entered the arena on horseback, dressed only in pants, his muscular chest bare for all to see. His long, red hair, usually tied back in a neat ponytail, was now loose, flying wildly around his shoulders as the wind carried it.

In the past, such a display might have seemed effeminate, but Valerie had bulked up significantly over the last few months. The muscles that rippled across his torso coupled with the wildness of his hair made almost every female in the arena swoon for him. His transformation was undeniable, and the crowd readily ate it all up.

Islinda, however, was unmoved. She fixed Valerie with a hard, cold stare, her heart filled with disdain. Any sympathy or fondness she might have once harbored for him had vanished completely, replaced by nothing but disgust.

How had she been so blind to Valerie’s true nature? She cursed beneath her breath. But then again, maybe she owed the gods thanks for Aldric’s intervention. If it hadn’t been for Aldric kidnapping her, she might never have known Valerie’s true character until it was too late.

As if sensing her glare, Valerie’s gaze shifted toward her. Their eyes locked, and Islinda bristled as she saw a corner of his lips curve into a sinister grin. Her stomach twisted with unease. She swore she heard him whisper across the arena, "You’ll be mine."

The audacity of it sent a chill down her spine.

Then, without breaking eye contact, Valerie raised his hand toward the sky. A sudden eruption of heat surged from his palm, soaring into the sky in a fiery display.

The crowd gasped in awe as the intense flames shot upward, their heat so intense that those closest to him instinctively shrank away. But the majority of the audience erupted in wild cheers, captivated by the strength and precision of his magic.

"Holy shit," Issac leaned forward beside Islinda, his brows drawn together in concern. "Am I the only one, or did Prince Valerie’s magic just seem... stronger?"

Islinda couldn’t respond, her mouth dry and her heart pounding fiercely in her chest. She bit down on her lip, the metallic taste of blood grounding her as her mind raced.

Issac’s observation only confirmed what she had feared. If even he could sense that something was different about Valerie’s magic, then Valerie might actually have a real chance at defeating Aldric.

The thought unsettled her deeply. Her faith in Aldric’s strength had always been unshakable, but now, watching Valerie’s powerful display, the doubt began to creep in.

How had Valerie grown so much in such a short amount of time? Could he really have the power to take down Aldric? It seems this fight was going to be far more dangerous than she had thought.

And she didn’t like it one bit.