Mated To The Cruel Prince-Chapter 784: The Real Fun Is About to Begin

The arena buzzed with energy, and every pair of eyes seemed to be fixated on Islinda. The overwhelming attention made her heart race, and a surge of anxiety washed over her.

This was the first time she’d ever been in the spotlight in such a massive gathering, and the pressure was almost suffocating. She clung to Andre’s arm, her fingers tight against his sleeve as she tried to ground herself.

Just when she thought it couldn’t get any worse, a group of pixies darted toward her, their tiny wings fluttering rapidly as they hovered in front of her face. Their voices were high-pitched and insistent as they demanded, "Smile! Beautiful human princess! Smile!"

Caught off guard, Islinda forced a large, nervous smile just as a blinding flash went off. She closed her eyes reflexively, feeling her pulse quicken. When she opened them again, she was greeted by the sight of her own face displayed on several enormous screens around the arena, each showing her awkward grin.

"You have got to be kidding me," Islinda muttered, her eyes wide in disbelief. Seeing her picture broadcasted in such a public manner was surreal, almost like a dream—or more accurately, a nightmare.

A loud cheer erupted from a certain section of the arena. Islinda glanced over and saw that the humans gathered there were the loudest of them all, chanting her name like a chorus. "Islinda! Islinda!"

The sound echoed across the stands, leaving her dumbfounded. Her lips parted in shock as she stared out at the crowd, not quite comprehending how she had become this popular.

"Wave and give them your brightest smile. They’ll love it, trust me," Andre whispered into her ear, still waving enthusiastically at his own fans, who were equally as boisterous.

Unsure but willing to follow his advice, Islinda gave a hesitant wave and forced another smile. To her surprise, the crowd cheered even louder, and a strange sense of exhilaration began to creep in. She felt herself start to relax, enjoying the attention despite her initial nerves. She had never understood the appeal of fame, but now, in this moment, she could see how intoxicating it could be. The energy of the crowd, the cheers, the adoration—it was hard not to get swept up in it.

"I didn’t know you were this popular," Islinda remarked, her gaze shifting to the screens where a live recording of her was now playing.

"I didn’t know you were this loved either," Andre quipped, his teasing smile making her blush.

"They’re probably only supporting me because I’m with you," Islinda said modestly.

Andre shook his head. "No, I don’t think so. You’re forgetting all the good work you did at Haven’s Reach, the human enclave in Astaria. You’ve earned their loyalty, Islinda."

The realization hit her then. The humans in the crowd were there for her, showing their support. She had fought for their rights in the kingdom, but she hadn’t expected this kind of admiration. She waved again, this time more sincerely, and they responded with even more enthusiasm.

But just as Islinda was beginning to enjoy the moment, her gaze inadvertently met Queen Maeve’s. The intensity of Maeve’s glare was so sharp, so filled with loathing, that it felt as though a dagger had been thrown directly at her.

Islinda felt her heart skip a beat, the shock so sudden that she stumbled in her long heels. She would have fallen if not for Andre, who quickly wrapped his arm around her waist, catching her just in time.

The crowd went wild at the gesture, their cheers reaching a deafening pitch. It was the kind of romantic moment that made them swoon, and the pixies, ever eager to capture the drama, replayed the scene over and over on the screens, driving the fans into a frenzy of excitement.

Islinda felt her face flush. This was getting out of hand. The cheers of the crowd were making her head spin, but she couldn’t ignore the disdainful looks from some of the more traditional faeries. They made their distaste for her presence clear, scrunching their noses in disgust. But their objections were drowned out by the overwhelming cheers that have taken over the arena.

Still reeling from the attention, Islinda held tight to Andre’s arm as they made their way towards King Oberon and Queen Maeve. Her steps felt heavy, and her grip was so tight her knuckles turned white. Couldn’t Andre see how much Queen Maeve despised her? But if he noticed, he gave no sign of it as they approached the ruling monarchs.

"Your Majesties," both Andre and Islinda said in unison, bowing their heads respectfully.

King Oberon nodded in acknowledgment, a smile playing on his lips. "Prince Andre, you’ve arrived. As always, you look quite dashing."

Andre smiled politely, his black attire matching the royal color of his father’s, however, with the same intricate embroidery pattern as Islinda’s dress. Islinda hadn’t thought much of the fact that their outfits matched, but now, she realized the implications. The fae entertainment network was subtly pairing them together, and the public seemed to be eating it up. The thought made Islinda uneasy, but she masked her discomfort with a smile.

"However," King Oberon continued, "your charm cannot compare to Islinda’s. She looks dazzling in that dress and could almost be mistaken for a fae. She effortlessly outshined everyone today, don’t you think so, my Queen?"

Islinda wished she could disappear. For a king who was supposed to support his wife, King Oberon seemed intent on fanning the flames of Maeve’s anger. And Islinda could see just how close to the edge Maeve was.

"Of course, Your Majesty. She even outshined the Queen. At this rate, she might even replace my position," Maeve said with a forced smile, though the tension in her voice was unmistakable.

Andre, ever the provocateur, added jovially, "Of course, she would take your place if she ends up marrying your son, Valerie—if he wins the death duel, of course."

A tense silence followed, particularly on Maeve’s part. Islinda could see the tick in her jaw, the barely restrained fury.

Desperate to diffuse the situation, Islinda playfully hit Andre on the shoulder. "What nonsense are you spitting? Valerie and I are not a couple." She gave him a pointed glare.

"But he is, considering he started this duel because of you. At this rate, congratulations are in order then," Andre teased, his tone light but his words heavy with implication.

Even King Oberon had to clear his throat, casting a glance at Maeve that seemed to say, ’That’s your son’s doing, alright.’

"I think we’d better settle down for the match now," Andre said with a mischievous smile, leading Islinda to the third set of seats, away from the king and queen but still close enough to observe both them and the duel.

As soon as they were seated, Islinda turned to Andre,"You must be out of your mind."

"Calm down, Islinda. It was just a little fun. Although," he added, his eyes gleaming with mischief, "the real fun is about to begin."