Aislin, Angelique hated that name. Not only she had the ever lonely and handsome Ice Elves Prince Ayduin under her spell, Darkmir was also giving her unnecessary attention. She was beautiful , powerful, ambitious and smart. Why can't she have that kind of attention?

It was bad that Darkmir being the darkness enjoyed living in a human world more than in mermaid land. He said it was fun to corrupt the gullible humans. Right now he had a mansion in the same place where the wretched girl lived.

But she was slightly relieved to see the girl angrily talking back to him at the hospital to where she followed him. She had no idea how powerful he was and he never tolerated anger. Not only she answered back but also nullified all his threats. This might make Darkmir furious and this pleased Angelique.

He even went ahead to make Ayduin's life hell which was simply unlucky. She did hear about dreams thing but couldn't quite get what she explained.

And now Darkmir had trusted her with the enormous task. She was honored to this for him. She had to subtly let it out how it is impossible for anyone 'without help' to escape that prison and sure that Ayduin would not confess about the girl, everyone will become suspicious of him.

And then the King in a desperate situation will form an alliance, alliance that will put her in a strong position. So this was the stretched plan when Darkmir had his minions attack mermaids before.Either she Ayduin will be declared a traitor and punished but the probable scenario would be marriage.

She flipped her hair back and a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. This would be fun since that will definitely break Aislin's heart.

****

"How did this happen? My son is a guardian and how come he was the only one taken, there had been an inside breach to let the guard down." King bellowed to the people in his court.

Every guardian and representative from five dimensions were gathered in Elm Lenora.

King was furious at what has come to pass and wanted to know the reason behind something so dangerous happening to a Prince. Ayduin, on the other hand, was embarrassed by this. No one needed to be reprimanded for his kidnapping. But he stood there next to his father gazing icily into nothingness and avoiding all gazes on him.

I bet you are embarrassed. Aislin voice of support was there to keep his emotions in check.

Well, my father has gathered a council to vent out his anger just because I was captured, everyone must be cursing me. Ayduin thought ruefully.

He was concerned and trust me parents get weird when they are worried. And I meant to ask, who is Mikayla? Aislin had been thinking about what general Branneth said about her being distraught when Ayduin was gone.

Automatically his eyes lifted in her direction who was also in the courtroom, her eyes still puffy and red.

Branneth's sister. He stated.

Aislin noticed that she was beautiful, really pretty. And her being this concerned for Ayduin bugged Aislin.

So you are close? Aislin fished out for information on her and what Ayduin thought.

Well, she lived with us since we were young and also she admires me. He said suddenly nervous about telling Aislin this.

Oh! She said filling the single word with sadness, bitterness and feigned nonchalance.

She is just a friend Aislin, no need to be so sour. Aren't we also friends? He tried to play the situation to his advantage.

But Aislin was more determined, Of course, we are.

Aislin sighed and smiled, she was clearly envious of Mikayla when she had no need to be but she was still stubborn.

"Ayduin do you hear this absurd matter?" His mother, the Queen shouted out breaking his flow of thought and conversation.

"Yes mother, my apologies I was thinking something," Ayduin said trying to hold back the smile.

The secret chatting and commenting on people around discreetly was fun. Ayduin was enjoying way too much with Aislin. Was this love?

"Angelique talks some nonsense so let us know son how you escaped?" Her mother said dangerously looking at the Mermaid guardian.

"Hermit here helped me," Ayduin said simply.

"Oh is that so Prince but as per Hermit's explanation. He just found out your location when some of your magical barriers somehow broke. How was that you walked out of a prison that no one can break, without any help?" Angelique said crossing her hands in front of her chest and gave a challenging look.

She is trying to taunt you, don't fall for her trick. Aislin said.

Again a smile touched his face for her worry and warning she thought he might not know being a prince of a kingdom. He had somehow learned to find something nice in her every word.

"And he smiles, the ice prince actually smiles," Reseda said sounding truly astonished.

He immediately corrected his emotions and brought the icy stare back. Everyone around looked at him as if something was wrong because even as a kid he never smiled. They were scared that the smile might mean something.

"Angelique I am that powerful, get over it. I don't need to explain how I walked out of there, you have no idea of my powers but I am intrigued that why a fellow guardian is not happy to see me alive and interrogating me instead." Ayduin suddenly turned the tables and a look of discomfort crossed Angelique's face.

Well done snowflake, I am proud. Aislin said.

And Ayduin had to hold back a laughter this time since she called him a snowflake and that she was proud of him. He converted it into a loud cough making people still suspicious of his behavior.

"I am tired, I have been through a trauma big enough. I need rest." Giving the lamest excuse Ayduin left the utterly boring courtroom.

But he was not that lucky.

"Son, stay. I have an announcement." His Father said rather sternly as if reluctant to make the announcement.

He glared at everyone for the inconvenience caused.

"The council has provided with a solution." Her mother offered in a gentle tone.

What was the big thing? Are they going to take away his guardian duty, that was fine by him?

What council? Aislin asked confused.

The five people you see cloaked in blood red velvet cloth is the council. We never see their face but everyone says they are the predictors, the ultimate advisors to the one who rules the realms. They are our dead ancestors with seering souls.

Ayduin waited anxiously for the verdict of the council, you cannot defy them, you never defy them. Bad things happened to you if you do. Not because they get vindictive but because the fate favors what they say and you can't defy fate.

They whispered among themselves and then presented a scroll to the King.

"I announce with much pleasure that for the sake of peace and decorum in the realms, my son, Ayduin, Heir of Elm Lenora shall marry Princess Angelique within sixty days," King said rather reluctantly.

A victorious and evil smile spread on Angelique's face, a shocked murmur through the crowd. It was putting Ayduin in treason and traitor circle, Angelique made it look as if Ayduin can' t escape, he had been sent as a spy. So that he could be put under permanent surveillance from two realms.

Ayduin couldn't register the fact and stood their shell shocked. But as soon as the crowd went silent to know the reaction of infamous short tempered prince Ayduin came to a realization.

Aislin was silent all this while but he knew she was there.

Suddenly the degree of temperature in the castle dropped down by a hundred. The ice shards starting erupting from the ground and some shrieked.

"AYDUIN!" King bellowed now standing up from his throne in panic.

Everything and everyone was freezing, turning into deathly blue.even the elves in the courtroom.

"Marriage, huh, marriage. Did someone ask me? MARRIAGE!" Ayduin was beyond angry now and everyone knew it was no controlling the ice prince now.

Everyone backed away, even the king and his dangerous looking guards. The only calm person around was Hermit, he observed Ayduin with an amused expression.

"Let me tell you clearly, very clearly everyone here, I am NOT getting married." He yelled out the words and as he left the now completely frozen chandelier over the room shattered to the ground as everyone screamed.

Ayduin, that was dramatic. Aislin finally said gathering up the courage.

It is your fault, at least you should know that. Ayduin said sighing all his energy swallowed up amount of rage he felt.

Aislin didn't have the slightest idea, she might cause a war among the realms.

***

Good news is next chapter will be up tomorrow :)

It is done I just need to proofread it.

And Can you love me is winning for bonus chapter? Decide faster since I will be writing your choice this weekend.