KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.
Valencia opened her eyes gently, confused to find herself in bed instead of on the couch. She looked around and saw Kael chatting with his butler, Jayce, by the door. Kael crossed his arms and leaned on the door as he turned to glance at Valencia. She flinched and straightened her back, chill running in her spine.
"Okay… prepare the guest room for the royal guest then," Kael ordered coldly and irritably.
Jayce bowed and walked away as Kael closed the door. He headed to Valencia and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Did… something happen?"
"The Crown Prince has requested to visit… he wants to take a look at you," he answered honestly.
Valencia's eyes widened as she slid her fingers, but didn't close her hands.
"Why?" she squeaked.
Kael stared at her, glancing at her shaky hands. He reached for her hand and held it tightly.
"It doesn't matter why… but I do want to ask you something…" he said, then he paused. He leaned forward, nearly touching her skin. Her eyes widened as she held her breath, her heart fluttering. "Do you trust me?"
Her gaze softened after hearing the question, confusion clouding her face.
"Trust…?" she muttered.
He smiled and moved closer to her.
"I'm not asking you to give yourself to me… I'm asking you if you trust that I am able to protect you from anyone and anything…" he clarified. She clutched the blanket tightly as she frowned. "Unless you want… you can also give yourself to me since you are my guide."
Valencia instantly glared at him, puffing her lips. Kael snuck a peek at her face and burst into laughter. She punched his head, startling him. His eyes widened as he held his wounded head.
"Stop messing around…" she demanded.
Kael only chuckled. He caught her hand before she could pull away, pressing his cheek against it.
"I deserve a thank you for putting you to bed…" he teased, color blooming across his cheeks. She frowned and yanked her hand back. His voice softened. "It's not good to sleep while sitting… your neck could get injured."
He grabbed her neck, massaging it. She gasped, holding her shoulders up. He smiled as he continued because she didn't slap his hand away. Her gaze moved to him as he stared at her.
"Do you trust me?" he repeated.
Her heart skipped a beat before racing rapidly. An ache tickled her chest as she bit her lower lip. Do I trust you? Should I?
"I… I do," she answered hesitantly.
His smile grew as he patted her head.
"Get dressed. He's arriving soon… if you're uncomfortable, then let me know. I will allow you to step out," Kael explained to her.
She nodded slowly as her gaze remained unfazed. He stood and walked out of the room before a maid entered.
"Hello, Miss Elyane. My name is Tulsie. I'll be serving you from now on," the maid, Tulsie, said, bowing.
Valencia looked at her and got out of bed.
"Hello, Tulsie. Just call me Valencia. No need to be formal… Lord Kael had asked me to get ready—"
Tulsie gasped and panicked, waving her hands.
"I cannot call you that… I can only address you as Miss Elyane or Lady Valencia…" Tulsie replied, flushing with guilt.
Valencia chuckled and tilted her head.
"I'm no lady… Just call me Valencia when it's just us two," she stated firmly.
Tulsie beamed as she stared at Valencia's eyes, nodding excessively and bowing.
"I will, Miss… I mean, Valencia."
Tulsie helped bring Valencia her clothing to wear before Gerald arrived at the gate to Kael's driveway. Kael stood, waiting and taking a deep breath.
"Lord Kael…" a dark-skin man, with a deep voice and navy blue hair with nearly-white eyes, called, lowering his head.
"How is she?" Kael asked quietly.
The man leaned closer to his ear.
"The maid helped her without any ill intention… and Miss Elyane is comfortable around her," the man answered.
Kael smiled and peeked at the corner of his eye.
"Good. Make sure no outsiders will bring harm to her… if anything, you will protect her when I'm not around, Detri," he commanded.
"Yes…" the man, Detri, responded. Then he paused and looked at Kael.
"Is there anything else you want to ask?"
"Yes, there is… when will you return as commander?" Detri asked.
The question weighed heavily in Kael's mind. He laughed it off.
"Detri, you're the commander now… I am enjoying the freedom that I have now," he chimed.
Detri frowned upon hearing the response and left without a word. Kael turned his head to the carriage that stopped before him.
Soon, Gerald opened the door and stepped down from the carriage. He smirked at Kael once their eyes locked on. Barbielle walked down the step as well, behind Gerald. She smiled happily at the sight of Kael. She wagged her dress like she was the center of attention. Kael raised his arm across his chest and bowed.
"It's an honor for the Prince and Princess of the Galali Kingdom to visit my humble home," Kael greeted.
Gerald glanced at him before brushing past him. Gerald entered the mansion without acknowledging Kael. Barbielle pouted when she saw Gerald's misbehavior. She awkwardly bowed and reached for Kael's hand.
"Lord Kael—"
He refused to touch her and stretched his arm, stepping aside.
"This way, Princess," he said.
Barbielle clenched her fists and grabbed her dress as she stomped her way inside after Gerald. Kael followed them as Jayce guided them to the guest room.
"This way, Your Highness," Jayce instructed.
Gerald stopped and scoffed.
"I didn't come here to be a guest… I came here to check on something that piqued my curiosity," he declared.
Kael groaned silently as he walked in front of Gerald.
"If you're not a guest, then leave… I've been living my life quietly for over eight years…" Kael argued. Then his eyes hollowed. "What makes you so interested in what goes on around my household?"
Gerald sneered as he took a step forward, leaning toward Kael's face.
"Quietly? You kept interfering whenever there was a disruption outside of the kingdom…" Gerald retorted. "How is that… quietly, Lord Kael?"
Kael chuckled a little, irritating Gerald.
"Prince Gerald… if that annoys you, then what should I do? I already surrendered my title as the Commander and became a nobody to live a quiet life."
"No…" Gerald shook his head. "Surrendering your title? That means nothing when you still dared to wave your power around and act like the mighty chosen one."
"Why? Are you upset that you don't have the aura, but I do?" Kael whispered, taunting.
Gerald tightened his jaw as his eyes' glare tried to pierce Kael.
"Are you mocking me?"
Kael laughed lightly and leaned closer.
"Back off… or else, don't expect me to be too kind."
"Kind?" Gerald scoffed. "I'm a prince… the next heir to the throne! And you… just a puny duke's heir!"
"At least, I get the support of the people," Kael added, fueling Gerald's anger.
Gerald grabbed Kael's collar, pulling him.
"How fucking dare you?!"
Valencia soon stepped in through the hallway and gasped. She bit her lower lip and stomped forward.
"Lord Kael!" she called loudly.
Kael and Gerald snapped out of their conversations and darted their glances at her. Gerald stared at her, mesmerized by her beauty. Kael hurried to her side and held her shoulders.
"You should stay inside for now," Kael ordered.
She pouted and looked at him.
"You asked me to trust you… so I stepped out, trusting that you'll be there for me. Now you're telling me to go back inside? Are you trying to cage me inside the room?" she retaliated, crossing her arms.
Kael paused, staring at her with confusion. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she felt eyes on her. All eyes. Then Kael burst out laughing and gently held her head.
"Okay. I was wrong. As long as you trust me."
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