They gasped and bowed.
“Our apologies—”
“No need. Rather, report these words to your lord,” Valencia said, brushing off her hand—
A hand grabbed hers. She twisted and turned to see Kael. The maidservants fell to their knees.
“L-Lord…” they whispered in unison.
“Are they badmouthing my guest?” Kael asked coldly. Valencia bit her lower lip and peeked at them. Their bodies shook.
“Badmouthing would be too grand for their words. They were speaking their minds, and I agree. You should bring Princess Barbielle to your bed,” Valencia repeated.
Kael tilted his chin, eyes glinting.
“Do I look like I would bring any lady to my bed?”
The maidservants covered their mouths, exchanging horrified looks.
“Wait—he really placed her on his bed?!”
Valencia nudged his hand away and set her hands on her hips.
“Yes. You overpowered me and dragged me to your bed. So it’s possible you did the same to others,” she declared.
His lips curved as he leaned closer.
“And does that matter?”
Valencia flushed and lowered her chin.
“Well, not really…” she murmured. I don’t fucking know—I just want you to leave me alone.
He chuckled, running a hand through her hair as he stared at it.
“If anything, I hope to hear your answer soon, Miss Elyane.”
Valencia glanced at his chest, swallowed, pushed him back a foot, and bowed.
“I’ll be heading out now, Young Duke.” She twirled and marched away.
Kael rubbed his chin and let out a short, amused sound.
“First— a lady who runs at the sight of me, and a lady who refuses to associate with me,” he murmured. He glanced at the maidservants who still kept their heads lowered. “Jayce.”
Butler Jayce entered and bowed.
“Yes, Lord Kael?”
“Ensure the maidservants understand their place. Rumors destroy more than reputations.”
They screamed and begged.
“Please spare us!”
Jayce nodded and signaled the knights. The women pleaded for forgiveness.
“Will do, Lord Kael.”
Kael returned to his room and sat, staring at his hand where Valencia’s had been. He smiled.
“Are you really an F-Guide? If so, how are you compatible with someone like me?” he wondered aloud.
Meanwhile, William walked Valencia back to the slums. She frowned.
“Hm, Sir—”
“Sir William,” he corrected.
“Sir William, you can leave. I can go back by myself.”
“No can do. Lord Kael asked me to make sure you arrive at your doorstep scratch-free.”
Valencia bit her lower lip.
“I’ll be fine. It’s not like anyone would come searching for me.”
William narrowed his eyes and scanned the slum street, then sighed.
“I’m sorry, Miss Elyane, but even I feel uneasy. I’ll escort you to your doorstep.”
Valencia nodded, forcing a smile, and continued to the small, isolated room she called home.
“It’s here…”
“Why did you move here?” William asked suddenly.
Valencia flinched.
“I… I prefer where my mother raised me,” she lied, averting her eyes.
“I see. I hope you consider the Lord’s deal…”
Valencia’s eyes widened.
“Why?”
William glanced at the ground.
“Although he can be annoying and arrogant, Lord Kael is actually suffering. When he first experienced his fever at twelve, he lay in bed for over a month. There was a possible Guide match—nearly eighty percent—”
“And what happened to her?” Valencia asked.
William clenched his fists.
“His Highness, the Crown Prince, had her kidnapped. All hell broke loose—the Guide’s aura went out of control, and she was killed.”
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