A New Kind of Warmth (2)

“They truly love you… as their only child,” she whispered.

He nodded, blushing.

“They do… to the point where they would even tell the Royal Family that I was dying soon…”

Valencia froze, repeating the words he said in her head. Why would any parents say that about their child? She looked up at him.

He pulled her face in for a kiss.

“Don’t worry… they just wanted to make sure the Royal Family wouldn’t feel intimidated by my presence. They don’t mean any harm,” Kael reassured her.

“But… why?”

“Do you remember when William told you that eight years ago… a guide of mine died?” Kael asked softly.

Her chest tightened.

“Yes…”

Kael laughed faintly, averting his gaze.

“Well, she… practically killed herself because she didn’t want to be my guide.”

[FLASHBACK - Eight Years Ago]

Kael flushed as he sat in the Royal Garden. His burning head throbbed.

“Are you alright?” a lady’s voice asked, grabbing Kael’s hand.

“I… I need to find my parents…” Kael said.

The lady gently placed her hand on Kael’s forehead. He flinched, darting his gaze to her face that was once blurred but cleared at the sight of her. Dark brown hair with hazel eyes.

“You have a fever…” she stated, her brow furrowing. “You need to see a priest.”

Kael held her hand as the burning sensation slowly cooled. She looked confused.

“I… feel a little bit better—”

“Lady Hydenna, is that you?” Gerald’s voice called.

The lady before Kael froze, blushing before she turned around.

“Your Highness…” she responded. She let go of Kael’s hand and rushed to his side. “What brings you here?”

“I was told that you would be visiting… but I didn’t,” he paused and glanced at Kael. “Expect such indecency with a duke’s son.”

Gerald grinned slyly. The lady, Hydenna, frowned, clutching her dress.

“You’re mistaken, Your Highness. There will be no one other than you that I wish to see…”

Gerald shoved her hand away and glared at Kael.

“What’s wrong, Young Duke?” he mocked.

Kael panted, trembling as he stood. He bowed before Gerald.

“Your Highness… I’m not feeling well and am searching for my parents. That’s all,” he explained.

Gerald scoffed, nodding.

“I see…”

“Kael, are you okay?” Nuredus asked from afar, noticing his irregular posture. Kael took a step forward, but everything failed. He collapsed before he could reach her. Nuredus ran to him. “Kael! What happened?!”

“Duchess Izekiah… I saw him walking like he was drunk—”

“My son doesn’t drink. What makes you think he will get drunk?” Nuredus questioned harshly.

Ezrael hurried to their side and looked at Kael.

“What…?” he placed his hand over Kael’s head, but pulled away instantly. “Ow! He’s burning… like literally a furnace. Is his power acting up?”

Lucentis arrived at the scene and looked at Kael. The priest, to his side, noticed Kael’s state and hurried to Kael’s side. The priest chanted his prayer to Athesia—then gasped.

“Oh, bless Athesia… You just had a small stabilizing moment, didn’t you?” the priest claimed.

Lady Hydenna shook her head in disbelief. Gerald gazed at her.

“I only checked if he was okay… I don’t know anything about guiding.”

Nuredus and Ezrael looked at her, then at the priest.

“What do you mean? She’s compatible?” Nuredus wondered.

The priest turned to her and reached out his hand. Hydenna gulped and took his hand. The priest pulled her down and placed her hand over Kael’s head. Kael’s breathing slowly steadied.

They all looked at her.

“You’re the best match for him so far,” the priest confirmed.

Hydenna pulled her hand away, firmly rejecting.

“No… I,” she paused and looked at Gerald. No… I wanted to be his Guide. “I can’t.”

“What? Why not?” Ezrael questioned.

Hydenna froze and stared at Kael’s body. She bit her lower lip, clenching her fists. Without a word, she stormed out of the garden.

The next day, news spread that Lady Hydenna had disappeared while Kael was in bed. Kael opened his eyes and tried to get out of bed. William aided him without an argument.

Kael walked to the forest near the palace, only to find Hydenna sobbing by the lake.

“Lady Hydenna?” Kael called.

She gasped and looked at him.

“Lord… I—”

“Everyone was looking for you—”

“William, stop… step back,” Kael ordered. William tightened his jaw and nodded. He glared at her before stepping away. “Are you okay?”

“Please… stop,” she begged.

“What do you mean—?”

Hydenna pulled a dagger… not just any dagger that a normal duke’s daughter could buy. A dagger that Gerald collected. She pointed at her neck and glared at Kael.

“I love Gerald, but he won’t accept me anymore because I’m compatible with you…” she said. Then she smiled faintly. “I would rather die than experience extreme pain for not accepting you as my Esper.”

“NO—!”

Blood splattered as she pierced the dagger deep… on her neck, leaving no chance to save her.

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