The Royal Palace

Valencia glared at Kael during their mealtime. He smiled as he ate.

“Am I that handsome for you to be staring at me?”

“Why am I the only one in pain while you look fresh?” she questioned.

[FLASHBACK]

CRACK.

“My back… it hurts,” she cried, planting her head on the bed. “It fucking hurts… why?!”

“What…?” Kael flustered.

The maids entered the room and looked at Valencia.

“Young Master… Young Lady…”

Kael cleared his throat.

“Yes…?”

“Are you okay, M’ lady?” Tulsie asked, rushing to Valencia’s side.

“My back…”

Tulsie looked around her to check for anything amiss. Then… the other maid grabbed the blanket on the couch.

“It has a blood stain on it… so make sure to clean that…” Kael ordered, blushing.

The maid widened her eyes and turned her gaze to Kael. Tulsie gasped and stared at Valencia.

“You two… bonded?!” Tulsie realized, covering her mouth.

Valencia furrowed her brows.

“What…? I mean, yes?”

Tulsie sighed and shook her head. Then she shot her glare at Kael. Kael flinched.

“How dare you go rough on a lady?! It’s her first time! Be gentle next time, Young Duke!”

Kael’s eyes widened, blinking at Tulsie and becoming utterly speechless. Did she just… talk to me in a rude way? Her employer?!

[END OF FLASHBACK]

Valencia slammed her utensil down and crossed her arms.

“If I knew whatever we did last night could cause this, I would rather have you a mile away from me…” she grumbled.

Kael chuckled and placed his utensils down. Then he walked over to her side and caressed her cheek before grabbing her hair.

“I thought we both enjoyed it together…” he whispered.

Her cheeks quickly turned rosy. She shoved his hand away and pouted.

“Leave me alone… you have business with the Royal Family…”

“We. We have to attend together,” he corrected, smiling.

The word choked in her throat. Her gaze slowly moved to lock with his eyes.

“W-What? Me too?” she asked, digging her nails into her thumb.

“Yes… but I’ll be beside you, so don’t worry,” he reassured her. He placed down a cup of pills. “These are contraceptive pills. I believe I may have…”

He scratched the back of his neck and stopped talking. She took a deep breath, grabbing it. She swallowed the pills and drank water.

“By the way… do you know what they’re up to?” she asked curiously, concerned.

Kael held his breath as he turned around and placed his hands on the table. Then he exhaled slowly.

“I can guess… but I’m ninety-nine percent sure that they will try to take you away from me.”

Valencia’s hands trembled underneath the table. Her jaws tightened.

“But…”

“Don’t worry… to my surprise, you were already a step ahead, Valencia,” he said warmly. Then he reached down the table and grabbed one of her hands. Her heart soon stabilized as she glanced at their hands entwined. “I’ll protect you at all costs.”

He whispered before pulling her hand and kissing her knuckles. He slyly smiled at her.

“What’s the one-percent certainty that they will ask of us?” Valencia wondered.

He chuckled as he placed the back of her hand on his cheek.

“That they’ll send me back into monster hunting… because I finally found a guide.”

Valencia pouted sadly.

“I’m confused… aren’t they the reason why you didn’t have a guide?”

Kael paused and locked eyes with her. A smile curved slowly in his face.

“Do you care about me?” he pried.

Her face scowled instantly as she pushed his face away.

“Never mind. I see why…”