Valencia Elyane

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.