Valencia’s brows furrowed as she nudged his head off her shoulder. He raised his head and locked eyes with her. She frowned.
“Did someone crack yours? At least, I’m not lying to others that I’m fine. I actually enjoy my life in solitude,” Valencia declared.
Each word surprised Kael. He stared at her with amazement.
“Solitude?” he echoed. She nodded firmly. “So… you’re like an old grandma?”
Valencia choked on her response, pushing him away. She didn’t expect that. He collapsed to the side of the bed as he rolled around, cackling. Kael wiped his tears from joy and pointed at her.
“Seriously, though… are you insane?” Kael asked again.
Valencia glared at him as she huffed. Hold yourself together, Valencia… don’t lose your temper over a child’s word. She took a deep breath and forced a smile.
“If you have nothing else to talk to me about, then I would like to take my leave…” she bowed. “Thank you for your time, Young Duke.”
She twirled to the edge of the bed—
GRAB.
Kael yanked her back down onto the bed.
“I didn’t dismiss you yet…” he whispered.
She bit her lower lip. And why would I need your stupid permission to leave?!
“Okay…” she replied.
He smiled and leaned toward her face.
“What’s your name, Miss Elyane? Your full name?”
“Valencia… Elyane.”
Kael nodded.
“Where do you live now? It seems like you ran away from your old home,” Kael wondered.
Valencia averted her eyes, recalling that she had left the home outside of the kingdom shortly after meeting him. She sighed heavily.
“I have nowhere to go… I live in the slums.”
Kael jotted her answers in his head. Then he got up and walked to his desk. Valencia slowly got up and looked at him.
“I see… here’s a thing, Miss Valencia Elyane,” Kael started. Valencia walked closer to him. “I haven’t found a Guide in eight years. Matching anyone has been impossible…”
“Okay… and?”
“Every time there is a possible chance of a match, His Highness the Crown Prince usually interferes with the match’s personal life,” Kael explained.
Valencia stiffened up at the mere mention of a prince. Her jaw tightened as her gaze froze.
“Eh…”
“I want to make a proposal with you. Would you care to listen?”
Valencia gaped, caught somewhere between disbelief and judgment.
“A what?”
Kael giggled as he placed his arms on the table.
“Be my Guide and live with me under my protection. If you don’t, I don’t know if His Highness or anyone from the Royal Palace would stop bothering you.”
A shiver ran down her spine. The Royal Palace? They would come after me?! Her heart raced—not from fear alone, but from the inexplicable pull she felt toward him. She took a step back, uncertain… yet unable to look away.
Kael’s smile didn’t waver. He leaned back slightly, arms crossed, waiting patiently—as if he already knew her answer.
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