Solace in Trust (2)

“If you would like, I can lead you there right now. It’s ready,” Detri stated.

“Oh… yes, please,” Valencia replied.

Then Valencia followed Detri to the garden, but a bit further. They walked through the forest and into a small cabin. Her eyes widened.

“This was always here when His Grace was nine years old. No one comes here but His Grace. He showed me this yesterday to tell me to show you it today,” Detri added.

“But… how? We were…”

“He never slept after leaving your room last night. He came here with me and cleaned most of the things inside. He told me to show it to you when you wake up.”

Valencia bit her lower lip. Was I a bit too harsh on him? She faintly smiled.

“Thanks, Detri…”

“He also said that you wanted peace. So whenever you walk inside, the cabin disappears until you walk out. No one will know that this place exists or that you’re inside. If someone does manage to open the door while you’re in there, then that means someone has broken the spell, and you must flee.”

Valencia nodded, hiding her lips as her chest tightened. Maybe… I was a bit too rough on him. I was hiding a lot from him at the beginning, too. She frowned.

“Is he… okay?” she wondered.

Detri paused, staring at her. His eyes blinked a few times, his mind pondering.

“Yes. He’s fine. I don’t think there could be anything wrong with His Grace.” He wasn’t sure how to answer.

Valencia took a deep breath. She looked at the cabin before walking away with Detri, returning to the dukedom.

As time flew by, closer to the second meal of the day, Kael returned to the dukedom. He dismounted from his horse, removing his cape as he strode inside. He threw his cape to Detri.

“How is she?” Kael asked.

“Huh?” Detri froze. Then he awkwardly averted his eyes. “Oh… she’s waiting for you?”

“Waiting?” Kael stopped, turning to Detri. He looked confused. Kael frowned. “Are you unable to read your master?”

“What—?”

“She’s waiting for you…” Tulsie appeared from the stairs.

Kael beamed, turning to her.

“She is?” Kael gulped. Really? She’s been waiting for me?

He hurried up the stairs, running to her room. He opened the doors.

“Valencia?” he called, searching until his eyes landed on her, sleeping by the balcony. He smiled and marched toward her, grabbing a blanket on the way. He stepped through the balcony door and stared at her sleeping face. He quietly placed the blanket over her.

“Tulsie… is he back?” Valencia asked, her eyes barely opening. She pushed herself up before her vision cleared. She looked up—blushing. “Kael?”

“Did I make you wait?” he asked, his heart stammering.

She averted her gaze and nodded.

“Yes… what did he say?” she wondered.

He chuckled, bending a knee before her. He grabbed her hands and kissed her knuckles.

“Do you really think I would care if he says no?” he teased lightly. Valencia’s eyes moved to stare at his golden eyes. She smiled, shaking her head. “Did you see the place that I set up for you?”

“Yes… I did. Thank you,” she replied.

“That’s good. It’s not too far and not too close. So, treat it like your home outside of the gate.”

Valencia gulped, remembering the home she had left before running through the slums. Her broken smile lingered as she nodded.

“Yes… thank you.”

Kael took a deep breath before stretching his arm to hug her.

“I’ll protect you… from the Royal Family. From whomever you’re afraid of… even the Demon King if there will be one.”

Valencia clutched his shirt tightly, staring into nothingness. Demon King? He’s not dead… he will come back. Until then, I need to be ready… I need to learn what my father learned. She tightened her jaw as a tear welled up at the corner of her eye.

Valencia shared the night with Kael after their dinner. However, she couldn’t close her eyes. Her gaze lingered on his chest, her mind roaming through different questions and answers.

“Don’t worry. You need your rest…” Vrastos said in her mind.

She clenched her fist against Kael’s chest.

“How much did I use?” she asked.

Vrastos sighed heavily.

“Since you’re only learning, your aura has depleted a lot… once you manage well, you won’t be using that much. So don’t rush yourself, little vessel,” Vrastos explained. “Rest. You need it more than anything right now.”

Valencia smiled faintly and nodded.

“Goodnight.”

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