A Binding Link

Panic surged through Valencia’s body.

Her unease about being seen by the Royal Family, whom she had tried to avoid her whole life, tightened around her.

She panted, forgetting that Kael was hugging her. He watched her silently, his brows creasing with concern.

“Valencia?” he called, snapping her back in his arms.

Her mouth opened as she looked at him.

“Yes?” she mumbled.

Kael reached for the hair at her face and slid it behind her ear. Then he cupped her cheek and pulled her in.

“Are you okay? Was he so ugly that you wanted me to stop him from visiting?” he teased.

Valencia’s mind cleared as his words repeated in her head. She chuckled and rested her head against his chest.

“Did I make it too obvious that I was afraid of him?”

Kael hugged her tightly and closed his eyes peacefully.

“Yes… and I need to make sure that you feel safe and secure with me around.”

Valencia blushed, realizing the warm hug from Kael made her heart flutter.

Soon, Kael sat in the carriage with Valencia, heading to the Academy’s Department of Apothecary. She glanced at Kael, who stared at her the entire time. He smiled, tilting his head with excitement while his arms were crossed.

“Well, hm…” Valencia paused.

Once the carriage stopped, Kael stepped out first and raised his hand for Valencia. She choked on her fear and stared at the hand.

“You won’t slap my hand like you did the first time, will you?” he asked lightly.

Valencia chuckled and took his hand, gripping it firmly.

“Since you’ve asked nicely, Lord Kael,” she responded.

He grinned happily as he helped her balance. Once she was on the ground, he bowed respectfully.

“After you, M’lady.”

Valencia headed into the tower, noticing pinkish-purple smoke drifting beneath the door. Kael followed closely and furrowed his brows as he drew near.

POOF.

A cough behind the door. The door creaked as Valencia pushed it open. Dame Lupis (Eldrich in his disguise as a professor in the Academy) slapped the smoke from her face.

“This is a stinky combination!” she muttered to herself.

Valencia stepped forward and knocked on the door.

“What is it? I’m quite busy right now!” Lupis called.

“Hm… Dame Lupis?” Valencia said.

Lupis snapped her head up and turned around.

“Miss Elyane!” she smiled. “What brings you here?”

Kael walked in after Valencia, startling Lupis. She stepped back and widened her eyes.

“Dame Lupis—”

“Why is he here, too?” Lupis whispered to Valencia.

Valencia chuckled, glancing at Kael before returning her gaze to Lupis.

“He knows… who you are and wanted to tag along,” Valencia stated.

Lupis groaned and raised her hand, snapping her fingers. Valencia, Kael, and Lupis magically appeared in the Magic Tower. Lupis waved her finger—

Transformed into Eldrich.

Eldrich sighed as a chair swooped toward him. He sat and crossed one leg over the other.

“What brings the Young Duke before me? I’m sure you have a lot of questions,” Eldrich said.

Kael smirked and bowed.

“It’s my pleasure to meet the Tower Master of all time,” Kael greeted warmly. Eldrich nodded as his magic served him tea. “I just want to understand a few things… one, why did you teleport Miss Elyane to my bedroom in the middle of the night?”

Eldrich coughed out his tea as he looked at Kael.

“Your bedroom? Was that the last place you two spoke?” Eldrich questioned Valencia.

She blushed and averted her eyes, nodding hesitantly.

“Yes…”

“Oh, my goodness gracious… my apologies to you, Miss Elyane. I should have remembered that the Young Duke was crazy.”

Valencia covered her lips, chuckling. Kael glanced at her, smiling.

“Who wouldn’t be for her?” he teased. She choked on her laugh and turned away.

“By the way, Tower Master Eldrich, is it possible that you get the papers ready so there would be no issue if anyone tries to reject our Esper and Guide contract?” Valencia asked, changing the subject.

Eldrich grinned and leaned back.