Chapter 73
Kiara snapped at him again with a sour tone.
“So, exactly! The whole library is surrounded by magic. There’s not a single stray hair of an outsider to be seen. Compared to that, isn’t your life the one hanging by a thread? You said it yourself before. At this rate, it’s not me who should be careful, it should be you…”
“That’s right.”
Ael cut in while she was in the middle of her complaint, stopping Kiara’s words. His suddenly agreeable attitude made her narrow her eyes suspiciously as she stared at him.
“What do you mean ‘that’s right’? So does that mean I’m allowed to go outside?”
“Not outside… just to the library.”
Ael half-sat up from the bed and reached out his hand toward her. He couldn’t resist because Kiara’s chattering had been so cute all this time.
But ignoring his gesture to come closer, Kiara tilted her head in doubt.
“…When was it that you said I couldn’t go because it’s the library?”
“You said you were going to learn to read, right? So, did anyone just say, ‘Sure, come on in and learn’?”
Ael waved his hand again, calling her over, but Kiara only gave a reluctant nod instead of stepping closer.
Then with one corner of his mouth raised, Ael mischievously added while still holding out his hand:
“Since you can’t even tell the difference between ‘frigid’ and ‘rigid’… seems like you could use some lessons after all.”
Though it was said jokingly, going to the royal archives might not be such a bad idea after all.
Blaine, the king of Altnebra, treasured the archives deeply. If a stranger had entered that carefully guarded place, the whole palace would have been in upheaval by now.
But since it was still quiet, it meant one of two things: either Kiara hadn’t been caught sneaking into the archives yet, or…
‘…he might actually have a soft spot for the witch?’
Ael looked at Kiara with narrowed eyes. The former king had made a fuss about the political marriage, but deep down, Ael thought it was just a show to keep the witch from leaving Altnebra.
Or was it something else?
Unsure how to interpret his suspicious gaze, Kiara stammered a defense.
“I—I can talk, you know. I’m going to learn how to read and write.”
She snapped back coldly, but to Ael, she looked no more than a spoiled cat throwing a tantrum.
Seeing her like that, it was easy to understand why someone might like her.
Ah, well, now that things had come to this…
‘Maybe I can take advantage of this?’
Ael gave a faint smile.
He’d heard that if one could come and go in the archives, they could also enter the king’s private chambers.
If that were true, there would be no place in the palace out of his reach, so he could easily tolerate Kiara wandering around for a bit.
Of course, on the condition that she stayed as close to him as possible when they were together.
“Talk or write. Can you come here a bit?”
Feeling in a better mood, he called out to her somewhat tenderly, but Kiara hesitated and only looked at the hand Ael extended.
His sudden change to a gentle attitude made her uneasy. It felt like he had some hidden agenda.
And yet, here he was, calling her so kindly — it was impossible not to guess his intention.
After all, wasn’t the only thing they ever did together just… sleep together?
‘…Though Laine who fussed over me like I was some object to be taken or not taken, I’d rather be in his company.’
At least she could have a pleasant conversation with Laine.
Kiara bitterly spoke again.
“That’s why I asked.”
Ael raised his eyebrows, puzzled by what she suddenly said she’d asked about.
Instead of approaching him, Kiara’s voice, still low, came from where she stared out the window.
“If you’re not hurt… or sick… then I don’t want to do it today.”
“Don’t want to do it? Well…”
Ael frowned, about to ask what exactly she didn’t want to do, but stopped himself.
Damn it, does she think I’m some kind of lust-driven beast?
But honestly, it wasn’t her fault. He was the one who always lunged at her whenever he got the chance, and once they started, it never ended quickly. With a sigh, he lightly tapped the spot next to him on the bed.
“I’m not hurt or sick. I won’t do anything. So just come here.”
Discussion
0 CommentsNo comments yet.