Page 85 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
Alicia looked at her hands. “But I have neither the ability to wield sword aura or divine power.”
“Mana manifests in strange ways, and any combination of those powers could show in your descendants. I’m not saying this to scare you, but merely to make you aware that the longer our engagement continues, the more persistent Eudocia will be in her pursual of you. She may fabricate situations to build distrust between us.”
She slowly raised her gaze to me. “But you’re a part of the Imperial Family. How do I know you aren’t using me for my bloodline?”
“You don’t.”
“That was bold.”
I shrugged. “I’m part of the Imperial Family by birth, but there’s little else tying me to them. If I were using you for your bloodline, don’t you think we’d be in the palace right now?”
She paused. “I suppose so.”
I held up a finger. “I agree to your request for a longer engagement based on these terms, but I won’t extend it again after these six months, Alicia. Six months is the autumn ball, and that’s more than adequate for you to fully understand your duties as Grand Duchess. We will be married as soon as we return from the autumn festivities in Sada.”
“Then we have an agreement.” She inclined her head in acknowledgment. “Thank you for indulging me, Your Highness.”
“Kalon.”
“What?”
I glared at her. “I thought you’d gotten over the ‘Your Highness’ thing.”
Alicia pressed her hands against her stomach. “Ah. Then… Thank you, Kalon.”
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Why was my heart beating like that?
Was it because it was the first time that she’d ever called me by name, despite our conversation about it being a few days ago?
My name had never sounded as sweet as it did from her lips.
I brought my fist to my mouth and coughed into it, turning my head to hide the warmth that was rising in my cheeks. “Think nothing of it.”
The carriage came to a stop, and Hayes opened the door. “Your Highness, Lady Aerwyna is waiting in your office for you.”
Alicia brightened. “Does that mean she has my magic stone?”
I fought back a gentle smile. “It should. Will you excuse me for not escorting you inside?”
“Of course.”
“Hayes, take care of Alicia.” I got out of the carriage before pausing to offer her my hand.
She set her smaller one in mine, accepting my assistance. “Thank you.” She smiled warmly at me. “Don’t worry about joining me for dinner tonight. Your meeting with Lady Aerwyna is more important.”
“Very well.” I kissed her hand. “I will see you soon.”
I released my grip on her and walked towards the castle, sweeping Ark up to my side as I did so. “Is this with regards to her initial letter to me?”
“Yes, Your Highness. She also brought the magic stones you requested.”
“Good. When we arrive, take them from her and have them sent to Chameur. One should be set in a bracelet or ring for Alicia and the other in a simple brooch for her lady-in-waiting,” I ordered. “They must be delivered before we leave for the hunting competition.”
“As you wish.” Ark stepped before me and opened the office door. “His Highness, the Grand Duke of Stein, has arrived.”
Aerwyna turned to me and bowed. “Your Highness.”
