Page 96 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
He tensed. “It doesn’t scare you?”
“Why would it? At no point in any of that did you ever say that you’d hurt me.”
A chuckle escaped his lips, one tinged with disbelief. “Most normal people would find it terrifying.”
“I guess I’m not a normal person, then.”I mean, he had been my choice of hero when I’d read the book, so…
He was silent for a moment, then slowly, a cold, bitter laugh trickled out of him and swept across my skin. “Carry on like that, and I might really get obsessed with you. Then what would you do?”
“I suppose I’d start collecting the heads of my enemies.”
“We can arrange that either way.”
“I’ll keep it under consideration.” I couldn’t help but smile even though this conversation was so ridiculous. “If story time is over, might you release me now? I want to sweettalk Chef Archer into baking me some cookies.”
“You just found out how jealous I can get, and your first move is to tell me you’re going to sweettalk another man? Perhaps I should tie you to one of the chairs in here to teach you a lesson.”
“Don’t be so ridiculous. The happily married fifty-two-year-old father-of-three Chef Archer only wants me for my compliments.”
“Don’t compliment other men when you don’t compliment me.”
“If I don’t get my cookies, I’m going to cry,” I protested. “Then I won’t be able to compliment anyone, much less you. And if you want to be complimented, do something worth being praised for.”
Kalon sighed, dropping his forehead to my shoulder. “No. This won’t do. I’m going to have to lock you up so nobody finds out how easily I give in to you.”
I grinned as he stepped away from me. “How interesting,” I replied, opening the door. “I always wondered what it would take to bring the great warlord Grand Duke Kalon Stein to his knees. Now I know.”
“You—”
“Thank you for your time!” I sang, closing the door behind me and grabbing Bella by the hand. “Quick, run!”
“M-my lady! What did you do to upset the Grand Duke?” she asked frantically, following me down the stairs.
I looked over my shoulder at her and grinned. “I think I found his weakness.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
The Lady’s Knight
My dearest Allie,
I’m so glad to have received your letter. You’ve been on my mind ever since we parted ways at the Velian Boutique that day, but I didn’t want to trouble you while you were settling in. I know the other ladies feel the same—we met this morning for tea, and they asked me to tell you how much they’re looking forward to seeing you in a few days.
I’m so happy to hear that you’re adjusting well and that the Grand Duke is treating you kindly! I admit I did have my reservations, especially after hearing your thoughts about the engagement, but I’m pleased to find out that my concerns have thus far been unfounded. Leon was, of course, rather upset when the discussion between our families was cancelled. I think he’d taken a liking to you. Alas, he will survive.
There isn’t much news to report here in the capital that you won’t hear after you arrive, but I did hear from my mother that Marchioness Vermillion and Lady Sophia are having some difficulties in their relationship. It appears that the marchioness has blamed the invitation scandal on Lady Sophia, although she’s not fooling anyone. Gossip spreads easily between the servants, and many of those at the Vermillion estate know the marchioness was the one handling all your letters, so the nobles all know this, too. The marquess has reportedly withdrawn Lady Sophia from high society and is making her retake lessons. According to my father, he’s also demanded that the marchioness cease her search for an engagement until he deems her education suitable.
All in all, the Vermillions are quite the hot topic recently, and many are eagerly anticipating the debut of yourself and the Grand Duke as a couple at the hunt. If this letter reaches you before you leave Stein, do let me know where you’ll be staying. I have a gift for you that will make our communication easier.
With love,
Vivi
I traced my fingers over her name and smiled.
Gosh, I missed my friends.
It seemed so cruel that I’d made such wonderful friends so soon before I’d had to leave the capital. Maybe it was because they were my first friends since I’d come to this world, but the ache I felt when I thought about them all was relentless.
