Placing someone so inexperienced to guard the heiress was almost criminal.
“I figured if we’re stationed together, you’ll have more time to teach me how to fight.”
I exhaled, returning my eyes back to Alina.
“Don’t worry. I won’t be in your way.”
I said nothing.
“Um, I still want to know when we can begin, because it’s been almost a week. Will you teach me some moves?”
“Sure.”
My eyes followed the graceful movements of Alina’sback. She had a shawl over her shoulders and the silk fabric was sliding down her arms to her elbows. With furrowed eyebrows, I watched Alina’s date take it from her and turn in our direction.
“Hey, you!” he called.
I crossed my arms over my chest, watching him approaching.
“Take this.” The kid extended his arm, looking directly at me.
I did not move a muscle.
“Did you not hear me?”
I glanced up, and finally caught Alina’s wide eyes as she witnessed our exchange.
“Sir... I will take it, sir.” Mayer squeaked beside me and took the shawl.
The kid from the gold clan wanted to say something else, but he quickly changed his mind and returned his attention to Alina.
“You don’t like him, do you?” Mayer asked.
I said nothing.
After the excruciatingly long outing was over, Mayer went to rest before the night watch and Alina returned to her room. I reclined in the chair and took out the book I was impatientto finish. It was getting darker, and after straining my eyes for several minutes I hailed a servant girl who was passing through the hall and asked for a light. Ten minutes later, she brought an additional oil lamp and placed it on a side table. I thanked her and she quickly moved away.
The clock just struck nine when I closed my book and stood to stretch my legs. After I worked out the stiffness, I went back to reading.
Half an hour later, a soft click came from Alina’s room. I raised my head to see her peeking out from behind the door.
“Mr. Kent?” she called in a soft, tentative voice.
I hated hearing that fake name on her lips. I hated the real Kent, whoever he was.
“Milady?”
“I was wondering if you could take me to the library?” She bit her lip, raising her eyes back to me.
I tossed my book onto the side table and stood up, never taking my eyes off her. Every time I saw her, I could not believe how someone could be so beautiful. Her hair was in a long, thick braid. Out of nowhere, I remembered how she used to weave wild, snow-white primroses into her hair. In the vision, her delicate hands gently held a freshly picked bouquet, and the smile she gave me when she looked at me, did something to my heart.
But, that was not everything that I loved about her. I also remembered her being brave, and even reckless, when she stepped off the cliff, just to prove to me that she could shift mid-flight. Then, when we argued, she kissed me to shut meup. The pull, the desire to be with her, was almost impossible to control.
I took a step closer, forcing myself to shake off the memory of her sweet lips on mine.
“Of course,” I said, placing my hand on the edge of the door.
It was as if she needed a push to leave the room. It had to be me who opened her door every time.
