Chapter 19

Rika sat in Alric's office on the couch as he paced around the room, hands behind his back as he thought. Wolfe stood off to the side in his knight armour, waiting for orders.

"Kael is proving more problematic than I expected." Alric sighed. "I can't believe he'd have the gull to not only kiss you in front of the crowd that just accepted you as their saint while covered in blood, but to also break into your room right after that. He has no decency."

"I can throw him out if you want," Wolfe offered, itching to get rid of the nuisance.

"And possibly bring all of Aeuro's army to our doorstep."

"Are you sure? I'm not sure his father would care, and now that we have the saint back, they should back off."

"But we haven't had the barrier restored." Alric glanced at Rika. "While it doesn't keep people out, the previous saints put up barriers to stop demons from entering the city, which also seemed to hold back Aeuro."

Are they part demon? Kael does have those deep red eyes... and suggested his own people might control monsters. "Wait, does that mean I'd have to stay to keep the barrier up? Once I learn how to do it," Rika asked.

"Based on our research, no. It's more like activating a relic that will link to the crest underneath the city that will raise the barrier for years to come."

"I see." Good for me, I guess.

"Ferran will assist you with the ritual."

"He seems to know a lot about all of this."

"There's a reason that despite his young age, he's a magic master. He has studied every form of magic he could find, and even everything about previous saints."

"He's seriously dedicated."

"Always has been." Alric smiled, a hint of pride in his eyes for a friend he grew up with. "He was seen as a magic genius at a young age and ended up under the palace's tutelage. Part of his studies were right alongside mine."

"Do you know magic, too?"

"Some, but not enough to be a mage."

"Much like myself, His Highness is apt in swordplay," Wolfe said.

"And yet I could never beat him." Alric patted Wolfe's shoulder. "I also grew up with Wolfe and spared with him more than anyone else."

"Don't sell yourself short, Your Highness; you're only second to me in this city."

"Forever second," Alric said with a laugh.

"Don't take it too hard, Your Highness. You excel at a variety of things."

"No need to stroke my ego, Wolfe; I'm fine." Alric sighed and turned to Rika. "I'm sorry things have turned out this way. It seems none of our precautions have worked against him. It's not like I can have someone beside you at all times."

"If you ask it of me, I shall sleep on the floor of her room to fend off Kael or anyone that might enter unwanted," Wolfe said.

"That'd be a bit much," Rika said immediately. Like a dog protecting its owner.

"I agree with Rika; that's one step too far."

"Then what do you suggest?" Wolfe asked, arms crossed, mouth in a firm line.

"Celeste might be a better option to stay with her at night—"

"That's asking too much from her," Rika stated. "And I wouldn't want to put her at risk." I'm not sure she could do much against Kael. I'm not sure if anyone can, since he has strong sleep magic. Or if that doesn't work, he might do something worse. He probably wouldn't hurt me, but I can't say the same for her.

"Celeste can handle herself," Wolfe assured her.

"This is Kael we're talking about, not some random burglar. Adding her to my room would only add someone else in danger, and I don't accept that."

Wolfe's jaw tightened. "You don't want her or me in there; does that mean you're okay with him breaking into your bedroom?"

"Of course not! But I don't want to put her at risk, and I'm not comfortable..." Rika trailed off, staring up at Wolfe. "Having a man sleep in my room. Not that I actually think you'd do anything to me."

"An absurd notion. I'm offended you'd even suggest it."

"But I didn't!" Rika threw her hands in the air. "I suggested you wouldn't do anything to me."

"Wolfe, don't tease her like that," Alric said, smirking. "You normally would've said it's inappropriate in the first place."

"Maybe we should teach her to defend herself both with and without magic," Wolfe suggested.

"How about you give me time with her... and I won't have to sneak in," Kael suggested from the other side of the door.

"He's listening in?" Rika asked.

"Seems the Aeuroean Prince has taken it upon himself to wander the palace, again." Alric opened the door. "I thought we talked about your behaviour."

"We did, and I suggested I needed time with her."

"And I said no."

"Tsk, tsk." Kael wiggled his finger at Alric. "That's no way to treat me, especially after I helped with the demons the other day. Besides, shouldn't you give her the option first?" Kael pushed past Alric and dropped onto the couch beside Rika, casually draping an arm along the backrest, ignoring Wolfe's death glare.

"Just say the word," Wolfe mumbled, fists clenched.

"Stand down." Alric patted his shoulder and sat on Rika's other side.

What in the world is going on? Rika tensed. Why are they sitting so close? This is an otome, so who knows what might happen? Maybe I should fake faint right now, and they'll leave me to sleep.

"You are not to be alone with her," Alric said.

"Or what?" Kael smirked. "Are the pretty boy and his dog going to attack me?"

Alric clenched his fists, wishing he could throw Kael in the dungeon, but trying to get him for breaking and entering would be hard. Never mind how Aeuro would respond. "Maybe it's time we escorted you out of the city. The welcoming ceremony is over."

"Is it? I thought the festival was still going, and I was wondering if the little bunny would like to join me out in town." Kael smiled at her and gently touched her cheek with his finger—only for Alric to grab his hand. "I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in handholding with men, even if you are handsome."

"Tch." Alric flung Kael's hand away, and Wolfe stepped forward, muscles tense.

"By the way, I was also thinking of sticking around for a while longer. You mentioned making a deal with Aeuro when we talked, and I'd like to continue with that."

"You can't have Rika."

"That should be up to her."

Rika stared into his red eyes up close. "Hard pass."

"Oh, ouch. You wound me." Kael clutched his chest in mock heartbreak and pouted.

"I need air. This otome is crazy," Rika mumbled, rushing to the door.

Alric looked at Wolfe and nudged his head, telling him to follow. Wolfe nodded and followed her.

Kael's eyes widened as he froze. "Wait, did you just say otome?" He stood, but Alric dragged him back down to the couch.

"I thought you wanted to continue our talks?"

"But she... Tsk. Fine, but even if you don't want to give her to me, I want enough time with her to win her over."

"Why are you insistent on this?"

"How about we go with love at first sight?" Kael winked at him.

This is insane. Rika fanned herself as she wandered the hall. So up close and personal. Exhilarating and terrifying all at once. I never know what Kael is going to do. She exhaled and stopped mid-step. "Wait, where am I?"

"I suppose I can't fault you for not knowing the whole palace yet."

Rika jumped and turned to Wolfe. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be keeping an eye on Kael? Protecting Alric?" How did he follow me without me noticing?

"I followed you out to protect you. Alric will be fine."

"Even if he's hanging out with that lunatic? What if he attacks him? Poisons him? I'm not sure they should be alone together."

"But I know for certain that you shouldn't be alone. Especially after wandering down a random corridor in the palace. At first, I thought you were going somewhere, but I suppose you weren't paying any attention. That's quite dangerous."

He has a point. She bit her lip and looked away from him, trying to figure out where she was.

"Don't worry. I'll lead you back."

"Back where? I don't know where to go right now, or what to do with my anxious energy."

"If you're not busy, maybe we should start your training. You'll still struggle with seasoned fighters, but it's better to know how to defend yourself in case I'm not there to protect you."

"I guess... Aren't there a lot of people around for the festival, though?"

Wolfe smirked. "They'll be too busy with the festival to notice you've slipped into the training grounds. All of them are on duty right now or sleeping before their night shift. It's free for us to use." He held out his hand.

"Okay." She reached for his hand, thinking he wanted to shake on it, but he grasped her hand and led her down the hall. Maybe he's making sure I don't wander off.

A screen popped up. 'New Quest: Learn to Defend Yourself.'

'Reward: Wolfe's Affection Up, Kael's Affection Up, Reputation Up.'

Wait, what? Why would Kael's affection go up from that?