Total pages in book: 207
Estimated words: 196971 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 985(@200wpm)___ 788(@250wpm)___ 657(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 196971 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 985(@200wpm)___ 788(@250wpm)___ 657(@300wpm)
When it was time for them to part, farewells were exchanged warmly but briskly, none of them wanting to linger too long. Unlike almost every nation, there wasn’t a place in Chalys that a helicopter or plane could safely land. The only way to access the kingdom was by sea, thus making the port also the least secure area in the kingdom.
And with it still being the wee hours of the night, threats to the demon duke and his human heartkeeper could be carried out more easily.
Alexandru and Zari climbed into a carriage prepared in advance by Sangre’s royal family while Soleil and Ilie returned to his carriage. Inside, he took one look at her face and smiled knowingly. “You are worried about what the duke and the rest of the Galere thought of you?”
“It is but natural to be concerned, milord,” she said primly.
His smile widened. “And if I say they hated you?”
Soleil paled.
He said solemnly, “It was a joke, milady.”
“Oh!”
The vexed look she threw at him made Ilie laugh. It was his favorite look of hers, knowing that he was the only one who could see this side of Society’s prim and proper darling. He yanked her towards him, making her cry in protest even as she fell into his lap.
He kissed her hair, murmuring, “I just want you close. I actually found myself missing you the entire time you were apart from me.”
Her toes curled, but even so she mumbled against his neck, “You’re t-too good with words.”
“While you’re too good at ignoring everything I say,” he countered with a sigh.
Drawing back, she played with the button of his coat as she asked uncertainly, “So what did they say?”
He shook his head. “How can you even think there’s something to worry about? They all think I don’t deserve you, of course.”
“R-really?”
He rolled his eyes. “Are you like this with everyone or is it my word that you only automatically doubt?”
She said promptly, “Only yours, milord.”
“Minx.” He stole a kiss from her as punishment, but since it made her heart skip a beat, Soleil felt more like she had been rewarded than chastened.
“They also asked why I haven’t made you my heartkeeper yet.”
Her brows furrowed. “Would they know if we did complete the process?”
He nodded. “They’d feel it through our bond.”
Still playing with his button to avoid his gaze, she asked slowly, “And what did you say about that?”
“Not the truth, of course.” The grimace in his tone made her smile, but it didn’t quite make her unease disappear. She knew, sooner or later, she would have to tell him the truth, but the more time passed, the harder it felt for Soleil to open up.
If she told him about her curse, she knew he would insist that they complete the process right away. But she also knew if she saw in his gaze that he was doing it because he pitied her—-
She would never be able to do it.
Even if it was foolish and stupid, she just couldn’t do it.
For Soleil, it was all or nothing.
He either loved her...or he did not.
Ilie sensed the sudden change in his heartkeeper’s mood, saw the way her shoulders drooped ever so slightly, and asked right away, “What is it?” Her thoughts, he realized with a start, were also completely shielded from him at that moment, and Ilie’s frown deepened. “You’re hiding something from me.”
Her smile was forced when she looked up at him. “A lady must never be without secrets to maintain her mystery and allure, milord. Have you never heard of that?”
He wanted to demand an answer from her, but the carriage had already slowed down and Ilie knew Soleil would not forgive him if he insisted on a discussion now. That she cared for her work was more than evident, and right now Soleil’s first priority was her new student.
Climbing out of their respective carriages, the two couples met in front of the sprawling gates of Academie Nu Exista.
Zari peered doubtfully around her. “Where is the school?” Behind her was an open field, and in front of her were just...weeds. Rows upon rows of weeds, and none of them tall enough to hide anything as large as a school for people like her.
I do not like your tone when you describe yourself, pet, Alexandru murmured silkily in her mind.
Zari’s face didn’t change as she answered, I meant wannabe superheroes like me.
“I assure you that the school exists and it’s right in front of us,” Soleil said gently. “It’s only that your eyes haven’t been made to see it...yet.”
“But you all do?”
Ilie and Alexandru nodded.
“I s-see.” If the school couldn’t be seen, and she was inside of it, then—-
Having seconds thoughts?
Yes.
The hunter stiffened imperceptibly. It was completely unlike his pet to admit to any weakness. Turning to the other woman, he asked abruptly, “Is there any chance that I would be permitted to enter the school?”