Chapter 40

“Are you trying to bring up Hazel again?” Kennard’s voice sliced through the air, edged with frustration.

Elena’s response came swift, her words carrying a hint of urgency. “Yes, I heard she’ll be back in the capital in ten days. Just until then, please.”

Kennard’s throat tightened uncomfortably. Elena’s insistence grated on him, her words feeling like venomous barbs. He couldn’t fathom why she persisted, especially when the mere thought of Hazel seemed utterly futile.

“No,” he declared firmly, feeling a pang of guilt as shadows darkened Elena’s once bright eyes. Her distress pricked at his conscience, leaving him torn.

“I can’t bear this any longer,” Elena murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “I want to jump.”

Kennard’s shock was palpable. “Jump? What do you mean?”

Elena’s hand gestured towards the terrace railing, and Kennard’s gaze followed, speechless.

“You must be out of your mind,” he exclaimed, his anger rising at her reckless suggestion. Elena flinched, her eyes squeezed shut in response.

Frustration surged within Kennard, but he swallowed it down, forcing himself to remain composed. He knew he couldn’t keep Elena confined, especially when he despised it more than anyone. Yet, fear gnawed at him, driving him to grasp onto control with trembling hands.

Kennard turned his head to dispel the memories passing in front of his eyes.

He looked down at Elena.

Her huddled figure, soaked in rain, was pitiful like a baby bird.

Every time he saw her frightened or struggling in front of him, anger surged within him.

Kennard sighed softly, his hand tenderly cradling Elena’s face. Her surprised gaze met his, and he watched the delicate flutter of her eyelashes around her clear eyes, a warmth stirring within him.

“I have a condition,” he began, his voice steady.

“A condition?” Elena echoed, a flicker of curiosity dancing across her features.

Kennard hesitated, sensing the flush creeping onto Elena’s cheeks. He wanted to retract his words, but seeing her reaction spurred him forward.

“When Hazel is around, you must remain in this room, whether I’m here or not, even during the night,” he explained, his tone firm yet tinged with regret.

Elena’s expression brightened, gratitude evident in her voice. “Yes, Your Gr—”

Kennard interrupted, his concern surfacing. “I’ll have knights stationed nearby whenever you’re with Hazel. It’s for your safety. I can’t have you sneaking off to the village.”

Elena’s eyes flickered momentarily, but she quickly masked any hint of disappointment with a cheerful response. “Thank you for your concern.”

Kennard felt a pang of irritation at her compliance. “If you hadn’t entertained thoughts of leaving the castle, I wouldn’t have to impose these restrictions.”

Understanding the underlying frustration in his words, Elena nodded meekly, bowing her head.

Unwilling to let her turn away, Kennard gently lifted her chin, his touch careful as if she were fragile.

“I don’t understand why you insist on spending time with her, knowing how she treats you. Wouldn’t you rather have my company?” 

Elena’s breath hitched as she met Kennard’s gaze, her cheeks flushing crimson with embarrassment. She struggled to find words, her discomfort evident.

“I… I can’t accept such an offer,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kennard noted her reaction with a mixture of amusement and understanding. He remembered the day she had approached him with a request. However, he saw no need to correct her misunderstanding.

“Still opposed to it?” he teased, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips as Elena avoided his gaze.

“Too bad,” Kennard remarked casually, his hand cupping Elena’s cheek before trailing down her neck. He felt her body tense beneath his touch as he wrapped his hand around her throat, his thumb gently caressing the sensitive skin.

Elena’s movements became rigid as Kennard brushed her hair aside and leaned closer. Despite her hesitation and attempt to retreat, his grip on her throat prevented any escape.

“I’ll be waiting for that day,” Kennard whispered, his lips grazing Elena’s ear. Her ear burned crimson, and he could hear her swallow nervously.

Suppressing a laugh, Kennard composed himself, his expression masking the amusement that bubbled within him. As he observed Elena’s flushed complexion, he couldn’t help but feel a complex mix of emotions.

Despite being a noble lady, Hazel had spoken casually about bearing his child to become the next emperor. The audacity of such words left Kennard taken aback. It was evident what kind of relationship would lead to such an outcome, yet the casualness with which she mentioned it astonished him. But there was something else on his mind.

“I want to hear those words from you.”

“What?” Elena’s wide-eyed surprise met his statement. “I wo-wouldn’t say such things first…”

Kennard realized Elena must have misunderstood, thinking he wished for her to make such advances first. He considered correcting her, but decided against it. Whether it was his genuine desire or her misunderstanding, his longing to make her his remained unchanged.

As he silently observed Elena, he pondered what her reaction would be if he were to kiss her flushed cheek. Just the slightest touch seemed to startle her like a rabbit, her body stiffening to the point of collapse. Even the gentlest caress of her flaming red hair made her fair skin blush deeper.

Kennard restrained his desires, having only gone as far as holding her hand or tenderly stroking her hair. Countless times, he had yearned to hold her longer, to touch her more intimately. Yet, he suppressed these urges, often compensating with a fiercer demeanor in Elena’s presence.

While Hazel imposed her unwanted presence upon him, Elena seemed only to wish for distance.

Kennard let out a heavy sigh, running his fingers roughly over his forehead. He noticed Elena flinch, and a pang of guilt washed over him. “It’s because of you, Elena,” he muttered through clenched teeth, holding back the urge to speak his mind.

His gaze wandered down to Elena’s exposed neck peeking out from beneath her cloak. Confined to the room, she wore only lightweight dresses that accentuated her collarbones. A trickle of water meandered along her slender neck, casting delicate shadows on her skin.

“Damn,” Kennard cursed under his breath, tearing his eyes away from the tantalizing sight. As much as he longed to hold her close, he knew he had to restrain himself. Taking advantage of her in her vulnerable state was out of the question. If he were to forcibly embrace her, she would undoubtedly try to escape the confines he had imposed upon her.

With a resigned sigh, Kennard retrieved a small box from his pocket and handed it to Elena. “Open it,” he instructed gently.

Elena accepted the box with a puzzled expression, her curiosity evident. Slowly, she lifted the lid, revealing its contents. Her eyes widened in awe as she beheld the tiny flute nestled inside, crafted from pure gold and adorned with small rubies.

“This is…” Elena began, her voice trailing off as she struggled to find the words.

Kennard watched her reaction with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension, silently urging her to continue.

Observing Elena’s captivated gaze fixed upon the flute, Kennard couldn’t help but let a small smile tug at the corners of his mouth. “It’s a royal flute,” he announced proudly, lifting the delicate chain crafted from pure gold that dangled from the instrument. With a gentle sway, the flute caught the sunlight streaming through the window, causing the rubies to gleam with a mesmerizing sparkle.

“A royal flute?” Elena echoed in surprise.

Kennard draped the chain around Elena’s neck, carefully arranging her hair to cascade over it like flowing waves between his fingers. Tempted by the silkiness of her hair, he reluctantly withdrew, giving her space.

“It appears extravagant, but it’s for your protection,” Kennard explained. “With this, you won’t have to venture outside the castle alone, nor will you be at risk of encountering the White Fox Tribe as before. Consider it a precautionary measure.” 

Elena’s fingers traced the intricate details of the flute, her touch reverent. “I had considered giving you a dagger for defense, but I thought this might suit you better, because I figured you’d use it on me.” Kennard admitted.

“I would never harm you, Your Highness,” Elena responded earnestly, her surprise evident as she glanced up at Kennard.

His heart clenched at the sudden pallor of her face, wondering if his words had been too presumptuous. However, he spoke honestly, harboring genuine concerns that continued isolation might lead her to desperate measures.

“Carry it with you always. If ever in danger, blow it to signal for aid,” Kennard instructed, his tone gentle yet firm.

Elena nodded in acknowledgment, her fingers still caressing the flute’s surface as she bowed her head. Unable to discern her thoughts, Kennard urged her to try blowing it.