"What is it?" I ask, confused at the sudden change in atmosphere. Aren't we practicing magic?
"Instead of practicing, are you trying to seduce me?" Calais asks, his fingers lingering too long on my neck.
I blush. "I am not!"
He is looking below my face, so I follow his gaze. I realize that I am drenched with water! My clothes are sticking to my body, giving him a glimpse of all my curves. Worse, my clothes have become see-through!
I turn my attention back to Calais. "This is not my fault! I am not trying to seduce you! You are the one who showered me with water!"
Noticing the rise in my voice, I calm myself down. There is no need to get so agitated by this. I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and look back at him.
"Why? Is my seduction working on you?" I ask, changing tactics to hide my embarrassment.
He leans his head and smiles. "Yes, it's working."
I gawk at him. Is this Lyrica's effect?
"Enough to marry me?" I ask, throwing his question back to him. Or maybe I am just enough to be enjoyed in his bed?
His hand goes to the back of my neck. I let him, but he is too close! Our bodies are only inches apart! I can even sense his breathing. He pulls me in, but instead of accepting the incoming kiss, I look away.
"What's wrong?" he asks.
I push at his chest. "Well, you see, it's still early. Maybe we can practice more magic?"
"This is the first time you rejected a kiss from me."
I snap my head back at him. Does he not know his effect on women?! "Ah, because…"
He lets me go, and somehow, when the warmth of his proximity is gone, I feel a rush of regret.
"Because your kisses confuse me," I say.
"In what way?"
"It's as if you like me, too."
He takes a deep breath. But instead of answering, he informs, "My vacation is about to end and I need to return to the palace."
"Until when?"
"In four days."
I grimace in disappointment. I am trying my best to keep him by my side, but it seems like it won't last long. He needs to return. So, whatever I've done to keep him before, ain't it all a waste?
"Then stay with me during these four remaining days," I blurt out.
He frowns.
"Stay in the Dunnett's guest room. We can practice magic every day. We can…"
"Today is the only day I will practice magic with you. You are too good at it that you might accidentally kill your practice mate."
I freeze. Of course. These remaining days, he will want to spend it with Eliana. It is for the better. Besides, I am planning to find out about Lyrica's slaves. If he's staying at the Dunnett's, that will be harder.
"Instead of me being a guest in your house. How about you visit mine instead?"
"Oh," I exclaim, surprised at his sudden invitation. "Visit your estate?"
"I'm the only one who lives there."
I flush, as an illusion comes to my head. I shake my head, trying to get rid of the image.
"What's on your mind?" he asks, smiling. "You know I can't touch you without marrying you."
He almost did, though. Last night when he was too heartbroken because of Eliana, we almost did it. I swallow hard and meet his eyes. "How will you be able to ask permission from my father for that? That will tarnish a woman's reputation." Especially in this society, I'd like to add.
"There is one way."
"Which is?"
"We can marry today."
My eyes open wide. A shotgun wedding?!
"Why are you so surprised? We are engaged."
Oh, he's right. I forgot about that, but still! "It's not that easy to prepare a wedding, we—"
He covers my mouth with his, cutting my sentence off. It is just a quick kiss, but it's enough to make me confused.
"We can write a promise to your father that we are going to marry once I return. Besides, I also need to ask permission from the King to marry you."
"Why do you need to ask permission? You said it yourself, we are already engaged."
"Because you are a Queen Selection participant, right?"
"Oh," I mutter, so that's what he needs permission to. I get it. Lyrica is their best candidate. "And that promise will allow me to live with you in your house?"
He nods. "You don't want to?"
"Of course I do!"
If there are fewer people on his estate, I will feel more comfortable than with the Duke's mansion. I will like it even more if he lives in the same house. But first, I need to fix that issue with Aiko and the slaves. And the... I stop, but why this fast though? Can he really fall in love with me that fast?
"You're hesitating," he says. "Are you worried about my living conditions? Or your allowance? I have servants too, but not as many as you have in the Duke's mansion. As for the allowance, I can give you the same amount once we are married."
I purse my lips. Should I ask what he feels for me? Or is this offer of marriage already the proof that he has fallen in love with me?
"Ah! I know! You can visit my house today. You can take a look. Besides, we're both drenched. You can change there," he offers.
I study him. He is also drenched with sweat. He might have noticed my gaze because he adds, "Damn, using magic really takes a toll on my body," he complains. "Are you not tired?"
I shake my head.
"Well, good for you. Does that mean you don't want to take a look at my estate?"
"I still want to go with you. However, I have one condition," I start, smiling up at him. "Let's practice other elements before going to your estate."
He sighs. "Just make sure you don't kill me before our wedding."
I laugh. "Don't worry. I'll take care not to injure my delicate and fragile fiance."