"Your Majesty—I mean, Rick…" Her words faltered as she met his piercing eyes. He'll never believe I'm not the real Roulan. He'll think I'm crazy, she thought, biting her lip anxiously.
Rick leaned closer, his voice a gentle caress. "Whatever it is, trust me. I'll protect you, no matter what."
Her heart skipped a beat. Why does he have to look so irresistible while saying things like this? she thought, her cheeks flushing. His piercing gaze was too much; the way his lips quirked up in the faintest hint of a smile made her feel both exposed and secure.
Before she could utter another word, his lips brushed against hers. The kiss was slow yet fleeting, leaving her stunned. She hadn't expected this—not like this. It wasn't urgent or demanding. It was as if he were testing the waters, seeking permission without words.
"You're driving me insane," Rick murmured, his breath warm against her skin. "If we stay in this carriage together any longer, I won't be able to protect you from myself."
Roulan's eyes fluttered open. Why had he stopped? Despite her confusion, she felt a strange sense of safety in his arms. She tried to process the moment, but her mind was clouded by the warmth that lingered from his touch.
"I give you permission to do whatever you want," she whispered impulsively, shocking even herself.
Rick clenched his fists, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. "Do you even think before you speak?" he asked, flicking her forehead lightly.
"Ouch!" she hissed, rubbing the spot where he tapped her. "What was that for?"
His lips quirked into a mischievous smile, but before he could reply, the carriage halted. The sudden stop made her stumble, and Rick's hands instinctively steadied her. Their closeness was short-lived as the door opened, and the palace guards came into view.
---
"She's under my protection. Bring me Commander Alexander," Rick commanded as soon as they exited the carriage.
The guards stiffened, their hands instinctively reaching for their weapons as they felt Roulan's aura. It was eerily similar to the king's but carried a darker, more ominous edge. They exchanged nervous glances but obeyed without question. Moments later, a tall, imposing figure emerged.
Commander Alexander, towering over Rick by a good ten centimeters, radiated strength and authority without even tapping into his magical prowess. His sharp eyes flickered between the king and Roulan, assessing the situation without a word.
"You summoned me, Your Majesty?" Alexander asked, bowing slightly.
Rick nodded curtly. "From now on, Roulan will be under your supervision and protection. Assign her to your knights."
The knights standing nearby exchanged shocked glances. Was the king serious? He wanted to place this cursed girl among the elite royal guard? Whispers broke out, some questioning the wisdom of such a move, others marveling at the king's audacity.
Alexander, ever loyal, bowed again and motioned for Roulan to follow him. His orders were absolute, and the murmurs ceased as quickly as they started.
Roulan exhaled softly, her mind racing. This might actually work out in my favor. Living in the palace meant she was one step closer to completing the system's task and ensuring her survival. Still, the weight of the situation pressed heavily on her. She had to tread carefully; one wrong move and it could all crumble.
She glanced back at Rick. His expression softened, and with a rare tenderness, he reached out to brush a strand of hair from her face.
"I'll do anything and everything to make you mine, Roulan," he said, his voice low and full of meaning.
Startled by his boldness, she stepped back before he could lean in again. Her pulse quickened, but she forced herself to keep her composure. "You'd better not keep me waiting," she murmured, retreating to follow Alexander.
The commander observed their interaction with mild curiosity, while the guards stood in stunned silence. This wasn't the king they knew. Something—or someone—had clearly changed him.
---
In the throne room, the tension was palpable. Rick's aide bowed low before him, awaiting orders.
"Get rid of that scoundrel, Milano. Leave no trace," Rick ordered coldly.
The aide hesitated, briefly considering the implications, but knew better than to question the king's command. "As you wish, Your Majesty," he replied, retreating swiftly.
Rick leaned back in his throne, his jaw tightening as dark thoughts clouded his mind. How dare that bastard touch my Roulan? His rage was barely contained, and he knew it. The room grew colder as his royal aura seeped out uncontrollably.
Before the aide could leave, a surge of magical energy filled the court. The grand doors swung open, revealing members of the Magic Council. Their presence demanded attention.
"Your Majesty, we demand an explanation," the head of the council said sharply.
Rick's expression darkened further as another councilman spoke. "You've activated your royal aura for the first time in years. The entire kingdom felt it."
A third member added, "And you're well aware of the council's decision regarding the cursed girl, Roulan, daughter of the late Duke Flak. She's a hybrid with tainted blood. We cannot allow her to remain in this kingdom."
Rick's eyes blazed with fury. He rose from his throne, his presence overwhelming. "If anyone dares lay a hand on her, I will personally skin them alive," he growled.
The council members flinched, their confidence wavering under the weight of his power. One mustered enough courage to protest, "You cannot defy the council's decision, Your Majesty. The matter has already been settled."
Rick stepped closer, his aura pressing down like a storm. The councilman crumpled to his knees, gasping for air.
"Then you'll have to kill me before you get to her," Rick declared, his voice like thunder.
The chamber erupted into chaos as Rick stormed out, his thoughts consumed by Roulan. Her scent, the softness of her lips, her melodic voice—they haunted him. She had turned his world upside down, and now, he was determined to protect her at all costs.