Chapter 72
Valencia
I pondered over his words for a while. Was that really possible?
A prince surrounded by bloodthirsty siblings who smiles and chooses peace over violence? I stared at him as if I were looking at him for the first time.
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Killian did smile easily and was always cool and level headed. I had seldom seen him strut around like his obnoxious elder brother or his pompous betrothed who thought the entire world was created just to serve her.
But Killian saw the good in her despite the fact that she made my blood boil every time she was around.
He had appeared angry when Martin tried to snatch me but Martin was still walking around with all limbs attached.
I have paid a far greater price than anybody knows he said.
I wondered what had he lost. His mother, probably. But I couldn’t begin to imagine him truly loving Martin, Fabian or the rest of his siblings because he sees the good in them.
“I heard your voice drifting inside the temple” The temple crone appeared near the entry way, hands folded in front of her and a curious expression on her face.
I had not even heard her arrive.
Killian smiled at her. “Ah, we just got busy in a discussion. But I personally wanted to thank you for your swift efforts to get Valencia blessed by the Deity. Today, her mark showed up as well. So we are relieved that there will be no more threats to her life anymore.”
We? When did he tell me that we were arriving here to thank the crone?
But I wasn’t stupid enough to say that out loud.
The Crone gave him a knowing look and muttered.
“I would rather say that it has now painted a target on her back.”
Her gaze flicked to me, and I threw her a puzzled look. Why would people still go after me knowing very well that I was their only chance at saving them from their doom?
Killian nodded gravely.
“Which is why I request you to help her in any way you can. Maybe some of your potions or chants can help her reconnect with her magic”
The Crone thought about it.
“I wouldn’t have such high hopes so early. However, if she wants to do as you request, she will have to work at the Temple. Free services ended with her last blessing.”
Killian and the Crone both looked at me expectantly and I furrowed my brows.
“I am not a very religious person” I said at last.
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Chapter 72
The Crone chuckled at that. “I am not going to make you chant or sing prayers. But you can help us with other stuff.”
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Killian added enthusiastically. “And I will try to find out which members of the court are truly interested in your help. Quite a few already reached out to me.”
“Already?” I asked and added, “But you just ran out of the court as soon as we…as the…”
I trailed off, cheeks flushed in embarrassment.
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I didn’t want to say out loud how he had kissed me in front of the entire court and then just run off without a second glance at me.
“As we, as the what?” Killian asked with an amused smile, and I frowned.
The Crone, meanwhile, cleared her throat.
“Very well then. You can show up at the temple tomorrow, and we can see how to begin. For now, I would wish you a goodnight.”
She said and then turned around to head back inside the temple.
“Do they live in the temple?” I asked Killian in an astonished voice.
“They have their quarters behind the temple as far as I know.” He said, and then I just hovered around the gates of the temple.
I would have to go back with him to his room to get some sleep. Couldn’t it get anymore awkward?
“Can I return to that house you said was for me?” I asked without wasting time.
Killian shook his head. “Nope, you are coming with me. In case you didn’t hear, the Crone said that now a target is painted on your back. I was thinking I should give you some lessons in self defense until you awaken your magic.“.
Self defense? The only lessons I got in my childhood were how to dress up for playdates, and then in college I ate up all the law lessons. I was brought up to be a pretty doll, not a warrior.
“I dont think I need that,” I said slowly, and Killian remarked.”
“Well, since you mentioned that you hate being a damsel in distress and that you also expected me to save you every time but I was always late, you should take it upon yourself to be able to protect yourself, right?”
Fair point.
Even if it came disguised as a taunt.
“And how do I know that you are the best instructor for that?” I countered.
Killian pushed his hands into his pockets and shrugged.
“Well, I might not be the best instructor for you, but I bet I am the only willing one.”
He said it offhandedly, but I knew what he meant.
Anybody else might not teach me well or get me injured under the pretense fo teaching. He let me ponder over it for a while.
I couldn’t help but say.
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Chapter 72
“The ever charming, ever helpful prince of Elorin, aren’t you?”
His eyes darkened, and he came a step closer.
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“Oh, just know one thing, Miss Valencia. The smiling, nice guy that you see all day isn’t the one who is going to train you. It will be instructor Killian, and he doesn’t tolerate laziness. So, if you wish to not get your ass handed to you first thing in the morning, I expect you to show up at 5 am tomorrow at the palace grounds.”
Hah?
Suddenly he was being an arrogant asshole, and the day was far from over. I wondered if he was joking and that smile would appear on his face any second, but when it didn’t, I grumbled,
“Fine, let me catch some sleep first.”
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Chapter 73
Chapter 73
