Rebirth Of The Witch Queen

Chapter 8 - The Only Man

The awkward silence that filled the room as they dined made Adeline more and more nervous with each passing minute. She had tried to start a conversation a couple of times, but Lester gave her a few short, distracted answers before focusing on his food again. Adeline stabbed her own food with no appetite, waiting for him to finish.

When Lester finally cleared his throat, she got to her feet without a word. As usual, they headed towards one of the smaller drawing rooms, where they usually spent a couple of hours together before dinner - most of the time, they would just read a book, or Adeline would play the piano for a while. Sometimes they would talk - about the past, about her family, about her future.

Tonight, it seemed, silence was on the program.

Lester sat in his spot by the fireplace, flipping open the book on agriculture he had been reading for the past week. Adeline slid into the one-seater couch across, staring at him for a few minutes before sighing loudly and picking up her own book. She was just getting into the story when the lonely crackling of the fire was interrupted by his voice.

“Do you love him?”

She raised her head slowly, looking at her Guardian. He was still staring at his book, but his eyes weren’t moving. Adeline closed her own, putting it on the armrest and locking her eyes on Lester. She swallowed the lump in her throat, making sure her voice was clear and full of conviction before answering.

“Yes, I do.”

Lester’s fingers tapped on the binding of the book before he finally raised his head and sighed.

“I don’t understand. How did that happen? When? I didn’t even know you knew each other.”

“We met recently while I was in town shopping. Somebody stole my purse, and he chased him and brought it back. I treated him to lunch to express my gratitude, and we got to talk a bit. We then started exchanging letters since I wasn’t sure you’d approve of me meeting him.” She told the story they had agreed on. “We met a couple of times when I was going to the dressmaker or to meet with friends in the city - always under supervision and among people, I promise. And a few weeks ago he confessed his feelings and asked me if I was alright if he brought a proposal to you.”

Lester stared at her with his mouth hanging open, which almost made her sigh in relief. So far, he looked like he was believing the story, which was good. She didn’t know how to act - she never had to lie or pretend in front of him or her parents and she never felt inclined to do things that required hiding or lying. But until recently, she was a foolish, gullible girl that believed in the good of people and trusted way too much. If a few lies were going to save her from the gruesome fate she had suffered and keep her remaining loved ones safe and happy, she was ready to become the best liar in the world.

She tried to picture Kaden’s face in front of her and that gentle smile he had given her in the garden. She tried to imagine the way he held her hand and laughed when she snapped at him or blushed.

“He is a good man, Lester. He is sweet and gentle, he is honest and cares deeply for me. And he is from a good family and his title matches mine. You can’t say he is not a good party.”

“Yes, but…” Her Guardian stuttered, running his hands through his hair. “The crown prince! What happened to him? I thought you were in love with him! I know you youngsters can change your heart in a flash, but this is a serious matter, Adeline.” He sighed again, licking his lips. “Being a queen is better than being a duchess. And the crown prince is a good, respected man with a bright future. He is handsome and well-mannered and the way he wrote the proposal, I can tell he cares for you. I know you didn’t have that many occasions to meet in the past few years, but sometimes love can blossom and grow over time even if the two people feeling it are far apart.”

“Lester, the crown prince isn’t…”

“And the duke… are you even aware of the rumors surrounding him? People are saying he is dangerous and often his name is involved in all kinds of dark dealings, even in relation to witch trials and criminal activities. He sure looks well-mannered and sweet to you, but you never know if this might be a facade.”

That sure is true, Adeline thought bitterly. Just not for him, though.

“He looks dangerous, Adeline! I am concerned!” He said, his voice rising a bit. “And that kiss today. I was this close to coming down there and challenging him to a duel. It may have been a few years since I’ve held a sword, but I was going to…”

“He didn’t force me, Lester,” Adeline said, feeling her face turn hot at the memory of that moment. “He asked permission first and I gave it to him. It was just a kiss, though, we haven’t done anything inappropriate!”

“You’re not even engaged yet! Of course a kiss is inappropriate!” Lester exclaimed, tossing his book on the empty chair beside him. “You know, all I want is for you to be happy, Adeline. God knows you have been through enough already, but this is… I really don’t think marrying Duke Knox is a good idea. I can tell you’re attached to him, but I am not convinced about his reasons.”

Adeline almost laughed. She was definitely going to tell Kaden that it wasn’t her who didn’t play the part well. Apparently, her acting skills must be much better than his, despite all of his dirty tricks. But if she wanted to see Kaden again, she had to try harder for this conversation to end just as she wanted.

“Lester,” she said, rising to her feet and walking towards him. She knelt on the ground in front of him, reaching out and catching his hand. He watched her with a conflicted expression as if sensing what was coming next. “You’ve been like a second father to me even before my parents passed away. I know you have my best interest at heart and I appreciate it. Truly. But Kaden Knox is the only man for me. The crown prince could never make me happy even if he makes me queen, even if he gives me all the riches in the world. If you want me to be happy, let me marry Kaden, please. I promise I won’t regret it.”

Lester sighed, his confidence dwindling. He pulled his hand away, reaching out and cupping her cheeks.

“I really hope you do not regret this, Adeline. Life does not have do-overs, so we must be content with the choices we make and bear the consequences if they were wrong. So I am asking you one final time - are you absolutely sure about this?”

Adeline took a deep breath before looking him in the eyes and smiling.

“Yes, I am absolutely sure. I want to marry Kaden.”

Lester made a funny sound, closing his eyes. Then, a moment later, he nodded.

“Very well.” He finally said. “I’ll then write a rejection letter to His Highness and send a message to Duke Knox to ask him to come to discuss the arrangements for the engagement and the wedding.” A victorious smile appeared on Adeline’s lips, and she chuckled happily. “But please promise me something.”

“Sure, what is it?” She asked eagerly, hands balling into fists to keep down her nervousness.

“Tell him to keep his hands to himself at least until you’re married or I really will have to challenge him to a duel,” Lester said with a sour expression, and Adeline laughed before she knew it. “I know you are both young and passionate, but there is time and place for these things. If he keeps this up, people will start talking about you, and you know how rumors and sly words can take a life of their own. And I know how much you hate being talked about… so just make sure you’re both acting properly so people could only say good things about you. You’re getting all of this attention now and with this sudden engagement, there will be even more eyes on you.”

“Yes, of course. I’ll definitely tell him.” Adeline said eagerly and Lester reached towards her, helping her get up.

“Well, then. I’ll go write these letters now. I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep soon, anyway.” Lester said, scratching his head. “You get some rest. There will be a lot to do with the engagement and everything, so you’ll be quite busy. And then you’ll have to go to his residence for your bridal lessons…” Lester grimaced, making a disgruntled face at the thought. “And then get married to him…” he shook his head, his face looking even more displeased. “I’ll get going then. Get some rest.”

“Yes. Yes, I will.” Adeline nodded, and he quickly moved past her, leaving the room without looking back.

She had done it. She would no longer have to marry the crown prince and she could now avoid that miserable fate and have a different future. She was going to marry Kaden and…

“Oh, my god,” Adeline whispered, covering her face with her hands.

She was going to marry Kaden. It wasn’t just a possibility anymore; it was a fact. Albeit tied by a contract, they were going to be husband and wife for a year. Even though she had been married to Shayde for so long, her marriage to Kaden felt so different and somehow new. With Shayde, she had never been kissed unexpectedly or touched outside of official occasions where they had to attend together. And while Shayde did visit her bed every once in a while, she never really felt like he wanted to be there. He always had his eyes closed or had her turn with her back to him as if he didn’t want to look at her. She wondered if it would be the same with Kaden when they…

Adeline clasped her mouth, feeling her face burn as hot as the sun.

What was she thinking just now? It was all his fault with all that flirting and talking about s*x, it was getting to her head. It’s not like it was really enjoyable, so there was no reason to think about it. It didn’t matter if he had his eyes open or closed.

“Ugh.” Adeline groaned, slapping her cheeks with her hands to chase away those unnerving thoughts. She had more important things to think about.

She was going to turn down the crown prince and marry Kaden, but the Shayde she knew probably wouldn’t take that lying down. He hated it when things didn’t go his way, so he was probably going to do something. She had to be prepared.

Adeline had already sworn that she would make sure she survived this time. Moreover, she was going to make him pay. And it would all start with making sure he didn’t get anything he wanted.