“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.