16 Chapter 16: Confirmation

Lareia sat on her bed, lost in her thoughts. She never felt refreshed and complete for some reason but empty at the same time.

"Why is that though?" she asked herself multiple times. Staring blankly at the empty, black wall; the door swung open and Clint entered. He looked as hot as ever, his eyes back to normal. He stared at Lareia for a couple of minutes before smiling.

"Did you sleep well? Or should I ask-" he sat on the edge of her bed and caressed her cheeks. "Will you trust me?"

Lareia slapped his hand away as she looked at him with cold eyes. "I never gave you permission to touch me. Wait for my answer later. Could you please leave and let me prepare?" she said blankly. Clint nodded, a little disappointed but still forced a smile, then left her room.

Knowing that sitting there all day; thinking about the weird feeling she felt, and whether she should trust Clint, was useless, she started her morning routine. Unlike in Jake's manor, the water here is cold. The moment she dipped herself into the bath, she felt cold and empty, yet satisfied. She slipped on a black, long sleeve ruffle dress that reaches down to the floor. She paired it with black, leather boots and lets her hair fall in wavy style on her back.

Lareia was about to open the door when she heard the maid's gossiping with the sound of their footsteps.

"The Grand Council will be held in three days, and it will be hosted by the Tranquil Kingdom. What do you think will they ask from us?"

When the footsteps and their voices faded, she left her room, thinking of how to take advantage of the situation. As she walked down the corridor, the wind coming from the open windows made the ruffles of her dress brush against her skin. Lost in thought, she bumped into Clint.

"I know that you're busy thinking about me, but you should pay attention while walking, alright?" he said, his voice full of pride.

"Can you bring me to the library?" she asked, ignoring his question.

"Yeah, but what about breakfast?" he asked, confusion written all over his face.

"Just ask someone to bring some tea and sweets there. Will you bring me or should I find my way there?" she asked in an irritated tone.

Clint placed his hands in front of him, making gestures that are telling her to calm down. "Alright, I will do as you said," he said, a sigh of defeat escaped his lips.

Clint led the way up to the second floor, and straight into two giant doors. He pushed the doors, making a creaking sound, and a room full of bookshelves in each side then a bunch of tables in the middle, greeted them. The scent of a newly made book lingers in the air, making her hands twitch in excitement.

"Go on. Don't stop yourself." After Clint said those words, Lareia rushed inside like a child. She immediately went to the section of Political-related books and took a bunch of them. She puts them down on the wooden table, making a thumping sound. Eagerly, she sat and started reading each book.

While Lareia was picking books, Clint told a maid to bring some snacks for her. When he came back, he can't help but smile at the sight in front of him. In his point of view, Lareia looked as if her eyes were sparkling as she read every word and flipped every page.

Clint was lost in the view when someone knocked on the door and a maid entered with a tray of sweets and tea. He quickly regained his composure and stood stiffly near the bookshelves, still watching Lareia. The maid carefully placed the snacks near Lareia even with her shaking hands, then quickly excused herself.

"That maid is scared of me," she murmured, but Clint caught every word. He can't help but smile at how cute she can act. If only Lareia would be more open to him, maybe it would have been better.

After finishing two books, Lareia took a break and ate some canopies paired with the rose tea. It helped her relax and clear her mind.

"Join me," she said out of nowhere, but Clint silently sat in front of her. He sipped from his teacup slowly, still staring at Lareia.

"You're not afraid of me?" she asked, looking straight into his eyes.

"Should I be scared of the woman I adore the most~," he said with a flirty voice and teasing smile.

"The rumors do have some truth behind them. You are indeed a flirt-" Lareia studied his face to see if there is any trace of being offended but to her dismay, she found none. "-and there is a Grand Council soon," she continued in a serious tone.

"H-How did you know?" he asked, shock evident in his face.

"As I said, it was because of the rumors. I can't believe how stupid you can be. Why would I want to go to a library owned by vampires and even went straight to the political-related section? The answer is pretty obvious, am I right?"

"You purposely let the maids spread the rumor for it to reach my ears. You're quite cunning, but also stupid. If you need my help, you could've just said so," she continued when Clint didn't respond. His face turned dead serious, their eyes locked with each other for a couple of minutes.

"Now that you know, I hope you will help the Fel Kingdom," he stated with finality.

"Aren't you afraid that I might betray you?" she asked, her brows knitted.

"This is the meaning of trust. I am willing to take the risk because I trust that your pride won't let you betray the one who helped you," he said with a warm smile.

"I won't betray you as compensation for helping me. But it doesn't mean that I would help you, unless-" he looked at her intently when she paused for a while. "-unless you agree to my conditions. Is it a deal then, Duke Clint Nimbus?"

He smiled and kissed the back of her hand, "I am at your service, Lady Lareia Mishika."