Chapter 42 - Help

"Mr. Reiner, you don't need to be this polite to me. I am still working here," Esme glanced at the man who bowed at her. 

''Miss Esmeray, you should not work here since you are soon going to marry the Prince. It is not appropriate for your status,'' Keith glanced at her face, studying her expressions. 

Esme shook her head, ''There is nothing like that-"

"You mean to say there is nothing between you and the Prince?'' The man's expression brightened visibly. 

But Esme, whose mind was still hung on Aleister's proclamation that she was taking advantage of him, did not notice it, "Even if there is something between us, the Prince won't stop me from doing what I want to do,'' She reluctantly prolonged the lie. As much as she would like to be honest, she can't trust Aleister. That man might really reveal her identity.

On the other hand, she did not want to let go of her job because this pretense of being his lover won't last long. And if she lets go of her work, then there would be no reason for her to stay here after the truth comes to light. 

Keith was disappointed, ''So, you are-''

''Isn't it improper for you to talk with our future Princess in private?" Liz walked towards them. 

Esme glanced at the woman. 

"You should keep your distance from other men before people start saying that you have loose morals,'' Liz glanced at Esme. 

"Miss Liz, it is not what you think-''

"Think twice before you speak..." Esme interrupted the man as she glanced at Liz, her voice lowered, ''...For your words can have consequences.''

Liz felt scared at the coldness in her eyes. ''I-I just said it out of....'' anger. She realized how inappropriate she sounded. Her words were yet to be finished as Esme walked past both of them.

''Mr. Reiner, I..." Liz lowered her head, "I apologize for my rude behavior. I-I was just afraid that if Prince misunderstands you both, you will be the one to suffer.''

Keith though back to the time when icicles had appeared on his lips and body when he was talking to Esme. It seems it was the Prince's warning for him to stay away from her. He just did not understand it at that time. His anger towards Liz vanished as he nodded at her, "You should be careful with your words. You've now offended Miss Esmeray,'' He patted her shoulder, "But I am grateful for your concern.''

As she looked at his retreating back, Liz glanced at her shoulder where he just touched. 

...

Esme glanced at the evening sky through the high glass windows, wondering whether her Aunt had gotten her letter and-

Her thoughts trailed off when her gaze landed on the man who was walking in her direction. 

Aleister, who was talking to the magistrate turned to look at the woman who had turned a statue just at the sight of him. He was certain that she was reminiscing his words from the morning, "Good evening, 'LADY'.''

She wanted to say something to him, but in the end, she toned it down for there was another presence beside him, ''Good evening, My Lord,'' She nodded at him before walking past him. 

Aleister pursed his lips. 

The middle aged man beside him shivered, feeling a bit cold all of a sudden. 

''Ah..'' As Esme had taken a few steps absent-mindedly, she bumped into someone. Her eyes teared up at the pain of her chin bumping into something hard as an arm supported her back before she could fall. 

"Are you fine, my lady?" 

Esme tilted her head only to be greeted by the sight of a pair of gentle and concerned eyes. She dazedly extended her fingers towards his face but in the next moment, her hand was grabbed and she was yanked away from him. 

"My Lord,'' The silver-haired stranger greeted the Aleister. 

"You should walk properly or else what is the use of these eyes?" 

"The hallways in this Castle are quite disturbing,'' He said, eyeing Esme who was still looking at him in a daze. The man smiled politely even though his words did not match it.

Aleister narrowed his eyes.

The magistrate quickly walked towards them, "My Lord, he is my friend, Aiden-''

Aleister raised a hand slightly, motioning him to stop speaking. He shot them a warning glance before looking at the woman in his embrace who was still looking at the 'blind' man. 

He wrapped an arm around her waist, "Let's go.''

Esme nodded, her footsteps complied with him even though she kept turning around to look at the man. 

As soon as they stepped inside his room, the door closed with a loud noise, snapping her out of her reverie. 

"You can't take your eyes off him?'' Aleister narrowed his eyes. 

''He-'' Esme paused, "What has it got to do with you?"

She really was never afraid of him, was she? He found it amusing. ''It has got everything to do with me.''

"Yesterday, we talked about it. Once you let me go, you won't be coming after me. Are you eating your own words...'' Esme stepped back from him, ''...My Lord?" 

''Oh, my words are vulnerable in your presence. Their meaning changes with your actions,'' He raised an eyebrow and stepped towards her until her back hit the wall, ''So when I say I am letting you go, I don't really mean it.'' 

She pressed her palm on his chest, "Distance,'' she mumbled. 

"What's that?" He grazed his thumb past her chin and the redness slowly vanished, "Keep your eyes open when you walk. We don't want you to keep bumping into strangers,'' He stepped back from her. 

She rubbed her chin. So, he was helping her reduce the pain. "He-'' She paused, realizing that she was once again going to share her inner thoughts with him. She must be possessed. Shaking her head, she glanced at him, "I'll leave.''

"You can stay. I don't mind,'' came his lazy voice. 

Esme almost tripped on her footsteps.