Page 46 of My Fated Alpha: The Royals

“Thank you, ma lisse.”

His voice was beautifully rough, and her toes curled at the sound.

She almost, almost started to think that she might just be okay with falling for him—-

All of a sudden, Soleil remembered the soul seer’s warning.

Don’t fall.

Don’t fall.

Don’t fall.

She frowned.No.It was impossible that this could be what the girl was talking about.

Her phone buzzed against her leg, interrupting her thoughts, and she mumbled, “E-excuse me.”

Ilie raised a brow when his heartkeeper turned around and started lifting her skirt.

Up, up, up—-

Ah.

His lips twitched when he realized where she had her mobile phone hidden. He watched her read her message. “Work?” he asked when she returned her phone to its hiding place.

She nodded. “But nothing that would keep me from bed.” She yawned right after.

Ilie frowned. “You’re still tired from last night, aren’t you?” He picked her up in his arms.

The next thing she knew, they were standing in front of his carriage and he was already placing her on the seat.

“Ilie!” Didn’t he know how dangerous it was to risk having anyone see that he was so much faster than ordinary humans?

“Relax, milady. We are in Lunare, and humans permitted here are those who already know what we are.”

The carriage door closed, and as it sped off down the road, he placed her on his lap and pushed her head towards his chest. “Sleep.”

“I’m not sleepy.” But she closed her eyes anyway because it was easier to pretend in the dark.

The words making up Crystal’s text message spelled itself out in her mind.

There is no time to waste. Your curse will strike tomorrow midnight. You must allow for the heartkeeping to take place or you won’t have any heart to keep even for yourself.

When they reached home, the marquis told her ruefully, “I would like to kiss you goodnight, but...I hear your curtains twitching again.”

She smiled up at him. “Let them twitch for all I care.” And so she rose to her toes and surprised the marquis by pressing her lips to his. When she drew back, the marquis was staring at her.

“Why did you do that?”

“Did you not like it?”

“You know I damn well did.”

“Milord!” She pretended to be offended. “Your words.” She stepped back. “And now, I really must go—-” She was about to turn when the marquis took hold of her hand and spun her back to face him.

“Your father asked me if I would like to accompany you tomorrow to a human ball. If this is alright with you, I would like to use the opportunity to formally announce our betrothal.” His jaw hardened. “Do you have any objections to this?”

Slowly, she shook her head. “I’m terrified, but...” She inhaled shakily. “No. I have no objection.”

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