Page 24 of A Kingdom so Crimson

I reached for one of the last books on the shelf, its corroded red cover and gold binding catching my eye. I twisted it over reading the title:The Dark History of Leonardian Trials.Pausing momentarily, I noticed that the book appeared relatively clean compared to the others nearby, suggesting somebody had recently read it.

As I turned the page, a sense of foreboding gripped me, causing me to unconsciously hold my breath, knowing theillegality of such contexts. Each page turned felt like a step deeper into a dark abyss of history. My fingers hesitated, yet continued to flip until they randomly landed on a page detailing a gruesome massacre where thousands of men, women, and children perished in flames.

The words on the page seemed to sear into my mind. With a sharp intake of breath, I slammed the book shut, squeezing my eyes closed to banish the haunting images from my mind. Clutching the book tightly against my chest, I pivoted to leave, only to hear the swift approach of footsteps echoing through the silent aisles.

In a panic, I grabbed several other books from nearby shelves, hastily attempting to blend in with the library's ambiance and conceal the illegal book. But in my haste, I collided with someone emerging from an adjacent aisle, sending the cascade of books tumbling from my grasp. Each one hit the floor with a resounding thud, echoing the weight of the unsettling knowledge contained within the book's pages.

"Apologies!" the footman exclaimed, taking a step back in surprise. "Lady Eliah, forgive me. I didn't realize you were in here."

I relaxed the tension in my shoulders as I bent down to retrieve the fallen books, still holding ontoThe Leonardian Trials. He stooped down to assist as I swiftly snatched a few, hiding the book beneath them.

"Not to worry. I wanted to read some of my favorites before I leave."

He handed me a few books with a quick smile before bowing slightly. "Enjoy your reading, my lady," he said, promptly striding past me. Seeing a footman here, especially one with a specific purpose, struck me as odd. He didn't look familiar either. I found myself staring at his retreating figure, trying toplace where I might have seen him before, but nothing came to mind.

Gathering my books, I began to walk away when I noticed him turning down the same aisle I had been in. Confusion clouded my thoughts before a sickening feeling crept over me, urging me to hurry. With a throbbing limp, I quickened my pace, tiptoeing out of the library and into the foyer.

"My lady?" the footman's voice rang out, his footsteps clipping closer.

I stopped in my tracks, feeling the weight of inevitability settle upon me. Turning back, I forced my expression into a mask of serenity. "Yes?" I replied coolly, pausing for effect. "I don't recall us being properly introduced."

"Malcolm, my lady," he stated, his tone eager. "May I have a look at the books you're carrying? I seem to have misplaced a particular one."

My heart lurched. Why would a footman be interested inThe Dark History of Leonardian Trials? Anger and fear bubbled within me, wishing I possessed the sharp wit of Calum.

"I doubt you'd find the…romance I'm reading to your liking," I retorted, starting to walk away, quickening my pace.

"Wait!" His hand closed around my shoulder, sending a jolt of pain shooting through my bruised collarbone. I let out a curse, pulling away. "Forgive me, my lady. I…I didn't…"

"Don't you ever lay a finger on me again, Malcolm, or I'll hunt you down like I did to those beasts!" I spat, my words dripping with venomous anger before I reined it in. His face paled, and his attempt to regain control was evident in his scrambling demeanor.

"Eliah," Calum's voice echoed from the balcony above, instantly quelling my anger. The footman stiffened, standing at attention. I bit my cheek, turning to see Calum descending the stairs. "Leave us, Malcolm," he ordered with an eerieforcefulness. I cocked my head, puzzled by Calum's formality with the footman.

The footman nodded and scuttled away, his footsteps echoing in the distance. I waited until I heard the back door close before succumbing to the pressing annoyance of Cal's disappearance.

"Where have you been?" I paused. "What's going on with you?"

A smirk danced on his lips as he tenderly kissed my hand. "I'm relieved to see you're alright, Eliah. Truly." He enveloped me in a gentle embrace, mindful not to cause further pain. Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that…he wanted to. "And nothing is wrong," he whispered.

Stepping back, I didn't reciprocate the embrace.

"What's going on?" I demanded, folding my arms in tighter around the books.

He chuckled, a wicked gleam flickering in his eyes, reminiscent of Jesri when he hatched a mischievous plan. "I've stumbled upon something I believe could spare you from this Match," he whispered.

"What kind of information?" I countered, eyeing him warily as he moved closer and reached for my hand again.

"Eliah, what ifItook your place so you could remain here, safe and sound, until I returned?"

"What?"I blurted out, his proposal catching me completely off guard. "You can't be serious?"

"Or what if I found someone else?" Desperation colored his words, his breath tinged with urgency. "Please," he pleaded, his eyes shimmering with silver that had to be deceptive. "I can't…bear the thought of losing you like my parents."

He squeezed my hand, igniting a surge of anger within me.

No—NO!

This is rightfully mine. I've worked my entire life for it, and it was my key to freedom.

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