Stay with Me

The ship’s main cabin was far from cramped. Polished wooden walls reflected the dim, warm glow of a chandelier that swayed gently with the rhythm of the waves. Outside the door, men in black uniforms stood guard in absolute silence.

Inside, Roselyn had finished cleaning herself up. The new gown she wore wasn't extravagant, but it felt comfortable—a luxury she hadn't known for a long time. She approached Kaelus, who sat on the sofa with a steaming cup of tea.

"Drink this, Lady. You must be freezing."

"How did you prepare a dress in my size so quickly?"

"I simply bought every size available and guessed which would suit you."

Roselyn suppressed a smile. She took the cup; the tea tasted different from the ones served at the Sirius estate—lighter, with a delicate floral note.

Kaelus watched her for a moment, then produced a thick sheet of parchment, a pen, and a small knife that looked more like a writing tool than a weapon.

"Vogard would easily find a runaway daughter. But it would be a different matter if she were no longer a part of the Sirius name."

"What is this?"

“A contract. Read it first.”

Roselyn read it twice. She made sure there were no ambiguous clauses that could be used against her. There was only a statement that as long as she remained under the Valthorne sky, its leader would ensure her safety. In return, Roselyn added a clause swearing her loyalty and her intent to aid the territory with all her skills and information.

Kaelus glanced at the small knife, preparing to make his mark. "If you agree, we—"

Sshhkt.

Roselyn had already snatched the knife from the table. With a serious expression, she sliced her right thumb and pressed the wound firmly beneath her name on the parchment.

“Lady, why such a hurry?! A blood-sealed pact cannot be undone!”

“I know. While I am certain the Grand Duke would not deceive me, I have read the terms thoroughly.”

“Very well.”

He took the knife back from her hand and cut his own thumb. Two red seals now sat side-by-side on the agreement. He folded the document, placed it in a silver box, and tucked it into a drawer.

"From this moment on, no one can touch you without your permission."

"Does that include Valthorne?"

"It includes me, and everyone beneath me."

Roselyn looked at her thumb; it was still stinging. She had cut a bit too deep. "Grand Duke—”

“Kael,” he interrupted, his crimson eyes steady. “My mother called me by that name. You may use it now."

“No. How could I be so disrespectful…?”

“In that case, no one shall speak my name at all.”

She hesitated. “Kael ... thank you for taking me in.”

“Who helped you escape?”

“Matthew, my uncle. He worked as the head guard. I think he was also the one who caused the explosion earlier. I was... quite lucky this time, discovering I had family there earlier than I expected.”

Kaelus went quiet. Something about her words felt off. “What do you mean, 'this time'?”

Thump.

Roselyn’s heart skipped. She spoke without thinking. She had no intention of telling anyone about her regression—after all, who would believe her?

"I mean, I never truly knew my uncle before. My father told me nothing. It was only tonight that Matthew spoke honestly about my mother. So, I say I’m lucky this time because before tonight, I didn't even know anyone cared about me."

Kaelus was certain she was hiding something, but he knew now was not the time to press for answers. His gaze drifted to her back. There, where the neckline of her gown had shifted slightly, a faint, old bruise was visible against her pale skin.

“I happened to see the bruises during the ball yesterday.”

“Ah ... it’s nothing." She paused, knowing that wouldn't satisfy him. "My father beat me often, Kael. Ever since I was brought to the capital.”

“I had heard rumors that your health was frail, and that was why you weren't raised here.”

"You must know that was just an excuse. Before that, I lived at the Sirius estate’s ranch with my mother. I thought my father came for me because he finally missed me. It turns out he just needed a child for a political marriage. My brother is still finishing his education, so I was the only one left."

"So you and your mother just moved there?"

"No. My mother died a year before I was taken. I lived with the ranch caretakers until then."

Kaelus listened intently, waiting for his turn to speak. "How long were you at that ranch?"

"Until I was twelve. I was brought to the mansion on my thirteenth birthday. I thought no one would look down on me anymore, but I found a stepmother who hated me instead. But ... that is the past.”

A heavy silence followed. It was clear she didn't want to discuss it further.

"Kael. Do you ever regret letting me board?"

"Not yet."

Roselyn let out a small laugh. "You are far too honest."

"I dislike lying."

She exhaled softly, a faint smile touching her lips. She admired the man before her—someone who lived according to his own heart, never bothering with the opinions of others.

Kaelus stood up, turning his face away as he felt it grow warm under her smile. "Rest now. You look pale."

"Which room should I use?"

"Use this cabin."

Roselyn looked around. There was only one sofa, one table, and the small partitioned area she had used to change. Though the ship was grand, it wasn't designed for guests.

"I will sleep on the sofa. You should rest too, Kael."

“I will sleep outside.”

“But this is your ship.”

Kaelus didn't answer. He walked to the door, opened it, and stepped out, letting a gust of sea air rush in before the door clicked shut. The mid-sea wind this season was bone-chilling.

He knew it well, yet he stood on the deck regardless. It was an impulsive act. For the first time, the man who had never lost a war surrendered—simply for the sake of a woman he had only just met again.