Total pages in book: 207
Estimated words: 196971 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 985(@200wpm)___ 788(@250wpm)___ 657(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 196971 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 985(@200wpm)___ 788(@250wpm)___ 657(@300wpm)
His employer was all smiles, however, the grey-haired baron offering his hand as he said, “A pleasure to welcome you in my humble abode, milord.”
“The pleasure is mine,” the marquis replied with suave charm, “especially since you’ve been kind enough to meet me even at such short notice.”
“It’s nothing,” Charles dismissed it even though he was quite impressed at the other man’s show of respect, which was unnecessary, considering Charles was inferior in ranking. He gestured to the chaise, saying, “Have a seat, milord.” He pulled a bell, and a maid appeared to serve them tea and scones.
From there, both men effortlessly fell into a pleasant stream of civility, the two of them tacitly agreeing to use the time to size each other up.
Charles raised his cup for another sip, thinking that everything he had heard about Ilie Marcovici being an incurable rake was likely to be true.
Like most Corinthians, Ilie was dressed elegantly, and his choice of colors was bold but refined, with his burgundy coat a good match for his tan-colored breeches. He wore his hair simply, too, unpowdered and tied back with a plain black ribbon. No doubt the marquis was aware that his icy-blond locks were more than eye-catching enough to have all ladies swooning over him.
There was a lull in their conversation, and the marquis murmured, “I would have left my card and waited for your response if the matter wasn’t urgent.”
“Urgent, you say.” Charles’ tone gave nothing away.
“Yes, milord. Extremely urgent, actually.” The marquis’ lips curved in a smile, revealing the briefest glimpse of fangs. “’Tis why I’ve given you as much time as possible to make your decision.”
And now it was time to play, Charles thought, only he wasn’t going up against any ordinary nobleman.
This was Ilie Marcovici, and one should never forget that the marquis came from one of the kingdom’s noblest shapeshifting lines as well as being the bastard of the Duke of Lunare.
It meant Ilie was part-wolf, part-demon, which in turn made the marquis one of the most ruthless creatures of the world.
“Baron?” The marquis set his cup down, his movement so elegant it was hard to imagine that his blood DNA would make him a monster in human standards.
Not at all intimidated, Charles said pleasantly, “It depends.”
The marquis frowned.
“On what your intentions are towards my daughter,” Charles finished.
Interesting, Ilie thought.
Most otherworlders upon meeting him the first time were either obsequious or terrified out of their wits. But the Baron, a mere human, and an old one at that, was speaking to him like they were equals.
It was a surprise Ilie welcomed. It would not be fun, after all, to have a toad as a prospective father-in-law.
Leaning forward, he said gently, “May I now dispense with the formalities?” At the older man’s nod, he continued, “You are aware she’s my heartkeeper, Baron?”
“For quite some time now,” Charles answered truthfully.
This was yet another surprise, but not as pleasant, and Ilie demanded, “Why didn’t she tell me?”
“Why did you have to be told?”
“Touché.” Ilie leaned back against his seat, his expression grim. As the demon in need of a soul, he was the one who should have sensed it first, the way—-
Ilie didn’t allow himself to finish the thought. Instead, he forced himself to concentrate on more important matters, like claiming his heartkeeper.
“You have no objections if I claim her?”
“As long as she doesn’t object to it,” Charles answered.
Ilie frowned. “You are not the usual kind of Chalysian father. Why is this?” Both humans and otherworlders would have jumped at the chance of having an essential connection to the Marquis of Lunare, but so far, the baron was treating him no different from the usual suitor.
Charles smiled. “You really don’t know?”
Ilie raised a brow.
“I love my daughters like they’re my flesh and blood,” Charles answered simply. “So if you, a half-demon, is who she wants, then I’ll be more than happy to walk her down the aisle.”
Ilie relaxed. “In that case, she will be my heartkeeper.”
Charles laughed at the marquis’ confidence. Poor man. “My daughter is presently at ANEX. You may still catch her there if you leave now.”
Ilie’s eyebrows shot up. “I thought that school was only for otherworlders.”
“She and her sisters are special,” Charles answered briefly, not willing to say more than what was necessary. “It’s why they became who they are now.”
“Ah. Les Trois Belles Lames, yes?” The Three Lovely Blades, the Baron’s daughters were called. “You don’t mind that they constantly put their lives in danger because of their work?”
Charles shrugged. “I mind, of course. I hate it terribly, but I also know that I would hate it even more if I stand in the way of their happiness. And that, believe it or not, milord, is what make my girls happy.”
“Foolishly risking their mortal necks going after otherworlders who could eat them alive?”