Chapter 18
We sat in the drawing room like it was a negotiation table—because it was.
The difference was that Kael could probably kill me with a fork if he wanted to. The man sat with his coat still buttoned, gloves still on, posture stiff as if even comfort was a luxury he hadn't earned.
He hadn't removed his sword.
I took a measured sip of tea, the good kind I'd saved for war crimes and suitors.
"We need to outline conditions," I said. "I don't plan on waking up one day with a contract that says I'm not allowed to breathe without a seal."
Kael gave a single nod. "Agreed. We'll define terms now."
He pulled a folded document from inside his coat and placed it between us. Just casually—like it wasn't prewritten.
Elias sat in the corner pretending to read, but his gaze tracked Kael like a predator waiting to pounce. It was weirdly touching. And vaguely terrifying.
I unfolded the paper.
Terms of Engagement – Proposed Structure
Status: Public engagement, indefinite.
Physical boundaries: Strict. No shared quarters unless required by external appearance.
Emotional expectations: None.
Legal entanglements: Delayed marriage contract pending mutual review.
Asset control: Retained by both parties.
Protection: Active, under Vire House banner.
Custody of Elias: Solely Clarisse Arven, unless compromised.
Termination clause: Mutual. Silent.
I blinked. "This is... reasonable."
Kael nodded. "I'm not looking for chaos."
"That's comforting. Coming from a man who wears armor to tea."
"It's reinforced wool."
"Of course it is."
I passed the contract to Elias. He looked at it, flipped the pages silently, and then looked Kael directly in the eye.
"If she gets hurt, I'll burn your estate."
Kael paused.
Not in fear.
In consideration.
"That seems fair," he said.
I choked slightly on my tea.
.
.
.
.
.
End of Chapter 18