Her Devious King

What he wanted to hear

He jutted his chin towards her. She glanced down, confused as to what he could possibly mean.

"Who did you plan to seduce with that attire?"

Adeline jolted. In her concentration to finish reading, she didn't realize her loose nightgown had drastically slipped down on one shoulder. It must have happened when she was adjusting herself into a more comfortable position.

Without saying a single word, she hurriedly fixed her nightgown. She would not apologize for the misconduct. He was the one sneaking to a maiden's balcony at odd hours of the night.

Who did he think he was? Romeo courting Juliet?

"You should leave," she advised.

Adeline was grateful that she had stopped stuttering a bit. For once, she was able to tap into her rare confidence.

His smile widened. "Is that what you wish for?"

She quickly nodded her head.

"Too bad I am not a wish-granting fairy."

Adeline gawked at him. She had never met such a shameless man. Fine. Pressing the button it is.

"I'll kill him."

Adeline's spine went rigid. She assumed he was joking. His unwavering grin was still present.

"Is he a lover?"

Adeline shrank back at his question. "I-if you think this behavior of yours will woo a woman, you're terribly mistaken."

His smile dropped.

Seeing as she was deeply affected by his words, he decided to reel back the teasing. Though, it was a genuine question. But her eyes had lowered and she was visibly upset. Previously, she was just baffled and irritated. Now, she was reserved and unhappy.

"Forgive me," he immediately said.

"Even your apology is terrible," she chided.

The man c****d his head. Apology? He rarely said sorry. And he didn't say it previously.

"Just go… please."

"You avoided my question."

"I'm not obligated to respond to an offensive stranger outside my bedroom window."

He smirked. At least she had the decency to be aware of her situation. At last, she had regained her voice. She sounded more courageous than previously. He would have appreciated it if she had the same determination without provocation.

"I'm hurt," he drawled.

She sullenly gazed at him through her long lashes. Creases formed on her forehead. He stifled a laugh. She was trying her best to look stern and angry. She was adorable.

"I came all the way here to return something you dropped, and you're kicking me out like this?" he asked.

She watched him with apprehension. Her silence never bothered him. He knew of her nature. At least she was not scared of him. Granted, it wasn't always like this.

"Look," he revealed his hand.

A fine necklace dangled between his fingers. It was a befitting necklace for a beautiful girl. He had seen her wear it before. It suited her well. Specifically the little rose trapped in a droplet of glass.

He would be absolutely floored if she was not the Golden Rose. Everything pointed in her direction. Striking blond hair, plush green eyes, and her surname… It had to be her.

He would not have it any other way.

"Where…" she touched her neck, her slender fingers brushing upon her empty collarbone.

"I-I can't see it properly, can you hold it up to the moonlight?"

He quirked a brow. "Don't you trust me, darling?"

"No."

"Good girl."

She gulped.

He chuckled.

"Come and get it, little fawn. I don't bite."

She narrowed her eyes.

"That hard," he corrected.

"Y-you're horrible at reassuring people."

"And you're fantastic at hurting my pride."

"Really?"

She glared at him.

His smile widened.

"I won't hurt you, my sweet Adeline." He beckoned her with his hand. She continued to stare at him.

Seeing her great reluctance, he shrugged his shoulder. "Alright then," he said and she inquisitively tilted her chin.

"I will grant you your wish," he said. Turning upon his heels, he sauntered towards the railing of her balcony.

He suppressed his laughter when he heard the pitter-patter of her little feet on the floor. She was distraught, rushing to the window. He pretended not to hear how cute she sounded.

Just as he heard the click of the window unlocking, he leapt off the balcony. She released a small, horrified shriek. As expected. It was a five floor drop.

"C-come back!" she frantically whispered.

He turned a deaf ear to her. Lowly whistling, he tucked a hand into his pocket and walked down the leaf-covered pavement with ease. His free hand swung the necklace in between his fingers. He made sure she saw him walking away with her precious belonging.

Now, she would definitely remember him.

And just as he had predicted, she uttered exactly what he wanted to hear,

"Elias, please!"

Adeline panicked. She sprinted out of her bedroom, barefoot and all.

The necklace was precious to her. It was the last gift her parents had given to her. She could still remember the gentle caress of her mother's hand when the jewelery was placed around her neck. When she excitedly showed it to her father, he warmly patted her on top of the head.

Adeline racked her brain for something to say, aside from begging him to stay. And suddenly, a name came to mind. He did tell her his name. She had forgotten the bewitching name until it was forced out of her.

"Elias, please!"

He halted.

Her heart soared. She hesitatingly smiled over the railing, hoping he was not that cruel. Slowly, he turned around, taking his sweet time doing so, whilst continuously twirling the necklace on his long forefinger.

She gulped.

He had touched intimate parts of her with that finger. Like her lower back when they waltzed, and her hand as he guided her on the dancefloor.

"Please?" she repeated, lowering her voice this time.

Aunt Eleanor and Viscount Marden's room were on the other side of their large house. Unfortunately, they were light-sleepers and Adeline didn't want to take any chances. She could not afford to.

In the blink of an eye, he was in front of her again. Her breath caught in her throat. She stepped backwards timidly, her hands pressed to her chest. He was standing too close for comfort.

"You chased me away," he teased. "And now you want me to return?"

"I-it was only a natural reaction. What woman would invite a stranger into their room—"

"Ah, so now I am a stranger? Even though I am well acquainted with your body."

His smile became gentle. "It's not being shameless. It's being honest, my sweet."

Adeline receded even more. He was good with his words, nearly sounding manipulative. He was a charming man. Granted, he also possessed qualities of a psychopath in the making. Perhaps, he already was one.