“Lucas!”

He whipped his head in Raven’s direction, thinking she was in danger. Instead, he was met with a bright smile and joyful laughter.

“Lucas, come on!” she yelled. “You’re missing all the fun!”

He dismissed the mystery for now and decided to show Raven a good time. After all, the whole reason he was out here was to show her around.

The two watched the tournament until the very end. Once it was over, Lucas invited Raven for a horseback ride, but before she could accept, one of the knights that was in the tournament asked her first. Of course, she asked Lucas if it was alright since he was first.

Not wanting to spoil her day, Lucas nodded, but he ordered the knight to stay within his view. With a smile, Raven blissfully accepted the knight’s invitation. He then kneeled and kissed the human girl’s hand. At that moment, the Shadow King felt a twitch in his eyebrow and something burning inside.

The knight then helped Raven aboard the horse and climbed on behind her. With a flick of the reigns, they galloped around the area. Lucas watched from afar as someone else was making Raven smile. He didn’t know why, but he was annoyed…rather, he was irritated. He dismissed the feeling, thinking it was because of King Henry’s words. After all, Raven was now in his care, so it was only natural that he would anger toward anyone who might do her harm.

“My anger is out of worry. That is all,” he mumbled.

*

After a long day of sightseeing, Lucas returned Raven to the castle. He told her they would see more tomorrow, but for now, she needed rest.

“Come. I know humans need sleep, and it is best not to deprive you of such a thing,” he insisted.

“Alright,” she yawned. “But before I go, tell me. Are you okay?”

Lucas raised a brow and cocked his head. “What do you mean?”

“I’m not stupid,” she sighed. “When we were in the Renaissance era…you were upset.”

The king avoided her gaze. She was right. He was upset, but he couldn’t tell her. The risk of causing her more trouble was too great for him to bear.

“I was worried,” he partly lied. “Although I am here to protect you, I still fear the danger of you leaving my side for even a moment.”

Raven felt her cheeks heat. She’s only known him for a short time, but his words were always true. “You don’t have to feel that way. I trust you, and I know you’ll protect me. Your Highness,” she smiled brightly.

Lucas’s eyes widened. Did she just address him as “your highness”? Immediately, his heart raced. The Shadow King struggled to keep his composer, but he couldn’t. His face turned red and his heart continued its lurid beating. He had been alive for many years, but this is the first time he’s felt such a rush of emotion. First, the twitching of his brow, then the small feeling of anger that he dismissed as worry, and now…the fast and lurid beating of his heart. Perhaps…he was…sick?