Chapter 53 My Desire to Kiss You

Chapter 53 My Desire to Kiss You
After walking down the hallway, which was filled with an awkward silence, they finally arrived at Calix’s private study. Although the distance from the front porch wasn’t far, it felt like an eternity because neither of them spoke, and an uncomfortable silence accompanied them all the way to the private study.

"Please, have a seat," Calix said, gesturing for her to sit down.

Ruella sat on the long sofa, her back straight, both hands resting in her lap. She tried to look calm, but her fingers were intertwined, a sign of the nervousness she was hiding. Her gaze darted around the room, and she gave a nervous smile when she accidentally made eye contact with Calix.

To her right, Calix sat on a single sofa. Unlike Ruella, who always avoided eye contact, Calix was completely fixated on Ruella, seemingly unaware that she felt nervous under his gaze.

"Let’s get right to it," he said.

Ruella nodded slightly, a bit startled. "Oh, right. I’ll listen carefully."

Calix crossed his arms, leaning back slightly.

"Actually, there won’t be anything special at the banquet. The event is quite simple," he continued. "A welcome reception, saying hi to a few important nobles, then dancing, and after that, guests are free to keep dancing, enjoy the food, or even go home."

Ruella swallowed slowly. She clearly looked worried.

"We’ll go together," Calix said. "You’ve always wanted me to introduce you to society, so consider this as a start, your first step."

Ruella’s heart was touched. Calix always seemed indifferent, cold and ignorant, but in reality, he always remembered what she said.

"Why… why are you doing this for me? I mean, you could have just hidden me away to avoid causing a commotion or…"

"Have you changed your mind?"

Ruella shook her head.

Calix continued, "Of course, it would be easier for me if you stayed in your room and stayed away from the banquet hall, but you were angry before and insisted I give you a chance to approach and win over the members of the Silverpaw Pack."

"Yes, and I’m truly grateful for that, Cal. I… I’ll make the most of this opportunity. I won’t embarrass you," Ruella said with a cheerful smile on her face. "I feel excited but also nervous."

There was a brief silence.

"You don’t need to do much," Calix added. "No need to greet the guests. No need to speak unless necessary. Just do what feels right to you."

Ruella nodded slowly. But her face wasn’t entirely calm. She still looked anxious.

Calix narrowed his eyes slightly. "Is there anything else you’re worried about?"

Ruella let out a small sigh and nodded.

"I just…" she paused, searching for the right words, "um… I’m scared."

The words came out more honestly than she’d intended.

Calix watched her intently. He understood exactly what Ruella was feeling right now. It was only natural for her to feel afraid, especially since this was her first time appearing in front of so many people. It would actually be strange if she didn’t feel that way.

"Don’t worry," Calix said. "I’d be lying if I said they would welcome you with warmth and smiles. Chances are high for you to get some scornful looks from them."

Ruella looked down.

"But," Calix continued, "no one will dare to hurt you."

Ruella lifted her face.

Her gaze met Calix’s. "As long as I’m around. So make sure you don’t disappear from my sight."

Ruella never imagined those words would come from Calix, who had always wanted to get rid of her.

Ruella’s heart warmed, and those words actually managed to calm her.

"Even if something happens," Calix added, "I’ll be there."

Silence.

Ruella looked at him longingly. "You… will always be by my side?" she asked softly.

"We’ll be at the same banquet and go together as a couple, so of course I’ll be there. By your side," Calix replied, unaware that his words had touched Ruella.

"Thank you. If that’s the case, I guess I don’t need to worry anymore. But…" Ruella bit her lip. "There’s one more thing…"

Calix raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Ruella lowered her head slightly. "I… I’m not good at dancing."

The confession came out softly. She immediately held her breath, waiting for Calix’s reaction. Ruella was even prepared if Calix scolded her, teased her, or simply snorted in annoyance.

Calix must have thought that dancing was a basic skill that nobles should master, especially the daughter of a pack leader.

"Oh, that’s no big deal."

Ruella quickly lifted her face. She’d thought Calix would be furious.

"B-but as your partner, I have to do the first dance, and it’ll be embarrassing if…"

Calix seemed to think for a moment. "In that case, whether we like it or not, we’ll have to practice."

Ruella blinked. "What? We?"

"Of course. Oh, you want to practice with Kyle?"

Ruella shook her head quickly. "No, no. That’s not it."

"Then set aside some time on Sunday afternoon," said Calix.

Ruella stared at him, incredulous.

"We are really going to practice… together?"

Calix nodded. "You don’t want to embarrass yourself at the banquet. There is no other way but to practice."

His tone was very flat, as if he didn’t care. But to Ruella, everything Calix had said from the beginning until just now had helped her immensely and touched her deeply.

Ruella’s eyes sparkled.

"Right, I need to practice," she replied quickly. "I’ll work hard, so please help me."

Calix held her gaze for a moment, then looked away.

Ruella smiled slightly.

For the first time since entering the room, she truly looked happy.

Her eyes then inadvertently fell on Calix’s desk. The stack of books there was quite conspicuous. One of them was a thick book with a leather cover.

"It looks like you’re really busy. What are you working on?" she asked.

Calix glanced at his desk. He had forgotten to tidy up the books. "Ah, that… just routine work. Like usual."

Ruella tilted her head slightly.

"That’s… the history book of the Silverpaw Pack, right?"

Calix didn’t answer right away. But a few seconds later, his expression changed, as if something had just occurred to him.

"Ruella," he called.

Ruella turned her head. "Yes?"

"Do you know anything about the war between the Silverpaw Pack and your pack, the Bluemoon Pack?"

Ruella fell silent, trying to remember.

"I only know from the book," she replied. "My father rarely talks about it. In fact, he doesn’t want to talk about that war at all."

Calix nodded slowly, as if that was the answer he’d expected.

"Why?" Ruella asked. "You can ask me. Maybe I know something that isn’t in this pack’s history book."

Calix fell silent for a moment. He wanted to share his unease about what Rogue had said in the forest back then, but he was still hesitant and didn’t fully trust Ruella yet.

Then he changed the subject.

"No need. It’s nothing."

Ruella frowned, but didn’t press the issue.

"Well then... thank you," Ruella said suddenly, breaking the awkward silence and taking control of the conversation.

Calix turned to her. "For what?"

"For letting me go to the festival and the banquet." Ruella replied. "I thought that even though Kyle is back, you wouldn’t let me go."

That name again.

Calix held his breath quietly. He didn’t know why, but he was starting to dislike hearing it.

"Hmm."

That was his only reply.

Ruella gave a small smile.

"I will be careful," she continued. "I will listen to Kyle. I won’t cause any trouble."

Calix nodded briefly. "Make sure of that."

Silence.

Both Calix and Ruella remained silent, occasionally making accidental eye contact. A few moments later, Calix broke the silence.

"Since when have you been close with Kyle?" Calix asked suddenly.

Ruella looked pensive.

"I don’t remember exactly," she replied. "Maybe… since I first came here."

"I see."

"He was the one who spoke to me first and welcomed me."

Calix looked at her, and unexpectedly, he asked again.

"Do you like him?"

Ruella blinked. "Huh? Of course I like him. I don’t think there’s anyone who doesn’t like him."

The answer just came out without hesitation or second thoughts.

And that made Calix feel uneasy.

He furrowed his brow. "Didn’t you used to like me? And now you like Kyle? That fast?"

"It’s not like that!" Ruella shook her head vigorously.

Calix fell silent.

Ruella hurried to explain. "I like Kyle as a friend," she said quickly. "It’s different from how I feel about you."

Calix stared at her, and for some reason, it felt funny. "You’re talking about your feelings so casually, as if it’s no big deal."

Calix felt strange and confused.

"I’m just being honest. I can’t lie about my feelings," Ruella said.

"What’s the difference between your feelings for him and for me?" Calix asked.

"I don’t have any desire to kiss Kyle," she continued without thinking. "Unlike my desire for…"

She stopped. "What did I just say?"

Too late.

Way too late.

Ruella covered her mouth. The air around her felt frozen.

"Sorry, I… just now I…" She didn’t know what to say.

Calix chuckled softly.

"So," he said, his voice low, "you want to kiss me?"

He leaned in slightly, bringing his face closer, so close that Ruella reflexively stepped back.

Her face flushed.

"I… I didn’t…"

Calix moved even closer.

His gaze was so intense.

Ruella panicked and quickly turned away. She stood up immediately.

"I have to go now. Thanks again," she said quickly.

Without waiting for a reply, she turned and hurried out of the room, not daring to look back.

Calix leaned back in his chair.

Then a faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips.

"I didn’t know that it’s so fun to tease her. Interesting," he murmured softly.