The Lady Is Mine-Chapter 191: Will You Marry Me?

As everyone gathered inside the house, Percy noticed Kali was hanging around outside, unsure of going in with them or just standing outside since she didn’t know anyone aside from Jenna and Rhane.

The young woman paced towards the door and back; her eyes remained on the door.

Percy prayed she would take a step and walk inside, just to see that people around here weren’t scared of her and accepted everyone just the way they were.

"What are you doing outside, Percy?" Harriet asked. "I will be serving food soon."

Percy pointed at the young woman outside.

"Her?" Harriet asked with her brows raised. "Are you trying to seduce Rh- Lord Rhane’s sister?"

Bruno, who was walking past, heard this and shouted, "Lord Rhane... Percy is try—"

"Shh... shush!" Percy grabbed the boy’s hair despite his cry for help. "I was not doing such a thing!" he barked.

Harriet nodded, her eyes narrowed at Percy before slowly settling on Kali. "She is really beautiful... now that Lord Rhane is an earl, I’m sure he will set her up with a nobleman."

Percy’s hands dropped to his side. "Right?"

Bruno rubbed his aching scalp. "Of course! It would be stupid if his only sister settles for a commoner," the boy commented mindlessly, not worried about who his words were hurting.

"You’re right... a nobleman would be more qualified for her," Percy muttered. His shoulders dropped with disappointment.

Harriet nudged Bruno. "Let us get the dining ready for dinner."

"Do you think Lord Rhane can adopt me as his brother? I’ll be Lord Bruno!" the young boy chittered as they left Percy behind with his thoughts.

Percy watched Kali from where he stood. He felt stupid for feeling disappointed. He had clearly proclaimed that he wasn’t interested in her as a woman. Why did it hurt him to think Kali would soon be another man’s wife? He was supposed to be happy and know his place.

Know his place... he was a servant, and that would always be his role. With that in mind, Percy raised his hand.

"Lady Kali! Dinner is ready."

Kali growled when she heard his name and the title attached to it. "Did you hit your head somewhere?"

Percy ran towards her. He was going to remember who he was and his place in Kali’s life. Never to cross the line.

"You are now a lady..." he added, standing in front of Kali.

Kali scoffed. "There is no stopping you." She leaned closer. "Is there?"

Percy felt his heart skip two beats. He blinked, turning his face to the side. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

"Why is your face red?" Kali frowned. She moved her hand up and touched his forehead, then touched hers. "If you think you can die before I kill you, then I’m going to kill you first."

Percy moved his eyes to the side, trying to understand the young woman. "You... er..."

Kali flicked his forehead. "Now that is stupid, Percy." She chuckled. "You don’t always have to look serious."

Percy turned around, his back facing her. "Why is she acting like a girl? Why is she so cute?" He had expected to be hit and kicked around by Kali. That was what he was used to, not the giggly girl acting all cute.

"Percy?" Kali whispered. "Are you really happy to be back home?"

Percy turned around when he heard the sadness in Kali’s voice.

"I understand why Rhane never wished to come back. Everyone is happy here... it’s like a family," Kali mused. The corner of her lips curled, but it wasn’t a smile.

"I wonder when I’ll stop living in my brother’s shadow. Say, Percy... do you think I’ll find people who will accept me just like Rhane did?"

Percy parted his lips to speak, but nothing came out. He had never seen Kali this emotional except for the one time she cried.

"Kali... you know you’re always welcomed here. We are—"

Kali shook her head. "How long will I follow my brother around? He is making his own family now... I know I have to leave, but I don’t know where to go... I’ve always been with Rhane." It had bothered Kali for a while, but she chose to ignore it.

The time had finally come for her to choose a different path. Sticking around Rhane now that he had Jenna wasn’t a good idea.

"Do you think I’ll find a family like this outside? People who wouldn’t mind how I’ve lived in the past?" Kali reached for the belt that held her dagger, and she sighed.

Percy didn’t think when he moved his hand, covering hers with his own. It was the first time he’d touched her hand this close. Just like any woman, her hands were small but covered in calluses and scars, making them rougher than his own.

"You... Kali." Percy inhaled deeply. "You might kill me later but... you’re adorable. Anyone would want to have a loyal soul like you. Till the end, you never betrayed your brother... and stayed beside him. It’s not because you didn’t have anywhere to go. You sacrificed your time to protect your brother and everything you both have built."

Percy smiled, rubbing the scars that covered her hands. "Do I think? No. But I know anyone wise enough will do anything to have you as family. You’re perfect, Kali... not even your past defines you."

Percy realized how close he was now standing to his nemesis and his palm covering her hands. Seeing Kali’s intent glare, he gulped.

"You can kill me now." He tightened his eyes shut.

Kali sniffled. "Will you marry me, Percy?"

"Eh?!" Percy opened his eyes to see if he heard correctly.

Kali nodded. "Let’s get married... didn’t you say you can’t sleep with me except we are married?"

"I’m not sure those were my words." Percy tried to think of when he said that. "And this is not how marriage works."

Kali turned their hands, now the one holding Percy’s hand. "How does it work?"

"Two persons have to agree," Percy remarked, trying to pull his hand away.

Kali grinned. "I’ve agreed. Don’t you agree to marry me, Percy?"

"I... um... it’s not- Kali... we are not..." Percy found himself sputtering, unable to make up words perfectly.

Kali’s eyes darkened; she leaned. "Were you thinking of getting married to someone else? Who is she? Is she stronger than I am? Let us fight!"

"No!" Percy reduced his voice. "It’s not... Kali... I mean... we need to be in love."

"I think I am in love with you," Kali confessed without shame.

"I’m not sure how it works, but I always want to talk to you... and I love to see you squirm... and when you’re not around, it doesn’t feel right. When things are wrong with me, your words make me feel right. I’ve never had this feeling... it’s overwhelming and confusing. So I’ll substitute it as love."

Percy burned red, from ear to cheeks. "Good heavens... this woman," he whispered.

"Kali... I need to think- no, we already spoke about this before we came here." Percy replied, trying to escape. He was feeling hot from inside.

Kali nodded. "We did have a stupid conversation that didn’t work. I don’t understand any of what we said that day. Do you not love me, Percy?"

"I..." Percy suddenly felt small in front of Kali—like he was a two-foot ant before a giant. That was how he felt being proposed to by a woman. But did it feel good? It did.

"Percy? Do you love me?"

Seeing that he was going to be trapped until he said something, Percy dragged his hands away forcefully, but the quick movement caused him to trip. Crashing into Kali, both of them rolled until they fell into a cushion.

"Ow..." Kali winced, then moaned.

Percy didn’t feel any pain. "Are you okay?" He tried to help her stand.

"Mm..." Kali moaned. "You have your hands on my breast, Percy."

"What—"

Kali pinned him to her body. "Does this mean you’ll marry me?"

Percy didn’t move his hand or try to run. He stared at Kali blankly, a strand of his hair dropping to his face.

"I think I’m tired of running from this feeling." He moved his face closer, reaching for Kali’s lips.