When Druvok realized how close he was to Maliny, a faint flush crossed his face. He quickly pulled away and turned to leave the garden without a word.
But before he could disappear, he heard her soft voice call out.
"Druvok? Where are you? You know I can't find my way alone."
He groaned under his breath, momentarily forgetting the girl was blind.
Turning back with a scowl, he grabbed her hand and tried to tug her out of the garden.
"Come on, let's go," he grunted.
But Maliny dug her heels in and pouted.
"No. Carry me… like a princess."
Druvok let out a frustrated growl.
"You spoiled little— stop making demands!"
He was about to scold her when he noticed the shimmer of tears in her pale eyes, and it hit him again how fragile she really was — not in body, but in heart.
He let out a sigh and scooped her up in his arms.
"As you wish, Your Highness," he muttered sarcastically, though without true malice.
Maliny giggled, pleased, and wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head against his shoulder.
Druvok's face flushed again from the proximity. He tightened his jaw, trying to maintain his tough, detached demeanor.
Under his breath, he grumbled,
"This means nothing… she just looks like a lost puppy, that's all."
Maliny tilted her head.
"Did you say something, Druvok?"
Startled by the warmth of her breath brushing against his ear, he snapped out of his thoughts.
"Nothing. You're imagining things, brat."
He carried her all the way to her room and gently set her down on her bed. He was about to leave when Maliny called out behind him.
"Wait! Let's play a game. You describe an animal, and I'll guess what it is."
Druvok groaned inwardly, not in the mood for silly games. But a mischievous idea crept into his mind.
"Fine. I'll give you one."
Maliny perked up, her face lighting in excitement.
Druvok smirked.
"There's a tiny animal… very demanding, cries easily, but still insists on being treated like royalty and carried around all day."
Maliny pouted, realizing exactly who he meant.
"Hey! I'm not an animal!"
Druvok chuckled darkly.
"I didn't say it was you. Why'd you assume that? Are you admitting you're sensitive and demanding?"
Maliny huffed, ready to retort, when a knock sounded at the door.
A butler entered, bowing stiffly.
"Miss Maliny, the master requests your presence at the family dinner. He insists you attend."
Druvok's eyes narrowed at the man's tone — overly polite, but cold, with an unmistakable edge beneath the words.
The butler glanced at Druvok, a trace of disdain in his gaze, and added,
"You may bring… your pet."
Druvok's face darkened, his temper flaring at the insult, but when he saw the flicker of fear in Maliny's expression, he paused.
There was something off about this. The butler's words, his subtle rudeness… and Maliny's reaction.
He clenched his fists, biting back his anger.
This house… it wasn't safe for her.