Chapter 565

While Lily packed, Alexander hugged her from behind. "What if I come with you?" Although this trip was within the country, Alexander remained on high alert since Lily's kidnapping in Westwood. The thought of her going repelled him. "What if I don't go at all?" Lily turned, half-joking.

"Really?" Alexander's eyes lit up; his voice rose. "You're so silly!" Lily pecked his cheek, resuming packing. "I'm only going for two days, and it's just Kingsland—nearby, the hub of politics and culture. It's not overseas. You're not afraid something bad will happen again, right?"

"Of course I am!" Alexander admitted readily.

Lily was right, but he'd miss her and didn't want to feel separated. Lily froze, surprised by his frankness. She stopped and hugged him. "Silly boy, I can defend myself!"

Alexander knew she could; he'd had a glimpse of her abilities after Westwood. Lily hadn't spoken much about the kidnapping, but Alexander knew the kidnappers weren't casual rebels. Calling her lucky to escape unharmed felt inadequate.

Since she remained silent, he didn't press for details. Knowing some self-defense was typical for a Lodge; he assumed she'd learned kickboxing, but her skill level was uncertain.

"I know you learned kickboxing, but there are other threats besides punches and kicks that could hurt you far more," Alexander said seriously.

That was his main concern. While Westwood wouldn't repeat in Kingsland, the trip wasn't without danger. The Perfumers' Society's invitation, especially, seemed suspect. His worry was evident.

Lily laughed, caressing his eyes and smoothing his frown. "I know that. I may not be the smartest, but I know to be cautious. I'll only be there for two days, staying at the place you chose. I'm just settling some matters with the Perfumers' Society. Many others will be there, so I should be fine. Even if someone wants trouble, I can handle it!"

Lily, once averse to socializing and such events, had learned to navigate them since meeting Alexander. Growing up, she realized, meant accepting and solving problems, not running from them. "Promise me one thing," Alexander said, raising a finger. He wasn't stopping her, but he had a request.

"What is it?"

"Don't do things beyond your limits!"

"When have I ever done that? I'll only handle what seems manageable. It's just a meeting! Does he think I'm entering a lion's den?" Smiling, Lily linked their fingers, remembering something. "Oh, right. Give and take. I have a request too, and you must agree!"

Alexander nodded instantly.