Chapter 115 Library Smackdown- Zero Chill
Will I ever get some peace in this novel, God? Why does my life feel like a soap opera predator chase? Just yesterday at the dance, and now these two guys are at it again!
Kurt, who was being stared down by the ice general, didn't panic, instead, his smug grin only got wider. He leaned back casually, looking like he wasn't sitting across from an executioner who could blow his head off at any moment.
"Well, well," Kurt murmured, glancing Claus up and down. "Looks like our circus troupe is finally complete. Here to borrow a book on war history too, General? Or are you here to check on some territory that has nothing to do with the military?"
Claus didn't answer right away. His heavy footsteps echoed on the library's wooden floor, completely ignoring the rule of silence.
In three seconds, he was already at our table. His large hand gripped the edge of the wood, shifting my notes. The faded scar from last night's shattered crystal glass was still visible on his palm, making him look even more intimidating.
"Get up from that chair, Kurt," Claus said, his voice low, hoarse, and heavy, far more dangerous than a lion's roar. "Or I'll drag you out of here myself, and it won't be polite."
Kurt chuckled, still lounging in his seat. "So fierce. I was just asking Miss Varannes about Varannes logistics. Isn't it normal for guests of the state to expand their knowledge a little?"
"She's none of your business," Claus snapped, his eyes fixed on Kurt's. "And stop meeting her in quiet places before I lose my patience for good."
"Did you ever have any patience, Claus?" Kurt shot back, grinning. "As far as I know, your life is just training for war, killing enemies, and stalking royal enemies. Not much of a hobby list."
I was getting more annoyed by the second. They were talking about me like I was an exhibit, not a person just trying to calm down!
I slammed my pen on the table. Whack!
The sound was loud for a library. The librarian snapped her head around to glare at us, but I was already too angry to care.
"You two!" I snapped, trying to keep my voice down but full of fury. "Can you NOT cause a scene in the library?! This is a place to read, not a wrestling ring for your overgrown egos!"
Claus immediately looked at me, his gaze softening a little but still ridiculously possessive. "Ilse, you......"
"Please stop, Duke Claus!" I cut him off, not letting him get a word in. I turned to Kurt, who was still smirking. "And you, Prince Kurt! If you're so eager to study economics, go read the encyclopedia on the back shelf instead of causing trouble here!"
Kurt blinked, surprised at my outburst. "Uh, but...."
"I said zip it!" I repeated, standing up and grabbing my bag. "Don't you two have anything better to do than stalking me? Do you think I'm some kind of fugitive? Fight to the death here for all I care, I'm done!"
They both fell silent. Claus frowned at me, Kurt clamped his mouth shut.
But honestly, trying to talk sense into these two is like yelling at a brick wall. Just as I was about to continue my rant, Claus grabbed my hand, pulling me away from the table.
"Come with me, Ilse. This place isn't safe for you," Claus said coldly, ignoring Kurt entirely.
"Not safe from you, that's for sure!" I grumbled, yanking my hand away. "I'm not going with anyone! I just want some peace!"
Kurt stood up, straightening his clothes with a grin. "Hear that, General? Even your girl doesn't want to go with you. Just let her stay here and study with me...."
"Kurt, shut your mouth before I rip your tongue out," Claus growled, turning to Kurt with a look that could kill.
"Go ahead and try," Kurt taunted, his crooked smile only growing.
I stared at these two stubborn idiots, totally exasperated. Talking to them is like talking to a wall. They won't hear a word I say as long as their egos are at war.
"Whatever!" I yelled, not caring about my volume anymore. "Fight, duel, make out on the library floor, do whatever you want! I don't care!"
Without waiting for a response, or caring about their shocked faces, I spun on my heel and stormed out. Let them argue to their heart's content. If I stayed around them any longer, it wouldn't just be my stomach lining at risk, my sanity would be gone by sundown.
Maybe tomorrow I need to find a new hiding place. My sanity's on the line here.