Chapter 76 - Kinky Stuff (1/2)
Maxen kicked the door close, and it automatically locked. It was a security feature of his private residence's study.
Peeling his hands from her, Olivia stood in awe, drinking in the floor to ceiling, wall to wall, shelves of books that seemed to call her name.
One step further in and her nose got assaulted with the smell of parchment paper that wafted in the air. Her eyes wandered around as she admired the soft glow of the chandelier, which added more charm to the room.
Maxen grinned from ear to ear, proud upon seeing how Olivia subconsciously drummed her fingers on her bag to contain her excitement.
”Are you sure I can freely drive up and use this room?” Olivia turned on her heel and faced him. She knew how much valuable knowledge is stored in this room, one that Pyxis didn't have access to.
”Of course you can. That's what the keys are for,” Maxen replied, sitting down on the leather couch. He poured himself a glass of bourbon and downed his drink. Through the rim of the crystal glass, he observed Olivia as she wandered around looking like a giddy child in Disney World.
”Oooh, look at that.” She moved closer to a table where a model of the Country was displayed.
Nisia, where the mountains meet the sea, is an island shaped like a heart.
She studied the topography of the model and realized how strategic and effective the urban planning of the country was.
Running her fingers along the miniature model of highways that were sandwiched between the mountains and the sea, she bobbed her head as it all made sense to her.
Being a small island, they utilized the mountain ranges as a shield from tsunami threats.
”What are the flags for, Max?” she asked after she noticed random green flags on the mountain ranges.
”Those… are markers for the Huks… if you know who they are ” Maxen placed his glass on the table but his eyes were locked on Olivia. He saw her nod, so he stood from his seat and walked to where she was to explain. Pointing at all the green flags, he narrated, ”Those are the places we cleared and we still have more to clear. It's tough, you see. Because if we clear one mountain and move to another, after a while, some Huks could still return to areas we thought was cleared already.”
”Haven't you tried peace talks?” she asked, folding her arms over her c.h.e.s.t.
”My uncle did before he died but it fell apart because what they wanted was to abolish the monarchy which is impossible.”
Curious, she looked to her side where Maxen stood and asked, ”Have you considered it? To abolish the monarchy?”
”Trust me. I wanted the same because honestly, royal protocols are suffocating. You don't have the freedom to do as you please, go after what you want. You're just an empty shell, smiling and pleasing everyone. People envy you for all the things you have, but that's it. Things. All in exchange for your freedom.
”And now they're shipping me away and I can't even be there to celebrate your birthday.”
Maxen hooked his finger on his tie and tugged it, temporarily relieving him from its suffocation, and turned to get another glass of bourbon when Olivia called his attention.
”You had enough alcohol, Max.” She followed him and held his hand to distract him. She noticed how Maxen had been drinking alcohol every night.
It's not that she's against it but the statistics of men in power ending up in rehab because of alcoholism or drugs unnerved her. She simply didn't want Maxen to become a statistic.
Dragging him to the bookshelves, she laced her fingers with his and asked over her shoulders, ”Since you'll be away, let's pick all your favorite books. Tell me what you read and I could tell you who you are.”
Maxen's sullen face brightened at her words. A corner of his lips tugged into a mischievous smirk. Olivia's fingers almost felt like it got burned when a glint of deviousness flashed in Maxen's eyes.