Chapter 245: Chapter 245
"..."
Zeleskiaz’s soul wished for time to stand still.
The sight of her was the vast idyll no man or divine could ever live without.
’Woman... How am I to compliment you from now on...’
Entranced the Prince thought, as her smile settled softly in her visage. Blinking in wait for him to continue speaking... For him to read her playful and fond thoughts...
"... Has my words made my Lady entertained?"
’Yeah~ I almost fell for it. I thought you didn’t mean it, hehe~’
"... That is a wonderful thing I have achieved." — Receiving her light nod, Zeleskiaz replied.
’... Right...’
"..."
’Right! I was upset at you!...’ — Her hands reacted, flinching slightly at the realisation. However, not permitting the withdrawal, she also did not let the recall scale into new trouble.
’But... Y–You have been nice... I will forgive you this time... And as I’m used to, I won’t tell you I did...’
Hiding light mischief she thought as her gaze appreciated the picture of their joint hands. Unaware that Zeleskiaz was now to appreciate not only the laced hands but also her wonderous visage.
The lady’s shyness was pure bliss for the eye. An excellent picture of what her happiness could inflict on the ambience. On his heart. On his neverending concerns, he kept discovering while on the path to win her heart.
Such marvellous soul inhabited the woman. That even when turmoil for not expressing the bottom of his sentiments was experienced... The lovely hints of her emotions could bathe the whirl in new waves and calm its chaotic tune.
’I can make her smile...’ — "... Such a wonderful thing..." — He repeated. Overwhelmed by the precious gift he attained.
A moment to appreciate the cross of their stares, Zeleskiaz took for a pause. And then he stood slowly, keeping her cold hands in his that steadily was gaining his warmth.
"Wait, My Lady... please do not stand." — Seeing the intent of her legs to follow him, Zeleskiaz told her. — "I believe you should lay down and rest as your Father said."
’..... Oh...’
Marianne’s eyes peeked at the pillows arranged for her to lean on, slightly disappointed.
’But... If I do that... God. What am I thinking... He still needs to go at some point...’
"..."
The Lady’s resigned agreement occurred, making him resume the soft smile only dedicated to her.
"May I ask my Lady something inappropriate?"
’... Huh?! If it’s inappropriate you shouldn’t even ask if you can... Just don’t do it...’ — With a fractious glance, she answered. Feeling more disappointed at what the works her imagination came up with. Crafting ideas on what he wanted based on his previous actions filled with passion.
She had begun to drift to take rest in her bed, arranging the place to her liking, ultimately leaving his hold.
Observant, he stood silent before her. Aware that her glance was a denial. However... — "Perhaps... Am I being misunderstood again?"
Grasping his fingers, hiding at his back, he inquired. Nervous, like never before.
"..."
"... I want to stay even though the Lady is to rest... It is not appropriate, however..."
’ah...’
To the lower of the man’s head and the unsettlement concealed in the eyes he looked at her with, Marianne recalled the words she was told once she opened her eyes.
—... You scared me... —
"....."
Coming back to seat properly on her bed’s edge, Marianne reflected for an instant on his sayings and on the expression he portrayed.
’... I guess I didn’t hear him wrong...’
"..."
’... Well... It’s not that bad an idea...’
Considering the slight fear that remained from the Ball’s confusion, the girl’s eyes went through her chamber as she found no seat near her bed.
’If he’s to stay he shouldn’t be far from my sight...’ — She conceived in excuse, as she composed a letter.
[ I appreciate your intention.
If it is not much trouble, feel free to bring a chair and seat near my bed. ]
’... Is it too straightforward..?... But how else... Sigh, I don’t want this overthinking.’
Deciding to give the note, The Crown Prince read its content pleased. Continuing to reaffirm her decision with a thoughtful tone.
"Is it truly alright with the Lady? I know I may be asking too much again. Therefore do not hesitate to tell me if... if you wish for me to leave, Lady Marianne."
Receiving in silence the stack he returned, Marianne pondered on her own letters. And responded with the truth behind her agreement. — [ I am a bit uneasy about being left alone right now.]
"..."
[ Please stay, Your Highness. ]
’Scared... If I was afraid... How much could she have been at what happened to her...’
Zeleskiaz did not say a word at her letter for he did not know what would come out of his mouth.
Pain squeezed his heart at the thought of her fright. The frail woman whose expression showed little to nothing. Ever so composed and elegant... was indeed a flower whose petals could easily whither... Yet in her condition, besides expressing it with the strokes of her pencil... How else could she convey such fears?
In silence, Zeleskiaz had decided to go for the suggested chair and placed it right next to where she was to rest her head.
"... Please lay down first, My Lady." — He gently requested. In due respect to the owner of the chamber who was letting his presence remain.
"..." — ’Okay...’
Still in her dress, Marianne laid down. Nonetheless, even if tense for being observed, the young woman rolled her head to see the man take a seat to meet her eyes.
’... So... Who would have thought... The supposedly scary Male Lead is staying near because I’m scared...haha.’ — Amused at the irony. The foreigner chuckled inwardly.
The man she had read about and the man before her, seemed worlds apart at this point.
’I want the original to begin already... So this ridiculous uncertainty can find its end.’
The turmoil ignorance brought to the soul was draining her spirit. Nonetheless, peace somehow would come her way.
Many people at this time, moved with Marianne in their minds.
And the one beside her was the one guarding the serenity she slowly earned in the familiar chamber Fenrir inhabited.
The Prince’s hues did not leave her gaze even when the bushy lids closed in a reluctant doze.
’Let your lids rest, my beloved...’ — He secretly told as he watched her useless fight against sleep.
Staring attentively from his seat, forfeiting any filling conversation she could have expected... So noise would not come. And instead, permitting stillness to conquer their space, Zeleskiaz’s unwavering violet was welcoming, every time Marianne opened the lids in apprehension to fall into deep rest.
’... Don’t do anything weird... Prince... I’m... trusting..... you here...’
’... Let your spirit rest... For no one is to harm you when I am near...’
’....haa... I’m... so sleepy... so..... so sorry...’
Her eyes barely could stay open yet her message was transmitted by the last light they granted to the man.
"... Sleep calmly, my Lady... As I said... I will not leave yet..."
’Never... If I am allowed to.’
*******
"Talmhach!"
Rèmi called for the Royal physician’s attention as he closed the distance. Walking fast through the wide corridor.
"Deslys! What took you so long?? Weren’t you downtown?"
"Ah... A patient had–"
Clank.
"Don’t lose your time in chattering."
Opening the door to her chambers, the Crown Prince came out to get the awaited physician.
"...ah yes... Yes, Your Highness. Excuse my delay."
Opening the door so they could follow inside, Zeleskiaz made the physicians enter the sleeping Lady’s stances, where only one candle remained lit as he guarded her peace.
"... Is the Lady asleep?"
"She fell into slumber not long after the Duke retired..."
"I see... Umh... May I?"
"That’s what you are here for." — Displeased by the useless caution of the man, Zeleskiaz frowned.
"... Be careful not to wake her..."
"Of course, Your Highness. We shall be careful."
Giving a step back the Crown Prince warned the men and gave space for them to do their learned routines.
From the instant her eyes had closed, Zeleskiaz stayed immovable in his seat. Saving the respectable distance, guarding her rest until this time. When he had only stood and departed her side once the steps of the awaited man were heard by his acute hearing.
In his notion, the Ball had probably been finalised.
The dark of the night was the clock that conveyed such belief.
Yet lost in paying utmost attention to the woman, the night outside seemed endless to his senses... ever since a tear commenced to fall from one of her sleeping eyes.
Letting it fall and trace her cheek, the Prince would only wipe the drop softly with the back of his finger...
Remaining dry for a few moments... To then be traced once again by the hurtful gleam.
"... Make sure she is not hurting anywhere..."
He then demanded as he observed how they carefully took her limb and revised her temperature and heartbeat...twice...thrice...
"Talmhach... She’s alive right–?"
"Say that again."
From behind, stuffing threat with bloody eyes challenged.
"Mind your utterances Rèmi Deslys... Say such words again and no patient will find you tomorrow."
"I–... I apologise, Your Highness. It is simply that..."
"... As I thought... This is uncommon in the Lady. Isn’t it Deslys?"
"... I would not say–"
"Then what is it that you can say." — Rage and fear. The mixture was triggering the enamoured man who could not follow the physicians’ exchanges. — "Speak clearly. Tell that what you are sure of immediately... Before I lose all patience, Rèmi."
Silence. One he could not enjoy reigned. And as requested... it was shattered by the men...