Chapter 320: Chapter 320
The tea was served by his hand and I felt bothered the more it sank in my head how things suddenly turned from seductive...
"...."
"...."
... To this dreary silence that doesn’t even let me enjoy the honeyed tea he gentlemanly served for us.
’It’s awkward to say anything... although I can’t even do that without my post-it notes.’ — I told Marianne as I brought the teacup to our selfish mouth that, if it’s food, it will move annoyingly well.
"..."
’Right... maybe I’m exaggerating. It hasn’t been even five minutes of silence. I’m sure it’s just me being paranoid around this hunk–’
"Is the tea to the Lady’s liking?"
"!?" — ’Yes!’
Forcing me out of the ponder, I nodded energetically... A bit too much, though. Since my mute condition felt stronger at the lack of words.
"....."
"... I suppose we do need the Lady’s stack to converse further."
"....."
Somehow the indifferent sound of his voice made me feel guilty at the loss of the notes. I probably showed an apologetic vibe but even then, the silence continued for a while until I made up my mind to peek at him after half of my tea was left.
’I’m sure he’s upset... he usually speaks even when I say nothing in my notes...’ — I had started thinking while drowning in guilt that I shouldn’t feel since accidents happen. Commencing a brief exchange with Anne who was also feeling doubtful, yet less negative in sensation.
"..."
’Do you think so?... But... he’s so quiet...!?’ — Then, our eyes met his. The hyacinth eyes with hints of red turning pink... intently watching us while seating handsomely on that white couch next to mine.
"??" — ’W-why is he staring??? Is there something on us???’
D*mn it. This makes me more conscious of our appearance!
"My Lady." — As I checked myself his voice reached me. — "You are impressive."
"????" — ’Huh???’
"I will come back later. Soon, servants will arrive to tend the Lady." — He said, standing from his seat making me falter since it was sudden. — "... The Emperor is waiting to learn about you. I shall inform him and come back to you, Lady Marianne... is that alright?"
’!! Yes! I-its fine! It’s perfect!!’ — Relieved that it was only a bureaucracy he needed to leave for, I also stood to dismiss him, nodding to his sayings while I felt happy I could dress up properly.
"..."
We stood in silence after that. With him staring again at me until I averted my eyes since it became awkward once more. However, within the stillness, his hand lifted as if waiting for mine. Hence... I laid our hand on his palm, only to see a fond smile lift the Crown Prince’s corners.
"I am to come back shortly..... My Lady... Welcome." — At his last word, his gaze met mine. Transmitting how pleased he was with a nice stroke on my fingers, while the beautiful but dangerous colour of his eyes titillated.
*******
Many steps, hast in their momentum, were given throughout the corridors he had already crossed along the beloved lady.
There was some conflict still causing turmoil within his heart at the halt to his desired affection Marianne had given.
The hand that had stopped the dismissing of distance had broken the daydream her presence instilled in his reality, sowing doubts he had not thought of while his mind searched for a way to understand and convey his good intentions.
’I felt faint... I thought... I was receiving the rejection I desperately fear.’ — Zeleskiaz said within, exhaling a whiff of relief as his chest could breathe. — ’However, my Lady’s hand...’
The recall of the touch and shape of every bony finger, long and elegant, clean and frail... coming to take his hand without remorse or hesitation... As well as the brilliance in her concerned eyes that had chased behind him with the lovely sound of her youthful yet soft mouthpiece; had been imprinted in his memories. Since the Prince had wished to escape her company at the thought of a horrendous mistake in his conceptions.
’Her hand and voice reached out to me... when I thought I had disrespected-... No. Lost my beloved.’
Arriving at the entrance of the Main Palace Zeleskiaz commenced to look around, just as he did while in his way. Even approaching the men around.
"Knight. Have you seen a stack of sheets?"
"? Pardon, your Highness? What is–"
"Tsk. Say you haven’t if you don’t know."
Continuing his search annoyed at the lost time with words, Zeleskiaz moved towards the royal mews, resuming the thoughts about the lady.
’Hopefully, I can find it... my Lady even strained herself... causing pain even to convey my misunderstanding...’ — Moved to learn this, he smiled. Letting his thoughts gain audible sound as the sight of the marvellous Empress’s Garden was found in his path. — "My lovely... oh beloved and kind Lady, Pristina Pars... Truly... Dioclecià came up with the most fitting Surname for you, my love."
Pleasure could only fill him now as the disruptive conflict settled with the understanding he managed to get from the lack of words in her gestures. But even then, her motions were now sufficient.
For the lady’s stiff expressions had lightly loosened, enough for him to know more than only with the shine in her eyes that dislike or rejection was felt from the graceful lady.
’Dioclecià... haha. Kid, I told him not to tell yet he still did. He needs to learn how to be a Keepsake Member... yet I forgive it this time. As she was glad to meet him... as he made it so Jasmine wouldn’t bother us... And as he acted well sending for my Lady’s tea beforehand.’ — The man thought, slightly rejoiced to see his little brother was of pertinent actions.
"A stack of sheets in the Ninth’s carriage. Did you see it?"
"!? Your Highness, what an honour to have you–"
"Did you see it or not."
"!! I– I did not, Your Highness!"
"Tsk."
Turning immediately, the time to meet with the Emperor had already passed.
The search for the stack had been unfruitful and even when he was late to meet his majesty, Zeleskiaz only walked relaxed, even after the idea to request many stacks to be made for the Lady emerged.
’It’s no good if this happens. Her sound is not fully developed for her to talk... yet I wonder... if I request for many stacks to be made, would that not upset her?’
Thinking about the woman’s goals and efforts, the Crown Prince could discern that doing so could cause displeasure or misunderstandings.
’I... I do not want her to think I believe her voice will take long before it can be heard... On the contrary...’ — "At this rate... if we continue our sessions diligently... My Lady’s voice..."
Looking up at the high Main Palace in the direction both their chambers would be found, Zeleskiaz grinned. For he was smart as the Heir to the Empire’s Throne and was hopeful at the woman’s impressive ways.
"By the end of the Hunt... maybe sole whispers... and by Autumn... ah~... My Lady. Your voice will sing loudly to the leaves resembling your hair’s shade... That, I believe, my Love."