Chapter 256: Chapter 256
Her cheeks conveyed with elegance the nice sensation.
Nonetheless, she could not find in herself to grant the man a compliant response.
’But sadly... It wasn’t that marvellous...’ — She answered, shaking her head lightly to the man.
"... That is... a disgrace... May I ask what hindered your rest, My Lady? If myself has any help that can offer..."
’... Haha! Oh gosh~... Why take it so seriously~’ — The woman’s thoughts paused to smile, stunned at his determination to aid her in any way with a much more serious tone in his caring voice. Ecstatic also, to find the honest concern in his hues.
Marianne moved through the couch she seated to close the distance and hand the note to the Prince. Answering the man with candid property.
[ It is the exhaustion that is at fault. Dreams I cannot recall also take my energy. Nonetheless, I am in good spirits today, Prince Zeleskiaz.
I heartfully appreciate your good wishes. ]
"... If the Lady is in good spirits... Then at the very least my other pray was conceded." — He replied softly, caressing the sheet of paper. Breathless... From the word involving her heart.
"..."
Zeleskiaz’s words overwhelmed her silence. And in the second she held her stack as he returned it, she fidgeted awkwardly at what to do next for she could not get herself to lift her chin again to see the owner of such dreamy sayings.
Therefore, eventually, the Lady later called with a gesture for the awaiting Paige, who observed in the pureness of a damsel’s illusions how the Crown Prince uttered lovely phrases to her Ladyship with clear intent to conquer her heart with sincere beliefs.
’Oh~! My Lady~ Will you keep on feigning ignorance forever ~? The Crown Prince has been captivated so wholesomely by your kindness~’ — Paige fantasised in thrill and satisfaction by the softness the man used to treat her adored Ladyship. For who she only desired to see receiving the heavenly affection she deserves.
"Yes, Miss Marianne." — Unable to forfeit her grin, Paige heeded Marianne’s summon.
[Could you offer to serve His Highness a cup of tea? ]
Unused to being who offered hospitality, Marianne seemed pure while asking such from her maid.
"Immediately, My Lady... Your Highness, Would you so kindly accompany Miss Marianne with a cup of her favourite tea?"
The composed maid delayed the order, making sure Marianne would not notice the signal her brows made to the Prince when expressing such tea was her Lady’s favourite.
Ignorant, Marianne stared at the man, who then came back to meet her gaze, grinning to accept.
"Of course. The kindness is hers for inviting me."
"~~... I shall serve it shortly." — Holding in the delight her stomach rumbled with, Paige continued to portray a proper expression and excused herself to serve them in a bow.
’I chose the right dress today again Your Highness! You better appreciate it as you share my Lady’s favourite tea!!’ — Excited, the young maiden went away.
"So... She says it is My Lady’s favourite? May I inquire on which kind of tea you find delight, Lady Marianne?"
’Ah... Sure...’ — Moved by the Prince’s interest she went back to writing.
[It is Blueberry tea. I find its taste refreshing even in the warmth of it. And sweet. Although it is a balanced sweetness for its hint of a citric flavour. ]
She replied with elaborated detail on why she liked it.
An honest soul as they were, Marianne would convey sincerely what she found interest in and perk up to continue discussions on what she found delightful... Just like any human... Who was comfortable sharing such details with the selected person they deemed worthy to gain such knowledge.
"Blueberry... It must have a peculiar taste."
Zeleskiaz responded, unconvinced while looking at her cup of tea.
’Huh?... No way...’ — She thought at his expression immediately conveying her motive of surprise.
[ Has His Highness not tried it before? ]
"..."
Observing with slight conflict at her note, Zeleskiaz’s light squint emerged as he decided how to answer such inquiry after seeing the awe in her gaze.
"I... Truthfully... I am not very fond of fruity flavours..." — The Crown Prince confessed, slightly ashamed.
"!?" — ’But the other day you ate that cherry clafou(?)–... something, very pleased!’
Somehow aware of the kind of thoughts she was having with the impressed blinking hues she had in wonder, Zeleskiaz then continued to express more of his tooth’s tastes.
"I enjoy savoury tastes much more. I rarely eat or sip on sweet or sour servings... Although, I do from time to time... Solely for special occasions."
’Oh... I was right then... He does have more of a savoury tooth.’ — Marianne considered with attention, unconsciously glancing back at Paige who was already preparing more tea to serve. — ’...Maybe I should ask her to prepare something else...’
Slightly saddened, the gentle youth thought, wishing to offer something her guest would enjoy instead. Yet also ignorant... that the man had her any offer as something he would deem as "special" in any occasion.
"I!... Since I have not tried it before, I believe it is a nice opportunity to learn its taste if... If it is Lady Marianne who offers it."
He had noticed. The beloved woman’s growing intention. And in a bit of hast, the Crown Prince gasped to tell her his willingness to taste a new flavour. Not forgetting to imply it was for her that he would do so.
"!.." — The look in her eyes beamed in relief, and nodded in comprehension, telling more of what she was thinking on her stack.
[ I hope you will find it to your taste, Your Highness.
However, if it does not. Do tell. So we can arrange something both of us may enjoy. ]
"... Alright." — The man answered for her to hear.
’I would never tell.’
While his heart responded differently on the inside as stillness was held by both in wait.
’If it is you who enjoys it... My beloved... I cannot tell such atrocity.’
He was badly injured with the trace of his relentless feelings.
A delightful injury he would postpone any treatment for as long as he could, and one he wanted to see grow further... So once the woman owning its birth noticed its deepness... she would treat it with the hands he longed for... Turning the unrequited injury into pure bliss for him to carry.
’The thorn of a flower was what opened such dreamy wound... One I do not want to pull out from my heart... Therefore...’
— I am waiting for you to heal me... Marianne... Heal this hopeless wound for eternity, My Love... —
The resonating words of his devoted soul went through his body like a gentle tremor.
Ensimismated in the sight before him as the wait for the offered tea came to an end.
A curious eye was kept on Zeleskiaz as he drew his teacup near, to which the man held a nervous chuckle while taking into his lungs the fragrance she enjoyed.
The sip he would probably have avoided if not for her presence was taken. And the delight he felt at its taste... It would not have existed, if not for the expectation her gems portrayed in wait.
The taste in his mouth was one he was indifferent to. One he would never choose if not for her. Yet even in that case, he honestly told the woman his impression.
"It is a nice flavour to enjoy." — The Crown Prince answered with fondness at his cup.
’I know~ It’s a nice taste it has, right?’ — Relieved at his response, Marianne nodded, finally ready to sip on her own.
Flavour... In the man’s head, the flavour he tasted was every spice his current space gifted whilst in the woman’s company.
Common silence was resumed between them, none the less it was comforting for the two. Unnecessary chatter was not needed. More so when the matters they found important in discussing could not be done when in front of Marianne’s maid.
Zeleskiaz would shortly bring an end to this visit, where silence had marvellously reigned. Yet he would come to seat again in her chamber that night... for the promised session they should enrol in would not be missed.
"Thank you for this tasteful tea, My Lady." — The admirable Crown Prince said as he stood. — "May the next time be one with honey and lime in it..."
Lastly, he implied. Casting a gaze on the woman, transmitting the secret intention with a mischievous glint.
’Heh... Okay. I got the reference, haha.’ — Lowering her gaze away from him, she shyly understood his meaning.
"It was brief, yet I believe it is time I leave so my Lady can rest properly... Maid. What is your name?" — Bowing to the woman with an elegant farewell, Zeleskiaz then turned to her servant.
"The name is Paige, Your Highness."
"... Paige. Summer evenings in these heights tend to announce strong currents of wind... I would recommend for only the balcony’s glass to remain open once night falls."
"! Understood, Your Highness. This servant appreciates thee useful advice."
The innocent Paige perked at the Crown Prince’s suggestion, supposing it was meant for the Lady’s health.
Meanwhile, she who understood the intention hidden in it widened her eyes. Furthermore, after witnessing the sneer of the man as he turned to leave.
’!?!! This! This idiot!’ — She blushed, following with her gaze. — ’Why would you tell her something like that!? Idiot! Idiot Kinky Crown!!’
"Until Later, My Lady."
Crossing her door after bowing to Paige, he continued to smirk at the success of his playfulness and whispered entranced through pleased corners as he walked the corridor, that selfish truth behind such a suggestion.
"Keep your balcony open, my Love... So I can visit you without restriction at dusk."