Chapter 341: Chapter 341
The comfort of the woman finding a place between his arms as he reserved it solely for her to rest in, infected the Crown Prince. Allowing his trouble to settle along her breathing and, savouring the harmony of her relaxation, he also rested on her gentle being, feeling weightless even while her hold was soft enough to blend with the sweet air filling his lungs.
’..... Such an enchantment... my loved lady... so frail you are...’ — Lovingly, Zeleskiaz adored the drowning sensation of embracing Marianne, only opening his eyes to peek at the woman’s hair that remained uncovered by the cloak.
"..."
A moment of pondering spanned as he noticed his head was properly hidden. Taking action upon it as the noises of the many around were recognised once again.
With careful motion, his fingertips went for the cloth to rearrange the crown that should stay concealed. Carefully as if hiding.
And yet... she noticed. Moving away in reflex...
"!"
’?!’
... Casually grazing the man’s lips as she turned curious to look at his doings.
"ah... I-... I apologise..."
"....."
’Stop doing that...’ — Inwardly, Marianne said, lowering her blushed visage again to rest on him who felt confused. Only that this time facing where their gazes would eventually meet. — ’It’s not even your fault... stop apologizing.’
The deep sigh leaving her nose made Zeleskiaz tremble in thrill, to try continuing to keep sanity only so her kind presence would not forbid the closeness he had earned.
However, a woman like that one residing in his arms was danger itself for his reason.
"....."
’Kinky...’ — Peeking truly comfortable, gaining the eagerness fear had temporarily forfeited, Marianne started to also enjoy the daydream. Slowly giving in to the daze the warmth and enchantment of his care allowed her to experience. — ’Why are you so handsome...?’
Her hand had made her way up to pull on the cloth covering his head, so lightly the crown prince’s head tilted as he solely stared, attentive to the blink of an apparently exhausted beloved.
’... Why are you so cute... so kind...’ — She continued to tell in secret. While her eyes went up the manly neck to meet the intent hues, beautiful like gems admiring her beauty just as she did with him.
"....."
’... Why... are you being a gentleman... and aren’t taking advantage to kiss me better than that accidental graze...’
"My lady...?"
’Nh... don’t mind me. Seems like I’m going more crazy...’ — Bashful she hid on him, embarrassed by her own words while he also felt the fever push him to the edge the Prince needed to hold on to.
And yet, embarrassment was not enough to keep her timid. On the contrary, it pushed her forward so the impulses he fought could be done by herself.
’Yeah... I’m crazy.’ — Seeing his fever endearingly paint his skin, Marianne declared. Pulling this time his hood so his head would lean further into hers as she wished even while confused... To kiss him... on the chin first as he had not lowered enough for her to reach his edges.
"... Umm..." — Zeleskiaz hesitated. Struck by the graze on his chin.
Only to feel the weak pull of the lady again so he would bend more.
’Come on... i-is it that difficult?’
"... Lady Marianne..."
’Is it... is it that difficult being around me?’ — Helping his height, she also closed in... recalling the words she had heard him mumble on her balcony. — ’I’m doing this much... and still, kinky?’
"... My lady... I do not want to take advantage of your fragility."
"..."
"I will not... do it."
’..... But... even when I’m letting you–?’
"It is not you that I am refusing." — Conflicted as she separated to convey herself with the brilliance of longing gazes, Zeleskiaz kept hold of her figure, telling his truth to the lady. — "What I refuse is myself to dive into the opportunity so deeply I could bring dishonour to you..."
’____... w-what... what does that even mean?!?’
"... I hope I was clear enough..."
"!?" — The fluster enhanced to his weak ashamed grin, breaking her daydream so reason could come back in the chosen child. Separating herself as well as she could with nervous hands. — ’I- I get it... I’m awake now... goodness, you weren’t known as the kinky Crown for anything.’
The lovely blush made him smile even while embarrassed to remind the lady of a man’s craves... an enamoured man’s craves...
The second he took to appreciate the woman’s virtue made his restrain worthy as it was the respect she deserved and the hazard he needed to truly demonstrate his sentiments’ seriousness. Hazard he was ever to welcome... as in ignorance before, he had failed to learn the sights his thoughtfulness could gift.
"Do keep it in mind, my Lady."
’... I-I will... but...’ — Nodding she answered his petition. Hiding her sly playfulness behind the graceful gesture. — ’It does not mean I will care for it long enough.’
A fuzzy feeling invaded her tum, synchronised with the youthful one inciting more playfulness to continue. Partners in crime as both felt for the prince before her eyes.
"... The festival has yet to be truly enjoyed by the celebrated one." — Zeleskiaz then continued. Unfolding his hand to offer. — "If you allow me, as this time even if obliged, I am not to leave your side... may our stroll continue, Lady Marianne? Many stalls are left for the lady to see. As well as other activities people have prepared."
’Don’t even ask.’
Her hand came immediately to rest on his. Reviving the fright as she glimpsed at the multitude, yet sure of the man that was to walk her.
The prince’s instincts made his fingers stroke the lady’s softly in reassurance, continuing their talk as the trust she did not hesitate to demonstrate as she took his hand also made him confident that his chatter would please his beloved.
"The emperor is not fully knowledgeable. Although I had not assisted many events, I have escaped the palace before. Many times."
’Hah. It already seemed odd to me... You don’t look the type to stay put, kinky.’
"So, where does the lady wish to go? Did you find a stall you want to visit while lost from my sight? This time we can go back with the lady well-guarded."
’... If you want to sound funny. Sorry to tell you, but I do have a place. As much as I almost peed on the run, I’ll get that chicken. That will be my first trophy of survival.’
Playful, matching his ways Marianne answered, ready to take the notes she had saved to talk properly to the man courting her different in sweetness. Planning on getting more than the dish she got lost for.