Chapter 325: Chapter 325
A busy banquet of a warm welcome by the Monarch was enjoyed.
The royal family gathered to share their meal with the precious Guest the Lady represents. Allowing a change to be noticed in every single one of them as more words were exchanged.
"Lady Marianne, it pleases me to have you in our Palace again. My children have become more lively thanks to your company... It is now a wish I keep to share some tea with you once you have the time." — The graceful Empress said as a greeting, giving a glimpse of warm affection to her daughter and youngest to then smile gently at the Lady.
’w- I have time!’ — The flustered girl answered on the inside, nodding to the gentle Empress who continued.
"Perhaps I could join the search for your dresses?"
"! That would be wonderful, Mother!" — A delighted Princess responded, immediately proceeding to organize the following days.
The youngest sat near the lady, who sat next to the Emperor once more at his request.
"Lady Marianne already seems busy... Even when she has just stepped foot in the Palace."
"? What is this miracle? For the Second Prince Sverre to speak... haha, cute child your presence truly is interesting." — The Emperor said, letting the others also feel odd by the Second Prince’s comment.
"An opinion can be told, is that not correct, Your Majesty?"
"It is. Yet when you give it, it is indeed a miracle or a bad omen brother of mine." — Jasmine said instead of everyone else.
"As siblings, I believe we share such characteristics, Jasmine."
"Comparing yourself with me... You ought to be on something to utter such enormous nonsense."
"Cute child, these children are about to hiss at each other... yet do not mind. Tell me everything and ignore their immature nature! I am expectant to learn of your days away... Let me tell you, I personally requested for your favourite dishes to be served this time. Your Father should know his child will also be pampered here at the Palace, haha!"
Ignoring the offspring that usually would turn the ambience sour the Emperor commenced to talk with Marianne.
Giving tiny jokes and conversing with honest delight, Francois would also tease his eldest son, who sat across the Lady at his mischievous arrangement.
"Isn’t that right? Crown Prince?"
"... Yes."
"Sigh. Boring child of mine. He is no good cute child. No good at all."
’... Haha... So the Emperor is the reason.’
Seemingly common, the meal was shared just like the previous ones, although without the presence of the Lady’s family members.
Her mood would lighten at the many dishes offered and to the playful manners of a flamboyant Ruler whose hospitality continued to impress the foreign one within the Lady, the time around the royal family would continue to pass noticeably fast.
Not much opportunity was given to the Crown Prince to join, as it was this time every single one at the table who would engage with the lady to some extent.
It would come the time for the feast to end... And her day would continue into the dusk of night... A time where he knew would not restrict his eyes from meeting hers as there was a promise made between them for a dulcet voice.
Nonetheless, the days remaining for the Great Summer Day of the Festival were few.
Unaware of the malicious schemes of his Father and ignorant of the extensive preparations her person needed to undergo for such an event... Tonight would be regretted by his yearning heart, that one devoted to the Fair Lady.
Tap, tap... His knuckle would make her window sound in the dark of the night. Solely to wait in silence as her faint steps took her to the balcony so he could step inside the unique chambers of a beloved lady.
"... Greetings, my Lady..." — Zeleskiaz softly told to the pure eyes receiving him. Permitting the anxiety to settle warmly in his chest to then thoughtfully excuse his visit. — "I am aware we did not agree on a session today yet..."
’... Right... We didn’t, but–’
"We had convened on it before... On your last visit, so..."
’Yes... hehe, come inside, kinky Crown Prince.’ — Sweet, her pleased nod guided the man inside. Relieved that she was not the only one who had thought his visit would happen and slightly shy that she had been waiting for the sound of her balcony’s glass door to be knocked when no agreement had been done.
"Your day has been busy... I believe tonight’s exercise of your voice should not be lengthy..."
’... Okay.’ — Staring directly at the man’s eyes that turned to say this to the Lady, her head lowered timidly as she could not get herself to say otherwise.
"... Your demeanour appears tired, my Lady..." — He then said, lifting his impatient hand to carefully caress a strand of her hair and touch a hint of her skin to see her youthful visage. — "Perhaps it is best for me to leave..."
"! !!"
The denial of his suggestion came quickly along her motion to take a seat, that once meeting his stare from below, would instruct the Prince to find comfort at one of the couches of her lounge.
’Don’t say that. Just seat.’ — She inwardly instructed, trying to conceal the flutter his touch had provoked.
As usual, simple exercises were done. Although more appropriate to the lady’s condition, as her exhaustion was obvious at the end of a long journey.
Her sound was lightly heard as much as her body’s current condition could consent.
With difficulty, her efforts made it through a session he finished out of concern to not wear the woman’s energy to its limit. And as he observed how water was gulped by the woman after the effort, Zeleskiaz unconsciously let out with dazed admiration.
"Your sound... it keeps feeling clearer and sweeter..."
’T-thanks... Oh, Gosh... I– I didn’t see that one coming...!!’ — Embarrassed by the compliment the dreamy man had told, Marianne nodded appreciatively as trouble commenced to engulf the peace she had grasped during the practice of her sound.
"Maddeningly... wonderful..." — He continued to say, drowsy and entranced by her innocent blush that soon made her grey shades meet his from surprise and strike him with their beauty into reason. — "?! I– I better leave so the Lady can rest. My stay has gone over what I intended."
Both raised from their seats and the man who became flustered flinched to her follow since it made him conscious of the heat painting his skin like it usually did to hers.
Gazes met... in a silent moment... And because of its thrill a last impulse could not be held back at her marvellous essence.
*Smo~och* — The kiss resounded after his hands took her fine countenance hostage.
"... Good night, my Lady." — Zeleskiaz lastly told to the confused Lady, rushing outside from bewilderment at his own actions.