Chapter 359: Chapter 359
*******
I had stayed speechless, knowing that... was I to defend ourselves with our own voice, their contempt would also make fun of my low volume and it’s trembling... since I shared the desperate grief the short comment from the duchess instilled in Marianne.
Theressa’s underhanded disses... Anne could manage them, probably, since before I came here, Theressa would speak worse than this. And so, as I also tried not to let my fury exploit, we could endure Theressa... but the Duchess’s comments... they somehow had more effect on us.
Inwardly, I had decided to swallow the rage so later I could take revenge... but then, the Crown Prince... Zeleskiaz’s words defended us better than I would...
After that, the desperation in Theressa’s eyes... shocked me... yet only for a second. Because I listened as I was taken away by the Prince how with a whisper, she reproached her mother because she was supposed to help her.
"....."
Even though, disappointment couldn’t get to settle in my mood strongly... because his words came out with difficulty to tell me lovely things... but accompanied again by those god d*mn apologies he should stop giving for better good.
"My lady, please... do forgive me if I overstepped. Yet this... I could not tolerate."
"..."
I had lowered my head, feeling complex because I was moved by his protection, his fury and the apparent worry for us... and yet, I also was filled with indignation... for he had to defend us because we still can’t talk for ourselves... and I’m fed up with his extremely careful attitude.
"....."
We stood silent, him probably nervous that I wasn’t looking at him. But I needed to breathe in and calm down... Only so the words I was to write would express all of my conflicts properly for him to understand.
[ What I cannot continue to tolerate... is receiving more apologies from the Prince. It upsets me greatly... furthermore, as they are not needed. ]
I first handed this message, placing it on his hand so he would read it... while I avoided his eyes as I knew any time now we could burst out crying out of frustration.
"... I... I did not want to upset–"
Hearing his voice hesitate to answer, probably about to apologise again, I pulled his hand to stop his talk and write more while he held the post-it notes.
[ Thank you for stepping out for me, who can only listen when talked down like that. ]
’... How embarrassing...’ — I thought, feeling miserable... Although I know I... we have no fault in this.
The circumstances keep leaving me helpless... and I hate this feeling, since I know if not for how bad my voice still is, I would have talked for myself back there. — ’To think I would have let that humiliation go if not because he spoke for me... how infuriating.’
My frustration was still there, resisting to leave my chest the more I thought of how in such a short time both Theressa and her mother made us seem useless and different in a deprecating sense.
The prince had stayed silent... and thinking about it... if I were told what I told him in my notes, I would also not know how to follow.
’Haa... I’m sorry–’
"It will not be for long. The lady’s voice is coming back... so once it blooms... roses have spines so they can defend their frail petals."
"...."
"You will not have to stay silent after your sound blooms fully, my lo–... My lady."
’... That’s... that’s true I guess... haha... yeah, you’re right. We have indeed been working on it so we can say things ourselves...’
"As to my many apologies... I seem to have become wary of my behaviour and taken it to an extent it frustrates the lady..."
"..."
"My purpose was not to cause discontent within you, Lady Marianne... I am to reflect on it as of now."
[ His Highness should be confident that if an apology should be given, I myself will express my dislike to you.
The Prince being wary of a past behaviour should be left in the past... for it has been a long time since no mistake has been committed, Prince Zeleskiaz. ]
"... That... that is a relief to learn, my Lady Marianne... sincerely..."
’... Crave it into your head... and read between the lines too... make sure to leave that excessive carefulness aside now...’ — I told him in secret... Too shy to look at him since his stare was to dreamy.
"My lady, I am your ally."
’?!?? S-suddenly why–’
"I am to step forward and stand up for you no matter the occasion. Hence... Thanks are not needed from yourself... As it is my pleasure to shield you."
Taking me off guard with that beautiful smile this handsome prince always shows me, I couldn’t continue to look him in the eye after barely managing to do it.
His words were like magic... and the ill sensation that had been invading me because of the distasteful exchange... Had vanished... just as fast as I felt my cheeks become red at how dreamy his reassurance and support were.
The hand that had released mine came back to take both as I fidgeted with my notes, lowering them and provoking my head to lift and meet his violet eyes as a stroke I wished had been longer was given to our clumsy hands.
"I am to join the hunt shortly, and yet, our conversation could not continue as I hoped for. The day of a man in the hunt... I will properly tell it to you tonight if no opportunity while the sun reigns the sky is allowed."
’Ah... o-okay... I will... I will wait for you to come at night...’
"The Empress is near, let me take you to her... and please... forget any bitter taste words may have caused you."
Tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear, delicately as he told me this, I nodded, moved by the adorable effect his manly voice had in any discomfort I previously had.
I looked at him, this time focused on how certain his gaze felt for me. And moving so my hand would wrap around his arm... I noticed how he had taken me somewhere out of others’ sight, letting me know that his considerate ways did not forfeit even while committing impulsive acts.
’Ouff... This prince...’
Making me smile at the realisation I followed his walk. Delighted, for if it is to be like this... he can continue having a hint of this gentlemanly behaviour... as long as it doesn’t frustrate me.....
As long as it makes it so he forgets this distance he has preserved ever since that escape to the lights at the festival... And so this urge I have to kiss him again can be fulfilled sooner than later.