Chapter 190

Chapter 190: Chapter 190

Knock knock.

’Seriously? ... Is this one of those? The timely interruptions events again?’ — Sarcastically, I told Anne as I saw Theressa halt her hand just as she was to drink the annoying tea.

The three of us stayed in silence as it was the room’s owner’s duty to respond.

He seemed indifferent, looking intently at his teacup with leisurely poise; laying back on his seat, tapping with his index finger on the arm of his Royal chair as if he owned the d*mn place.

... Which is true but he looks so arrogant it’s making me upset.

"..... Talk."

Without taking his eyes off of the teacup, even when telling whoever was outside to speak, his eyes flickered with that beautiful colour he portrayed in that insanely unfair handsome face he has.

Even when arrogant, a Male Lead will be hot... Maybe even hotter.

... Tsk. Life in a novel is not fair.

"... Your Highness, it has been informed to us that the Ninth and her Sister are in your presence. Their Respectful Father, Duke Sylfinnier is requiring his youngest daughter, Lady Theressa’s assistance. May the Lady certainly be in your graceful company?"

"... Father is summoning me?" — Confused Theressa looked at me and then at the Crown Prince.

"That appears to be the case, Lady." — He said, resuming the tap of his finger on the chair’s arm, still fixated on watching the untouched tea. — "You should go."

"....." — ’Anne... Is it just me... Or is the ambience getting chilly?’

Hearing his low tone that appeared neutral, I suddenly felt insecure.

If she left... We were to actually stay alone.

I did want it since I thought of practising my voice, but...

’I don’t think we will be practising for some reason...’

He seems mad.

I don’t really know if he truly is but he hasn’t looked at me for quite a while now... So that has to be a bad omen.

Or maybe... Is he–

"I reckon there is no choice... Sister....." — Theressa spoke, taking her time as she did.

’... W–what?... Why the long pause?’

Her expression was fighting itself to not change. She seemed conflicted as she considered what to say this time.

"I shall return later... Do keep His Highness good company."

Her reluctance was implied by her delay, but I wonder what else was crossing her mind to end up agreeing to leave this easily, and with a response, so not fit for her relentless character.

"With Your Highness’s permission... Excuse my absence."

"..."

She waited for a response again, but she didn’t for long.

The Crown Prince seemed on edge and I guess she noticed it as I did.

I followed her with my eyes walking to the door.

She opened it and I saw how she exchanged some words with the servant outside to then disappear behind the closed door.

Honestly, I feel a bit anxious... But safe. I somehow know I’m not in danger.

Although... Rolling my head back to the centre table, I didn’t feel confident to even glance at the silent Male Lead.

"..."

In the midst of the stillness, I stared at the teacup that initially was meant for me and...

’Since she didn’t drink it... I guess we can have it?’

With this in mind, as a measure to distract myself under these circumstances, I stood, leaning forward to reach the far teacup.

"So the Lady will drink it?"

"!" — I flinched at his voice.

My fingertips had only touched the saucer’s edge, but he asked away immediately as they lay on it.

Although I was surprised at his severe tone, I finally turned to look at him.

"..." — ’He’s upset... But...’

Is he also sad?

As a reflex, I took my hand away. Slowly, thinking that maybe that was the best course of action.

But how things unfolded... I’m not sure what should I have done in every step I gave after that.

*******

The Crown Prince’s heart ached unreasonably.

It was a measly cup of tea he had served the Lady on a whim. Yet her ease at granting it to the unwanted woman that had hindered their meetings after his whole self had prepared to bond differently with her, had caused his frustration to reach its limits.

No touch had been possible the last few days. No closeness. No privacy... No written words only meant for him to read... And, furthermore, no reproach for his bad behaviour.

He wished for it to not be recalled. Yet he also anticipated the opposite.

A woman of her unique character approaching him for his disobedience had him enticed by expectations.

Zeleskiaz had the desire to complete that secret chance he had used with a deeper entanglement.

One where she would be conscious... And return his passion by bringing him closer in a kiss.

Nonetheless, it did not happen.

Only the babbling of the intruder was heard during their meetings, and Zeleskiaz only allowed it because of the Lady’s request to not treat her as harshly as his words could go.

Nonetheless, the kind Crown Prince had had enough of waiting.

That morning, he had ordered a passing servant to take the Lady’s Sister away and permit the privacy he craved to share with her.

Now that it had happened, he was conflicted on all he felt that had to be said, yet not certain of what these words he needed to tell were.

Her thin fingers retreated from the saucer and his impulses took over him.

Standing with menacing heaviness, he glared at the lovely woman whose dress only made him waver in his frustration.

"You won’t drink it?"

"..."

Within her silence, the Lady’s eyes did not leave his, showing a hint of concern in their lovely hue.

"I served it for you, yet you gave it away. Are my actions nothing for you, Lady Marianne?"

As he spoke, Zeleskiaz knew his words were irrational and pitiful as the issue was an insignificant cup of tea.

Regardless.

’It bothers me enormously.’ — He declared to himself.

Her eyes wandered without direction, considering his inquiry since his expression appeared serious.

’... I wouldn’t say that... Your every action actually concerns me a lot... even though I’m desperately trying to avoid admitting it.’— She answered secretly.

However, the Crown Prince would not accept a second of unresponsive silence anymore.

"... Sincerely... I believe that is not the case." — He began.

"A deal between us would not have happened if no value was placed on my actions... Therefore, My Lady..." — Giving a step forward his scowl softened dimly as his words had him restless because of the shape they may take.

In an entranced pause, his hand that wanted her waist forced itself to only hold one of her wavy strands, carefully... and disturbed.

"Let us honour our agreement... Meet me often. Privately... Reproach my bold intentions if needed, My Lady."

The graze of his finger on her abdomen as it took a piece of her hair, made her tremble. And once his words reached her, with a voice that seemed to have forgotten any displeasure; only dreamy and tempting. She felt overwhelmed by the rare sweetness it instilled in her chest.

Although, her reaction continued to evolve.

The child’s charming psyche had been repeating his words subconsciously and then, the memories of a disguised dream were recalled.

—...come to reproach me... meet me...—

’Ah... I dreamt this... He said similar things in my–... Mnh... What the hell was I dreaming about with this guy?! It’s as if!... As if I feel his touch just by recalling it!’

The realisation flustered her.

A dream that certainly had happened in reality.

Its vivid sensations flushed her skin in a lovely shade, making her shoulders shrink slightly at the sight of the hand that had supposedly caressed her sweetly... And then passionately, in a misunderstood slumber.

"Lady Marianne."

Unexpectedly, calling for her, trying to bring her attention back as his jaw had difficulties pronouncing words in a composed manner. Zeleskiaz’s pained expression was met by her gaze.

"Is this inconsistent fairness of yours purposely done?"

’Uh? W–’

"Because these hurdles you are making me go through... I cannot take them anymore, My Lady." — His hand dropped her strand. Yet not to part from her.

Hesitantly, his fingers approached her bare limb. And once it reached her skin... it decided to hold it gently.

Tracing its length that would lead him to her desireful hand, his gaze deeply watched her fingers rest on his palm, and conflicted, he continued.

"I am enraged."

"..."

A clenched hand devoid of her as the other wanted to strongly grasp hers, restricted his struggle by avoiding her intense eyes.

"Enraged at the Lady’s ignorant actions that incite me."

"... May I..." — Restless as all he could hear was the strong beating of his heart, Zeleskiaz’s eyes went from where their hands touched to meet the woman’s dashing eyes, bewildered at his sayings.

The weakness in them was fascinating.

And so, discarding what he initially wished to request, the Prince selfishly gave an instruction as his hand squeezed hers and the other took hold of her thin arm.

"You cannot diminish this from my five chances. For this is no mistake on my part."

His hold had gone to her wrist, pulling on her, forcefully bringing her near.

"Although it was despair that you made me feel by bringing your sibling to our every meeting... I will kiss you. Sweetly. Forcefully if needed... But, woman... I deserve a prize for my patience."

She was shrinking further as his menacing seduction was told. His voice was heard roughly, conveying his struggle within the anger.

Nonetheless, his violaceous pupils saved no honesty to the threat.

They were begging.

Helplessly imploring her to permit his following actions... Because as vast as the heavens are to fly... the bottom of his spirit despised the idea of forcing himself on her for an act purely of yearning affection.