Chapter 207: Chapter 207
An outfit that enhanced her natural beauty, one that did not need the flimsy work of makeup... for she takes and transmits pleasure in the abundant youth her body portrays.
’... Aggressive... But good job, Paige... Hope I can forget your "monster mode" someday...’
Tired, the foreign child watched herself in the mirror, dazzled by the great difference her fresh outside had with her withering inside.
Unbeknownst to her Master, Paige went straight to the entrance as her Master looked blankly at her reflex and, as the experienced maid she aimed to be, she opened the doors to the waiting Prince with excellent reverence.
"Do excuse our delay, Your Highness. My Lady is ready to welcome your presence. Do please, come inside."
’!! When did you get there?!’ — The foreigner yelled secretly, flashing her head to look at the selfish maid, shocked at her betrayal.
Nonetheless, fairly composed, Zeleskiaz glanced inside from his spot... From where no trace of the Lady could be seen yet.
"... Rest assured. I find fault on my early arrival for this expected wait... " — Aware that it was the servant’s work that made his wait shorter, he eloquently thanked her with a graceful yet short nod... To then announce as he gave a step forward. — "I am coming in, My Lady."
A few steps of his long legs drove him to a spot the two could see each other.
"..."
Confidently smiling, the Prince watched the lone figure of a Caribbean wave bathing a celestial mermaid. A dress which golden embroidery framed her neckline, her delicate wrists, and the luxurious fall of her skirt’s hem with delicate fruits decorating her piece of clothing fantastically.
’... My mythical lull...’ — He thought, deprived of air from the pleasure found in his sights.
"Greetings to the Lady." — He then bowed.
’Yeah yeah, greetin...gs...’
Avoiding to directly look at him, frustrated that his wait was made shorter, she had been looking down at her dress, pouting on the inside.
Nonetheless, she lifted her gaze to greet him in sarcasm, being surprised by what she had not noticed when still drowsy.
’That...’ — Slowly the stealthy rosy shade decorated her cheeks. — ’He’s wearing the blue-haired man’s outfit...’
Overwhelmed, she observed his manly figure, oddly thrilled by the lack of a mask and the matching hair; so different to the dark blue he covered the golden white back then.
"As convened, I am here to share the first meal of today with my Important Guest. Have I attended in the appropriate attire to match your gracious appearance?"
"..."
A mischievous inquiry hiding a seductive compliment in his deep eyes was told to the bewildered woman.
’Hmph... So he’s back to that arrogant attitude?... Fine.’ — Feigning offence she glared softly when she actually felt entertained by the scene.
It was a playful setting he had spontaneously thought of that morning.
Wishing to see her unique reactions and responses, Zeleskiaz wanted to carefully harvest her sweet personality with misleading comments that only she would understand.
Always witty, Marianne’s soul turned to get her stack.
"!" — The man in the silence reacted, although nothing had happened yet.
Solely surprised by what was seen, his eyes widened as he flinched, straightening his already admirable stance.
Bending, Her long hair followed gravity, and so, the laced back of her dress was shown to him...
A smooth white with a lovely line sinking in the middle...
The hands on his back fiddled nervously at such a perfect glimpse.
’Hihihi~ You are welcome, Your Highness! Not only it’s an easy-to-wear dress, but it’s also exactly what my Lady should wear to honour your effort!’ — The proud maid thought, as she witnessed the fixated gaze of the Prince on her Master.
Her back was covered once again as she straightened. And so, She wrote a response to then approach him, ignorant to what her short movements had caused on the man.
Regardless, Marianne, the clever woman, showed an entertaining response.
[ I believe a shade of blue would match better with my outfit. Nonetheless, I accept it as I see it is on the edge of appropriate. ]
"..." — Excitement was running through his tense arms. However, his response did not wish to lose against her geniality. — "Indeed... My outfit is precarious when compared to my Guest’s design."
"....." — ’I can see he means something with that... But what...’
The hint of the provocation was implied on the path his luscious gaze roamed her dress, reaching a certain spot before adding another spoken hint.
"Long sleeves truly suit my Lady’s grace."
"!"
From her lower half to her cleavage, then meeting her eyes defiantly before fixating them on her shoulder that was fortunately covered by the fabric, Zeleskiaz retorted with shameless desire at the previous encounter where his hand dabbled inside a feeble sleeve.
’Anne, calm down. No one else knows what he means by that.’
The foreigner told the innocent soul pertaining to our realm, reassuring the girl whose one-sided fluster would give victory to the unfair man.
[ Thank you. I shall use them more often. ]
She answered promptly.
Showing indifference was a good measure for such provocations.
The Crown Prince was suddenly met with a wall at his turn, so, the intent of his words would be useless.
"..."
Slightly conflicted, he paused at the message.
"Lady Marianne, If it is alright with you, maybe it is time for us to–"
"Your Highness?!"
’Oh... So we took long enough for her to make it here.’ — The soul joining Marianne thought.
"What a delight to find you in our presence after so long~..... It was dreary to be deprived of your fine company lately." — Theressa continued as she stepped inside the Lady’s Chambers.
"..."
The short silence that followed made the Lady’s eyes peek at the man slightly sorry, for she knew by the gloom of his brilliant eyes how disappointed her Little Sister’s presence made him.
"Your words are very kind, Lady." — Zeleskiaz responded, overly proper.
He was indeed dejected. But his gems turned back to meet the cautious woman’s, softening his features only for her to see.
’I knew this could happen... Even if regretful, I am to accept it.’ — The Crown Prince wished to tell her.
Yet... Aware that he couldn’t, he decided on another path to convey it.
Tap...
Giving a step closer to the woman, his hand unfolded as his eyes only focused on her anthracite ones to announce.
"As I was to say before, My Lady. Now that my Guest’s sibling is here, time seems to be suitable for us to enjoy our meal."
"..."
"Let me have the honour to escort you once more."
’Hah... Well done, kinky. You won a star after so long.’ — She secretly told the gallant man, relieved that his mood did not seem to turn unpleasant for her to bear. — ’... Though... you are not getting extra chances with this.’
Giving a malicious warning amidst her compliment, The woman’s hand delicately laid on his palm to be greeted by a discreet squeeze of a caress.
She felt pleasant, sharing the delight the Prince wished to conserve.
The two walked to cross the entrance, causing the unavoidable meet of her eyes with the envious gaze of her Sister.
’Ah...’
The foreigner’s energy diminished instantly.
The pain of a woman in love was apparent in the honey-golden eyes the lately passive Sister carried.
Hatred like no other, the young girl had been amassing against the real Marianne for years on end. And now, after pacific days where she ceased her despise to be bluntly told with harmful words, the woman felt humiliated.
... however, it was a humiliation born from conflicting beliefs.
’... She’s doing what mother said in her letters...’ — The young Theressa thought.
The messages exchanged between the Duchess and the young child were not simple reports to satiate her Mother’s curiosity.
Every response from Elenaide had a piece of sly advice for her to follow, as well as a hidden reminder of the evil Sister she ought to loathe.
— Although apparently harmless, do not let your guard down, Theressa. —
— Her eyes may deceive you, my dear daughter. Be clever feigning harmony in front of your Father. —
— She will take him away from you if you decide to believe the surface she paints. —
Disillusioned, she feared to keep on holding grudge against her Sister who had silently permitted her unrequested company, even showing kindness in tiny details.
From granting her a cup of tea to sharing a piece of some dish, to even fixing a misplaced fold of her dress. The foreigner had done so unintentionally.
Her carefree personality was the cause of the young sibling’s confusion.
Always realising late that her actions could be seen as odd by the girl, Elizabeth shrugged at any unplanned action with a simple sentence.
’Ahah~ I did it again~ I’m too kind for my own good~’ — Playful, she would make nothing of it as she singsonged.
At this time, the belief of her naive inclination to change her view on Marianne... the belief of her stupidity being laughed at by said malicious Sister who easily made her doubtful of her Mother... and the belief of being invisible to the Prince she held dear...
Theressa was in turmoil because the beautiful eyes of her beloved were not looking at her.
... And as Her Mother had predicted...
— The Crown Prince could end up bewitched by her depravity. Be sure to show her where she truly stands so your love is not stolen. —
... Seemed painfully truthful in the ignorant child’s eyes.