You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 389

Marianne’s wishes were the most appropriate before such conditions... Therefore, swallowing his concern, Zeleskiaz agreed. Moving immediately so no more undesirable events would tire his lady.

"My lady, do allow me, please..." — Carefully, Zeleskiaz took her in his arms, lifting her as if precious treasure and lacing her up the horse of her father... Earning touch of her exposed limb by unthoughtful chance, yet only realising its exposure once she was safely sitting on top of the mount, for his eyes were right before the skin slipping through the gap on her skirt.

"!?!" — Quick, escaping the forbidden sight the prince turned and jumped to ride behind her, experiencing immediate hazard as she did not mind the exposure and did not conceal it even as his leg grazed with hers... causing Zeleskiaz’s gaze to fall again on the smooth limb that had been cleaned in fast treatment.

"Er... Lady Marianne–!?"

’Yeah... let’s go...’

Naturally, the lady leaned on him once his hand reached for the reins. However, the man could not allow the temptation to enhance further after being interrupted by her welcomed weight. Forcing himself to continue to tell his concern in a thoughtful manner.

"My lady... umh... your limb is... I suggest for it to be kept from other’s sight before we depart..." — Attempting to be a gentleman, Zeleskiaz looked the other way while she weakly glanced at him speak, wishing to not be a cause of embarrassment for the woman. Nonetheless, strictly wishing to protect her entirely from the eyes of those not meant to be graced by such sight. — "Men are close, and... my lady’s honour, we ought to protect it too."

"..."

"... I-It is a sincere concern... Do please not think badly of myself..." — Watching the quiet woman lower her head to look at her limb, the crown prince stuttered for she found a comfortable place on his chest while slowly taking the edge of her torn dress. Pulling it delicately to hide the flesh from other’s sight as suggested... Not offended in the slightest, yet bashful at the man’s concern. For it was usually himself the greatest danger for the lady’s honour to remain untouched.

’If... you say so...’ — She secretly answered, letting her weight rely on the man further provoking his inner air to tremble mercilessly to her every frail action.

"... We are to pace slowly, yet do hold onto me if necessary..."

And so, feeling the most burdened by the circumstances, Zeleskiaz’s stiffened self shook the reins to ride the tame beast. Going directly to the Duke’s place solely to announce the lady’s and his retreat from the site with a calm and prominent demeanour so as to not deteriorate Marianne’s state that had slowly improved.

The steps were soft on the ground, and her tired eyes peeked ahead while resting on him, quickly finding sight of the despicable sibling, whose enraged gaze met hers to suddenly soothe himself down and alert their Father of their approach. And yet... even as her father was around...

’no... please, let’s not meet him...’ — Closing her eyes as if the golden eyes had not been met, the turmoil in Marianne’s stomach revived, hiding on the prince... who could perceive the reluctance in the beloved’s spirit as their mount took them before her family members.

Skillfully, accustomed to riding the mount, Zeleskiaz turned the animal so that in her position the sight of Paul would not be met. Coldly facing them as the lady was kept in his grasp.

"Duke." — Paying no mind to the little duke’s ill stare, Zeleskiaz called for Orland. — "Lady Marianne wishes to go back to the Palace. I am to take her and meet Talmhach on the way if fortunate."

"... Good. Word was sent to Deslys too, it is best for her to rest at a proper place."

"I’m going as well."

"No." — To the unwanted comment from Paul, Orland replied cutting. — "Leave your sister alone, she’s not in a state where she can comfort your unnecessary worry. Go now, Crown Prince."

"Father!"

"... We shall meet at the palace."

Leaving no space for the son to contradict his orders, Zeleskiaz was approved of and sent off by a severe Orland, whose glare remained on the son, keeping him shut with the threat in his prominence.

The lady, on the other side, released the tension immediately as the mount commenced to move again, aided by the thoughtful actions of the prince and father that allowed her presence to be apart from that of her brother.

And so... relieved and thankful that the place was to be abandoned solely by the two of them, Marianne’s cheek naturally cuddled to the man taking her away. Appreciative of the actions she ignored were on purpose.

"... If it is possible... rest while on our path, lady Marianne..." — Somehow the enamoured man managed to fondly tell.

The softness of her nose and hair grazing against his shirt and open vest, made the man’s heart flutter, sorry by the woman’s helpless state... and yet conflicted by bliss... for in her helplessness, it was on him that she was taking refuge.

His hands... this time found new hazards during their tranquil move. The frailness of the lady invited the fingers that were meant to caress and ease any trouble the woman could experience to take her and embrace such a small figure in a loving touch. Affectionate and tight... containing her delicately, so nothing unsettling would ever invade her spirit ever again.

And yet, such hands clenched the thick leather of the horse’s reins... conflicted, for chaotic was also his head and heart which would not remain calm if such simple touch was to be gained.

’... This is torture.’ — Zeleskiaz whined inside, peeking at her limb which with the tip of her fingers grabbed onto his vest dainty. While the other that kept her leg concealed inevitably failed to hide it completely, making him frown and feel pain at the inevitably long path ahead. — ’This ought to be the punishment after seeing her last night... merciless gods, cursed be your ways.’