You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 405

Even so, it was a must that I was to explain it better after seeing his expression. — [ The notice I mentioned is for tonight’s absence. It is clear in my eyes that the Crown Prince is lacking rest. I would have understood his Highness’s reasons. ]

"... oh... Um... Well, such an idea never crossed my mind." — He said as he took the notes I drew near him through the table. There was ponder in him for a moment as he was probably reading again my words. However... The prince then continued, a little too honest, stunning me nicely. — "... I would not like to also lose my nights from meeting you if I can help it."

"....."

"...! Y- T-the lady’s voice should not lose any more practices... such is my meaning, lady Marianne."

I was all tingly at this point. His sudden realisation after his eyes met mine was simply responsible for such an adorable reaction... Making me feel the thrill of delighted goosebumps at what he had declared without much consciousness.

I wanted to answer such a cute reply, therefore, my hand extended to his so my post-it notes would be returned... but then, he left them on the table, even though it was obvious he should have given them back in my hand.

The blank stare I gave wasn’t discreet this time either, and thankfully... he excused his action right after, while I lowered my unfolded arm to get it from the table instead. Obviously bummed by his action.

"I am ashamed..." — He said with a sound that appeared guilty. — "I... If possible I want to avoid touching the lady... for I am sweaty and... well, I can tell it would be uncomfortable. After all, this appearance I am showing is to be apologized for, since it lacks decency."

’..... ugh... I get it but...’ — Annoyed, this time I was displeased by his continuous apologies which he had stopped giving and now was suddenly doing it nonstop. — ’Uff! It’s not even important, kinky!’

I whined about it, determinedly taking the pencil to write I didn’t want more apologies, which in the end...

"Do allow my apologies this time."

... It wasn’t necessary for me to write it down.

"?"

"I am conscious, the lady does not wish to hear any more apologies from myself... However, solely this time, please receive it." — As if he knew I was going to reproach him, his gallant smile requested with simple handsomeness, making my hand halt to add a little more to it. — "My delay and untidy appearance, are not suitable in your fine presence. Your pardon will settle my shame into ease."

’... Ngh... Alright... but remember I dislike it...’

"..... My appreciation, my lady." — At my reluctant silence he said with a gentle expression.

We practiced again. Plainly and focused after a little while... and with every passing day, I couldn’t help but become more excited at how fast we were getting better.

I didn’t want to show him yet how we could now talk better and louder... because there was something I wanted to tell as I also gave him the surprise...

I’m excited. Like never before.

Small talk did follow this time after the exercises.

The Prince asked about my day which he had been not able to join at any point. And then... things led to the last matter.

"Tomorrow is the Noverrne’s Duke Ball." — After a silence that I had deemed as the usual end of the night, he said, peeking at us with those hyacinth eyes. — "... I was told the lady is to ride a carriage on her own."

’!... Is... is that so?... I didn’t know...’

"I asked if it was possible for myself to accompany you, however, I was denied such petition... It is understandable, however. I had not thought about the many nobles that would craft many ideas from us riding the very same carriage."

’Craft ideas... I... I don’t really ca-’

"I would not mind it..."

"..."

"Yet, I care for the lady’s clean image everyone should valorate as it is." — Tempting with his seemingly innocent but so manly and husky voice, I quivered from the effect, becoming ashamed, since there was a fire liting in my cheeks the more he said. — "... Aiding your hand to meet the ground will have to suffice... As it is, tomorrow we are to only meet once at Noverrne’s lands."

’!? Y-you’re going??’

The Crown Prince then stood. Forcing me to follow in my current bewilderment, and... a goodbye had to be told.

Quietly, I saw him leave, disappearing behind the curtain and the click of the balcony’s door. His last bow, I responded timidly, also waving lightly my hand in goodbye.

I knew then that I couldn’t wait for tomorrow...

Somehow, in every session... even if light and insanely brief, a little graze of touch would have been given by his hand... yet today his mindfulness denied it completely from us.

The fiddling I experienced while he was there talking sweetly to us only became uncontrollable anxiety that was even menacing my sleep. But...

"Tomorrow... we will have to hold hands..." — Taking the blanket covering us to cover my smile, I whispered anticipating the day that would come. Imagining the residence of brilliant lights where a Ball was to be held... — "We promised every dance... so... Oh god..."

I probably fell asleep with a smile on our face. The tingles in our stomach, I cannot recall if they ever disappeared while we tried to sleep... But I know for certain that my dreams were the happiest and the most repairing I’ve had in a while.

*******

As always preparations were exhausting, much more as this time I was accompanied most if not the whole time by the Princess, who this time was the one that had invited me to stay at the palace.

— I am aware it has been an extended time you have remained at the Palace... yet, Lady Marianne, do stay at the very least until the Autumn Ball... This once as my special guest. For there are many more things I wish to share with you and the coming events are very near in date... We may prepare together again, please consider it and stay as my Royal Guest. —

It was a yes from the very beginning.