You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 438

Detached to her presence, Zeleskiaz stared at her in silence, answering dryly as his eyes drew away disinterested. — "... Greetings to yourself as well. Congratulations."

"... M-my appreciation."

"..."

"My Lady, would you like a glass of wine?" — Changing to a more attentive tone, Zeleskiaz then offered Marianne, noticing a servant coming their way and taking Marianne out of astonishment for his hand never took that of Karina’s, conveying his complete uninterested and much more his distrust of her being.

’Uh? Huh... Okay..?’ — With the glass already in her hands given by the very Prince who decided to ignore the other two nobles accompanying them to serve themselves, Marianne blinked multiple times in stupor before delight finally overtook any worry and doubt she had been keeping... Warming up her two souls with great euphoria for it was now confirmed for the woman she is... that the story had changed as she hoped. — ’Ah... even though he’s being rude..... I want to smile so much although I shouldn’t~~!!’

Watching how the Lady took a sip of the wine to hold happiness back, Zeleskiaz smiled, turning to see Clemente’s gaze also fall on the beloved, provoking him to engage in conversation he was not particularly into.

"... Duke Noverrne, how has your night been so far? The last time I saw you was at the meeting at the Palace."

"A peaceful and enjoyable one... It has been uneventful so far. The ambience has been pleasant as accustomed by the Royalty’s tradition."

"Hm, is that so." — Taking a sip of his own, Zeleskiaz’s tone conveyed his sincere disinterest, glancing at the woman Clemente had brought, displeased for her nature bothered his deepest. — "I found it rare for you to be accompanied."

"... Lady Karina is a guest to our House."

"!? Yes, His Grace’s father is close to the Baron, my benefactor and family. His House kindly welcomed our stay so I could attend this marvellous event."

"I see."

"..."

"Then, I hope you continue to enjoy your night. Lady Marianne, would you accompany me for a moment, I almost forgot that His Majesty wanted to meet you briefly."

’?! How can you forget that?!’ — Shocked, Marianne’s eyes opened widely, meeting Clemente and Karina’s eyes to bow a goodbye given the circumstances.

"Do excuse our leave, lady and Duke."

"..."

"Ah... yes. May we meet again."

While Clemente remained quiet aware of the lies and Karina accepted the excuse, Zeleskiaz’s hand invited Marianne to follow him, walking her away, pacing together for a fair length until his steps halted, making Marianne turn with urged curiosity. — ’Hey! Wasn’t the Emperor waiting?? What are you doing?’

"... Sigh, I apologise My Lady... Yet I did not forget anything for no such a thing was requested by the Emperor."

’??? W-What??? Then why did you-’

"Those two were unpleasant to have around... I do not want lies to become a customer practice for myself yet I truly wanted us to leave their presence, do forgive me." — Slightly troubled Zeleskiaz confessed with a soft voice, finding her also troubled anthracite hues waver, failing to avoid his ultramarine, that became deeper the more her beauty enchanted him. — "... No... Perhaps I am to correct my reasons and sincerely tell you that I wanted us to be on our own... Solely us..."

"..."

"There are dances I want us to enjoy as well... however-"

"Hahaha! Yes, that is wonderful~ Oh, good evening, your Highness, Precious Ninth~ Let Fenrir walk beside you~" — Interrupted by a group of joyful noblewomen that passed by their side, both bowed respectfully, becoming aware that privacy was limited and that his gallantry could be seen or heard too clearly by anyone that roamed their spot...

"..."

Silence was held by the two as a tad of embarrassment came over them, aware of the possibility of being found out... Nevertheless, Marianne’s head lifted first to appreciate his adorable hardship that even if standing tall had his gaze looking down while a lovely yet discreet blush menaced the manly cheekbones of the Prince.

Her hands grasped each other, extremely anxious... Shy, for the time was the one she had been waiting for. Feeling how her heart raced hazardously, making her almost dizzy, yet using the dizzyness along the hurtful squeeze she gave her own fingers as the impulse Marianne’s whole being needed to do as she had so lovingly planned.

’It has to be now...’ 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Two steps took her closer... Right before him and a deep inhalation was taken while holding the stunned stare of the prince who slightly froze to her unpredicted motion.

"..."

Nervousness was apparent in her pure visage... and yet... he could not ask nor say anything... for it was Marianne’s voice that was to resound.

"... Crown Prince Zeleskiaz..."

". . . .."

"I also wish to enjoy our dances tonight... yet before that... There is something... I wish to convey to you in private." — Lowering her head, marvellously blushed in mellow pink, Marianne said with the pure, youthful yet alluring sound her voice is.

Fiddling with the hands that wanted to lay on him yet were not brazen enough, her brilliant hues peeked up at the baffled Crown Prince, who froze stiff to the scene and sound, enchanted by the gift she was; observing her lost in the confusion... Ultimately provoking her inner chuckle... that would convince her hand to come forward in a sign for him to lean closer. — "Let us meet at the room we once hid."

"....."

Speechless, Zeleskiaz who hypnotised followed her hand, looked deeply in her fond hues... aware that a response had to be given. Nonetheless, the overwhelming surprise did not allow such, for the Lady also smiled bashfully, finally tracing down his chest the one delicate hand to play timidly with the frills of his attire. Saying a last sentence with fascinatingly charming essence... Alluring... Mischievously pure and seductive.

"Let us meet there, my Prince... I am to go ahead."

The thirsty Zeleskiaz, entranced by the unexpected blessing she had laid upon him followed her smooth motion, wanting a graze her walk away did not permit maliciously. Her back was watched as she went into the Hall and corridors... being his hand the first one to react out of the daze, late to make her stay so a word could be let out... However, in pertinent time to feel how real the maddening race of his enamoured heart was which numbed his senses so deliciously sweet... and dangerously loving... going higher to partially cover his edges as a gasp was let out with bewildered excitement.