You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 536

*******

The caution of the lady solely proved to the man how the scars obtained were not to fade easily from her being, which appeared zealous a moment ago in unique conversations.

Clemente’s understanding of her inquires was instant as he well comprehended the livings she had endured... about the abduction she experienced by a sibling she should have been safe with, and although he had no detail about how the days she was missing were lived at his grasp... Clemente’s imagination was able to guess even if mistaken why a blindfold and an unknown place could make the Ninth anxious and unsettled by this task he was mandated to follow.

Their talk throughout the journey to this arranged meeting almost appeared like a lie once her demeanour turned lightly pale at the fabric on his hand. For the energy she demonstrated at times with intriguing sayings was also diminished with the caution presented before a seemingly meaningless item that to her was abhorred.

’Asking further about this would be unpleasant without a doubt.’ — He considered. Bothered by what it could be that she had gone through, that eventually, once found her family had been torn apart and fell into the current circumstances they faced.

"Then, if I have your agreement, may I?" — Clemente requested permission, placing aside the complex sensations curiosity provoked, extending the blindfold to help the cover of her eyes.

She nodded, slightly unconvinced in her expression, moving a tad to the side so he could come closer, wrap the cloth around her crown with careful movement and take her sight away as announced.

"Excuse me."

"Go ahead."

It was an odd offer for himself to provide. Touch was something that if Clemente was able, the young Duke of Noverrne would avoid at all costs... Nevertheless, Marianne’s figure appeared to be an exception he could accept, for she was the cleanest he had ever seen and so... Clemente could ignore his complex... noticing how as the blindfold accomplished its purpose, the little graze his finger covered by gloves felt of her strands felt as a pity... yet forgetting immediately the sensation as his eye caught a glimpse of the anxiety her hands showcased discreetly, grasping each other to cope with the sickening consciousness of being deprived of sight.

"... I will take your hand to lead your steps." — He said after a moment of consideration. Thoughtfully touching lightly her arm with a finger he now had impulsively uncovered from its glove, taking the hand she lifted appreciative of his aid.

"Thank you..." — Marianne said, this time with a smaller sound than before as confidence faded from her with one of her senses restricted.

The opening of the carriage’s door allowed them to come out while his eye nervously watched their hands touching directly. Her warmth was cold unlike her essence, yet despite that, her limbs’ fragility was appreciated, making Clemente’s hands take both of hers to support her next steps... while uncertainty was also transmitted with the grip she took of his bare hands.

"..." — A frozen Marianne remained under the frame of a carriage’s door, taking his attention from their hands to look at a stiff expression she had renounced to at the mesh of her souls.

"There are two steps." — Clemente declared, hoping to let the lady know his guide would not fail her. — "I will not let you fall, my lady. I have a good grasp of you."

For a moment, a spoken response was about to come out from the lady’s lips, yet tightening said lips to the recall of other eyes that might be watching, she nodded and followed his guide instead in silence. Reaching the ground of a street where people could be heard in their surroundings.

"This way." — Clemente said, walking her a few steps as he had informed her until they reached the entrance of a building. Meeting the eye of both of her guards, that had followed from a distance, understanding the need to make obvious their presence to the lady at the grave stare the young duke gave before one of them decided to head inside to announce their arrival to the Lady’s Father.

"Ahem... Lady Marianne. We hope your ride was comfortable." — Theodore commented. Receiving her nod that came along with the relaxation of her hold while Vitor was permitted to continue his path. — "Do give us a moment. Sir Vitor will be back with his Grace."

"..."

A step of considerate distance was taken back by the guard of the shadows once she gave another nod to his sayings and Novernne continued to support her with the grasp of her limb, feeling how a certain aura could be recognized between many others, brightening excited unlike its dangerous nature from within the building... and turning deathly as he expected while also preferring to lose concerns about it for he had the opportunity to admire the lady’s measured breathing.

’... She’s nervous.’ — He conceived as the coldness of her fingers was almost infected to his own even as she attempted to manage her breath to gain tranquillity. Trying to think of something to say so maybe the distraction could aid the nervousness to fade. — "... It is a warm day of Autumn. Did the lady notice?"

Pausing to consider, Marianne’s head lifted, inhaling and consciously letting herself feel the warmth of rays that managed to fall on her... smiling pleased as she acknowledged Clemente’s comment.

"It is a nice weather to celebrate. It brings calm breezes and couth scents and ambience." — He added, swallowing the praises his mind came up with as he saw her silent motion appear lovely... until he understood the time on their own would finish shortly after her blindfold was taken. Aware that as shortly, her father and a prince would come to get her and leave him aside. — "... It was probably as warm cordial the day the lady was born, therefore the sun follows you with as tender light today as well."

"..."

"I hope you enjoy this day my lady. My appreciation for letting my hand take yours even if briefly-"