CHAPTER 640: CHAPTER 640

"You... suggest?"

"Yes. Look around yourself properly. This isn’t a training ground."

"Who do you think you are to talk like that?"

’!? Goodness. Is Clemente also eager to start a fight? Do not start one!!! Not one of those I once read, please!!’ — Shaking the drunkness so she could interfere, Marianne placed her hand on the crown prince’s limb. Being immediately recognised by her soft lulling touch that stopped his mind entirely so every speck of his mind could shift to look into her eyes. — ’I am alright! All of this was my doing this time!... please don’t fight!’

"... Is it truly?" — Placing his hand over hers, Zeleskiaz’s countenance softened concerned about Matianne. — "You seem feverish, my lady..."

’T-... truly... it is because of the wine, so please do stop...’ — More heated, she lowered her head at his hand’s caress. Timely being interrupted by the beginning of an Emperor’s speech.

"The Emperor’s speech is starting." — Clemente declared for those involved to behave.

A glare was directed at the Noverrne’s duke and the woman under his care right after. Briefly however, for the respect his beloved showed needed to be followed. Listening bankly to the speech while content that at the very least, their hands remained intertwined through it all... much to his delight... much to her troubled heart that would not calm down.

*******

The dance lady Karina had said would occur did happen. Against the wish to separate their hands, as soon as the speech giving start to the awaited melodies began, Zeleskiaz requested the piece to be granted, too hopeful that her weak self became unable to deny it, for the heat had somehow returned sobriety to her body, even if temporarily.

Not a long piece it was. Calm and paced it was for bashful feelings invaded both, convinced with awareness of matters yet to be told. Him not forgetting his desire to depart in secrecy the ball through secret passages while she prepared herself to listen and say what should be told; praying that nothing was left and that in truth her concerns resulted in nothing as well...

"... My lady, should we go for something to refresh ourselves?" — As one piece reached its end, Zeleskiaz suggested. Knowing that such was an excuse so both could leave everyone’s eye sooner as impatience was pushing him to solve the many worries.

The sincere anthracite flickered anxiously for a second. Nodding eventually in agreement, this time being her hand that held his tighter while crafting the courage so no waver would interfere with her reasoning. Yearning that this touch would not find its end tonight.

’... after this... we will probably have that talk...’ — Marianne with tense gut sighed. Breathing in so the confidence she had been praying for would not fade in the meantime.

As they left the centre of the hall, the younger sibling of the ninth who was talking with a foreign prince came to welcome the chosen, relieved and awestruck by the grace of her sister and the suitor accompanying her.

"Sister Marianne! You two looked lovely. It makes me recall the day you officialised this courting~" — Friendly, Theressa linked her arm again with her sister’s, happy to receive the soft smile she has recently earned from the ninth’s heart.

"Courting... so the ninth and Zeleskiaz are truly in a royal courtship?" — The sceptical prince of Latrishk sighed already aware, glancing at Zeleskiaz who was released from Marianne’s hold given those that came to join them. — "How long has it been? It has not been long enough for you to announce its success correct?"

"Why do you care?"

"I am only intrigued~... Lady Marianne, take my hand as well and let myself have a dance~ "

’Uh... I have only just finished a dance and...’ — Seeing how the crown prince was already stepping between them Marianne felt content with his protection. Feeling strongly at heart that her dances were truly promised only for her beloved to have.

"Don’t get so close to my Lady."

"Oh, good lord, don’t be like that~"

"... Sister, that prince is very persistent..." — Suddenly, Theressa told her in whispers. — "He wanted to dance with you and asked myself for aid... Duke Clemente and Lady Karina were there to aid me thankfully."

’He does seem like the type to not give in so easily... But where did Clemente and Karina go? I do not see them...’ — While they paced to the table, she traced the place curious for they could not have left Theressa on her own without a good motive. Pondering about it while taking a glass too naturally to her lips.

"... If sister is looking for them, Lady Karina bumped into someone and got her dress slightly stained. Duke Clemente went with her so someone would help her change... Ah, there he is." — Lifting her hand, elegantly disimulating pointing him out, Marianne was able to find Clemente who was returning to their side. Although finding more interest in the ring Theressa was currently wearing which was not there before she went for a dance with her suitor.

’... Where did she get that from?’

"He must have left Lady Karina in the care of the palace’s servants..."

’It doesn’t suit her dress at all either...’

"Lady Theressa, I am sorry to leave you alone."

"It is alright. Sister timely decided to end her dance. How is Lady Karina doing?"

"She is dealing with the stain. I was told she will come back soon." — Clemente briefly told the girl, shifting to talk to the ninth, whose eyes were fixated on her sister’s hand. — "Lady Marianne? Is everything alright?"

’Hm?... uh...’

"Clemente~ is Lady Karina doing fine~?"

"Yes, Prince Niccolò. She will return shortly."

"I could have gone in your stead~ I am good at helping a lady in distress."

"... Since Lady Karina is in my care tonight I could not allow that. My apologies."

"Sigh~... Clemente, just as Zeleskiaz you are too difficult to convince, huh~?"

"I do not resemble him." — Both said in a heartbeat. Crossing glares while those around held a second of stunned silence.

"... Well, it does not look like it, Haha~ Zeleskiaz and Clemente are an entertaining pair~ You seem like good friends!"

The men with such exchange became busy enduring and retorting to the teasing of the foreigner, giving space for a moment to the sisters so the oldest could address her wonder to the younger.