CHAPTER 654: CHAPTER 654

"Is the Lady alright?"

"! W- I-"

"... Your lip is red..."

"?!?! I-I am alright... I got slightly burned but... It does not hurt, your highness." — Overwhelmed by his closeness and the touch of his thumb, I pushed it aside, ashamed suddenly to have him around in the solitude of my chambers. Although of course, such solitude included Theodore and Vitor.

"... I am glad... My Lady seems much accustomed to speech now. It is rare still for me to see you as free, yet it suits your essence so brilliantly, my lady."

"Ah... y-yes, after the Winter Ball, I had no more excuses to keep mute... my sound has only improved ever since without myself noticing it."

"It is lovely."

"..."

"Quite thrilling to finally witness..."

"..."

I felt mute again now that I could hear the manly seductive nothings he could muster when before me. Lightning strikes again, bewilderingly sweet to my skin and the colours of this man seemed to brighten everything with his handsome hues. Saying everything and nothing with the ultramarine I fell in love with.

"I believe..." — Espontaneous to the feeling I said as I got lost in it. Happy that I did not need to force this brazen start. — "That meeting my prince again is much more thrilling."

"..."

"The coldness of the days could not freeze time... what could not be told back on the 19th of Qrokmm, I refused to tell in letters." — Invaded by the void I felt every day while looking at the lands getting colder, I stared into eyes shaken by the words I poured softly without warning. — "... I am glad to see his highness again. My dear suitor... many things there are for us to talk about."

"Yes, there are..."

We knew well that this was all the privacy we would be able to get. There was tension and limits. A wall we could still not overcome between us when we were so close to each other. My heart pulled me to his arms yet my feet remained rooted to my spot and his breath felt as if unable to freely move him to finally embrace me.

This would last for many days... and all it did combined with the presence of unwanted ones was frustrate and irritate my core given what has yet to be told.

*******

The call on the door was shortly attended by the servant inside.

"My Lady, these are his highness’s chambers. If there is anything I shall relay the message for you."

"... Yes... could you tell him, I came for the following bones?"

"?... I understand."

It was a curious sentence, yet the woman, beautiful for the role of a servant closed the door to relay said words. Making her wait to continue for a tad longer, although certain that this would lead to an agreed meeting. One that in the dark of the night before was conveyed.

’His Highness she said... as we thought, the involved could not be simple people.’ — The youngest of the Sylfinnier contemplated, composed while anxious about the meeting and information she was to soon learn. — ’As I remained close to my sister, whatever trick they use to wrap my mind will not be as effective. Even while I hid the truth I was able to remain true to my will... from today my psyche might be in danger... I must be careful as sister said.’

*Clank...*

"!... Good, you have not left. His highness invites you inside."

"Thank you." — Bowing elegantly, Theressa followed the woman inside. Finding the prince known as the Tactician of the Royal Family sitting comfortably while smoking herbs known to inhibit pain. — "... Greetings Your Highness Second Prince Sverre Hugo Di Frotschter."

"... Lady Theressa. Right on time you arrive. Was it difficult to shake the Ninth?"

"We have become quite close. Trust has strengthened and my Knight Royce is of help at times like these."

"... You have done a good job."

"Much appreciated are your words, your highness... Although, I must admit I did not expect for it to be your chambers that I was told to visit. As well as for yourself to be the one I was to meet."

"If you had known none of this would have been worth it." — He said, standing to shorten the distance and taking a strand of Theressa’s hair while releasing cloudy breath. — "... For now, tell me what are your sister’s plans. There are a few things I might ask you to do based on that."

The hands of the prince enjoyed playing with her red hair for a moment, listening carefully to the unbothered and surprisingly proud girl in front of him. Ultimately telling their scheme once she finished.

"... make sure you take her to the streets one day. She has her shop so I take it you can make it happen soon."

"I was thinking the same. It will not be a problem."

"... Interrupt her time with Zeleskiaz as well."

"... I will see what I can do about that."

"Indeed, that is a difficult task, yet do not worry, Lady Theressa. Others will do the same, just join them in the attempts without raising suspicions of course."

"I see... If I could learn who these people are it may come in handy."

"You do not need to know that yet."

"... If so, may I know how come the prince got involved in this? Were you approached like I was? It definitely has served as an exciting way to accomplish my desires." — Theressa said, hoping to see if a vicious perspective would open Sverre to sharing more than his orders. — "I have much to lose yet even as I do I hope that if I fall, the pain brought will be much worse... His Highness on the other side... I wonder if you have some certainty I do not have about this witch, otherwise, I would be concerned for the Tactician being a reckless man."

"Betting is a good tactic as well."

"... does that mean the prince knows just as much as I do?"

"Information is a weapon."

"... that is ambiguous."

"What I mean to say, Lady Theressa, is that your visit is over. You will learn what is needed if needed."

"... Sigh~ What am I to do does not change. The secrecy might as well spice the thrill for now."

"There is one thing I can say, however." — Entertained by her confidence, Sverre grinned after her figure turned from him. Anticipating the reaction that may break her hard work.

"? Truly, now? What is this that his highness will allow me to learn?"

"He says... he has allowed you to walk around freely in his absence, so help properly."

"....."

"You will take that place as agreed years ago."

"... Hah..." — Theressa scoffed a forced smile trying to control her dismay. Overcoming the fear and disgust with a capricious and content expression. — "Since it was years ago what was agreed won’t suffice... tell him I send him warm greetings. It is a shame he cannot walk freely under the sky like I do, otherwise, he would be able to truly listen to what Marianne sounds like now."

"I shall convey the message."

"Very kind you are... if you are to take the Empire this little game surely will become more interesting, am I right? Second Prince?"

"That will depend on how it’s done."

"Fear not. Although I know little of who is behind us... I know very well what I joined you for, Prince Sverre." — The light she dedicated in a last glance was the sign to finally leave the room. — ’I need to leave. I can’t run. Walk normally! Act unfazed so he won’t notice... until I get back to sister’s!!’

The alarms within were set the moment she received the message. Such words would not easily be forgotten by the girl.