CHAPTER 655: CHAPTER 655

— Therefore, as I’ll allow you to walk around freely, you should help in what I want you to do. —

’Paul... he said that to me when he kidnapped Marianne. Taking her place was also mentioned... Paul is with them too.’

She feared the moment to inform her sister. Her heart shrank in grief while aware of the hell Marianne had endured under Paul’s torture yet what most pained her... was the consciousness of Marianne’s cleverness.

’She might have already thought it would be like that...’ — The young Sylfinnier walked pacefully down the halls, leaving the echo of the closed door behind a long time ago. Nevertheless, the second prince could still watch her course, deciding to stop after a while.

"... Is his highness satisfied with the visit?" — He was asked after a moment of silent sigh.

"Yes... If she is trustworthy we will have our time to figure it out. For now, she will serve the purpose."

*******

— I would like you to follow me to my bureau. There are some things I would like to show before we can speak further, my Lady.—

Is what he said to make us leave my chambers and have us walking through the corridors now.

Vitor and Theodore were with us, they always will be at Dad’s orders, and although there was no restriction in my voice to not hold a conversation, it felt odd and awkward to do so. My hand was fidgety and even having my limb linked with his was enough of a hazard to begin with.

’It feels distant... since we have not met properly for a while being this close feels unnatural... not in an unpleasant way but... more in a what do I do so I forget this anxiety way.’

His hair had grown slightly more, the clothes he wore although not as many as others used during winter made him look bigger while still embraceable. His shades so welcomed by summer now appeared perfect for winter. Admirable, soft like the fall of an autumn leaf on the first snow. Colourful and mesmerising and yet still menacing in his innate force.

’His arm is so firm...’ — I thought, embarrassed by the delight to be able to touch it. Recalling mischievously how I was able to witness his training a few times. — ’Fufu~ he does work out... his sweetness appeared like a lie when I think of how toned a man he is...’

I must have caught his attention for while I got lost in my thoughts a comment was made.

"I may be wrong... yet the lady seems pleased."

"... well... I was thinking this feels nostalgic. Us walking quietly like this." — I lied mixing it with a speck of truth. Troubled that my cheeks might be reacting bashfully at his gentle countenance.

"It does... the weather however differs." — Taking a look outside, he added. Placing his hand over mine as if obvious, as if expected. — "There is no spring nor summer sun this time."

"... that’s true."

His stare at the cloudy sky later turned to look into my eyes, lifting his corners as his fingers, indifferent to the caution we once had given the eyes on us, intertwined with mine. Softly grasping it, requesting with a delicate touch for mine to return the squeeze.

I took a moment to appreciate the difference between our limbs, glad to be able to respond this time without our chaperon’s interference. My head lifted slightly and a lovely colour appeared.

"It is still warm." — My prince shyly murmured. Saying no more but a lot in the haze of his ultramarine.

’Oh, Good lords... Izeneya, please... do I really have reasons to be mad? I thought we would even fight... yet how come it feels like we should leave all of that behind...?’ — The shiver screaming through my body to love this man was melting my heart making me an idiot for even considering that option.

I had no true desire to make the pending conversation a problem. All I wanted was to solve the puzzling feelings I’ve been experiencing ever since I first left for Clemente’s home.

An instinct was telling me that the conflict I lived was needless and, what is more, foolish in its existence for this prince... my prince and suitor... my beloved and dear... this man I love was the incarnation of devotion towards me.

’I would love to solve every question with a kiss...’ — I thought, biting the lip I hoped for him to graze. — ’Let it be simple lovesickness... so sooner than later I can freely search for his caresses...’

Thankfully, there was not much distance until we reached his bureau. We arrived soon while I gulped down the butterflies as I also appreciated the fact that no fairy had joined us for they were more interested in looking through my renovated wardrobe than in being a noisy third wheel.

He opened the door politely guiding me inside and I recalled the first time I had visited, when I wore a red dress just like today’s although devoid of the colourful details mine needed so my bond with the gods could be respected.

"? Your highness, I was about to go look for you." — His right hand, Sir Biel said as soon as we entered. Gently stopping before me to smile and welcome me. — "Lady Pristina, it is an honour to see you again. Welcome back and I hope your stay is safe and enjoyable."

"Greetings, Sir Biel. I am glad to meet you as well."

"! Uh... Right. I am sorry, I forgot the Ninth’s voice was now to be expected... if you allow me to say, this is perfect for I can tell my master’s mood will lighten up if he’s to hear you often."

"Biel."

"Ahaha~ if that is true, it is I who will feel honoured." — I laughed, using the joke as an opportunity to tell a little invitation to said master. — "There is much I would like to talk and share with his highness after so long... my prince’s bureau looks just as I recall."

"... haha... hey man... aren’t you... right? Ouf! What the—!" — While I changed the subject as I walked further inside until the desk on the other side I heard a bit of Biel’s whisper, entertained by what it could be that he’s saying to the crown prince as I feigned indifference.