CHAPTER 656: CHAPTER 656

"... Nonetheless, Sir Biel, did you not say you were about to go look for my prince? Is there something wrong?"

"Ah... yes. His Majesty has summoned you. He wants a private audience with his highness."

"I am not going now. Tell him I can’t."

"Er... that’s... don’t put me in the spot like that..."

"I also should pay a visit to his Majesty." — I then interrupted. — "However, I suppose I shall go after his highness’s audience is done."

"I could inform once his highness attends his summons, if the lady would like."

"Yes, that would be wonderful, thank you."

"Nonetheless, I said I am not going immediately." — The Crown Prince said, clearly frowning as he came closer to where I stood. — "My Lady has just arrived. I brought her here to be with her not to leave her alone."

"Umh... yes, but... Sir Biel said..."

"My lady, although it is the Emperor’s call, I refuse to go." — Not paying attention to his right hand’s trouble, Zeleskiaz talked to me, sad about the thoughts I could be having. Slowly lowering his sound as his steps brought him near enough to stand beside me, covering with his my hand that was resting on his desk leisurely. — "I refuse to let more time slip without us talking properly."

"..."

"Your Highness, I believe it will be brief."

"If so it can wait."

"However, he said it is urgent..."

Even I got nervous by the way the crown prince looked at the poor Sir.

In my selfishness, I was delighted to hear him refuse the untimely summon. Nevertheless, I was also aware that if the Emperor was calling for him with urgency... There was not much time he could take for granted.

I glanced at the now frustrated Biel and also met the frames of our two quiet and formal chaperons, lastly gazing at the threatening prince who secretly held onto my hand while glaring at the right hand. Giving it a light stroke before giving it a proper squeeze.

"Er... could you give us a few minutes?" — I told the right hand whose everything perked up at my request.

"Ah, yes of course."

Seeing him leave, my two knights were sure not to leave, hence, I turned to look again at my prince... who now frowned at me.

"Since it is urgent, his highness should heed the Emperor’s call."

"... I do not believe it is truly an important matter."

"His highness will only know once you assist to the call."

"..."

"Is it okay if I wait for you here?"

"... ’okay’?"

"I-I mean if it is alright..."

"... my lady needs no permission to begin with."

"Haha... then, I shall wait for your return here. Perhaps you could pick me up so I can also pay a visit to your Father, His Majesty later. After that we should be free to talk plenty... lunch is also approaching so..."

"... If it truly is a significant matter, I may not be able to come back as briefly. I believe it is best I decline..."

He was adamant about staying. His frown dissolved to show concern and plea... troubling me as well since that would be disheartening if it came to the case. However...

"Now that we are both at the palace... I believe the difficulty of meeting will decrease. Whenever it is possible it’s fine... I am not leaving without a word this time."

My last words seemed to light up something in him I had foreseen had been bothering his peace of mind. In his attitude and doubt, there was anxiety pouring out probably the same I had trouble with very deep inside and it was once his fingers freed from mine that he started to walk, surrounding the desk to take out a few sheets from a well-guarded drawer.

"Since I am to heed the call... freely remain here and read these in my absence... once I am back or once I am free to finally search for you... We shall continue what we must."

"There are many... what are these?"

"... this bureau is yours while I am gone." — Giving me space as I moved to his side to peek at the sheets, he avoided the answer while a hand of his lightly grazed my hair and side, smiling with a hint of dejection that I believe was mutual... for I wish his touch could have been more outrageous; maybe even disrespectful if it meant losing this odd ambience we have not been able to disperse even as we desire it. — "Make yourself comfortable, my lady Marianne."

We had a moment of complicity while looking into his eyes and he crossed the doors right after my head lowered, knowing it was enough.

I watched the seat solely meant for him to take, doubtful of taking it and glancing quickly through a few of the sheets of paper he had left for me to read, I felt time stop before even being able to decide how to actually spend my time there.

[ My dearest lady, ]

"..."

[ To my endearing lady, ]

"..."

[ To you whom I crave, ]

"... oh god..." — I mumbled, covering my mouth out of surprise.

"Lady Marianne, are you feeling unwell?"

"A-ah... I am alright... do not worry, Theo, Vitor..."

I fell dizzy from the fever on the seat. My two knights became alarmed but quickly I reassured them so my time in this place would not be finished so fast. Out of breath and with exalted heart I sat there staring at the mountain of letters... for every single one of these sheets had his handwriting dedicating words solely to me...

[ Another day of written but not sent letters has come for my heart to endure. The last moment we shared resonates fresh in my head, regretful and yearning to give it another end. One sweet as the light your being is. ]

’This man...’

[ I wonder where my other letters went today as I think about you, those I did send yet did not reach your delicate hands. Nevertheless, something else comes to me while I write this to you... The fear of these new ones reaching you now exists, my gentle lady.

What my hand writes, is not thought of as lengthily as it should.

My heart controls the words my hand naturally draws in these sheets. Devoted to your unforgettable image, letting it continue to feel alive...

And yet it’ beating also echoes in cries, saying not to send them after an untold goodbye. ]

"..."

[ I wish to see you. I wish to meet you even if not welcomed by your heart. ]

"Fh..." — A wretched sigh was halted by my teeth. Feeling despair the more I read of it.