Chapter 597: Chapter 597
"..."
"Ah... perhaps sharing a lifetime with the Emperor has made myself eager to do larger speeches, fufu~ How embarrassing~" — Moved as she saw how dreamy her son’s hues became when looking at the chosen, the Empress wiped a tear that threatened to fall meeting the eye of her proud husband who appeared more touched than intended. Laughing cheery, making jest of her own so, along with the guests everyone could lose some tension at her amiable behaviour. Different to usual... yet fitting for the Mother she also represented on this day. — "Nevertheless... More is useless to say in my eyes for the future of the young is more uncertain and it is in their hands. A grown man and a mature woman you both are, Crown Prince Zeleskiaz and precious Lady Marianne, our Pristina Pars... Therefore, this humble mother’s words may cease now. May the space for a dance be cleared up by the people. May the melodies accompany your steps... and lead each other with a firm grasp to a future together."
With such, this time standing behind her son and his beloved, Ingrid’s hand touched each of the couple’s shoulders, inviting them to step down and walk where the many eyes opened a stage to finally witness the dance of the celebrated youth.
Delicate and ubisunt, Marianne was guided by the handsome walk of the crown prince, feeling the blush remain as strongly as she felt his thumb lightly caress the ring finger he would not leave alone once arriving at the centre of the expectant crowd. Listening to how the music started at the cue the Empress gave for it to commence... yet uncertain about how to follow. For even as her knowledge told Marianne it was past the time to begin the dance... it was the prince who was to lead their waltz and yet...
"..."
"..."
Zeleskiaz’s soft and entranced ultramarine simply lost himself as he gazed at her, endeared by the sight of her beautus brilliance... that was finally announced as his to court.
’... um... w-what are we waiting...’ — She asked herself with a shy glance that avoided the daydream in the man. Becoming aware that the guests were also wondering about such. — ’... everyone seems as confused, however...’
"... Hopefully the song was made for us." — He then said, stepping closer to lay his hand carefully on her waist. As if caressing her... too softly for his senses to lose control, although light enough to ignite a flame he was sure to supply an unstoppable growth as he could now sweeten his love more freely with words stuck in his core. — "For I wish to enjoy it for more than it lasts. Hopefully, it will adjust to this desire... although I should now own your every dance in everyone’s eye, my dear Lady Marianne... do you believe I am asking too much?"
An uncontrollable joy lifted his corners as if indifferent to the true answer; too pure and sweet for any to believe. Sending a shiver down the lady’s spine as his fingers pressed against the corset shaping her figure, excited in anticipation for the piece joining their dance.
Her fluttery sensations weakened her stance as she was smitten by Zeleskiaz’s charm, knowing that a response could not be given as freely as her heart also desired... yet even so... crafting for herself a chance so a whisper could reach her piquant suitor.
"?!"
Taking advantage of the closeness and her sway, she lightly stammered to lean her forehead on his chest, covering her own visage with the limb that fell on his shoulder to comely mutter a sound solely himself would hear as the music reigned the air.
"Were it not to last... we may as well hum a piece to fulfil our wish, my prince."
"Hah... indeed... much more delightful that would be..." — Bewitched by the blessing she granted his ears and heart, Zeleskiaz’s excitement grew taking more sense of the touch, meeting her eye accompanied by winsome expression. Making him invested in the declarations his soul wanted to endlessly whisper dearly to the lady in his hands. — ’Our wish it is now... oh Love... my love... surely we will share many more.’
A close dance commenced thanks to the lady’s move to give a reply. Their heartbeats became part of the melody, both hiding overwhelming aspirations and the applauses of the people got drowned as they appeared to be an instrument to orchestrate more excitement in the couple... and also within those hoping to earn everything this courtship offered as well as a chance for themselves.
Many eyes were on them. Endeared, amazed, satisfied... as well as jealous, bothered and vexed ones.
"Tsk... It’s just a dance, why’s that brat touching her so much?!"
"... You said it yourself, Orland. It’s just a dance, can’t the children have fun?"
"He’s not only having fun. Do you think I didn’t notice how he purposely touched Marianne’s waist in a suspicious way? What have you taught your son, Maurice?? He only knows your sly ways since young!"
"?!?! I never taught him that!! Be careful with what you say! Don’t you know my wife’s around?!"
"What have you ever taught him then?! The brat can’t even say a thing you’ve taught him! I wonder if he’s pitiful for not being taught or for inheriting your flirtatious side. MAURICE!"
"F*CK! DON’T CALL ME-"
"Husband, behave." — The Empress said. Elegantly appearing next to her spouse. Delighted by the blue demeanour he immediately owned as it was too late to retort any excuse. — "You cannot deny your blood, now, can you?"
"... Yes, can you, Frois? He CERTAINLY has your blood." — Entertained, Orland joined to make more trouble for the friend. Acting smug while being naive.
"His Grace’s taunt was too childish, however. Orland... perhaps you should join your wife’s side as well. That way, you may recall how you used to behave when you were in the shoes of my son. As far as I recall... it was not solely my husband who had some... ’sly ways’... am I wrong?"
"....."
Both men lost colour now at the sharpness of the Empress, sharing a glance to support each other while also bearing hatred for their carefree manners.