Chapter 599: Chapter 599
"Is it because you believe it is too little a reward to have?" — Talking too close to my ear, I instinctively tried to retreat as his breath tickled me to the core. Knowing that as much as my heart fluttered to his manly persistence, we could not let ourselves be reckless when so many eyes were attentive to our every movement.
... Nevertheless, useless as always it was... for at times when he became playful, I have come to learn he may also become mischievous... — "Should I be selfish... for the sake of us?"
"..."
"Should I... get myself a bigger reward, my lady?"
His lean made myself follow, leaning slowly backwards as if it were a step of our dance. Ending with his hand holding my back fully, simply at his mercy as he placed the hand we had intertwined down his jaw to reach let me reach a tough shoulder... and excited heart. Slowly moving us to a straightened stance again, grasping my hips tightly as he leaned one last time to whisper more to my ear... Yet provoking an unnecessary heat to flock to my cheeks as he dared to kiss my nape before lifting myself with no escape.
"A pity it is to only have this much." — He said as I felt his lips on my skin. Being abruptly lifted to only be able to look down at this brazen man, who appeared victorious after this mischievous act.
’Mnh! Reckless man...! Is this your way to prove my thoughts wrong?!? Not cute at all! Kinky Crown!!’
I could not dare to look at the crowd out of shame at the thought of being caught by their eyes. The possibility had myself hanging from a thread, squeezing my heart in bewilderment as I was also aware that our parents could have seen that.
Knowing what was best to keep as composed as needed, I preferred developing dementia before facing their judgement this quickly. Consequently tightening the grasp I had of his shoulders as he lowered me with the song’s timely silence.
"... Now we will be joined by more dancers, my lady." — He quickly said once my feet reached the ground, softly informing me, yet somehow keeping some malicious taste in his sound even when gentle. Hearing soon after how the melodies changed from the slow and silence of its end into a new song, this time rowdier, cresting a different ambience, losing a tad of the royal and noble elegance to instil more of the beginning of a joyous festival’s. — "Remain close... for men will try to snatch you away. Do not let that happen."
"What? Who-??!?" — I could not say much to properly understand with my whispers as he commenced to move us accordingly. — ’!!! Whoa! W-wait! Oh gosh?! Isn’t this too fast of a song?? He’s so eager too!!’
Trying to follow his lead in this opportunity made myself aware that the confidence I once had in my dance skills had changed along with my soul’s nature. I was less self-assured although my body knew what to do unlike in a past life, yet even if this was the case, the chaos was still enjoyed as he made it easier for my steps, moving us around nicely, actually not letting the chance to be easily snatched occur.
"Tsk!" — At a time when I focused on not losing my balance or stumbling I heard him growl, clearly offended. Taking my attention immediately to see his frown as he grumbled more. — "Curse them... They still dare to try and take our dance... Has my fame been neglected? This cannot be. To have such temerity."
’..... Hwhahaha~! What is he even mad at?!’ — Having to lean on him as I could not concentrate well because of the surprise, I started to fight the laughter so he would not end up dragging myself through the dancefloor. Unintentionally making him stop in his tracks, wanting to know what happened to me.
"?? My lady? Are you alright-?! Huh?"
"Now I snatch his highness away~ your grace, follow with the Ninth~ haha!"
"?!!?"
"Wait!"
It was solely for a split moment second that we lost focus and we indeed were snatched from each other. Our gazes crossed through it all... and I sensed grief and a blue shadow coming over myself as I saw in his eyes a deathly scene unfold... for it had been Karina’s hand that had made its way to us.
’Her hand... she touched him...’ — I thought out of breath, annoyed by her audacity and also concerned with the decision his highness had informed myself not too long ago when it came to her very existence.
— I will take her life. —
His words resounded strongly in my head... I was aware that he meant it at the time... yet now... as I could see his profile from afar...
’He’s..... cruelly killing her in his head...’ — I trembled as I acknowledged with fear at the never-seen bloodthirst he displayed throughout every spec of his being. — ’At any time..... H-he could...’
"... My Lady Marianne, pardon this sudden interruption. I warned Lady Karina not to... Let us go where they are before something bad happens." — Suddenly, reminding myself I had also been snatched and was in someone else’s company, Clemente said severe, visibly displeased by the situation he was seemingly dragged into. Taking myself back from the shock to nod in agreement as we both were aware it was the best course to take. Accepting his hand as he moved us again with a more thoughtful pace yet decisive in its destination. — "Let me express my good wishes to you later, since it is best to return you to your suitor immediately."
’... right... it is good he’s aware of his highness’ character... and evident dislike.’ — As we moved discreetly I thought, noticing how Lady Karina and His Highness had remained placed, standing without intention to move for a while and making Clemente and I to move faster to avoid any tragedy that could come in meantime.
*******
"... Put. Your filth. Away." — Zeleskiaz growled with little breath, holding his everything within so as to not let misfortune fall on every soul near.