Perfect Excuses: Diluc x Jean

II

Ragnvindr.

He gently pulled her by the hand towards the glass double door that led into the indoor conservatory where the moonlight seeped through the entire area. Soft blue and green hues reflected on most surfaces that created a heavenly atmosphere. An abundance of vines and greenery wrapped around pristine white pillars while fresh Cecilias and other flowers were distributed on the ground. Upon entering, he let go of her hand in which she went towards the center platform. 

Her ballgown flowed and glittered beautifully around her. As she walked, she twisted and turned to look all over and admire the vast room. If he didn't know better, he would've thought that she's a gentle and compassionate goddess. 

She wasn't. She came with the intent to kill. Even so, she's still fitting among the diverse flowerbeds, she could even outshine them all. A prickly rose among the garden. Charming, hypnotizing, and impossibly gorgeous. Only to lure and execute with swiftness and precision.

He allowed himself to be clueless for a moment. 

The empty, quiet and dimly-lit greenhouse was a stark contrast to the bright and loud ballroom. When he saw her earlier, he could only make eye contact with her for only a few seconds before a sea of people interrupted their view. At that moment, he froze in place. He got so lost in her beauty that he could only wish that he was closer to taking in more details. Those few seconds felt like an eternity, so now that they're here where no one else was around, he could enjoy that eternity a little while longer. He couldn't take his eyes off of her even if he tried. 

They reached the center platform where the moonlight illuminated her flawless features. Her appearance seemed even more angelic under the soft glow. Her eyes sparkled, her lips were glossier, and cute dimples showed. He cannot fathom how much adoration he has for her. He hasn't met anyone who made him feel this way. 

When her eyes landed back on him, he offered his hand for a dance.

A dance that would eventually lead to his near death. He knew this, though he wished it hadn't been the case. 

It felt right having her in his arms. Though she stated that she was unfamiliar with waltzing, he was patient. He taught her and didn't mind if she made a mistake or wasn't as good as the other maidens. All that mattered was her melodic giggles and bashful smiles. 

His life almost didn't matter to him. He silently wished that she wouldn't do what he was told she would do. To his dismay, she did exactly what he expected. He remembered begrudgingly defending himself and apprehending her.

"Surrender yourself." He had to use more force to put her down than he imagined. She was good at her skill. He wondered why she had to resort to such a brutal job. 

"Just end my life now. There's no reason to keep me as your prisoner." Her sweet smile was no longer there. It was replaced with a venomous scowl. 

"I'm not going to keep you as a prisoner."

"What then?"

He wondered if there were enough excuses to let the fantasy run forward. However, he let his heart speak before his mind could rationalize his decision.

"Be my queen." 

Diluc violently shook his head at the thought and clutched the turquoise pendant in his hand. The cold necklace became warm with how much he fiddled with it.

There was no fantasy that made him decide to make her his queen. 

Publicity. Information. Another fighter to the roster. These were the reasons why he decided.