The Forbidden Fruit

𝕺𝖓𝖊

"I don't know if you've noticed, Lucius, but I am in no mood for a ball. I don't know why you even went on with arranging one" Narcissa snaps. Despite not wanting to attend she continues to get ready as Lucius stands by the door of her bed chamber. "I was giving us a chance to possibly have a good time together Cissy, we've been awfully distant and rather avoidant of one another for weeks now. I was only trying to mend whatever is broken between us for a few hours" Lucius mutters as he fidgets with his cravat. Walking across the room with two dresses in hand Narcissa gives Lucius a certain look before laying them down on the end of her bed. Letting out a sigh Narcissa puts her hands on her hips "What is the theme, I know I am expected to come despite being in a sour mood" she says turning towards Lucius seeing him hesitate before walking closer. "It's just a simple ball my love, no theme, where what you would like" he says noticing his favorite dress from her closet laid out on the bed, hoping she'll choose it for this evening. A deep violet gown with elegant beadwork that runs along the neckline and the cuffs of the dress. With two strings of gems that, when worn, would hang gracefully from the point just below the ribs, drooping down over the hips. Accentuating the beauty of the woman wearing it in a classy fashion.

Noticing Lucius's gaze on that particular dress, Narcissa lets out a soft sigh as he grazes a hand over the velvet texture. "I know we've been apart emotionally for an extended time petal, but.. may I ask that you wear this dress tonight?" Lucius asks in a soft tone. "You know how much I've admired you in it, time and time again" Lucius says with a hopeful smile. Taking a moment to think, Narcissa nods, picking up the other dress. "Very well.. after all, you did put in the effort in arranging this impulsive ball for tonight.." she says before taking the other dress back to the closet. Waiting patiently and occasionally helping Narcissa whenever she needs, Lucius tries to put on a small smile despite knowing they are both hanging on by a mere thread. For months now, Narcissa and Lucius have been distant from one another and not like how they've always been. Things are different now, they feel different, but neither of them will admit it openly because they are afraid. Afraid of what might happen if they utter the wrong word, hence their unspoken agreement to keep distance not only for their sake but also their sons.

Sitting on the end of her bed, Lucius keeps quiet as Narcissa adds all the little touches to her attire. Deciding to stand up, Lucius quietly walks over, picking up the brush from the vanity. "Darling, why don't I brush your hair for you, like I always have" he says softly seeing no reaction as Narcissa concentrates on her lip line. Taking his time, Lucius uses gentle strokes to weed out any knots in Narcissa's hair, finding solace in this moment of simple bliss. Setting down the brush Lucius gently tosses her hair, letting it rest down her back in an effortless manner. Letting out a sigh, Lucius puts his hands on Narcissa's shoulders, looking into her eyes through the mirror. "I appreciate your help, my love, but I can finish on my own.." Narcissa says seeing Lucius nod. As he steps away, Lucius runs a hand over his face "Right.. of course.." he mutters, glancing over as Narcissa finishes up, pinning her hair back with a simple broach.

As Narcissa stands to face him, Lucius smiles softly "There she is.." he says solemnly, trying to keep up the mood seeing Narcissa smile down at her feet. Offering her his arm, Lucius's smile falls as she nods no politely before walking towards the door. Taken aback by the rejection Lucius composes himself quickly as he joins Narcissa by the door, opening it for her he smiles "The guests should be arriving soon but there is one important thing I forgot to tell you" he says seeing Narcissa look back at him as she stands in the doorway. "It is a masquerade party" Lucius says with a small smile, pulling out a mask from his coat, handing it to Narcissa having it match her attire seamlessly. "Now.." Lucius says putting on his own mask offering his arm once again, this time Narcissa accepts the gesture with a small smile "Let's enjoy ourselves tonight"

To Be Continued..