Royal Masquerade

Chapter 20

When they reached home that night, Astrea was still shaken by the unfortunate incident that almost claimed both her life and Narcissus’s life. The night was so eventful that she doubt that she’ll be able to sleep later. She’s still clinging to Narcissus for comfort when they passed her bedroom.

“Would you accompany me tonight? I don’t want to be alone. I don’t really feel safe at the moment, the bloody chandelier really horrify me,” she said. The image of the chandelier crashing to the dance floor still lingers in her mind and keep replaying on it’s own accord.

“What wouldn’t I do to keep my Love safe? What makes you even think that I will leave you alone tonight, after what had happened? You must be completely shaken. I will stay with you as long as you want me too, darling, now, don’t you worry.” he smiled as he opened her room door, and carried her to the four poster bed.

“Pity, I was really enjoying myself.” she sighed as he placed her on the bed gently.

“Well, I was enjoying myself too, it’s just too bad it had to end that way,” he said, his feature darkened beneath his deceptive mask. He reached out and caressed her flawless skin.

“Looks like I’ll be staying clear of ballroom for a moment now, Narc, I don’t think I could bear going into one again without thinking that a chandelier would come crashing and squash me to death. Maybe I will never dance again,” she shuddered as he chuckle at her.

“It’ll be a waste of talent, though, you’re very good at it.” he smiled as he watched her relax under his gaze.

“I think you’re fibbing… I have never dance in my entire life, dancing with the mop and broomstick doesn’t count though,” she laughed, her mood started to lighten up, much to his relief. He laughed with her before pulling her away from the bed and maneuver her into a waltz move.

“Would you be able to make dancing in the bedroom an exception, though? We’re safe from any evil chandelier,” he smiled softly at her as they started to dance only to the sound of falling rain from outside.

“That, would definitely be an exception…I must warn you though, I may get addicted to it,” she said as he brought her closer to him, still dancing lingeringly.

“I’m fine with you addicted to it, as long as I’m the dancing partner,” he told her. She only give him a comical look in return.

“I don’t think I want to go back to dancing with mop or broomsticks, they make such lousy dancing partner, indefinitely,” she made a face that made her look so innocent and childlike. To think that they almost got killed hours before made him so scared and angry at the same time. The one who’s responsible for this will pay for the evil deeds, he swear it.

“So, does the offer still stands?” she asked, catching him off guard.

“What offer, darling?” he asked, perplex at the cheeky look she’s giving him at the moment. Now what she’s up to?

“You know, the offer where I get to make you obey my every whims, pamper me like a queen, and get to share your bed for as long as we both shall live?” she teased him as he eyed her in shock. He hadn’t expect her to even recall his proposal, well, not after the horrid incident, at least. She must have calmed down considerably since she could recall his little proposal.

“Well, I suppose it’s the offer is still open if you want it,” he grinned at her as he saw her eyes light up in the dimness of the room.

“Ask me again,” it was a a demand rather than a request, and he know better not to disappoint her. He smiled and pulled her closer. Their dancing came to a halt as he lean closer to ask her the question again as his hand caresses the smoothness of her pale cheek. He looked at her as if he wanted this moment to be imprinted on his memory forever. Astrea waited for him to say those words to her as time seems to stop and stand still as he stood before her, looking into her eyes. For a moment, she faltered, as if she expected him not to say those words to her.