Royal Masquerade

Chapter 22

Narcissus caught a glimpse of his beloved relaxing on a recliner in a very sexy swim wear while enjoying a fresh glass of fruit juice over her novel. He disapprove her clothing, or lack of clothing, to be more accurate. She’s going to catch cold in that, no kidding. What’s more, winter hasn’t end, even though the temperature has raise enough for people to feel comfortable without wearing many layers of clothing. But then again, it’s not summer yet, hell it’s not even spring yet, and here she is, luxuriating under the dim sun as if it’s mid summer. He decided to reprimand her a bit, but noticed something very different about her. Her skin. They are red and almost glowing, as if she is enjoying the benefit of the warm summer sun. Now that’s weird.

“So I heard you got engaged?” he asked, breaking the peaceful silence, startling her from her thick novel. She accidentally dropped it and as soon as she noticed who disrupted the peace of her mind, she swore under her breath.

“Yes, I did. And thank heavens not to you!” she growled as she lean over to pick up the fallen novel. Again, she cursed. He almost laugh at loud at her statement. Oh, she is engaged, what’s more, to him, no less. Only she did not know that, so now he have to tell her, or make her realize that before they exchange their vows again. She needs to know. He felt like the lowest scum on the face of the earth for misleading her now. He hadn’t meant to carry on this far. But he really couldn’t help it. She looks very beautiful when she’s angry. He really can’t help but tease her.

“So, where’s the ring?” he asked, trying to keep mirth out of his voice, as he saw her fume immediately as he grab hold onto her left hand, as if he wanted to look at her engagement ring.

“I believe that is none of your business!” she said as she glared at him angrily as she snatched her hand away from his gentle grasps.

“Oh, yes, it is. Since you haven’t got any ring on your finger yet, I believe I should put mine on your beautiful finger. It’s a custom for engaged couple to have rings on their fingers, isn’t it? Would you like something old and classy or something modern? Why not we go shop for a ring later?” he said suggestively, hoping that she will notice that it’s him, Narcissus who is talking to her, without his mask on. He used the same tone when he’s wearing the mask with her, but unfortunately, Astrea is too agitated to notice any similarity between him and ‘Zachary’.

“What the…” she looked at him angrily at his words. She felt like slapping him across the face for his statement. How dare he suggest that they go for ring shopping? Have he lost his mind that he couldn’t differentiate between fantasy and reality?

“What?” he laughed.

“I’m engaged to Narcissus, not Zachary, so pray tell, why should I choose my engagement ring with you?” she gritted her teeth as she said those words to him.

“That’s exactly why you should go out and shop for a ring with me. Because you’re engaged to Narcissus and not Zachary,” he hinted wryly, causing her to reach for the fruit juice that’s placed on a small table beside her recliner. He had almost expect that she would splash it to him, but she drank it down instead.

“That’s enough, Zack,” she said while he groaned inwardly. There she goes again. This is not going as he planned. He is feeling hot himself, so he took off his clothing without sparing a thought on her reaction.

“What are you doing? Why are you taking off your clothes?” she looked at him incredulously, as if he had grown a second head.

“I’m hot.” came his simple answer. But she’s too distracted with his glorious body to listen to to his answer. She inched away from him away from him uncomfortably as he undressed himself in front of her and grinned at her heavenly as he noticed that she’s eying him shamelessly.