The Thrill Of Your Love

Chapter Nine

Sister Imperator had spared no expense in organising a lavish leaving party for Terzo before he was about to embark on his highly anticipated American tour the following day. The grand dining hall of the monastery had been transformed into a magical setting, with glittering chandeliers casting a soft glow on the beautifully adorned tables.

Terzo had made an effort and dressed in his formal trousers and a crisp shirt that was tailored to fit his torso perfectly, yet he still left most of the buttons left undone. He stood at Alice's door, a singular red rose in his hand, whilst his other one brushed back his gelled back hair, impatiently knocking after she never came the first time. Though when she pulled back the door, his eyes widened in awe. She stood before him in an elegant yet daring black dress that accentuated her curves and showcased her beauty whilst struggling to push an earring into her earlobe, apologising for running a little late. But he never heard a word she said. He couldn't help but simply stare, momentarily lost for words as the entire the world apart from the girl melted around him.

"Alice," he finally managed to utter, his voice filled with genuine surprise, "you look absolutely stunning."

"Thank you...it's not something I'd usually choose." She smiled with a tinge of blush in her cheek, glancing down at her outfit then back up at him. "But being Terzo Emeritus' girlfriend...I have a reputation to uphold."

"Ah, I see. Well being my partner looks good on you, you truly suit being by my side tonight." He grinned. "Here, for you, bellissimo." He bowed when dramatically handing her the rose, feeling his knees weaken at the sound of her laughter.

He took her hand into his and placed a tender kiss on her knuckles and led Alice into the grand dining hall, his hand moving to gently hold the small of her back as he navigated the crowds. The room was adorned with intricate tapestries and polished wooden floors, exuding an air of elegance and grandeur much like the rest of the ministry. The long tables filled with hundreds of siblings stretched out before them, draped in fine linen, and adorned with silverware and crystal glasses filled with wine. As they made their way to their designated table at the front of the hall, the gazes of the guests followed their every move.

Alice couldn't help but notice the glares and curious gazes directed their way. Whispers floated through the air, mingling with the clinking of cutlery and the soft hum of conversation. It seemed that their presence as a couple had stirred up quite a commotion, unbeknownst to the clergy that their relationship was nothing more than a way for Terzo to avoid finding his prime mover and bettering the institution.

"Relax amore." He rubbed small, comforting circles on her back as he helped her into her seat after noticing Alice's unease. He took his own seat and leaned forward, taking her hands into his. "Let's treat this like a real date. Forget that it's all pretend for now." He playfully raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile gracing his lips. "Ask each other questions, get to know each other just like on a real date. It will be fun!"

Alice's lips curved into a hesitant smile, grateful for Terzo's lighthearted approach. She nodded, determined to embrace the situation and enjoy the evening to the fullest. As they settled into the seats they'd be sitting in for the next couple of hours, she took a moment to observe the beautifully adorned table, the soft glow of candlelight casting a warm ambiance over their table for two, and a vase of fresh flowers decorating it thematically, placing the rose her given to her into the. It was an exciting time for the ministry, despite many sisters being jealous of Alice, the fortunate chosen one of Papa, everybody was eager to get to know Alice and what Terzo had seen in her.

"So, my dear, what are you drinking tonight?" Terzo's eyes never strayed far from Alice's face, his genuine protectiveness evident. "Champagne, si?" He smirked and as if on queue, a ghoul was pouring the chilled bottle of fine champagne into a glass on the table. "Grazie, and one for Alice too." He smiled, motioning for the ghoul to move over to the girl before she had a chance to object. He took a sip of the drink, his face scrunching up with pleasure as he slightly nodded. "Let me ask you a question first...I'm tired of you being a mystery to me, I'm determined to truly know you by the end of the tour."