Title: "Venomous thorns: The night of the ball"
Type:??? Still no idea...
Thank you for your kind comments in the first chapter! :)
Your POV:
I
"Your eyes seem distant."
I blinked a few times, suddenly again aware of my surroundings. Looking over my shoulder I met concerned eyes of my mother.
"I was just thinking about this seasons events, with Adrien by my side our game will be strong this year."
"Oh, just relax tonight, try to have some fun. Maybe even share a special dance..."
I snickered, lightly shaking my head. But then I remembered those bright golden eyes, and the feeling of my hand around his slim waist. I sighed, pushing back on my hopeless fantasy.
The carriage skid to a stop, trumpets blared loudly as footmen in bright purple uniforms opened the door for us to step out. My mother looped her hand through mine as we ascended the stairs. As soon as we entered, more trumpets blared, making me flinch a little. People who were already mingling, with drinks in hand, turned their heads towards us. Master of Ceremonies cleared his throat, turning towards the curious masked heads.
"Now announcing the members of the noble house of (L/N)! My Lady baroness (M/N) and her son and heir, Baron (Y/N)!"
Immediately, both of us straightened our postures, flashing bright and warm smiles to the crowd. My mother waved with her velvet gloved hand as many people greeted us with applause. We descended the stairs, taking a flute of champaign at the bottom. My mother subtly whispered in my ear.
"Go, mingle, I have to greet the king and queen, but you should get a head st-"
"I'll accompany you, as your heir I should greet them as well."
Her brows furrowed, the play was good either way, but I noticed she preferred to get me mingling as soon as possible. She bit her bottom lip, weighing the options carefully.
"Alright. Behave well!"
Still hand in hand we made our way through the crowd, to the far end of the room. On a slightly elevated tile we saw the royal family all together, talking to other members of the court. Matching bright blue robe with other royal ornaments that glinted in the candlelight clearly separated them from the rest of the court. Masks were elegant, light and golden, going perfectly with their jewel decorated crowns. Queen's eyes lightened up as she saw my mother approaching, shooing away the people they were talking to, she rushed to embrace my mother.
"Ah you've finally arrived, I was wondering where my dear friend was."
The Queen laughed, and my mother joined, but after it died down her cold calculating blue eyes fell on my form. Going analytically over my body it seemed as she tried to break me appart and study my posture, subtle body language and appearance. I bowed deeply and elegantly, almost textbook like, flashing a charming smile.
"Your majesty, it is my greatest honor to greet you."
Not moving, I heard her heels tapping against the polished floor, and a gentle hand was laid upon my shoulder. My eyes rose up, quickly noticing the high quality silk of her dress, many captivating patterns were knit with golden threads. On her regal dress, there were two noticeable epaulettes, subtly covered by the ermine fur of her royal red cape.
"Arise, young baron, I'm honored to have you as my guest."
Her cold demeanor melted, and she gave me a warm, friendly smile. Her crown glistened in the candlelight, on her chest, there was a milky white rose, herald of the royal family. She led me towards the king, my mother keeping some distance.
"My husband, king William the II."
I bowed before the older man, he brushed the strands of his white beard, also coldly analyzing me, but his posture was more relaxed, probably because I already met with the Queen.
"Arise young man, it's always a pleasure to meet our young noble ranks."
"You're too kind, your majesty."
He chuckled, waiving his hand dismissively.
"You should be more concerned about impressing my wife, but as far as I see you already did splendidly."
He strided away from the rest of them, attending to some other younger nobles. I turned around, scouting the room swiftly, and in the crowd I recognized the silky blue blob of hair. Adrien was walking towards us with crown prince at his tow.
"Ah there you are, we've been looking for you!"
He embraced me tightly, seizing the opportunity to whisper in my ear.
"Dangerous rumors about you and princess, no clue where your crush is."
"He's not my crush you asshole."
"Mhmmmm..."
He let go of me, and I dropped in an elegant dip.
"Your majesty, I'm glad we meet again."
"The pleasure is all mine, Adrien speaks so fondly of you, I'm glad he has such a caring friend."
Adrien wrapped his arm around my shoulder, leaning on me cheerfully.
"He is pretty amazing indeed. Anyway, do you know where your brother is by any chance... "
I elbowed him in the side, he just snickered, jumping away from me. The crown prince furrowed his brows, his eyes flying suspiciously over us.
"I think he's still in his room, he doesn't really enjoy these events."
"Our dear brother is better off alone in his little world."
Ugh, I know that irritating voice...
"Dear sister... So nice of you to join us."
Subtly, almost too secretly he rolled his eyes. I felt gentle fingers draping down my arm before she hugged it tightly.
"You look magical tonight, that gorgeous outfit is soooo alluring."
She flapped her long lashes, her gaze going over me hungrily. I slowly and carefully pulled back towards Adrien.
"Your majesty, you flatter me, I'm sure there are much more beautiful suitors that came far and wide just to see you."
Opening her hand fan, she hid the lower part of her face beneath it, chuckling, obviously forced...
"Oh, you're sooo funny my Lord. There's really one thing on my mind these days."
"Not a lord yet, your majesty, my mother is still head of the house."
She fought the urge to roll her eyes at my constant remarks, but she persisted on getting close to me, trying to touch my arm again. With a sigh I turned around, sweeping Adrien up in a dance position. Music picked up speed and we glided away from the pompous prick.
"Wow, so straightforward, I like to be wine and dined firs you know..."
"Oh shut up, please."
"But, My LoRd, yOu ArE sOoO aLlUrIn- OWW!"
I stepped harshly on the tip of his shoe.
"Serves you right asshole."
"I got her voice right, why are you booing me?"
With a snicker, I just lightly shook my head at him.
"In all seriousness now, there's something we aren't seeing here. What's with all the rumors about you being head over heels for her?"
I hummed in agreement, tumbling with different scenarios in my head, but however I put things, it didn't quite feel right.
"Pssst, I know you're thinking and stuff, but your crush just walked in, and it seems like he's looking for you~"
I turned around, making sure to step on Adriens toes in the process, and in the sea of masked faces, there was one I'd recognize anywhere. His blond hair fell over the edges of his mask, making him obliged to move it away every now and then. Beneath the black and velvet mask, I traced the lines of his cheeks, my gaze dropping to his exposed collarbone for just a moment. His suit was a perfect fit, maybe even a little tight, snuggly wrapping around the curves of his body. Colors of his suit matched with his mask, but the sewed in golden details made him stand out.
I notice he sighed, going slowly over the crowd again, before his gaze stopped and our eyes locked across the grand ballroom. I started pushing through the people, earning quite a few annoyed grunts, but I payed them no mind. Finding myself before him, I bowed deeply.
"Your majesty, I must say that you look absolutely stellar tonight."
I straightened up, noticing the slightest hint of pink beneath his mask.
"You honor me, my Lord."
I chuckled, and his gaze snapped in my direction, suddenly worried.
"For someone who doesn't care about honorifics, you sure use them."
His arms crossed, and he gave me a playful eye roll. The tempo of the music changed, and people around us broke off in couples, readying themselves.
"May I have this dance, my prince?"
His eyes went over the crowd, and he just shrugged, itching closer to me.
"We shouldn't..."
"Why not?"
A sigh rolled off his lips, his eyes closing for a moment.
"It's complicated (Y/N)."
"Even if that's true, I know you long for it."
I gently took his hand, guiding it to my shoulder.
"I-that doesn't change anything."
I pulled him closer, wrapping my hand around his waist firmly.
"I don't care if it's complicated, I don't care if we have to hide or play it off, I want this to happen."
His forehead fell on my chest, hiding the faint redness that colored his cheeks.
"I want this too, but-"
"Let's leave the 'but' for tomorrow. Even if just for tonight, I want us to be just a couple of nobles, we're wearing masks for a reason after all. "
I said, tapping against the rim of my mask with a grin. He looked up, giving me a timid smile, relaxing in my arm.
"You're right, let's just enjoy this."
Without hesitation I twirled him, leading us to the dance floor, among other spinning couples. Even tho both of us occasionally glanced at the people around us, we soon noticed they were preoccupied with themselves to even notice us.
"See, nothing to worry about."
"Shh, let's just keep dancing."
With that, he laid his head on my chest, removing any distance that was left between us. His eyes closed, and as I gazed at his peaceful and relaxed face, my heart slowly started picking up speed. Corners of my lips twitched upwards, and with a short sigh I let all the worries roll of my shoulders.
In that moment, I still didn't knew that I will cherish that dance until the end of time.
II
The music stopped, and after a sharp clink, all of the attention turned to the Royal family. The Queen handed back the silver knife she just tapped against her glass back to the servant waiting at her side, before turning to the crowd, swiftly surveying the masked faces with a warm smile.
"My dear Lords and Ladies, it is my deepest honor to greet all of you on this wonderful day. The gruesome time of war will soon be concluded by a formal peace treaty. Today, we honor the glory of our nation, we honor our soldiers who died protecting our kingdom and we prove to the world that our nation will not bend to anyone!"
Thunderous applause filled the royal ballroom, and the pause she planned to make proved to be too short. Inspired and cheerful nobles continued to clap a few minutes longer than usual.
"After three long and difficult years of war I am sure that these celebrations will bring the promise of better times, whilst reinforcing the warmth of relations between the High noble council and the Crown. Tonight, my dear friends, we celebrate, and we mark this day as a stepping stone for greatness!"
After another round of applause, Adrien swung his arm around my shoulder, with a cheeky grin he gave me a side glance.
"So..."
"So what?"
He made a theatrical cough, clasping his hands together in front of his chest, and pursing his lips with closed eyes.
"Stop grimacing, people are watching us."
"Ughh, you're such a buzz kill..."
"..."
"But did you kiss tho-"
"No."
He patted my shoulder reassuringly.
"Aww, don't worry the night is still young. I found this balcony that is perfect for making o-"
"For making what?"
A voice behind us made my blond friend jump up a little. His eyes widen as he turned around to see the crown prince.
"Oh, it's for um... It's great for making other... People... See the moon?"
Trying my best to surpress a laugh I nodded to the crown prince, but the confused look on his face didn't disappear.
"Really? Then let's go to that balcony together later!"
With Adrien muttering out a response, crown prince was dragged away by another woman, quickly excusing himself.
"Sooo, will you and crown prince just look at the moon, or will you use the balcony for... Other purposes... Making out..."
Towards the end, I leaned near his reddened face to whisper the last part in his ear.
"Oh cut it out jerk."
He turned away, crossing his arms on his chest.
"Awww, is my buddy angry? Come on, I can tease you back a little."
Casting me a side glare he answered.
"Does that mean I can punch you like you always do?"
"Fair point, I'll stop..."
"Ahh, come here, I can't stay mad at you anyway."
He trew his arms around me and after a short friendly hug he stepped back. I grabbed another drink from the tray, handing one to Adrien as he tiptoed to see something.
"What's up?"
"He's here."
"Who?"
"Head of house Poitier."
Following his gaze I noticed one of the nobles stand out. After he bowed to the royal family, the older man brushed back the long strands of his black hair. His hand gently touching up the variety of medals that decorated his chest.
"Oh? Drama alert!"
A wide grin appeared on Adriens face as he pulled me closer to the dance floor. Confused nobles already made a circle, trying to itch closer to the commotion. With my friend in the lead, he expertly weaved through the crowd, and soon we found ourselves in the front. Immediately I noticed Melissa, she was locked in a shouting match with a younger man.
"Oh please, you're making a fuss over nothing like always."
The guy crossed his hands, trying to stare her down unsuccessfully. He huffed in annoyance, turning his head away.
"You called me unreasonable, I just wanted a dance!"
"I said I had to talk to my father, can't you realize that the world doesn't revolve around you!"
"Will you just stop! We're embarrassing ourselves in front of the whole court..."
Her voice lowered, as her slightly panicked eyes scanned the growing crowd.
"Like you don't embarrass yourself enough."
Without a word she marched up to him, winding her hand back before she slapped him. His eyes widen, but all of the quick forming anger didn't turn to the princess.
"Alfonso! Why didn't you stop her, she dared to hit me! Are you my bodyguard or not?"
He turned to the man standing at his side. Under his black mask, the man seemed not at all bothered, his somewhat tired eyes looking at his master.
"My Lord, I could never interfere with my lady princess, only in the case of grave danger."
"Well she just killed my honor, and you just stood there."
Clicking his tongue, his gaze returned to the princess.
"And you, how dare you hit your fiancé, do I have to remind you why we're even getting married?"
She staggered back, her confident fasade cracking as she shivered under all of the intense gazes. Behind the young noble, the crowd parted, and through it passed the old Poitier. His lips were pressed in a tin line, as his eyebrows lowered dangerously. One thing I did know was that I didn't want to be the one he was mad at. He roughly laid his hand on the princesses fiancé, turning him so their eyes locked.
"William, what's the meaning of this! Are you deliberately trying to destroy everything our bloodline has worked towards?"
"F-Father..."
He shrunk down under the elder mans gaze.
"That's Duke Poitier for you. Now apologize to your fiancé, and for God's sake get lost from my sight."
Without a word, he stepped before Melissa, hinging his head low, he muttered out a weak apology. The leaving Duke shouted, without even turning his head.
"Louder! I want the whole ballroom to hear you."
"My lady Melissa, I am terribly sorry for my behavior, please find mercy at your heart to forgive me..."
She eyed him for a moment before answering.
"Your apology is accepted my Lord, just don't make the same mistake again."
Slowly the nobles started to disperse from the shouting match, returning to their previous conversations.
"You should learn your manners, my future husband has to meet a certain criteria. Be more like baron (L/N) for example..."
Her eyes searched the crowd for me, and suddenly I found my body tense up, unable to move. Luckily for me Adrien was swift to move me out her sight. When I met his eyes I let out a sigh of relief.
III
The conductor of the royal orchestra elegantly dipped before the crowd, the sudden end of the music made many faces turn towards him.
"Honored members of the Royal Court, please find your partner for the traditional dance of our kingdom!"
Faces brightened in delight as cheerful couples got into the starting positions. I felt an arm loop through mine, and recognizing the regal velvet gloves I met the warm smile of my mother. As she started talking she subtly made me follow her.
"Are you not about to dance? Oh, dear but it is so exciting, I belive you must!"
"Mother, I know you love this waltz but I don't have a partner..."
She nodded, placing a finger agains her chin, thinking.
"Mm, that might be true, for now. Luckily you have a great mother."
Before I realized what happened she swiftly drew back her hand, gently pushing me away. Earlier than my brain could even process what was happening my back collided with someone that yelped in surprise. On pure instinct, my hand reached out to grab the person and we soon stabilized. I opened my mouth to apologize, but words died out on my tongue as I stared in the gorgeous golden eyes, hidden behind the black and violet mask.
"I'm sorry my Lord, I should have payed more attention."
He shyly looked away and as I threw my mother an angry look she just mouthed something with a sly wink.
"Adrien let me in on a little secret."
Ughhh, that idiot...
Even so I couldn't stop a smile that formed on my face.
"Your Majesty, there's no need to apologize, it was an accident."
He nodded, and I scratched the back of my neck.
"Do you... By any chance have a partner for the honored dance?"
"I don't."
Both of us watched the array of nobles, twirling to the fast paced song with bright smile on their faces. I looked over to my companion, seeing in the corner of his eyes a light glisten as his lips formed a secretive smile.
"You look like you'd like to join, your Majesty."
Slightly panicked golden eyes flashed to locked with mine.
"It doesn't matte- My Lord, what are you doing?"
Displaying a wolfish smirk on my face, I grabbed his hand, leading us to the edge of the dance floor.
"Come on, we can still catch up with the second part."
I motioned on my foot, tapping it a few times to catch along with the right rhythm. When I raised my eyes to look at him, he was already smiling, mirroring my position. In perfect sync, we caught up with the other couples.
All of the dancers jumped to a stop, facing their partners. Together with the music, thunderous applause echoed in the ballroom as everyone clapped three times before resuming the dance. With the music slowing down, my palm pressed agains his in between us. We started circling each other slowly, eyes never leaving each other's.
"It's been a long time since I danced this, you'll excuse my rustines."
"Don't sell yourself short, my Lord"
I snickered, counting the steps left until the next form. In the same time, we made a step towards each other, changing our position for classical waltz. My eyes fluttered closed as I recognized the faith smell of his hair.
"Don't lose your count, my Lord. Three more steps before the spin."
"No nees to underestimate me, your Majesty."
With that, I guided him to an elegantpin, drawing him back first towards my chest, with natural flow my arms went around him. The whole ball room made a beat of pause, before executing another spin. This time, I gently lowered him in an elegant dip. Our masked faces were just a breath away, my eyes snapped down to his soft, pink lips. Fighting the urge to kiss him, I brought him up, not missing the subtle shade of red that dusted his cheeks.
"Ready for the grand finish, your Majesty?"
His eyebrow raised in challenge, and with a smirk I dropped on one knee before him. Following the other dancers, he took a seat on my extended thigh, crossing his legs. The melody was raising onto a final crescendo, and with that my arms firmly grasped his slim hips. With the high note, I pushed myself up, raising him above my head and making a small spin. He executed an elegant swan pose above me before I gathered my strength to throw him up.
My elbows bent slightly, small drops of sweat appearing on my forehead as I made the final push, leaving him up in the air. Swiflty, I was nearing the finish of the performance, clapping to the rhythm before my hands extended, catching Kenma in a bridal style, and securely bringing him to me. His chest was raising and falling rapidly as he tried to catch his breath. Our eyes locking triumphantly, in a small celebration for executing the hardest part of the dance. I placed him down, still feeling the adrenalin surging through my veins.
"You were amazing, my Lord."
"Your form was elegant and captivating, especially that swan."
"I trusted you'd hold me tight."
"I couldn't live with myself if I let you get hurt, your Majesty."
His eyes dropped, with my hands still holding his waist, he timidly stepped towards me.
"Just because I'm a royal, or because you care?"
I gulped, feeling his finger lightly trailing on my chest.
"I'm not afraid to admit that I care, your Majesty."
He sighed, drawing back.
"I'm sorry, I should have kept quiet.
He turned away to leave, but not before I grabbed his hand.
"Your Ma-Kenma, wait."
He tensed when he heard me day his name, slowly turning to face me.
"I want us to talk about this, please don't leave."
Without meeting my gaze, he just nodded.
"Meet me at the south balcony in a few minutes, I have to stop by my mother."
Letting go of his hand, I nodded, washed by a small wave of relief.
"I'll be waiting, your majesty."
IV
Sighing, my fingers gripped the cold stone railing of the balcony. Thoughts swirled in my mind as I gazed at the wild roses that were growing up the walls of the palace, wrapping their thorny stems around the pillars of the railing.
"You really showed up..."
Immediately, I spun around, once again facing the young prince. He, also let out a long, heavy sigh, trying to ease a bit. I stepped towards him, my hand reaching behind my head to untie the straps of my mask. As it fell on the floor our eyes met.
"No more hiding, I don't care if I'll be hurt. I know what I'm feeling, and I want you to know too."
I gulped, trying to hold together that fake bravado.
"To be honest, I'm scared."
He started, also removing his mask, and my mind momentarily became blank, as I admired his features in the mesmerizing moonlight.
"I really enjoy your company, and I don't want to lose you..."
Against my better judgement, I stepped closer, clasping his hands in both of mine.
"Oh fuck this, you're not gonna lose me, I'll never leave you, even if we can't be together."
Weekly, he tried to draw his hands back, making no real effort in doing so.
"You... You don't understand-"
"Wait."
I sharply cut him off, my posture changing as I focused on something in the far shadow of the balcony. This time it was unmistakable, I noticed a glint in the darkness of the shadows.
"Come out coward!"
I took a pebble from the ground, Kenma stared at me in confusion, but I could see he noticed something was wrong too. Throwing the pebble in the shadows, both of us heard it colliding with something.
"I know you're here, there's no use in hiding now..."
And really, he stepped into the light. A towering figure, with a jacket made of brown leather and a black mask completely covering his face. Instinctively, I stepped before him, shielding Kenma with my body.
"What's the meaning of this?"
Wordlessly, the figure inched closer, and thats when I saw what was glinting in the moonlight, a curved steel dagger. My blood felt colder as my brain desperately shuffled through possible scenarios and options. When he made another step forward, I had no choice but to get my guard up. With another step, he cut us off from the door, completely towering over us.
"Whatever happens, stay behind me until I tell you to run back inside."
"But what about you, I can't lea-"
"You can, and you will. You have to escape."
His panicked eyes locked with mine, I noticed them slightly water and my heart tightened.
If I'm dying tonight, at least I'll be protecting the one I care for the most...
The figure raised the dagger, stealing a moment, I took a deep breath, steadying my body and sorting my thoughts. It took a massive effort to block the initial blow of his massive hand, but as soon as I saw an opening, I jabbed him below the ribs before backing away. He staggered back, quickly preparing another attack.
I just have to get the timing right.
My eyes moved to his feet, calculating the distance, and a smile creeped on my face as I moved, weaving around his punch instinctively. Focusing all my strength into one spot, I charged at his exposed thorso, burying my shoulder in his chest. As soon as I felt him pressed agains me and the railing I shouted.
"Now, run and don't look back!"
I swiftly, wrapped my hand around his wrist, stopping the edge of his dagger before it could slice my neck. Calling upon the last strands of my strength I wrestled the knife out of his grasp, but not before taking a few heavy hits to my back. Breathless I heaved in relief as the dagger fell to the ground with a clink. Finally on equal terms, I moved my foot behind his, tripping him and simultaneously pushing his chest. Losing his footing he tried to hold on to the railing, missing the edge just by an inch.
He yelled, and I watched the darkness swallow his form before a lound thud broke through the silence of the night.
"I can't belive I did it..."
I huffed out, starting to feel the pain in my back. My victory wasn't long lasting, as I noticed Kenma slowly backing away from the exit. Another figure stepped into view, and yet another curved dagger glistened in the moonlight. Kenma was completely out of it, I noticed his hands were trembling as he didn't move when the masked man stepped closer to him.
"Guards! There are intruders in the palace!"
I yelled out as I pushed myself against the railing, fighting with the fatigue that was quickly advancing through my body.
Beneath the black mask, I sensed slight urgency flash across his eyes, staring Kenma down, his fingers tighten around the hilt of the dagger. I wanted to yell, I wanted to curse God for not calling the guards sooner, I wished they were here already, but none of that mattered.
With last ounces of strength I pressed forward, arriving just in time to securely shield his smaller frame from the attacker. His hands gripped my shoulders as he trembled, his scared, panic eyes gazing into mine. Tightening my hold around him, I screamed through gritted teeth as I felt the knife pierce my side, before it was swiftly retrieved back out. Stealing a glance over my shoulder I saw the masked attacker retreating hastily, he jumped over to the other balcony, disappearing in the shadows once again.
People piled in, three guards swiftly scanning the surroundings. Following them I saw a blur of silhouettes, various colors of their outfits mixing in my vision. With a huff, I completely fell on the floor, feeling only the cold stone beneath me, and the warmth of Kenmas hand that was holding mine. Something wet coated the fingers of my free hand, as I brought it closer to my eyes, the strong metallic smell already indicated that it was blood.
"Ah... I'm bleeding bad, am I not?"
Kenma choked on his words, fighting through the consisted sobs.
"Don't talk, conserve your strength."
I snickered, more to myself.
"You have no idea how many times I've heard or said that phrase. I know I'm gonna die..."
I let my eyes close for a moment, before weekly moving my head in his direction.
"I only wish... We had more time, your... Majesty..."
He brought my hand to his forehead, i meekly moved it out of his grasp to caress his cheek.
"It's... Cliché, but it's true..."
His head raised, and I felt like he was suddenly more relaxed.
"Move people, God damn it, just get out all of you!"
An angry voice cut out through the silent night, smile crept onto my pale face as he appeared before me, a sigh of relief leaving my lips.
"Adrien... Thank God you're here..."
He grasped my hand firmly, and when I felt he didn't treble, a small flame of hope lit up inside me.
"I'm... Glad you... Made it..."
"Shut up you proud idiot, you're not dying on me, do you hear me. Your Majesty, could you please elevate his head?"
"H-How can I do it?"
"Just place it in your lap, if you're comfortable with it, of course."
After a small bit of shufling, I felt a bit better as I inhaled some fresh night air.
"Could you... Sing me a lullaby... Please?"
"Just hum a random melody, it gets him relaxed."
"O-Okay..."
And indeed, I felt each muscle in my body relax as I heard the soft, gentle hum. Maybe these are the angel trumpets, leading souls to the afterlife... Opening my eyes, amidst the darkness of the cold night, I saw majestic brightness. As I blinked, I felt a single tear sliding down my cheek.
"The moon is... Beautiful, isn't it?"
Humming abruptly stop as his hand gently caressed my cheeks, I head him fight a sob as he answered weakly.
"Yes, it truly is..."
My gaze shifted upwards, as I noticed something touch my head. And then I saw him, humming that angelic tune with fresh tears sliding down his cheeks. He threaded his fingers through the strands of my hair. My weak heart picked up as much pace as it could, but as I felt Adrien working swiftly on my wounds, the utter tiredness pulsed through me.
"Don't cry... Your Majesty... Face as cute... As yours... Should always be decorated... With a bright smile..."
I choked as I tried to cough, and as my heavy eyelids dropped, our short time together flashed before my eyes, bringing alive all the memories of him smiling... Us dancing... Us together...
I failed you mom... I'm sorry I'm leaving you too...
After that, my mind slowly slipped into the endless darkness...
To be continued...