17.2 ▌Banquet in Flamion

                                    

                                          
WHEN THREE o'clock struck, a short knock resounded in Elise's bedroom.
"Come in," she uttered in a groggy voice.
To her astonishment, Aricson came to fetch her himself and all drowsiness flew from her body as she covered herself.
Their nightgown was as sheer as seductive lingeries but it took her a moment to realize she was wearing the same clothes earlier.
"Do you still want to take a nap?" Aricson asked.
"No, I'm good."
"You don't need to push yourself since I'm imploring you. You can resume your rest in the carriage if you want."
"Don't worry. You never asked me a favor and let me return it to you."
He had mentioned this morning that he needed some help so, despite all the lethargy, she agreed.
It was not that much of a problem anyway since she had worse when she was sent to the emergency department. Sleep was definitely a luxury in there. It could not be even considered one since all of them could not rest for an hour without any disturbance.
A warm palm caressed her cheek before tucking some stray strands into her ear.
"Thank you. I'll make sure we won't take long. We'll be back before six so you can still have time to prepare."
That was when something dawned on her. "By the way, when will the party start?
"Nine in the evening," he answered.
"What? That's quite late. How will the guest even come here during that time, not to mention, go home?"
"All guests during events stay here overnight and are given accommodation on Flamion's Heritage."
"Flamion's Heritage?"
"It's the ancestral houses of the members of the Flamion. We have a manor there for the guests." His eyes drifted behind me. "We should get along."
"Wait."
She rushed towards the full-sized mirror and checked herself. She just woke up minutes before he arrived. Dell and Aya had not come so she decided to let her hair loose and tried to smoothen the wrinkled pleats of her skirt.
"You're already beautiful, Elise." His voice was a tad huskier and created goosebumps on her neck with him standing at her back.
"My god! Stop that!"
A small smile broke from his lips and he entwined their hands as they treaded away from her room.


"ELISE... ELISE..." A slight shake woke Elise up. Drowsiness fell on her during their trip. She rubbed her eyes as she adjusted to her surroundings.
The carriage door was already wide open. Aricson was looming over her, shading her from the bright afternoon sun.
"Have I slept too long?"
"No. Come on." Aricson offered his hand and she stepped out.
The streets they descended upon were peaceful but as they strolled further, the place became more active. It bustled with open stalls and vendors advertising its products. This place appeared more apt with a certain era due to the people's attires. 
"So... What shall we do here?"
"Actually, I need your opinion on choosing a present for Dryann."
"Huh?"