"Argh! Today's work is tough!"
Complained by the maid servant, fuming as she lets out a frustrated sigh while holding a hamper on her hand-resting beside her waist.
The soothing fragrant of a sun-dried clothes permeate in the air reminding of those lazy summer days as they gather under the tree to vent their frustration in the oppressive unjustice work assign to them.
"UH! This is utterly ridiculous! How could they suddenly dump me in the laundry area when I'm supposed to be in the garden serving tea for the young duke!"
She added, continuously tramping her feet like a mad bull.
"Oh gracious! Just the sight of his face will enough to makes my fatigue fade away~"
The other stated, as both of them suddenly let out a wishful sighed....drooling over the scenarios they've created in their mind.
"So dreamy~"
While the two was drown in their imaginative delusions of Sebastian's beauty, one of the maid just rolled her eyes putting a scornful look on her face that's been dead serious since earlier.
As she silently admire the gentle breeze that cares her skin, watching how the leaves dances in the ground whenever if fell off on the branches of the tree, a astounding scene caught her eyes.
"Speaking of the devil-"
Her unbothered expression swiftly change the moment she spotted the supposed cold-blooded Sebastian whose been the center of the gossip to be carrying a person in his arms with such affectionate look in his eyes.
"What an odd scene to see."
She scoffed while her eyes glisten as if she had just caught a big fish in the pond.
Although the face of the person in Sebastian's arms was not clearly visible from afar, you could already tell from a distant that he was carrying a lady in his arms. A young lady with a slender figure that outlined against the bright sun, revealing a delicate frame and graceful curves of her silhouette that blended in his shadow. She appears ethereal, with a lightness to her stance, as if she might float away in the wind at any moment, while her fair skin will remind you of the first winter at the end of the month making her almost dreamlike radiating warmth and beauty that just too impossible not to admire.
An hour before...…
The once open field of the hunting ground that filled with cries of animals was now eaten by deafening silence, with only the singing voices of birds, the whisper of breeze and the heavy warm breath coming from Sebastian could be heard. The intense look in his eyes pierces his, while holding onto Julianne's hand on his cheek.
"........."
"My my apologies."
As he let go of his hand a faint smile curve on his lips just before he turn his back for him, suggesting that he should ride his back, back to the palace.
"Get on, it might hard for you to walk with those knees."
His gentle voice mix up in the soft breeze as if it was tickling his ears giving him shivers on his body.
"No. I can walk just fine milord-
Although Julianne refuses countless of times, his stubborn attitude couldn't be compared to Sebastian.
Standing up to walk with his trembling knees, Sebastian caught him in his arms before he could lose his balance, covering his face in shame as his face flush like roses.
"Let me carry you then."
Sebastian carried him in his arms as if carrying a bride while he continues to struggle, resisting to be carried on his arms.
"No-no-no! Milord, I suggest you put me down!"
"This position is a bit…a-a bit-
"Hmmm?"
His gentle hands that was pressed against his skin were covered with warmth, as if it was melting his defenses, drawing him closer into a moment filled with unspoken connection.
"People might misunderstand..…"
His gaze was on the ground unable to face Sebastian with a crimson tide surged into her cheeks.
"Let them."
Firm as he spoke it. Julianne was unaware that same hues of scarlet was painted on his ears, hidden behind those indifferent look on his face.
"Wait! What?! Milord what I meant is-"
Sebastian grip tightens but surprisingly he was careful not to leave a mark on his delicate skin.
"If you keep turning like that, I'm afraid you might fall."
With a resigned sigh, Julianne gave in, fully aware that he had no chance against Sebastian's unyielding nature. In a playful twist, he tightened his grip on his suit, crumpling the noble fabric in feigned alarm as though he might tumble to the ground. A smile danced on Sebastian's lips as Julianne's face nestled against his chest, embarrassed.
Silence enveloped the air as the wind danced playfully around them on their way to the palace. Sebastian couldn't tear his gaze away, counting how many times Julianne almost dozed off in his arms. His chestnut-colored hair shimmered each time it caught the warm golden hue of the sun, which hung low in the sky, surprisingly offering him a sense of comfort, as if the sun itself were wrapping him in a gentle embrace. However, a pang of sadness struck him as they approached the gigantic door of the room where Julianne would meet the king for the appointment.
"Were here."
The tone of Sebastian's voice lowered as he watched Julianne slowly escape from his embrace. Observing him clumsily dust off his clothes while fixing his attire made Sebastian clench his fist, as if trying to hold onto the warmth that lingered on his hands.
"I was truly delighted to make your acquaintance. I sincerely hope our paths shall cross again."
He was then again, caught off guard for the second time when Sebastian gently kissed him gently on the stoles. Before he could speak a word, the door slowly swung open, revealing the head priestess.
"The palace is indeed vast for a child like you to find yourself lost within its halls."
"I should not have permitted you to roam through its walls; just look at you, appearing quite the disheveled sight!"
The head priestess scolded as he removed the leaf stuck in his vest. Noticing Julianne's rosy cheeks and the visible blood on his clothing, his brow furrowed in concern.
"You seem rather unwell."
Julianne stuttered to answer.
"No, I-I am quite well, thanks to the young duke's helpful ha-hand. He guided my steps to the palace with great care."
Seeing Sebastian's back figure walking not far ahead, his eyes turned cold, like a knife poised to pierce in any second.
"Tssk! Do not draw too close to the young duke! Being near him will invite nothing but trouble upon yourself!"
His eyes widened in shock as he watched the head priestess lose his calm composure.
Julianne's once radiant eyes turned dull as they sank to the ground, fidgeting like a timid child.
"Yes, Father…"