"Your mind seems crowded this period, Empress," Olivia said while fixing my hair, I was fully dressed in my royal attire, ready for the ball.
I took a deep breath. "Well the grand ball is finally here, surely I can be at ease now when it’s finally over" I stated.
Olivia smiled. "Do not think too much Empress, it is not good for your health" she was done with my hair, now putting down my makeup, Olivia will never cease to amaze me with her techniques, she was just too perfect in this area.
"You always make me look beautiful, Olivia"
"Always my lady"
I smiled as my eyes fell back at the mirror and I met Nicklaus standing behind, his orbs on me.
"Emperor," Olivia said with a bow.
"Is she ready?"
"Yes, My liege" Olivia said curtsying before leaving the dressing room.
I continued to stare at Nicklaus through the mirror.
"Are you ready?" he asked.
"Yes" I rose to my feet, he brought out his hand for me to take but I didn’t as I walked past him.
I could hear his footsteps behind me until he started sauntering beside me now. We were accompanied by guards as we both walked to the grand hall. At this point walking seemed beneficial.
"Can’t wait to see what you planned" he began after an hour of silence.
"I hope you like it dear husband" I state, not meeting his gaze with him.
"Surely you do not intend to avoid me do you?"
"I should say the same for you" I shrugged. He fell silent, I guess I wasn’t the only one playing this sick game of avoidance.
"I’m not avoiding you, my love... I just want to give you the space you need"
"I do not ask for the space neither did I ask you to do that, that was all you" I faced him, and then he did too, gods I missed his eyes so much. I quickly looked away.
"Yelena" he took my waist and we both came to a halt, he yanked me to him and our bodies brushed together, I reacted to it most pleasantly, my body shivered deeply, and I missed his body against mine so much that my body ached for it.
"Are you going to kiss me now and then let go?" I said sternly. His eyes narrowed, surely he does not hope that I have forgotten what happened in the bath, after leaving me hot and bothered when I was ready for him and he called a pause... I wasn’t about to go through that again.
I placed a hand on his chest, using it as a medium to push my body away from his. "Shall we husband... we have a grand ball to attend, they are waiting"
Something flashed in his eyes... It took a moment before he replied. "Of course, my Empress" he brought his arm out for me to take, I did not know whatever he was thinking.
"We must make an impression," he adds. I see... trying to find an excuse for me to hold him, sneaky. I rolled my eyes while taking it.
In silence we walked further and then the curtains raised and we came into view of the grand hall filled with vampires, the lights within the brightest, gods I couldn’t even believe that I planned this myself.
"Wow"
I turned to Nicklaus, his eyes remained on the scene and he looked extremely amazed by the view and the setting, the windows did some bonus, you could see the half-moon, and the bright highlights were different from the way the rest of the palace looked and the flowers and design. I couldn’t help a blush that creeps up my cheeks, I was glad he was impressed with my work and he seemed pleased even though I went against his decree. He turned to face me but I quickly looked away, clearing my throat and pretending to be blank.
"Vampires of the society, The Emperor and Empress", at the announcement we both sauntered down the stairs, the crowd applauded, I couldn’t help a smile that formed my lips, this scene was heartwarming.
"Your work is amazing Empress"
"I love the windows"
"Hail to the Empress"
"Your work is captivating"
Some of the ladies clustered me as they hailed my work, I felt Nicklaus let me go, I turned but he was already walking away, more ladies and gents caught my attention and I seemed occupied.
The music started playing as the ball began, vampires helping themselves to refreshments and drinks, they all seemed pleased and I couldn’t be more proud of my work. I took a sip of my wine as I watched Mint and Olivia waltz on the dance floor along with others at the slow beat. I felt my chest swell in joy as I watched them, they looked perfect together, the smiles on their faces not ceasing, they were happy and loving.
I spotted Celeste, a male who was asking her for a dance but she just waved it off while chugging her wine, I giggled, gods Celeste! Will you ever find your mate?
My eyes then traveled and jammed with Nicklaus, my lips went apart slightly, he was amid several officials, engaging in some kind of talk but it seems like his full attention was on me, I wondered for how long but he seemed like he had for a long time.
His emerald orbs did not leave me even for a second, as he slowly brought the wine glass to his lips, those lips of his as he took a sip, I gulped. He was taunting me and I knew it, my grip on my glass subconsciously tightened, my eyes unable to look away, he was making me feel this way again and it wasn’t helping because I knew how it would end, why do this to me when he chose to avoid me.
I mouthed the word ’I hate you’. Reading my lips as his orbs moved, an irresistible smile crossed his lips, one that seemed devious and twisted but also made my body run hot with need.
I quickly looked away before I would succumb to it even further.