Chapter 99: Chapter 99

"What a bizarre combination. A rebellious prince and evil woman."

"Ah, their creepy smile make my whole body shivering."

"I agree! Now, I know why she stepped out from the election. To seduce that prince!"

"Oh, do you mean that they're perhaps planning some rebellion?"

Aileen try her best to suppress her anger because Cecilia already stole the spotlight. She was surrounded with her friend, pushed her to look calm and collected.

She was angry because no one notice her new gown that made from the most expensive gold thread which imported from overseas.

Even tough, they're talking bad about Cecilia's new fiancé, Aileen doesn't like it. Not to mention, Nolan didn't even steal a glance to her and silently staring on Cecilia's dance movement. She holds her glass so tightly.

What is so special about that girl?she asked herself. If only I have something to bring her down…

"But, I saw her dating with a strange man wear the crow's mask. Does she was cheating on him?" Said the youngest daughter from Marquess Houston. Next year is her debutante, so she tried her best to blend in the society.

Aileen was interested, but she chose to conceal her feeling, "Miss Houston, how could you say something dangerous like that? If His Majesty know it and consider your words as an insult--,"

"No, Miss Silver. I saw it with my friends. Including me, five persons was witnessing that event. All of them are still dancing. But, you can ask them later." Then Linda Houston told the whole story about Cecilia's rendezvous in the restaurant.

Aileen hide her smirk by take a sip of her champagne. She already makes a nasty plan to destroy Cecilia's reputation.

*

Meanwhile, the Lancia's young lady, really enjoying her dance. Surprisingly, her body still remember the movement and didn't even step at Max's toes.

"I'm impressed, Chili." He generously compliment her when they're interlacing their arms.

"Me too. I didn't know if I can dance!"

"Yeah. For a bookworm, your movement are superb. I was surprised when your father sent me an emergency signal. Perhaps, he thought that you'll be bored with he and his colleagues conversation."

Cecilia smile gently when they took three steps back before, extended their paired hands forward, "I think he was right."

"About what?"

"Being bored with their conversation."

Max snickering, "Wow, you've changed."

"Yeah, because I have you." Cecilia's said with sparkling eyes.

Being in love is a new thing for her. Sometimes, she found herself stuck in the same pages while reading her favorite book and caught at her daydreaming. She wants to be with himself all the time, sharing any moment and opinions. Or maybe just fooling around. Whatever they do, she will be happy as long as they are together.

Cecilia found that her heart was overwhelming with strange feeling that want to get close with Max. Now, she knows what the meaning with butterfly in the stomach. It was tickling her senses, but she likes it.

"Glad we are in the same ship, Chili." The dance almost reach it end. She felt disappointed because she preferred not to stop.

"Chili, did your father already told you about what happened after this?"

Suddenly, she frowned, "Ah, yes."

"Why did you look so tense?"

"No, I just remember something." She said before bowed because the music was stopped and so does their dance.

Cecilia didn't feel it before. But, when she threw her gaze to anyone in the room, she gets a mixed feeling. Then, her eyes met with Aileen look like mocking at her.

Cecilia knew everything she has done. Especially, the way she tricked Havana into her nasty plan. Aileen deserves to get a punishment. But, why did Cecilia become hesitant?

"Chili, we should go." Max's voice turns her back to the reality.

"Oh, okay." She nodded and take a brief glance to her father, who smiled at her.

Now, she was wondering why did Duke Lancia let her go with Max, the man he dislikes. Did Armano know that she will feel a bit hesitant about the punishment?

Cecilia felt that she is became weirder. Since, she used to be felt angry about what Aileen do to Ambrose's family. But, now, why did she think that Aileen, along with all the guilty people, deserve the second chance?

Perhaps, that is one of the reasons why Emperor choose that kind of punishment. To let them have a second chance and make amend of their mistake.

My, my, why did my mind become so complicated? She asked herself.

"Chili? Hey, are you sleeping?"

Max's voice make her realize that they already in the balcony. She can saw a spectacular neatly flower park under her feet and the dark sky with full silver moon which shine so brightly.

"My, it's beautiful!"

"Glad you are back. I already talk to you in past five minutes, and you didn't notice it. What happened?"

"Nothing."

"Liar. You are a bad liar."

"It's really nothing." She said and threw her gaze to the moon.

"Hmm, I feel so jealous right now. Because, whatever in your mind must be more important than my presence. I thought I was your number one priority." He pouted and crossed his arms. Being ignored by his fiancé make his heart annoyed.

Noticed his feeling, Cecilia became guilty, "Then, I will tell you. Actually, I am afraid that you will disappoint on me."

Max let out a heavy sigh, "You know I won't do that."

After that, Cecilia tell him about her concern and Max listen to it carefully. He didn't say anything or interrupted her.

"That's it. I knew I was stupid. I used to looking forward about this. And now, when I saw them, I just... want to forgive them. Furthermore, I know it's wrong, but... Ah, I don't know which was right and wrong."

Max didn't say anything for a while, and the awkward silent lingering between them.

"Chili, I think I already said it before. But, I'll say again. You are too kind. It's neither good nor bad trait. Well, depend on the situation. Perhaps you can forgive them and feeling guilty to punished them. But, what if you thought about the victim's feeling?

What do you think about Havana's feeling when she knows that she was only Aileen's pawn? How about the Empress who barely can walk because she will be sacrificed to their evil plan? How about anyone else who suffering because of their bad deeds?"

Cecilia gulped and found that his word was right. She was too focused with her judgement. "I see."

"Well, I'm glad your father ask me to accompany you. No one know what will happen if you stay there."

"I'm sorry."

Max grinned before he added, "Ah, I hope this world has a half of your kindness. So, this situation won't ever happen again."

"Now, you are mocking at me, Your Highness." She pouted and rolled her eyes.

"How come? I was serious. I'm glad that I meet you, Chili. In the past, I was too focused with myself, my goal and my perspective. I thought that I always right. Then, you came and give me a new freshly perspective. Show me a broader direction. Thank you for sharing it with me."

"No, I was the one who need to thanked you for enlighten me! I'm delighted to have you around."

Both of them stared at each other before they laugh. The night became more beautiful for this young couple.

"For once, please be more ambitious or greedy or selfish, Chili. You know, to balance it. White and black, right and left, something like that."

Cecilia look at his brighter face because of the moon shine. She took a step forward cutting their distance. "Then, for now, can I become greedy?"

Max smile widely, "That's okay for me. Just mention the food you want to eat, and it will be my treat. I have so much money — now. So, don't worry. "

Then, Cecilia tiptoed and plant a gentle kissed to him. Max was shocked because he didn't though of her for being the first who initiate the kiss.

Cecilia pull his collar and kiss his lip again. But now, it's getting deeper, and she can feel that a strange hunger inside herself already awake. Her heart was on fire.

By the time, they broke the kiss for taking a breath, she said, "Max, I want you for myself only."