As Flavian was finishing his work, he got ready to leave, "Ah, you are here, my lady! Let us go. The arrangements have already been made," said Flavian, with a sincere smile on his face.
"Yes, Sire."
Flavian guided the way, and they found themselves on the terrace of Berly Palace, enjoying the cool night air. The soft glow of the moon illuminated the scene, casting a romantic and enchanting ambience. As they settled into their seats, a bottle of exquisite wine and some dishes awaited them, its rich aroma filling the air.
"It's nice and fresh, right?"
"Yes, Sire. But could you not have ordered the servants to arrange for some chairs instead of seating on the ground?"
Flavian was taken aback by Leesa's comment, having been lost in his memories of their time spent on his building's terrace. They would sit there, sipping drinks, with him venting about his work and Leesa sharing some of her mission's stories. However, she always carefully edited the stories to omit the gruesome details, knowing that the brutality of her missions could be disturbing to him. "Well, I thought it would be great if we ever wanted to lay down and relax ourselves."
"Relax, huh..."
"Yes"
Flavian filled their glasses with wine, handed Leesa hers, and clinked their glasses, toasting the night's beauty and sharing moments of joy.
"Ah, thank you, Sire."
"It's my pleasure, my lady."
Leesa no longer minded Flavian's overly cheerful remarks. In fact, she just brushed them off and said he just preferred to talk like that.
The deep red liquid swirled in their glasses, reflecting the flickering candlelight. They took a sip, savouring the complex flavours that danced on their tongues. With each sip, Flavian and Leesa felt a sense of relaxation and contentment wash over them. The stresses of the day melted away as they immersed themselves in the company of one another and the intoxicating allure of the wine.
"See, it's pretty relaxing right?"
"Yes, Sire, I agree it is indeed calming."
"And now that all my stress has been released, I think I will work with more efficiency starting tomorrow."
"Ha... I knew it was due to the workload Sire was facing."
Flavian was startled to hear this. He started to have all kinds of thoughts. Did he perhaps get caught by Leesa? Was he unable to keep a straight face in front of her?
"Of course, my lady. Why? Umm... did you think otherwise?" uttered Flavian, a bit nervously.
"No, not me Sire. It was my maid, Weinne, who brought up this ridiculous suggestion."
"Oh, I see. She might have misunderstood the situation," said Flavian, a bit happy about Weinne's speculation.
"Yes, Sire."
That damn Weinne I told her it was nothing but still she... Hah...
[Earlier when Leesa told Weinne that she was going to accompany the crown prince to share light wine.]
"Oh, you returned early today, my lady."
"Well yes, take out something other than my regular formal suit. I need to change."
"Like a dress or a gown? Are you going to an event at this time of night?"
"Huh, no, something normal and comfortable. The crown prince has asked me to accompany him for a drink."
"Huh, for a drink and that too not in your working clothes but something comfortable! My lady, you just got asked out for a date!"
"What nonsense, Weinne seriously. We are just going to take a breather from all the work."
"Impossible, there has to be something else. I am pretty sure the crown prince has a thing for you, my lady," said Weinne while putting out Leesa's casual wear and helping her change.
"You and your world of dreams, Weinne I tell you. The crown prince is interested in me? Well even if he is I am not interested in dating altogether. So do me a favour and keep your fantasies to yourself."
Weinne shook her head, "Oh, poor crown prince."
Leesa ignored Weinne and didn't say a word until she left. "I don't know how long I will be out, just keep my nightwear out and go to sleep."
"Yes, my lady."
As the hours passed, their conversation ebbed and flowed, punctuated by moments of comfortable silence. They revelled in each other's presence, appreciating the simple pleasure of being together in such a picturesque setting. The terrace offered a panoramic view of the imperial residence's night, which glittered with lights in the distance. The soft breeze rustled the leaves of nearby trees, adding an ethereal soundtrack.
As they started at the night view, Flavian's mind was buzzing with thinking. He finally broke this little silence they had maintained for a long time. "Leesa," he began, his voice filled with sincerity, "there's something I need to ask you, and I hope you'll bear with me".
Leesa nods implying Flavian to go on with what he wishes to say.
"Do you believe in fate? In the possibility of lives intertwining across time and space?" He paused, searching her eyes for any hint of recognition or connection. "Because sometimes, even when we can't explain it, there are moments that feel strangely familiar, like echoes of a past we can't fully grasp. Have you ever experienced such a sensation?"
Leesa looked directly into Flavian's eyes to understand why he would ask such a philosophical question. "Um, Sire, I do believe in the possibility that a person is somewhat linked with their past self. You know right, the way I talk about my calling for using knives as a weapon to fight? Like how I was able to mysteriously know about such a fighting technique, so it must be the same for others."
"Ha, I see, my lady. Thank you for answering my random question," said Flavian. After this, neither Flavian nor Leesa said anything.
Flavian and Leesa's glasses were refilled, the wine seemingly endless. They both could handle their drinks well so it was no problem even if they finished the whole two bottles that were brought for them. As they enjoyed their night drinking, relieving stress and relaxing their bodies from hard work, Flavian realised it would do them no good if they had not received their full night's sleep and rest.
"My lady, shall we mark this as the end of our day?" asked Flavian, putting his glass down.
"Oh, yes," answered Leesa, realizing they were reaching deep into the night.
Flavian held out his hand, helping Leesa get up. And then they both walked down to their rooms.
"Good night, my lady. I had a lovely evening all thanks to you."
"I am glad and good night to you too, Sire."