So what is it... my body seems to be cold and sweating all over.
“Ah, well… that…”
I panicked, trying to say something, but Cesar was faster. He held the book out in front of me, even pointing at the illustrations to make sure I wasn't mistaken.
The painting shows two ducks in love bowing their heads to touch each other, holding eggs in their arms. At that moment, my head was spinning and my eyes were dizzy. It feels like being hit hard on the head with an iron.
“Ah, ah, well, that means…”
My tongue, which used to be smooth, is now stiff. How should I explain this? No matter how I think, I can't find the words. Only an awkward and meaningless smile remained.
Should I say it's impossible to lay eggs? Or explain according to what you learned in physiology class...?
"Lace?"
Cesar's eyes looking at me today were so clear and innocent that I didn't know if I was hallucinating. How can I say anything to that face? How should I explain it so he can understand?
In my head, a series of question marks floated. What's wrong with flowers and bees? Or butterflies? Stamens and stamens? Women and men meet and do it...
“No way!”
A shiver ran down my spine, I screamed loudly. Then, remembering the maids guarding outside the door, she quickly covered her mouth with her hand. Hope they don't hear anything.
My whole body trembled. Shaking his head violently. Impossible. I couldn't say those words. Why… that… that…!
“The fruit of love.”
Whether I awkwardly shouted or not, Cesar kept talking
fruit of love
. I was stunned and dizzy. It's better to faint.
“Ah, well that is…”
“How many fruits did you give birth to?”
He was even more daring. The question surpassed all my humble imaginings. How many fruits? I can't even give birth to one!
“That, that…”
Even though he was sweating profusely, Cesar still kept asking. The situation had reached an extremely awkward point.
“How to give birth?”
"EH?"
It felt like being stabbed straight in the head with a sharp spear. The question was so specific and precise that I was speechless.
Pure white mind. The body is stiff and does not move. Looking up, his pure and innocent face looked straight at me, full of trust and anticipation. What should I say with those eyes?
I closed my eyes tightly. There is no other way.
"Hand…."
"Hand?"
“Hold hands… then sleep.”
I know that's a cowardly excuse. But I can't tell the truth. Impossible…
So I held out my hand.
“Hold hands.”
Feeling his body temperature as he held my hand, with my other hand I used a towel to wipe the sweat from my forehead.
“Yes, holding hands and sleeping is fine.”
I don't have the courage to tell the truth. Just lie. A good lie, preserving Cesar's innocence, I convinced myself.
“Hehe.”
He smiled brightly. That pure smile made my heart ache with guilt.
"So... continue reading? Ah, I want to listen to the book quickly."
I quickly diverted away from the awkward topic. Must skip scene
hug the egg of love
.
The night of entering the room passed like that. I read books as much as I could, as if I wanted to compensate for the guilt of lying. All night long, our hands never left each other.
The next morning, the maids were getting ready. My throat is hoarse from reading all night. Bending over to breathe, I yawned, tired.
At that moment, I felt eyes. It's Delfina. She looked at me as if she knew everything, holding a basin of water and a sponge.
I felt guilty. I want to explain that this fatigue has nothing to do with him and me, but I don't dare. There are too many eyes around.
Cesar had gone out early in the morning and was nowhere to be seen, leaving me alone.
Two older maids came in and checked the bedding carefully. They are meant to do this, but it's really stressing me out.
"Right."
I'm not sure what's "right" but they nodded to each other and brought out the blankets.
A corner of my heart is dry and unbearable. Okay, let's move on to another fantasy.
I imagine a peaceful lakeside. Ducklings play on the water. Among them, an ugly duck with dark feathers.
Perhaps, that duck is also his image, also mine.
I want to hug it, give it a warm hug, so the wound can heal. Want to say: "You have worked so hard, why do they make you suffer so?"
I looked out the window. The spring sunshine is so bright it's blinding.
Holy Week ends. During this solemn time, wearing extravagant clothes is not appropriate, so spring in the capital begins here. In other words, the summer festival season has begun.
People immediately put on bright outfits like spring flowers. Tailor shops in the capital have never been so bustling. Of course, there is one that stands out the most: Madame Clémentine's.
The place that leads fashion trends among the upper class is the Kingdom of Asetria. Clémentine, originally from Asetria, appeared a few years ago, shocking the capital's elite. Every dress she designs is new and bright, quickly leading the trend.
In particular, last festival season, the niece of King Asetria wore Clémentine's dress, causing a big stir. Now, if you want to stand out in society, you have to wear your grandmother's dress.
Therefore, it is difficult for Clémentine's salon to book an appointment in advance. The salon operates on a strict appointment system.
A mother and daughter pair appeared: Duchess Celestina Flores and her daughter Giovinetta Flores.
They came to order new dresses before the festival season. Clémentine's assistants were sweating profusely.
"Boring, this is also boring... everything is mediocre. Talking about leading the trend, why isn't there anything else?"
Giovinetta flipped through the design book, looking arrogant.
Before, she couldn't hide her curled lips and continuously yelled at her assistant. The assistant had to bend over, afraid that she would spill tea on her face.
There have been dozens of rejected samples. For such customers, Madame Clémentine has to take care of them herself.
With many years of experience, Clémentine recognizes their personalities right from their first step: gait, facial expressions, gestures, eyes. No need for words to know clearly.
She immediately remembered their mother and daughter's reputation: from a noble family, famous for their coldness. Not a pleasant guest at all.
While sweaty assistants served Giovinetta, Clémentine smiled brightly, welcoming her "VIP guests."
“Your daughter is so beautiful.”
The lady was about the same age, glanced at her daughter, gracefully holding a cup of tea.
"The Duchess is very virtuous. The eldest daughter is beautiful, and the youngest daughter will also become a Princess, right?"
“Hmm.”
Immediately, the atmosphere changed completely.