Eros was the last to come out in a black suit and cape with white embellishments and gloves. He couldn't help but smirk as he saw the long line of carriages of different color and structures and he felt truly happy.
If things went as he planned, by the end of the retreat he would have stronger hold on Lishflour and it'd grow till his authority was unquestionable.
He heard a slight chuckle come from Dodwen who was in a wine suit with white embellishments. It was obvious he was a noble but nowhere near as eye catching as Eros, " What's so funny "?
Dodwen pursed his lips and shook his head, " Nothing, I just remembered something funny ". Eros couldn't be bothered with his friend right now and walked towards his carriage.
It was a black color with sky blue dragons of different sizes carved all over it. It was fit for a king but as he opened the carriage door, he frowned and turned to Dodwen " Why isn't the empress in here "?
Luscious on the other hand hadn't slept at all last night especially with everything he'd seen Nectar do. At first, he thought she was just trying hard to maintain a good image but now it seemed she was hiding a lifetime of hatred behind that carefree attitude.
Those scars alone were enough to make anyone mental even after surviving them. Luscious had his fair share of scars but they weren't anywhere as nightmarish as Nectar's.
[ What are the fields anyway? ] Luscious groaned in frustration as he put his head into his gloved hands, " So many questions "? He looked out his window and saw Nectar being helped into her carriage, smiling and acting silly and he could only wonder if that smile was true.
Dodwen had been tasked with bringing Nectar to Eros' carriage and he could only feel sorry for himself [ Why am I always stuck between those two? ] He didn't know why Eros seemed so upset about it or why he didn't personally invite her but he had a feeling Nectar wouldn't give in so easily.
Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the carriage door and the curtains opened. Nectar already looked relaxed, " Yes "? Dodwen cleared his throat as he spoke, " Morning my empress. I was hoping if you'd do the emperor and I the honour of coming to our carriage ".
There was no change in Nectar's expression as half her body mass went through the window and she looked up ahead, it was hard not to see the black carriage leading the bunch and she smiled, " Perfect ".
Her carriage was at the back and definitely the farthest from Eros' just the way she wanted. Resting on the window seal, she pouted slightly as she looked at Dodwen, " You work so hard Duke Holmes, I kinda feel bad for saying this ".
She suddenly frowned as she entered the carriage, " Tell his majesty I'm fine where I am. He's probably busy finishing preparations for the retreat and I cannot bear to bother him ".
Dodwen opened his mouth to try and persuade her but she wagged her finger at him, " I don't want to hear it. You can tell him I refuse or whichever works for you ". She closed the curtain, sealing Dodwen's fate along with it.
Eros clenched his fists tightly as Dodwen reported back, " Did she give you a specific reason "? Dodwen shook his head, " She said you'd be busy and didn't wish to bother you then she blatantly refused ".
Eros sighed, " She's playing hard to get, isn't she "? Dodwen swallowed back his laughter as Nectar's face came to mind, " I highly doubt it Eros ". Eros frowned slightly, " How do you know that "?
Dodwen shrugged, " Her majesty is not like the other noble women we've come across ". Eros frowned slightly, " You're saying you know more about my empress than I do "? Dodwen didn't notice the change in Eros' expression, " It's not like I can blame you. All you do is work work work ".
Eros sighed, " Maybe you're right ". Dodwen nodded in agreement, " Of course I am and at this rate, you have a zero chance of winning Nectar's heart over ". Eros only sighed as the carriage suddenly moved, " You couldn't have said it better " [ Seems I have my work cut out for me ]