Deus Necros - Chapter 678: A Proposal

Chapter 678: A Proposal

It took her a second to grasp the meaning, but once she did so she felt like her entire world had been opened anew.

The word itself made her shiver. For she felt that she never had tasted something so good, yet so forbidden.

The name fit the way the room had reacted to it. The way her cheeks still burned. The way the musicians looked both impressed and unsettled, as if they’d participated in something they weren’t sure was allowed.

“Sin… a rather interesting name. How come you know of such marvelous dance?” she asked.

She tried to sound composed again, but the excitement lingered in her eyes, and her fingers remained curled lightly against his hand as though she wasn’t ready to let go yet.

“I come from a fallen family, it was something I saw my parents do when I was young,” Ludwig said.

He kept his tone matter of fact, like he was stating the origin of a tool rather than a memory. Still, the words carried more weight than he seemed to intend.

“I would love to meet them.”

The princess said it without thinking, the way people did when they were caught up in a moment and assumed it would continue forever.

“I’d rather you don’t,” Ludwig said, “You have a long life ahead of you.”

The hidden meaning shocked the princess. The man, the hero, and the valiant warrior that fought demi-gods, and slew demons was an orphaned man.

Her expression changed in a slow realization. The room around them didn’t hear the full context, but they noticed the shift in her face, the way her smile faltered before she corrected it.

“We’ve hogged the hall for a while, let us rest.” She said as she looked toward the Queen who seemed far too pleased with what she saw to the point that she was sending mischievous glances toward the emperor.

The Queen’s amusement was not subtle. She watched with the calm confidence of someone who understood court games far better than her daughter did. The obvious glances toward the Emperor looked like silent teasing, and the Emperor’s reaction was exactly what Ludwig expected from a man who had been placed in a position he did not choose.

Looking at the ruler of the empire shake his head at his Queen was all Ludwig needed to see to understand that he put the Emperor in an awkward position. He could already feel that he would probably have to teach him or at least write down the details of such a dance.

He didn’t like being turned into entertainment for people who lived for rumor, but he had already made the impression. Now it would stick. And if it only stopped at that, it would be mercy. But Ludwig, could never trust nobles to not ask for more than what he would be willing to part with or give.

“Come, come, I would like it if you meet my mother,” she said as she headed first.

She moved with renewed purpose, but Ludwig noticed the way she glanced back once, checking that he followed. Not commanding him, not ordering him. Inviting him.

Once Ludwig was face to face with the Queen, he gave a bow of respect to her. The latter, unlike what many would in her position, instead of simply acknowledging it, she gave a courtly bow, a small one where she lifted the side of her robes only a bit, and bent her knees merely a fraction.

The response was controlled and precise. It wasn’t the deep bow reserved for the Emperor, but it was still more than most queens would offer a knight. The movement drew instant attention, because nobles noticed etiquette the way soldiers noticed weakness.

That gesture was only allowed for her husband, to give a full bow, but for Ludwig to earn even that small amount, that was enough tea for the nobles to speak of for days.

“Sir Ludwig Heart,” the Queen said.

Her voice carried warmth, but also sharp awareness. She wasn’t merely greeting him. She was measuring him.

“Yes, honorable moon of the empire,” Ludwig replied the same way Silva had taught him.

Which brought a smile to the Queen, “That is such an old way to greet royalty, you must have had a good teacher,” she smiled.

Ludwig couldn’t help but curse inwardly, Silva was old, and that was probably how back in his time they used to greet the royals. Times move, and habits change.

“But, I always liked that way of greeting than what is currently being used. To be compared to the moon is honor enough for a woman to last her a lifetime.” She said when she noticed Ludwig’s stiffness.

“If the moon ever needed to retire, you’d be the first asked to take its place, your majesty.” Ludwig said.

“You’re so bold,” the princess smiled as she looked at Ludwig.

Ludwig frowned, “How come?”

“You’re flirting with mother while father is watching,” she grinned.

Ludwig felt the cold shivers running down his spine but didn’t dare turn, he already guessed that the stare was coming from the emperor.

“I dare not covet what isn’t mine, nor would I ever amount to such a status. I’m merely speaking my heart, and hope to not be misunderstood.”, Ludwig defended himself which only made the two women laugh small.

“You’re teasing him too much dear,” she looked at Ludwig and back at the hall, where she spotted a golden-haired woman who stole glances at them.

“I’ve heard, that the house of Urbaf was willing to give you their daughter in marriage. Have you come to agree to such deals?” she asked.

Ludwig finally remembered Alva and how her father asked Ludwig to take his daughter’s hand.

“I have not, your majesty.” Ludwig said.

“Seems like your teacher didn’t fully finish your education on not being blunt,” the Queen smiled. “But it is of no consequence, if the throne wants, the throne takes. How about you join the royal family?” the Queen asked.

Turning to Celest, and then back at the Queen, Ludwig could only swallow hard.

’Why does everyone want to marry off their daughters to me god damn it.’