Chapter 53 - Ice Doll? (2) (1/2)
Chapter 53 – Ice Doll? (2)
Rashta’s eyes widened even further.
“You’re taking it to the villa?”
“It’s the Empress’ birthday.”
After Sovieshu’s reply, Rashta looked surprised and questioned him again.
“Who’s going there?”
“It will be the Empress, myself, the servants and the knights. There are no guests other than a lady-in-waiting. Why?”
Rashta covered her mouth with her hands. She looked so alarmed that Sovieshu frowned at her.
“Are you all right?”
“Rashta didn’t know it was the Empress’ birthday.”
“Oh, is that so?”
“No one said anything…”
“We want to be as quiet as possible. It’s not an open party, so only close friends or relatives know.”
“Viscountess Verdi could have mentioned it. She would have known.”
Sovieshu smiled when Rashta pouted her lips.
“You must be unhappy to only find out about her birthday now.”
“We’re still family. Rashta could have given something…”
Sovieshu gave a chuckle.
“You’re very kind.”
Rashta twisted her fingers.
“Well… ”
It was about time for Sovieshu to leave, the coachman looked over at the pair of them.
“I’ll see you soon, Rashta. If I leave too late, it will be difficult for the coachman to drive.”
Sovieshu took a step into the carriage when Rashta quickly grabbed his sleeve.
“Rashta?”
He turned around curiously.
“Can you take Rashta, too?”
“You?”
Sovieshu blinked in surprise, and she nodded hurriedly.
“Rashta couldn’t get a gift for the Empress, and if Rashta doesn’t celebrate her birthday she will be disappointed.”
Sovieshu couldn’t undo the skeptical expression on his face, and he was unconvinced that Navier would be disappointed by a lack of gift. However, he couldn’t say that the Empress would probably dislike it if Rashta came along.
“Bring Rashta with you, Your Majesty. She can liven the mood.”
“The mood?”
She mimed drinking alcohol and Sovieshu replied with a faint smile.
“You don’t have to do that much.”
“Still, let Rashta go. It’s a family party, and I’m family.”
“I’m sorry. It will only be myself and the Empress.”
Rashta’s cheeks puffed out and she folded her arms.
“Oh dear. You’re sulking.”
Sovieshu laughed and pinched her bright red cheek.
“Do you really want to come?”
“I don’t like when you’re alone with another woman.”
“You didn’t protest when I brought up the villa the other day.”
“I thought you were going alone or in a group for work.”
Rashta was being cute and energetic, and the carriage driver gave an involuntary chuckle. She quickly looked down at her toes. Sovieshu checked his watch then stroked her shoulder soothingly.
“Later it can just be the two of us. Is that enough?”
“When? On Rashta’s birthday?”
“Yes.”
“Rashta prefers being in groups.”
“Alright.”
“But Rashta likes being with you alone, Your Majesty.”
“You are a greedy person.”