Chapter 65 : Counting the seconds.

Nectar's panic only grew when she realized they'd be going in the same carriage. Though she wasn't afraid of him, this was still strange to her since they'd never spent this much time together in one sitting.

And Nectar didn't trust herself to behave. She could say the wrong thing or show a true expression and most obvious of all, she hated him.

Liam sat next to her while Eros and Dodwen sat across from her. She'd been gazing out the window, past all the shops and people, counting the seconds till they're arrival...literally [ ....26,27,28,29...] Nectar mumbled silently to herself while trying to remember what the envoy looked like.

[ I should have brought Ica or August, anybody would do ] " I heard you found some mana stones yesterday, congratulations your majesty ". Nectar smiled politely " Thank you Lord Holmes, it's no big deal ".

Dodwen raised an eyebrow, " It is a big deal my empress, mana stones are quite rare in Lishflour ". Nectar smiled slightly, " I have more than enough so I've decided it'd be a nice gift for our guests ".

Dodwen seemed curious now, " How could you turn them into a gift? They are used to amplify powers your highness ". Nectar smiled mischievously, winking at him " It's a surprise, you'll just have to wait and see ".

With that, Nectar went back to counting the seconds and after another fifteen minutes of excruciating silence, they finally got to the port. Nectar's joy turned to sadness as she realized she would still have to go back with him in the same carriage when all of this was over.

Nectar watched as Eros walked out of the carriage [ I can't let myself be humiliated ] If she expected him to help her out, she was definitely stupid. Then the other door opened and she saw Liam holding up the door for her.

She smiled brightly, quickly shuffling her feet out of the carriage. Liam helped her out, to keep up the royal appearance and she happily touched the floor " Have I ever told you how much I love you "? Liam chuckled, pinching her cheek " Suck it up sweet mouth. Let's just get this other with ".

They reflected each other's determination to do this well and successful so they could get out of here. Nectar adjusted her expression, making her look like the famous cold poker faced empress she was known to be.

Liam had on a white suit and and a black waistcoat. As usual he had on his phoenix stud earring, making his expressionless face even more mysterious.

Nectar walked silently beside Eros [ I wonder what kind of gifts I'll get? Will I even be able to use them? Or hand it over to Athena without even knowing what they are again ] Nectar shook her head, an evil smile at the corner of her lips [ I'd rather destroy it ]

When she felt someone staring at her and glanced up at Eros who had appeared from the other side of the carriage, " Is something wrong your majesty "? Eros shook his head lightly " Why didn't you wait for me to help you out of the carriage x?

Nectar raised a brow slightly, " I didn't expect you to ". Nectar couldn't help but blurt out and laughed nervously, " I mean I was so excited to welcome our guests with you that I got carried away " [ That's believable, it does sound believable to me ]

Eros stared at her silently for a few more seconds and nodded, suddenly holding her hand " You don't have to be anxious. I'll be here if you need me ". Nectar smiled gratefully [ How dare you touch me? I should burn my hand off...wait no, I should burn his hand off! What a hypocrite, yen yen here if you need me he says ]

~ ~ ~

Luscious couldn't help but sigh as Fay smoothed out a wrinkle on his forest green suit, " Remember, do not say anything we haven't rehearsed ". Luscious rolled his eyes, " Yes yes. People here hold grudges, we need this to work, I know ".

Fay nodded, patting his shoulder, " It's nice to know you're taking this seriously. But one wrong move and I'm taking you down with me ". Luscious broke into a cold sweat and nodded. Fay nodded pleasantly, " I'm not joking, I really will ".

Luscious nodded again [ What did I get myself into? ]

Lucy giggled softly. She was wearing a short saffron flare dress matched with pale pink stockings and gloves. Her heels were a matching snake skin pattern to her dress, she gave him a big thumbs up " Don't worry Big brother, you can do this ".

Luscious smiled casually, his hair had been gelled back drawing more attention to his horns, " I dunno why you try so hard. I can't believe that snobby Actsonian crown princess became empress ".

Lucy put a finger to her mouth " You shouldn't say such things and you weren't even paying attention to what Fay said earlier ". Luscious frowned slightly " Whats wrong "? Lucy examined her claws leisurely, " It was the forgotten second princess that got married off "

Luscious seemed confused, " Why's she called forgotten "? Lucy shrugged, " Because everyone forgot her existence. Seems like an obvious thing really "?

Luscious nodded seriously, " Right, of course I know that ". Luscious didn't get to ask for her name as they stepped off the ship. Glancing to the right, he saw Axis. Dressed in black and red robes, his hair was in a high ponytail.

Bonsi looked elegant and conservative in a matching long sleeved red dress that subtly highlighted all her curves. Then the little boy hiding behind them was dressed in a black dress shirt and red pants. He had reddish blonde hair and golden eyes. A spitting image of his parents.

Luscious instead paid attention to the four people coming his way. [ Is this supposed to be a welcoming committee? I feel threatened, not welcome ] But the woman among them, which he believed to be the empress had his attention [ Why does she look so familiar? ]