Beatrice hesitated, but she knew that that was her chance to know him more. She would definitely regret it if she didn't ask him. "Yes," she said firmly. "I need to know."
However, instead of answering the question, Gilbert's long fingers glided over the ivory keys of the grand piano, with such skill and emotion that Beatrice could feel her heart melting. She sat beside him, watching his face as he played, transfixed by the passion and intensity that radiated from him.
The scent of polished wood and fresh flowers mingled together, adding to the ambiance of the room. She watched as Gilbert's chest rose and fell with each breath, his brow furrowed in concentration, lost in the music.
His brown hair seemed to shimmer in the moonlight, and his emerald eyes glinted with an intense fire that she couldn't help but be drawn to. It was as if time itself had stood still, leaving only the beauty of the music and the passion in their hearts.
Without thinking, Beatrice reached out and placed her hand on top of Gilbert's, feeling the warmth of his skin against hers. He looked at her with surprise but didn't stop playing. She let her fingers glide along the keys, following his lead and playing along with him.
The two of them played together, the music filling the room with its haunting beauty. Beatrice felt a deep connection to Gilbert at that moment as if the music was the language they spoke to each other, a language that transcended words.
As the piece came to a close, Gilbert's eyes met hers, and she saw a deep, intense emotion there that she couldn't quite decipher. He reached out and touched her cheek gently, the heat of his touch sending shivers down her spine.
He chuckled, "Why so serious, my love?" he teased. "I thought you already knew everything about me inside and out?" He smiles mischievously.
She blushed, feeling foolish for even asking. "Yes, but I want to know more. Why are you becoming a priest?" what Gilbert said was true, he once told her about his family and childhood.
He hesitated for a moment, and Beatrice held her breath, waiting for him to speak. She could feel the weight of the unspoken words, heavy with tension and anticipation. The only sound that could be heard was the quiet crackle of the fireplace, a stark contrast to the deafening silence that had settled between them.
Then he took a deep breath and began to speak. "It's because I have divine power," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Beatrice's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? How is that even possible? The only people who have divine power are the royals and the heroes," she said.
Gilbert placed a finger on her lips, silencing her. "Shhh, my love. It's a secret," he said, his eyes darkening with desire as he leaned in to kiss her.
But Beatrice pushed him away, her eyes narrowing in frustration. "Gilbert, we're in the middle of a serious conversation," she scolded. She couldn't believe what he was doing right now!
He grinned mischievously, his hand moving to her waist. "I know, my love, but sometimes, the best conversations happen when we're not talking," he said, his fingers tracing circles on her skin.
She gasped softly as he leaned in to kiss her again, his lips moving slowly against hers as he deepened the kiss. And then, just as suddenly as he had started, she pulled away, a devilish grin on his face.
"Careful," he warned. "I might not be able to control myself if you keep tempting me like that." He growled.
Beatrice's heart raced as she looked into his eyes, seeing the fire of desire burning brightly there. And she knew that, no matter what secrets he held, she wanted to be with him, to explore this passion that burned between them.
However, this was not the time for distractions. Beatrice's mind was consumed with thoughts of Gilbert's divine power. She couldn't let her curiosity be sidelined by his seductive tactics!
With a firm hand, she pushed him away and fixed him with a stern look. "No, not right now," she insisted.
"Ok, fine." Gilbert's voice dropped to a low whisper, sending shivers down Beatrice's spine. He leaned in close, his hand trailing down her arm in a seductive gesture.
He flashed a mischievous smile that made her heart skip a beat. "After that, I can do whatever I want, right?" he added, his breath hot against her ears.
Beatrice blushed and said, "Fine! But answer me first. Why on earth would you possess divine power?" Her tone was serious, as she considered the possibility that he could be a bastard child of the King!
Unlike the magic used by priests, divine power was bestowed by Solaris Himself. With it, one could easily vanquish darkness and even defeat the demon lord, as the previous hero Raphael had done. It was an endless power, not reliant on mana or incantations, but rather the blessing of Solaris Himself, obtained through prayer.
Gilbert opened his palms, and a radiant golden light illuminated the room. Slowly, the light took shape and transformed into a flock of stunning golden birds, their wings shimmering in the light.
Beatrice stood transfixed, mesmerized by the enchanting sight before her. The birds took flight and soared away, carrying on the gentle breeze.
"My father hates this power, he thought my mother was cheating on him. He sent me to the seminary when I was young to become a priest," he said with a low voice, his eyes reflecting a deep sense of sadness and honesty.
His voice dropped to a whisper as he leaned closer to her. "But the truth is, I don't even know how I got this power and it's a secret between us. My love, don't tell anyone about this."
Beatrice could feel his pain and empathized with him. She nodded sympathetically before asking the question that had been on her mind. "Then, why would you pursue me?" She couldn't help feeling a little embarrassed asking, but she needed to know.
As Gilbert kissed her ruby-colored amulet, Beatrice's heart fluttered with desire. She couldn't help but feel drawn to him, his seductive voice making her knees weak.
"Why would you ask for my love?" Gilbert's eyes burned with lust as he spoke. "Don't you see how beautiful you are? Even the gods themselves would be envious of your radiance."
Beatrice fidgeted, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "Is that all it is? You love me just for my beauty?"
"You are so much more than just a pretty face," he whispered, his voice low and husky with desire. "You are brilliant, fierce, and full of passion. Every moment with you sets my heart ablaze."
His lips brushed against her wrist as he continued. "And the first time I laid eyes on you, I knew I was fated to love you. You are my soulmate, Beatrice, and nothing will ever change that."
With a flourish, he took her hand in his and brought it to his lips, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her knuckles. "I will always cherish you, my love, for you are the missing piece that makes me whole."
Suddenly, Beatrice felt a surge of desire coursing through her body. She wanted nothing more than to give in to the overwhelming temptation that Gilbert presented.
But then Gilbert suddenly asked, "How do you know where my mansion is?" his eyes glinting with playful mischief.
Beatrice's mind raced. She couldn't reveal the truth - that she had asked Sophie to find out all information about Gilbert. She had to come up with something quickly. "Well, you're quite the socialite, Gilbert. I simply asked around," she replied, trying to sound casual.
"Is that so?" Gilbert's hands moved to cup her face, his eyes burning with raw desire. "Or is it possible that you couldn't resist the temptation of seeing me again?"
Beatrice's heart raced as she felt his breath on her lips. She knew she shouldn't give in, but she couldn't resist the pull of his touch any longer.
She leaned in, meeting his lips in a fiery kiss, lost in the lust and passion that consumed them. His arms immediately wrapped around her, pulling her closer to him.
Their kiss was filled with the intensity of their longing for each other, and as they finally pulled away, they were both panting for breath.
"I can't deny it anymore," Beatrice whispered, her face flushed with desire. "I love you, Gilbert."
Gilbert smiled and brushed a strand of hair from her face. "I love you too, Beatrice. More than anything in this world–
But suddenly, the door to the parlor room burst open with a violent force that made everyone jump. A man barged in, his face twisted with rage and his eyes blazing with fury. The butler and maids outside panicked, trying to calm the man down as he shouted obscenities at the top of his lungs.
"You lowly wench! How dare you touch Beatrice!" he screamed, his arm lashing out to strike Gilbert without warning. He grabbed Gilbert's collar, pulling him close and raising his fist ready to punch him.