Are you here to meet someone else other than me, my wildflower?

"Don't you think we should go and continue what we were about to start before we were interrupted?"

His voice was low and seductive, and he winked at her.

"No way, you are crazy!" Luciana said and pushed his face that was inches away from hers with her hand.

"I've to attend to the cat. Besides, we have yet to see the emperor lighting up the furnace with his fire. You know that is the highlight of tonight's banquet. What would happen if we were absent during that time?" Luciana asked him, mortified.

'Why was he acting so mischievous today? This wasn't like him,' she thought.

'Or could it be that he's always been like this, but it was she who never noticed?'

Even though Nicholas looked like he was sulking, he could only nod at her.

"Okay, take care of the cat; I'll be waiting for you in the banquet hall," Nicholas said and kissed her forehead before walking away.