After that kiss, things got a little weird between them. Napoleon decided to kill time in the library for the rest of the afternoon, while Ciela headed back to her office to tie up loose ends that had been put on hold while she was getting ready for Napoleon's arrival.
Both of them couldn't help but be aware of what had just transpired. It felt like a declaration of sorts, a connection formed between them. But what really nagged at their minds was how they pulled off that kiss.
Napoleon, in a spur-of-the-moment, daring move, took the initiative and made the first move, and was worried if he choked on it or not. It was his first kiss, and the uncertainty gnawed at him. Did he come on too strong? Was it too awkward? These thoughts circled in Napoleon's mind as he perused the shelves of books, trying to distract himself.
Meanwhile, Ciela sat at her desk, unable to concentrate on the unfinished business before her. Her thoughts kept drifting back to that unexpected kiss, and would sometimes touch her lips with a soft, nostalgic smile. She replayed the moment in her mind, reliving the gentle pressure of Napoleon's lips against hers. It had caught her off guard, but deep down, she couldn't deny the fluttering warmth it had ignited within her. It was as if she wanted to do it again, but was uncertain if Napoleon would reciprocate her feelings.
She stopped moving her pen and covered her face with her hands. Days before Napoleon's arrival at the residence, she made the necessary preparation to be the most beautiful version of herself. She made the dress she was wearing right now by herself, sprayed herself with an alluring perfume, and spent extra time styling her hair. The effort she had put into her appearance was to make Napoleon fall for her. After all, she doesn't want Napoleon to fall for another woman, specifically Josephine, his would-be fiance and Empress in the future.
Ciela still remembered the words where Napoleon told her about his ideal woman, and she had been doing her best to embody those qualities. She wanted to captivate Napoleon's heart and ensure that he saw her as someone special, someone he couldn't resist. And based on the facial expression that he is displaying earlier, it seems that she is getting closer.
Ciela clapped her cheeks with her hands, focusing on the task in front of her, and resumed.
An hour later, there was a knock on the door. Ciela, thinking that it was Beaumont delivering snacks, let him in with a beckoning gesture. However, when the door swung open, it wasn't Beaumont standing there with a tray of snacks. It was Napoleon, wearing an intrigued expression on his face.
"Napoleon!" Ciela was startled, her hand instinctively sorting through her thoughts as she tried to regain her composure. Her heart thudded in her chest as his appearance caused her to remember the kiss that they shared earlier.
"Sorry, is it, not the best time?" Napoleon asked, looking at Ciela's desk that was filled with documents.
"No, no," Ciela fumbled her hand, hastily pushing the papers aside and standing up from her chair. "How can I help you?"
Napoleon took a step closer, his eyes never leaving Ciela's face.
"Beaumont said that dinner is about to be served, and I'm not sure if you noticed that it's already evening."
"Eh?" Ciela blinked, her attention drawn to the clock on the wall. Sure enough, the hands indicated that the day had passed quickly, and evening had descended upon them. She also looked out of the window and saw that it was dark.
"I... I must have lost track of time," Ciela stammered, flustered by her own distraction.
"That is because you have been working too hard," Napoleon said, briefly glancing at the papers on her desk. "Why don't you take a break and join me for dinner? It's been years since we last shared a meal together."
Ciela's heart skipped a beat at the thought of spending more time with Napoleon, especially after their intimate moment earlier.
She nodded, a warm smile spreading across her face. "I would love to join you for dinner, Napoleon. Just give me a moment."
Ciela hurriedly tidied her desk and prepared to accompany Napoleon to dinner. As they walked side by side through the corridors of the chateau, a comfortable silence settled between them.
They entered the dining room. The soft candlelight illuminating the room welcomed the pair, casting a warm and romantic ambiance. The table was adorned with exquisite china and silverware, creating an atmosphere of elegance and intimacy. The aroma of delicious food wafted through the air, enticing their senses.
Napoleon pulled out a chair for Ciela and gently guided her to sit, his touch lingering on her back for a brief moment.
"Thank you…" she softly said as Napoleon took his seat on a chair opposite to her.
The servants, led by a butler, Beaumont, began to serve the sumptuous dinner, placing the carefully prepared dishes in front of Napoleon and Ciela.
As they began their meal, the initial awkwardness slowly dissipated, replaced by growing ease and familiarity. The conversation flowed effortlessly, with each word and gesture deepening their connection. Ciela told her stories on how she made their business successful while Napoleon was out stationed in Valence and the challenges she faced when she met with illustrious investors who are aristocrats.
She spoke so enthusiastically to the point Napoleon simply listened with his eyes fixed on her joyful expression as if it was a movie. He can look at her face and listen to her voice all night without getting tired. It was clear to him that Ciela had poured her heart and soul into their business, a reminder that would prompt him to do better in the upcoming years.
An hour later, their dinner concluded, with the servants cleaning up the table and leaving Napoleon and Ciela alone in the dining room, who were still chatting.
"How about you, Napoleon? How was the military?"
"Well, as you can see, it was not as exciting as your story. Nothing much happened. I was stationed in Valence until the revolution where I participated in keeping order."
"Hmm…" Ciela mused. "Maybe one day you'll share a future military campaign with me."
"You'd be the first to know," Napoleon replied with a playful smile. "Oh, while I'm staying here, I'll help you run the business."
"Well, you'll have a lot of catching up to do. I'll teach you later in the office about enterprises, how they run, function, and the strategies we employ."
"I'll be in your care then," Napoleon grinned and soon after their dinner, they returned to Ciela's office where Ciela spent four hours teaching Napoleon about all the intricacies.
Napoleon committed himself to learn from Ciela, absorbing every piece of knowledge she shared with him. He jotted down notes, asked questions, and engaged in lively discussions about business strategies and future plans.
But at one point in time, Ciela was noticeably becoming tired. She would occasionally close her eyes and tip her head forward while speaking, only to snap back into focus and continue the conversation.
"Okay, that is enough," Napoleon rose to his feet, closing his book.
"No…there's still a lot to cover," Ciela said.
"I know but you've done more than enough for today," Napoleon said gently. "Do you want me to carry you?"
Ciela's eyes widened at Napoleon's unexpected suggestion. Her exhaustion had caught up with her, and she couldn't deny that the idea of being carried by him seemed both tempting and comforting. She hesitated for a moment, contemplating his offer.
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"Of course."
"Alright," she said, a small smile gracing her lips. Quickly, Napoleon swept Ciela off her feet, quite literally, lifting her up in a princess-style carry. She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her cheek against his chest. She noticed the firmness of Napoleon's muscles and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her ear. It was a feeling of security and warmth that she had never experienced before.
As Napoleon carried Ciela out of the office and down the hallway, they received curious glances from the chateau's staff, but neither of them paid any attention.
Arriving at the bedroom, Napoleon gently laid Ciela down on the bed, carefully easing her out of his arms. But just as he was about to straighten himself up, Ciela grabbed his arm, her eyes pleading with him.
"Napoleon, you'd sleep next to me right?" She asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"Of course. Let me just remove this uniform of mine and change to something more comfortable,"
He quickly removed his jacket, undoing the buttons one by one, and loosened his cravat. Ciela watched him intently until he was topless, revealing a well-defined and toned physique. She bit her lip, feeling a surge of desire rushes through her. It was impossible for her to deny the attraction she felt towards Napoleon, and the sight of his bare chest only intensified her longing.
As Napoleon finished changing into more comfortable attire, he joined Ciela on the bed, laying next to her. Ciela turned to the other side, and she couldn't help but blush at the proximity of their bodies.
Napoleon shifted closer, his arm reaching out to wrap around her waist. The touch sent a shiver down Ciela's spine. Is he feeling the heat too?
Napoleon's warm breath tickled the back of her neck, and Ciela's heart raced with anticipation. She wanted to feel the warmth of his body, his lips against hers once again, and their body connected, but she can't bring herself to say that.
"Ciela…can we stay in this position for a moment?" Napoleon whispered, his embrace tightening.
"Hmm…" Ciela hummed a response. So Napoleon isn't feeling it huh? He wanted to just embrace her from behind and sniffed her hair scent.
As for Napoleon, the desire that coursed through his veins was undeniable, but he recognized the importance of restraint and respecting Ciela's boundaries. So he focused on savoring the present moment, finding solace in the simplicity of their embrace.
He reveled in the sensation of their bodies pressed against each other, feeling the warmth that radiated from Ciela's delicate form. The softness of her skin against his arm sent sparks of electricity through him, and he couldn't help but caress her gently, tracing his fingertips along her arm, marveling at the smoothness he encountered.
Yup, truly a great experience.
Meanwhile, Ciela couldn't help but be tickled by Napoleon's fingertips trailing along Ciela's arm. It sent a delightful shiver down her spine. Every touch from Napoleon's hand ignited a fire within her.
She found herself instinctively leaning into his caress, craving the warmth and intimacy it brought.
Napoleon's fingers continued their exploration, gliding feather-light over the sensitive skin of Ciela's arm, tracing invisible patterns that made her heart race even faster. She reveled in the sensation, her breath coming in short, uneven gasps. It was as if his touch had unlocked a hidden part of herself, a side that craved his affection, his presence.
If Napoleon were to ask for it, she would gladly permit it. But moments later, Napoleon's fingers stopped moving, replaced by a soundly breath as if he had fallen into a deep sleep. Ciela's heart sank with disappointment, her desires left unfulfilled.
Careful not to disturb Napoleon's peaceful slumber, she turned onto her back, and there he saw Napoleon stir in his sleep, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. His arm, which had been wrapped around Ciela, loosened its hold, finding a comfortable position by his side. As she gazed at him, a mix of tenderness and longing filled her heart. She couldn't help but marvel at the sight of him, the man she had come to care for deeply.
Ciela reached out and lightly brushed a lock of hair away from Napoleon's forehead, and softly giggled.
"Cute…"
As Ciela whispered the word, a blush tinged her cheeks. She found herself captivated by the vulnerable and gentle side of Napoleon that she rarely got to see.
Boldly, Ciela leaned forward, her face sinking on his chest as she inhaled his scent, feeling the rise and fall of his steady breathing. And then she found herself growing drowsy, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up with her. She snuggled closer and closed her eyes.
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