Chapter 270
[ What would the Prince like to talk about? ]
"... Anything the Lady finds entertaining... Perhaps, about your art?" — Zeleskiaz responded, ignorant of what other topic to suggest.
At first, he felt bewildered as he had already acknowledged his difficulty when making small conversation. Yet regardless of the hazard, the idea of her hobby emerged as a proposal once he recalled the skill of her strokes.
A gratifying emotion had replaced his brief trouble, as he saw between the lines of her letters that the Lady wished to talk about what the Prince would like. Leading the man to find reassurance in such belief during his pause as he had lifted his gaze to see in her eyes the displeasure at his initial mumblings which somehow permitted the quick birth of an idea.
"I had the opportunity to appreciate Dioclecià’s drawing you gifted... I am impressed that my Lady’s hands can also create beautiful portrayals."
[ Those are very kind words. Thank you, my Prince. ]
"... From what I could discern, the Lady finds delight sketching sceneries."
There was an implied enticement in the Lady’s stares. One that wished to drive him who had difficulty, into making more of the ongoing conversation.
And Zeleskiaz complied, glad that her essence was delectable and one in which his shortcomings were accepted with sweetness.
Kind responses from the woman followed. Granting tiny leads he could pick to continue engaging in conversation. Learning her preferences, her motivation and other tiny details she considered in her skilful activity.
"Then, my Lady’s tool is large as you favour sceneries over portraits."
[ Yes. Sceneries change while I make them. The kind of light falling on them along their colours. As well as the one flower that tomorrow could vanish.