Hellbound Heart

A royal blue gown made of a heavy satin material overlaid with a thin and light gauze of the same color wrapped perfectly around Elle's shapely body. It was a mermaid dress that was backless, with a deep V-neck and slim fit type and a long train dragging behind. The edges of the back were cinched in at the waist with embroidery of flower motifs, enhancing Elle's smooth and fair back. The front was revealing enough to show off her generous chest, but still maintained the elegance that needed to be carried for her position as the wife of the Crown Prince. As Sebastian looked at her face, he also noticed that there was a veil that had been strung across her face, from below her eyes and covered everything until just an inch below her chin and jawline. However, the material was a semi-transparent silk chiffon of a dark royal blue hue that complimented her dress perfectly and added an extra layer of allure to her already bewitching eyes.

Sebastian could not move an inch from his spot. His eyes were fixed onto nothing else but her.

Alex had long approached his wife and showered her praises before he also complimented on Elle's outfit as well. And then the trio just naturally started chatting animatedly.

"Now go to Sebby, Elle. He'd been sulking there on his own for a while now, waiting for you." Alex grinned, not minding his voice at all.

Elle's eyes widened before she blinked at Alex. "S-sulking? Why?" she was in disbelief. Well, because… Sebastian was sulking? No way! Sulking and Sebastian did not seem to go together in a sentence!

When Alex chuckled, Elle only then realized that the man was teasing Sebastian again. She laughed soundlessly and finally she turned towards her husband. He was sitting right on his chair, posture straight and at attention as his gaze was intently fixed on her alone.

A small smile tugged at the corner of Elle's lips before she began to approach him unhurriedly. Since this morning, Sebastian had not yet talked to her even once. His mind seemed to be occupied with something else and she had wondered if it was because of last night's happening between them.

But Elle decided not to think of anything negative and sad. At least for today, she will enjoy this festival like everyone else.

"How's my outfit?" she asked and gave an experimental twirl around before standing still right before him.

His gaze finally traveled down from her eyes. His gaze was so intense that she felt her cheeks turning a little hot as he eyed her from head to toe.

He nodded.

Elle was expecting for him to say something else after the nod but nothing came. Blinking, Elle could only force out an awkward smile before turning her attention to the mask on the table. She was oblivious of the scene that was happening behind her where Alexander was facepalming and shaking his head.

"Let's have you wear this so we can finally go." Elle took the mask and bent closer to him. Her delicate fingers brushed against his ears and then his hair as she tied the lace at the back of his head, taking care to not catch and pull on his hair by accident.

Once she was done, she looked at the grumpy mask on his face and barely managed to hold back a smile. "Okay, let's go!" she unceremoniously took his hand and turned to Alex and Abi. "We're ready!" she excitedly told the couple as she tugged the man behind her. It was obvious to everyone that Elle was beyond excited to finally go to the town and enjoy the festival.

In fact, she truly was looking forward to it. She felt her inner child being so stimulated and excited by the thought of a festival that she could not stop smiling. And that was despite the fact that she was lugging around a quiet and seemingly bored-out-of-his-wits man along with her. She could hardly wait to experience enjoying a festival without any care and worry of eyes and cameras trailing after her.

Their car stopped at a vast flower field along the road. It was a garden of many different flowers solely for the purpose of the festival. The garden Alex chose was the most expensive one, not only because of the quality of flowers but also because there were only very few people in it.

"As per tradition of the Masked Goddess Festival, the male partners are to pick flowers by themselves and have the flowers made into a crown for their lover." Abi continued her explanation as the four of them headed to the garden's entrance. "According to the tale of the Masked Goddess, the relationship between the goddess and the mortal king was forbidden. When the two became lovers, the consequence was for the goddess to disappear from the King's vision forever. The king could never see her again even if she were to be there next to him. But the goddess somehow found a way for her not to disappear from his sight forever. All the king should do was to make her a crown of flowers every single day before the flower wilts. That's the story of this tradition. And it's really such a heartwarming and lovely thing."

"Wow, that's indeed a beautiful tale." Elle nodded, smiling as she clapped softly to herself. She was about to ask more about that tale when a gardener approached them and spoke with the males, instructing them about how to pick the flowers the right way.

Glancing over at Sebastian, Elle was curious as to what could be his reaction right now. Because oh dear… Sebastian was going to pick flowers!!

Somehow, just imagining it, already had her pressing her lips tightly together. She did not expect picking flowers as part of their itinerary. And that only made everything even more exciting.

Leaning against Abi, Elle whispered. "Can I borrow your phone, Abi? I think I need to capture this rare occasion of Sebastian picking flowers. I didn't bring my phone along because there was nowhere I could stash it anyway." She whispered, giggling a little.

"Of course, I got you, girl. Here you go." Abi immediately gave her a pocket camera.

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A/N: Check Elle's outfit in comment box. Or go to my instagram for the HD photo.