With unwavering elegance, The Emperor ascended to his feet; coming to a stand with impressive fluidity. Extending his hands outward, he welcomed her forward; an invitation which Kalista eagerly accepted. Closing the distance between them, Kalista gingerly took his hand in hers; lifting it to her mouth to press a gentle kiss against the back of his hand.
The man gracefully turned his hand to softly clasp Kalista’s chin within his fingertips. Gently leading her to a stand, the man tilted her face upwards to press a soft kiss of his own against her lips. Kalista’s eyes fluttered shut as she allowed her entire self to be consumed by romantic moment. As he pulled away, Kalista opened her eyes; casting an affectionate gaze in the man’s direction. Her entire being seemed to resonate with complete, unadulterated love for the person that stood before her.
The gaze, however, was short-lived as a flicker of horror compromised her facial features. The shift in expression was mirrored in the man’s face as an expression of concern formed upon his face. Kalista cast a glance over her shoulder at the open door before taking a step back; anxiety furrowed into the woman’s brow.
Kiyoshi.. She murmured; her soft tone compromised by a distinct tone of fear. ..What if they see us..?
Vlad hadn’t registered the question that had escaped Kalista’s lips. For when she spoke Thresh’s name, that same sensation of deja vu charged through his mind for a second time. This time, however, it was as disorienting as it was unexpected.
Turning the entirety of his attention on the man’s face, Vlad studied Kiyoshi’s face. His gaze rest upon the familiar curvature of the man’s lips before drifting upwards to fixate upon the handsome eyes that, in another life, he’d gazed into time and time again.
Another disorienting crash of deja vu rippled across his mind and Vlad furrowed his brow.
There could be no mistaking it, this was Thresh.
In another life, the Kalista he knew had been romantically involved with Thresh.
Hanako, Kiyoshi replied, it is not of my concern who does or does not know.
He extended his hands outwards, gesturing to the room. Kalista followed his gesture as Kiyoshi continued speaking.
It is my Empire. And I am its ruler. And I will love whomever I please.
And with that, he offered his hand for her to take. Kalista obliged, intertwining slender fingers between his.
A gentle smile formed along Kiyoshi’s lips, his head tilting slightly, And today, and all days, that person is you.