The Cursed King

Loriel knew Elise had a soft heart when it came to several things, whether they were animals in need of tending or hearing about sad events and occurrences.

"I\'m sure that the rulers have done their best to protect what matters. One can also remember that these kingdoms continue on in the lives of their people." Loriel recalled a fact. "There were kingdoms like Prussia between 1701 and 1918 that dissolved and are now part of Germany."

"Yes, I guess that\'s what happens," Elise said with a smile. She was truly impressed with all of Loriel\'s knowledge.

Loriel decided to add something else to make her smile. "Hmm... after this gondola ride.. Would you like to have some gelato? I\'ve also booked us tickets to Theatre La Fenice to watch an opera."

"Whaa.. opera? That sounds amazing. I\'ve never been to one," Elise gushed. 

"I think you will like this," said Loriel with a smile. Despite his aloof appearance, Loriel enjoyed art so much. People wouldn\'t expect he could stand watching opera for hours or spent all day seeing art exhibitions.

Well, he had so much time to kill all these centuries and he had developed taste for such things and he enjoyed them so much. Now, he couldn\'t wait to share them with his wife.

"I can\'t wait!"

"It\'s for tonight."

"Oh..  wait... Shouldn\'t we wear something fancy to go to the opera?" Elise suddenly remembered that she didn\'t bring a special outfit to wear for the occasion. "I don\'t bring anything on the watching-opera-level fancy."

Elise liked casual clothes and except for two cocktail dresses she brought for fancy dinners outside, she mostly only brought casual outfits for this honeymoon.

Throughout their visits from Japan, Portugal to even Italy today, Elise has worn simple but comfortable outfits that were perfect for traveling and strolling around the cities.

  There was a black-tie dress code however for this special event. It was going to be a stunning evening filled with theatrical shows and an orchestra.

"Ahaha.. don\'t worry about it, wifey. I\'ve got it covered," said Loriel. "Your dress is already sent to our villa by the designer."

"Oh..." Elise was impressed to see how her husband was very planified and always got everything done before she even thought about it. She touched his hand and smiled gratefully. "Thank you!"

***

  "It\'s actually a little dressy for what I\'m used to wearing," Elise admitted as she slipped on some lacy gloves and stared at the mirror. She wore a beautiful white dress with a long skirt that fit her body perfectly. 

Loriel was admiring her and it was obvious in the reflection. Elise was actually happy about that and it made her feel confident. She looked at him. "But it is a formal occasion and I should look my best. I want to look beautiful." 

"You always do," Loriel said in a soothing tone. "Please don\'t worry about it, honey. The reason I got us tickets is to enjoy a night to ourselves with something different."

"You always look good," Elise said and looked at her husband from head to toe. She was a little shy about complimenting him, but she wanted to do her best.

"Haha, I hope to look good enough for you."

Elise batted her eyes. "What are you talking about? Whenever we walk together, I notice so many women looking your way and trying to find the courage to approach you."

Loriel raised a brow. "Really? I was too busy trying to scare away those who were looking at you to notice."

"We\'re being too silly right now," Elise laughed.

Loriel was happy that his wife became more at ease. "That\'s why I love being with you. You make my world infinitely brighter, honey."

Elise felt her face heat up. "You don\'t have to compliment me every time now, Loriel. We\'re already married."

"I think that\'s more reason for me to keep telling you these things because I\'m your devoted doting husband," Loriel said as he took Elise\'s hand in his. "I can\'t help it at all and can\'t wait to know what other things we\'ll be doing in the future."

"But tonight, we\'ll have theatre," Elise said.

"Of course, theatre night." Loriel nodded. "We\'ll be watching and also listening to the wonderful opera from the story of Engelberta to Mozart\'s and Le Nozze di Figaro, Ouverture to Beethoven\'s Piano Concerto No 1 in C Major, Op. 15." 

Elise couldn\'t help but smile at these words of encouragement. She never doubted her husband\'s capability to make anything work so she knew that she was going to love the theatre. 

"I\'m glad that we were able to buy some tickets. Bookings tend to be a little difficult from what I heard. You need to get them a couple of months in advance," Elise said.

"Unless you have some connections or enough wealth," Loriel said with a chuckle.

There was something about Loriel\'s words that made Elise feel like he was being secretive, but Elise thought it was only because it was her own guilt eating her up and not the other way around.

In this relationship of theirs, Elise decided that she was the one who hid more things than Loriel.

***

Theatre la Fenice was a beautiful and open-house theatre that allowed them to enjoy a lovely night filled with glittering stars and the drapes of the dark sky. Watching an opera here was considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people.

When they arrived in front of the theatre, Elise was wondering to see how empty and quiet it was. She thought there was no performance and they came on the wrong date, but the staff in a tuxedo had come to welcome them with a big smile on his face.

"Welcome, Mr. And Mrs. Ashborn," he greeted them.

Elise turned to see Loriel and found her husband grin. It made her feel suspicious. 

Did Loriel do something?

"Let\'s get in. The show won\'t start without us," the husband whispered to her and wrapped his arm around her waist, and walked with her inside the theatre.

Only after they arrived inside, Elise realized Loriel didn\'t just buy two tickets for them to watch the opera. He bought the whole theatre.

Now, there were only the two of them watching a private show.

"This…." Elise was at a loss for words.  She turned to her husband to ask for an explanation. The man just smiled sweetly and pulled her hand to sit on the best chair.

"I don\'t like sharing," he said casually.

Elise didn\'t know whether she should laugh or look surprised.

Loriel was really something, she thought. After she got over her initial shock, Elise finally sat beside Loriel and paid attention to the stage. The opera was about to start.

Two staff came and brought champagne and snacks for them to enjoy while watching the show. It was truly a performance and rockstar treatment designed to please a king.

"This is amazing..." Elise whispered several times to Loriel. She still couldn\'t believe what happened. Loriel truly made their honeymoon special.

"I am happy you like it, honey," Loriel said.

He took his wife\'s hand and kissed it.  Then he put it on his lap and clasped their hands together. Her hand felt soft and warm. He loved holding her hand whenever they were together. He would never let go of this.