Hand of the Goddess ✔️

Chapter 24: Danse Macabre

There were a handful of moments in her life where she felt truly alive. One of those moments was holding her cat Jessie for the first time and staring into his blue eyes. The joy of having him near her was indescribable. She felt seen and loved by a cat who didn't judge her and it was arguably the happiest moment in her life. She was certain that nothing in her life could compare to it.

That was until she waltzed with the Lord.

With her right hand clasped in his, they spin around the ballroom, leaving her breathless. She tells herself she feels like this because the dance required a lot of exertion. It had nothing to do with the fact that he had just confessed his feelings for her and said dancing with her was a great wish of his. No, the boy that she likes liking her back had absolutely no effect on her. None at all. It's not like the way he's holding quite literally makes her want to faint. She blames her dizziness on the spinning and the glittering chandeliers and tries to pretend she doesn't feel like a fairytale princess. Anything to stay composed in front of someone as sophisticated as Cedric.

"For someone who says she's a terrible dancer, you've only stepped on my feet twice," he said. So much for keeping her composure. She trips, stepping on his feet for the third time. He winces, but covers up his grimace with a laugh, continuing to spin with her around the room. Neither of them wanted to stop dancing. So when the music ceased, they continued to hold each other, sweaty and tired but looking for any excuse to be with one another. They content themselves with staring into each other's eyes, watching each other's pupils dilate with pleasure. The feeling is electric. She had never felt so connected with someone, so bewitched. And it was positively intoxicating to see the same infatuation also reflected in his face.

The pair were so enamored with each other that when the music started up again, they almost forgot to dance. But soon enough, their movements were in sync with each other and they were twirling around the ballroom like any other couple. This time, when the music stopped, neither were tired. Wanting to dance some more, they sneak out of the room onto a secluded balcony. The sky was thick with clouds and the rain slammed against the building. Still, she drags him outside, getting both of them soaked. Taking the lead, she twirls him in the rain, standing on her tiptoes to guide him. He plays along, spinning beneath her fingers before grabbing her hips and pressing her against the edge of the balcony. His eyes linger on her lips and for a moment, her heart stops.

"Cedric," she whispers, brushing his wet hair from his face. The cold rain should've frozen her to the bone but just being near him warmed her. It suddenly occurs to her how alone they were, how far away from the crowd down at the ballroom. Whatever they did would be unseen, a delicious secret between them.

He cups her face, his eyes filled with adoration. "Has anyone ever told you that you have the pinkest lips I've ever seen? They are only rivaled by the roses in my garden." He traces his thumb over her lower lip, teasing her.

She arches her back, bringing her face closer to his, daring him to kiss her. His eyes darken at the challenge and she gulps, thrilled by the look on his face. He puts a hand behind her head, angling it towards him. She closes her eyes, waiting for the feeling of his lips on hers.

Thunder rumbles in the distance. He lets go of her, startled by the noise. Her eyes snap open to witness lightning crackle in the sky. He looks at her sheepishly, realizing how foolish it was to try to kiss her in the middle of a storm. She, on the other hand, was disappointed that he didn't.

They walk inside awkwardly, neither willing to acknowledge what had almost happened. She shivers, realizing how soaked her dress was. Her gown weighs down her movement, slowing her gait. Next to her, the Lord strips, peeling off his wet clothes. She averts her eyes, blushing.