lavenders blue

c h a p t e r : t h r e e

song: Once Upon a Dream - Emily Pandolfi

tw: alcohol

"My brother?" she stuttered, clearly caught off guard, yet, somehow used to the question, as if people asked about him all the time, "he means no harm, truely." She assured the prince. George, of course, had no intention of harming him, he just wanted to know...more. 
"Tell me about him," he almost demanded, "please..."
"He's not like you or I," Drisila chucked, "he's into art and piano, that's a girls thing, men have so much already, like you know...power." George laughed back, agreeing with her depressing yet truthful statement. He couldn't help but think of Dream again, thinking back to when they danced, it felt so right even if he didn't want it to. "Are you blushing your highness?" Drisila nudged him playfully and George quickly bought a knuckle to his cheek. "Fancy my brother? You wouldn't be the first..." she trailed off, unaware that George knew exactly what she was talking about. The music began to start up again, a more jolly waltz wafted through the large golden clad doors, a sigh escaping both the escapee's lips. 

"Do you know this one?" George questioned, referring to the dance that was beginning to take place inside. Drisila nodded.
"It was my father's favourite." George returned the nod, giving her a sympathetic smile.
"Well? Dance with me, if you wish of course." He stood up, holding his hand out which she took with a giggle before joining him on her feet. The pair smiled at each other and made their way back into the room, met with, as usual, greedy and jealous eyes. Some pairs had already begun dancing, the upbeat music putting gleeful smiles on all the guests faces. George led them both to the center of the room before turning to face Drisila, hesitantly holding his hand out to join the dance. The back of their hands were held up, facing each other as they walked in a circle, swapping arms when the beat would change. Before he could stop himself George said something that he never expected would come from his mouth.

"And if I did fancy your brother..." Drisila's eyes widened, not in a disapproving way, more of an encouraging one, the same look Niki gave him when he was lost in the beauty of their carriage. 
"Do you?" They switched places, one arm bent behind their backs as they waltzed. 
"I'm not sure," George was hesitant, "I need more time..." the music picked up as the two stepped closer before stepping back, swapping hands as they did so. "I'm afraid after this night it will all be over," George confessed. 
"How do you propose getting more time?" 
"Stay." He almost choked at the look on her face.
"Pardon?" 
"I won't propose, or make moves, that is wrong, but my father said that who ever I choose," he shuddered at the thought, "sticks around while preparations are made," 
"Your highness...and when time is up?" She whispered, the music slowing, matching their tense movements. 

Before George could answer a finger tapped his shoulder. 
"Pardon me your highness, may I cut in?" Dream smiled down at him. George looked up, immediately meeting his green eyes, "may I?" he asked again after no response and George nodded, stepping out of the way and back into the crowd. A shocked one of course, no one interrupted the prince or took over his dance, yet George didn't mind in this instance. He watched the pair dance. They both laughed as he spun her so easily, their green aura was something so different, so beautiful George could've gotten lost in it. As they spun past him George could've sworn Dream winked at him, their eyes locked for a split second before turning back away. The prince felt like he was floating, he never felt like this. The feeling was almost similar to playing a piano tune in the rain, serene and free from interference. He could stay here forever. The siblings were talking to each other, occasionally glancing over at George but he paid no attention, his eyes locked on Dream but his mind was occupied by a ethereal feeling. Before he could comprehend it, they were walking over, arm in arm, cautious yet excited smiles creeping over their faces, almost identical yet so different.
"I'll be sticking around your highness, and I accept your proposal..." Drisila whispered.

George was taken aback but quickly caught on, aware of his fathers eyes still on him. 
"I am...glad to hear that," he smiled and bowed quickly, returned with a light curtsey. As he looked up, he locked eyes with Dream once more, shooting him a quick smile which he returned with a small one before, to Georges surprise, walking away. George went to reach out but stopped himself, retracting his hand to his lip, biting the ring on his finger before shaking his head quickly and smoothing out his cloak. 
"I didn't tell him...the real reason, it wasn't my place," Drisila spoke quickly, "he did seem to be happy to stick around though..." she smiled and George let out a relieved breath.
"Thank you, I will see to it you receive the best treatment, for now I must alert the ki- my father."