In Aeternum (Actively Updating and Editing)

XIII: Dancing Alone

Finally, the part came where Orson was to choose his First Dance partner. There were a lot of giggling women, who were fanning themselves coquettishly near the side of the room, hoping to be chosen, but Orson only had eyes for one person.

Following the trail of lilac, he found her; Standing right next to Hannah and wearing the necklace he had given her for her one-hundred-and-thirty-fifth birthday. His eyes finally met hers and she felt like her heart would stop at any minute.

Bowing to Elysia, Orson held out his hand, "May I have this dance?"

Taking a steadying breath she took his hand, "How can I say no to the King?"

He gave her a sweet smile and led her out into the middle of the floor, pulling her into his arms. They stood there for a moment, waiting for the music to begin, gazing at each other in the silence.

At the first note of the piano, he led her into a gentle dance. There was nothing but the two of them there, no one else mattered.

"My sweet Elysia..." he whispered gently, spinning her when the orchestra kicked in.

"Hello, Your Majesty," she whispered back as she spun back into his arms.

"I missed you."

"I know."

The next minute or so of the song went off without a word before Elysia squeezed his hand and felt something metal between his fingers.

Her mouth opened slightly in awe as he squeezed her hand back, "I have worn it every day since I found your letter. And I don't plan on taking it off any time soon."

She felt the tears stinging her eyes as she inched ever closer to him. He happily pulled her in, finishing out the song while her heart beat rapidly against his chest.

After the song finished, they parted and bowed to the crowd, who sent even crazier than they did before. Whispers among the people started about who the mysterious woman was and just how closely their bodies were pressed together.

Max and Ruby, however, were not surprised at all. They could recognise that scent anywhere. It would have been rude and foolish of them to react to it now as it was Orson's night, and they at least owed her enough to wait for an explanation.

Max didn't really mind having to keep track of a second kingdom. The trade and business between the two had been more lucrative than it had ever been lately. But Max would confess to liking the idea of not having to work so much. If Aldric was indeed still alive, having him back on the throne would be a blessing.

Orson begrudgingly let Elysia go back to a very excited Hannah as he made his way to his parents to explain.

As he started to talk, Ruby held up a finger, "Not now, love. After dinner. Let's not spoil such an occasion with this. This weekend is about you, not the Aurelius Legacy."

Orson knew better than to argue with his mother, even if he was King.

"And now, all," Max called out, "Please join us in the banquet hall. The feast is about to begin!"

Walking into the hall after a few minute wait in the grand foyer, Hannah rested her brown eyes on Orson. He sat at the head of the grand table, wearing a more appropriate-looking crown, with Max and Ruby at his left side.

Guests were being shown to their seats one by one. Elysia and Hannah were ushered to the seats at Orson's right hand. Hannah directly beside him and Elysia next to her. From there, the other nobles were seated from highest to lowest rank. It was hard for Hannah to focus on anything else other than him. He sat just so, talking to his father in a low voice and smiling at those who came to greet him.

She decided to gaze at him awhile; The way his long dark blue hair was swept away from his pale face, the sincere kindness in his ruby eyes and the sweet smile on his face.

He now wore a white shirt with a silver vest, tied with a red silk cummerbund. Over his shoulders, he wore a matching red jacket, his golden cloak tossed on the back of his chair. The way he matched his surroundings, the way he held his head up high wearing that crown. She was just lost in how well put together he was, and how his crown and outfit brought out the shimmering precious stones of his deep eyes.

Maybe she did like him? Hannah knew he had a crush on her when they were children, but his life seemed so far from hers. And watching the way that he held Elysia, even though he didn't know who she was... It made perfect sense that she would be more to his taste. And the quick looks he would send Elysia's way when she wasn't looking made that very clear to her.

Perhaps this was a good thing? Perhaps it would be better for her to find someone more... Human.

Clearing his throat, Orson held up his glass, "Now, let the feast begin!"

Everyone raised their glasses in return and started eating as the servers came around.

-

After dinner had started, Hannah caught up with the vampire family before heading down the table to find Scary, Skully and the rest of the crew. It had been so long since she had really had the time to see them.

Watching Hannah leave, Orson finally turned his eyes to Elysia, and his parents did the same. With the other guests caught up in their food and gossip, it was the perfect time to discuss things without drawing too much attention.

"So, my dear," Max cleared his throat, "How are you? How is the family?"

She knew this was coming and she was ready for it.

"Papa and Grae are doing just fine. It's been a learning curve over the last century to be hiding, but we managed."

"Yes," Ruby added, "That was such an unfortunate affair. Did they ever catch who was responsible?"

"No," she answered just as coolly, "But we felt it best to take some time to ourselves and relax. Papa met a man as well. You know him. Aloysias Asher."

Max dropped his knife, "Aloysias knew?!"

The aggravation was getting more apparent and the looks they were getting were even more blatant than before. But Elysia remained calm, her face void of all emotion.

Turning away from them to face Orson, she cleared her throat, "Your Majesty. How are you this evening? I hope the dance was to your liking."

"Oh quite," he answered, taking a sip of the thick red liquid in his glass, "You are quite the accomplished partner if I may say so."

"Thank you, I learned form the best."

Orson tried his best to hold back a grin; It was he, who taught her to dance.

"Your necklace is quite lovely. You've paired it well. And I see you have taken great care with our Hannah Marie as well. She looks astounding."

"I concur," Ruby interjected, "She is the picture of a perfect lady. From the scared fairy princess we met those years ago to now, she has really become something to see. I can't believe we tried to eat her."

It was the first time Orson had heard her laugh that night, and it was better than he could have ever imagined. Her face lit up as she threw her head back in a lady-like laugh, the silvery ringlets bouncing.

-

Her card was filled almost immediately, and she was never without a partner during the whole of the ball. It took a lot of pushing from Scary and Hannah, but eventually she was having a good time, enjoying the companionship.

-

By the time the ball was coming to a close, Hannah and Elysia had already escaped to their room. The sun would be up soon, so they decided to bathe and settle down for the day.

Hannah was soon asleep, but Elysia was not so lucky. Making her way through the darkened castle, dodging last minute party goers, she managed to squeeze into the library and settle down on her favourite couch. She would stay here and read by the fire.

At least while she was still alone.