On The Stage

VIII

The weather this Saturday was just gorgeous. It was actually perfect for the hike that Kevin and I were going to go on today. We wanted Aurelia to go with us, but Luna wouldn't allow it. The she-wolf cared deeply about her daughter's visits to the psychologist. She claimed that it was for Aurelia's sake and she was probably right. Overall, the topic of the whole family going to a specialist hung in the air just as I expected it to. Gregory must digest this information and decide. Although the man continued to look at both Kevin and me with eyes full of contempt, when he heard about my plan he curtailed his unpleasant manner of speaking. He realized that I had a real chance of winning and thus talking to the king. He knew that my actions could help them. In fact, they could help us all. Gregory was so supportive of my idea that he said I could get a job after the competition finals. Not because he wanted to be nice. I think he just wanted me to focus as much as possible on training and not take up any time for myself. Wilehlm Von Mott is a much, much stronger opponent than Andy and he dances just perfectly anyway. So I was going to get right down to business after returning from our walk. There was less than a month and a half left before the final so there was not much time at all.

When I told Rayan all about it, the boy was obviously not thrilled. However, my arguments were too strong, he couldn't argue with them so I guess he just let it go. I guess. Above that, I apologized to him for the fact that I wouldn't be there today for the familiarization meeting with Rebecca Blanc. Kevin also demanded my attention and honestly, I wanted to spend some time together with him. We hadn't been able to loosen up at all over the last while because the atmosphere was non-stop tense. Therefore, I was looking forward to this walk. Me, Kevin, the mountains and a backpack full of snacks sounded like the perfect plan. It was also an opportunity for me, to calm down. It's common knowledge that anyone in the company of nature can calm down, gain strength and desire to move on. The boy decided that he would carry the rucksack with a blanket, drinks and food. I didn't protest especially because it's no secret that Kevin is a strong guy. Since we are going to walk in the mountains, I need to save my strength. Tonight I was going to choreograph my dance and there was a lot to think about. In the finals of the competition, the contestants were to present two dances. The first one was to take place the day before the second one. All in all I was to spend less than four days at the royal castle with Wilhelm Von Mott.

On the first day, a welcome dinner was scheduled where we were to meet the judges of the competition in person. Of course, the king would not be present during the dinner. On the second day in the afternoon we had a guided tour of the castle. We were supposed to learn a bit of history, which didn't really fascinate me but what could I expect? I will be sleeping in a castle where many historical rulers of this country lived, so it was logical that the organizers of the competition will want to show it to us. In the evening we were to present the first dance. Only then we were supposed to see the king, sitting in the royal box. But it was too far away to even have a look at him. On the third day we were to have free time, which we could use as we wished. We could prepare for the last performance or rest somewhere in the castle gardens or other chambers. In the evening there was to be a final dance. The judges were instructed to evaluate one dance separately, then another and then the whole. In all, three scores were to be added together at the end to determine the winner. On the fourth day, in the morning, the person who had won was to be granted an audience with the King, which was to last not inconsiderably some fifteen minutes. A quarter of an hour is not long, of course, but it is enough for me to tell King Theorian how the Von Rostov family was unjustly treated.

As you can see, I had to work hard. But now, an afternoon of relaxation with Kevin. After all, I wasn't going to do nothing but dance. I'd have to think carefully about the layout of the dance, since Apolonia had only given me a clue to one. "The Bleeding Swan" at first glance, seemed impossibly difficult to dance, however, I guess Apolonia knew what she was doing giving me her notebook? When I thought of that old woman, I momentarily began to lose my temper. Several days had already passed and she was still absent. It was known only that she went to St. Petersburg, but why and for what reason?