Tangled Hearts

Never Doubt I Love

I

Gertrude arrived the ball with the ladies behind her. They all looked beautiful on their way, their faces covered in make-up, fine dresses with golden lines, and hairs adorned of garlands. Only Ophelia was wearing simple make up and a golden leaf headband, a gift from Gertrude. Ophelia was one of the last ones to enter.

Gertrude greeted her husband and son that were already present. A small family reunion.

Ophelia had no feelings of amusing herself. She doesn't have the intention to be criticized for her dances. She leans against the wall while the other ladies seek out men they would dance with for these were oportunities to meet someone. She could only watch.

Hamlet took her mother's hand and dances with her. The ladies dance with other men, including Hamlet's friends, and her brother Laertes. The only one she sees standing still is Jacques. It didn't surprise her, this is a feast dedicated to Hamlet. He wouldn't enjoy his rival's feast. Be that as it may, she does see how a few women, Josephine is among them, approach Jacques all flirtatious. He responds with physical contact and teasing them. Explicitly, he grabs Josephine's hips, bringing her body closer to him. Of course, what else does she expected? A high-ranking man being followed by women and he takes advantage of it. But why should she care? So she looked away and continued, unaware that there were many eyes watching her.

Hamlet, still dancing with his mother, observed Ophelia, just standing there alone. He admired her sweet and quiet aspect, unlike other rowdy ladies. He saw the waves of her hair turn into curls, and it reminded him of the Persephone tapestry. Like Persephone, Ophelia is an innocent lady waiting to be abducted. So, he will find a way to get to her.

Jacques drank his wine, still holding Josephine as she rubs his chest as act of seduction. "The evening could be more exciting if you take me to your chambers," Josephine says suggestively.

He would've accepted if he stopped looking at Ophelia. He ignores Josephine's fondling and sees Ophelia more adorned. She was beautiful and quiet as the day he met her. He admitted it, she was balancingly sweet and sensual. He sure won't have a problem putting her to his bed and steal her purity. She might be just another of his amorous adventures, but she is the essence of making Hamlet's life miserable. Vengeance will pleasurably be worth it.

Heinrich, sitting on his throne, observed the mistress of his arousal fantasies. She is a goddess, so alluring. She has fire on her auburn hair. A fire that heated his blood. But he knew to even think of her that way was a sin. He has to get rid of the thrist the heat caused him. To distract himself, he stands from his throne and approaches to interrupt the mother-son dance. He begins to dance with Gertrude without knowing that Hamlet is gladly going after his next dance partner.

Ophelia kept observing the feast, she lost herself just watching not noticing the prince getting close. Hamlet appears to her from behind. To her surprise, he takes her hand and pulls her to him. Their faces were so close they could just kiss right there. The exchange of smiles were enough for them to have the courage and joy to dance. He said he wanted to dance with her, no matter if her dance moves were odd. Both enter the dance floor, and begin to spin, dancing to the beat of the music.

'She dances like an angel', Hamlet thinks.

He was mesmerized by Ophelia's gaze. Clearly, the love between them was growing. She could sense he is not playing with her. He is dancing with her in the eyes of all, even the king. She was not dreaming, she was living the dream.

But the dream didn't last.

It came the moment in which the dance swapped partners. Hamlet is approached by one of the ladies, while Ophelia is left there, alone again. No other man wanted to take her. The next thing Ophelia sees did not make it any better. The certain lady begins to whisper in his ear, to which they both giggle. The sight of them was causing Ophelia a sudden attack of jealousy and disappointment. Was she so naive to think the prince would heartily fall for her? She had to get out of there, be away from everyone.