The Light and Dark in Us

15. Malheureux

I dance with Jamie for longer than I originally thought I would, lost in his eyes and the way he holds me.

He's perfect.

But then I notice him getting distracted, his eyes drifting away from me and the usual frown returning to his face.

I can't help the slight pang in my chest, the feeling that he's getting bored of me. "Jamie? Are you okay?"

He gently squeezes my waist with his hand, eyes flitting. "I'm worried about Lottie, she just left with Edmund and...he's not good news."

I hesitate, "Okay, let's go find Ellie and we'll go after her. It'll be okay."

I slide my hand into his and pull him through the crowd, weaving around the people dancing. Jamie stays close to me and takes the lead, not letting go of my hand.

"Ellie." He finds her throwing chocolates into her mouth at one of the food tables.

She glances down at mine and Jamie's clasped hands, her cheeks are big and filled with sweets. She swallows. "What is it?"

"Ellie's run off with Edmund. We need to find her."

Ellie's expression darkens, her eyes narrowing intensely. "That rat."

The three of us rush out of the room, and I try to pretend I don't notice my parents across the room watching us, my mum's utter shock at my hand in Jamie's. I decide I'll save that conversation for another day.

We rush through the corridors, each checking random doors until we find one that's locked.

"This is the one." Ellie growls, glaring daggers at the door.

I notice how protective she is of Lottie, how much she cares for her friend. It's admirable, sweet.

"Move, Ellie." Jamie demands. She does and he rams his shoulder into the door, forcing it open.

My eyes widen at his sheer strength, and I falter slightly before following the princess and her partizan into the room.

Lottie looks horrified, Edmund stands beside her, a smashed glass at his feet with a dark, alcoholic looking liquid pooling on the floor.

Before anyone makes a sound, Ellie charges up to Edmund and punches him square in the face, hard.

Lottie jumps, Jamie gapes, Edmund reels away clutching his nose.

"Mon dieu." I murmur, not entirely sure what to do.

"Why did you do that!?" Edmund shrieks.

Ellie glances at her balled fist, then at the damage she's done to Edmund. She opens her mouth to say something but Jamie pulls her back.

"Urgh!" Edmund screeches, "You filthy commoner!"

I nearly laugh at the irony.

Jamie stalks over to Edmund like a tiger about to pounce on its prey, his eyes narrowing.

Edmund backs away, shielding his face with his forearm.

"Let me see your nose." Jamie states, pulling Edmund's arm down and clasping it so he can't escape.

Edmund's eyes are laced with fear, his crimson blood dripping down his chin.

Ellie shakes her head slowly. "He's not going to hurt you."

Jamie brings his fingers to Edmund's nose, trying to find the problem as he gently feels its bridge.

"It's not my fault," Edmund pleased, "I thought she was like me-"