True Love

The Ball II

Ross and Demelza danced the first dance. It was a Minuet, Demelza looked so elegant and lovely in her gown that she had the attention of all men especially those that courted her for her hand. Demelza thought Ross was by far the most handsome Gentleman there. There was one suitor of Demelza who was making it impossible for Ross to enjoy his evening. It was Lucian Graymark, he seemed very dangerous Ross thought. Then there was Philip Lombard he looked to be a man of the world. Also introduced to him was a man simply known as Mal he seemed cagey to Ross, Leonardo who was a famous artist, and Joe O'Loughlin was studying people with nervous problems. This was not to mention Keli or John Mitchell. They were all very handsome and each had an endearing quality. It seemed any of them could charm his wife. Dwight Enys was there along with Hugh Armitage, along with all the lecherous from Cornwall. Ross groaned when he saw them all and he knew they all desired his wife for some time ever since she was introduced. Joshua came over and said, "son I hope you have made sure Demelza knows what is in your heart! She is much admired, even Elizabeth can't take her eyes off her." Ross looked over at Elizabeth who was standing beside Ruth Teig they were both scowling at Demelza.

Ross said, "Father, have one of the boys go over to see if they can tell what Ruth and Elizabeth are up to. I don't like the look they are given my wife." Joshua nodded and went off to find Drake because no one was going to harm the hair on that girl's head. Ross finally got to dance with his wife again. They were dancing the Baroque dance, interrupted by John Treaglos and Elizabeth. John said, "Poldark I have tried all evening to get a dance with your wife, do you mind? I brought you Elizabeth to enjoy, I know how much you look forward to spending time with her." Demelza was getting ready to go with John when Ross grabbed her and said, "in fact, I do mind John, if you thought Elizabeth would ever compare, in my eyes, to my wife then you are not in your right mind" Elizabeth shot Ross a glare, then Ross led Demelza away so he could speak to her in private.

They went out through the back French doors that his father had put in so they could watch the ocean. He said, Demelza I know I don't deserve you or my child but you two mean the world to me. No one or anything could ever take the place of your love. Please don't leave me." Demelza put her hand on his chest and said, "Ross all I ask is that all ties to that woman be broken. You may see her at functions where your cousins are involved, but I do not want you to seek her friendship out. She is no friend of mine." Ross held her tight saying, "tell me how to do that when we will expect to be civil at functions. I don't want her, why can you not believe me." She turned to face the ocean; Ross refused to relinquish his hold. He held her in his arms his chest to her side. She finally said, "Ross I don't know the answer I can just tell you that she is a threat to our marriage. A threat that I cannot live with, her presence in our lives makes me bitter something I do not want to be. If you promise me, on my life, that you would never betray me, I would like to try. Ross went to speak, but Demelza cut him off. In the fairy realm, a promise is binding and you betraying me would lead to my death. There is another aspect and that is you will do everything in your power to keep her away from you and our family." Ross said, "my love let it be so, I promise I am yours forever and will never betray your love for you or our family. I don't want to be involved with her; I see how truly conniving she is.

Demelza and Ross went back into the Ball holding each other's hands. Joshua shared a smile with King Demetrius, who at that time asked Elizabeth to dance. When after the dance he asked if he could have a word with her. Leading her into the food, the King whispered if you ever do anything to harm or hurt my granddaughter or any of her family, I will skin you alive, then he gave her a sharp tooth grin. Elizabeth screamed when people came running, she said, "he is not human." The King looked at everyone and said, "I was just telling her to leave my granddaughter and her family alone when she screamed." Elizabeth said, "look at his teeth." Demetrius opened his mouth showing his beautiful glamoured teeth. Elizabeth said, "They were sharp and pointy like fangs. John Mitchell walk up to her and smiled showing her his fangs, she screamed again. Lucian Graymark was next to go to her to aid in helping her sit, he too showed her his fangs. Elizabeth said, "they are all monsters." Then Doctor Joseph O'Loughlin came to her taking his glamour off just for her, she shrieked, "what are you, people." Dr. O'loughlin said, "same as you my dear, you should go home, let me escort you." Elizabeth said, "no not you." Kili spoke up, "I will take her and gave them an award-winning smile knowing that he would enjoy showing her his true self.