Cruel Beauty

Halloween'

'You look.' but you can't finish your sentence because you don't have the words to describe how enchanted you are. The Baroness smirks, oh she knows damn well how good she looks. 'Thank you my dear.' she smiles coyly and drifts off into the crowd to mingle. You stare after her totally stricken with awe. The night is a little awkward, you make small talk but you do not know anyone here, it gets worse when the guests pair up to dance, and you shuffle awkwardly away to the outdoor balcony. The cold night air assaults your skin and you listen to the waves as they crash in the distance, a crescent moon lights up the night sky. 'Aren't you going to dance with the others?' You turn to see the beautiful fae queen walking out to you her mask held over her eyes holding a glass of wine. You chuckle. 'Thank you for tonight, Baroness, it was magical to be a part of.' Victoria lowers her mask. 'My dear, you are not a part of it, you are out here alone.' She stands beside you. 'It's embarrassing.' Victoria tilts her head taking you in. 'What is?' You turn to her. 'I don't know how to dance.' A smile spreads across the older woman's face. 'Now, that, my dear I can remedy. John.' she calls and as always her ever-loyal valet emerges from the shadows wearing an eyemask of autumn leaves.

'I require your assistance, we are going to teach yn how to dance.' John dutifully inclines his head and then stands in front of you. 'My lady, may I have this dance.' You awkwardly place your hands not sure what to do. 'It's very simple, I learned as a girl, 123 back 123 turn-' 'Ow.' John winces as you stand on his toe. You immediately let go. 'I'm sorry, I'm useless, I'm so clumsy.' John swallows and takes position again. 'It's a learning curve, we will try again, let me lead.' You make another attempt and this time end up stumbling. 'For heaven's sake, John you are useless.' she pushes her mask and glass of wine into his hands. 'Hold these.' The Baroness spins you back to face her and you look confused as she takes your hands positioning them on her body. 'Now look, right hand here.' She places your hand on her waist you can feel the heat from her skin through the fine material. 'Baroness, no, I don't want to hurt you.' You try to let go but she keeps your hands firmly in position. 'You won't.' she speaks confidently. 'Now, then, 1 2 3.' she walks forwards, you back. '1 2 3, turn.' she spins out and comes back into your chest. You continue these steps repeatedly. You are terrified that you will cause her harm, or step on her toes.

The Baroness presses her fingers into your shoulder blade releasing a knot of tension. 'You need to relax my dear, it's supposed to be an enjoyable experience. Just let go.' It takes everything in your being but you manage to relax. 'Baroness I appreciate what you are trying to do but I am just not meant to dance.' The Baroness spins back into your arms. 'Dear.' One two three back. 'You are dancing.' You didn't notice this but she is right you are dancing with her and you both continue to move elegantly as John stands to the side watching you both. 'Well, looks like the queen is teaching her newly appointed princess how to dance.' Dan sneers. Dan and Monique have their faces pressed up against the glass door leading out to the balcony as they spy on you. 'Your ladyship. Your guests are asking for you.' a maid announces. The Baroness stops with a curious smile her eyes linger on yours. 'Alas, the duties of a hostess never end.' She lets go of you and you follow suit instantly breaking the connection. 'Have a nice night my dear.' she walks over to John taking her mask and her alcohol sashaying back inside. You stare after her with no idea why. 'Yn, you should come in, it's cold.' John heads back inside.

'My, my, I do declare what a fine-looking gentleman.' Yvette approaches John in a bright pink dress which was perhaps designed to make her stand out but unfortunately just makes her garish looking. 'Madam.' John inclines his head but she catches his arm. 'Not so fast my love.' She tilts her head viewing him. 'Mmm Victoria picked a right stallion when she picked you didn't she, And I love the short hair.' She runs a hand through his hair. 'Thank you, madam, if you will excuse me.' he tries to leave again. 'Why John, look at you playing hard to get,' she air bites against his ear. 'I love it.' The blonde takes John into an alcove. 'I have a little proposition for you.' she runs two fingers up his chest. "I don't think I'm buying what you are selling." came to his mind. 'My valet, Paul, he's old as the hills, practically an heirloom I inherited from my father, I'm in the market for someone a little more virile.' She rests a hand on his bicep. 'I'll pay you double what she does.' she whispers huskily. 'Thank you madam but I have job satisfaction.' Yvette smirks. 'Ohh, such a loyal boy, I bet we could come to some other arrangement.' Her other hand rests on his groin.