Arranged

3

Eloise and Leto sat side by side. Leto has Jessica and Paul sitting on his right while Eloise has her family sitting on her left.

Leto and Eloise haven't even said a word to each other. They stared away from each other. Eloise was seen as nervous as she fidgeted with her fingers underneath her sleeves. Leto wanted to try and make a conversation but as he was about to he was interrupted.

"May the people dance with the bride."

A man shouted as others laughed. Leto was confused. Dance with the bride? Was this a joke? But when he turned to look at her, he saw how she held a small smile.

Ah so it was a traditional thing after the wedding.

Leto looked at Eloise as she stood up and walked towards the middle of the room. Men had been waiting as they all stood tall. But they all knew that they wouldn't get picked to dance with her.

All of those Lords and Dukes from all over Eloise's home world knew that her heart belonged to one man. No one would ever dare to say this situation even though everyone knew. Deep down they did.

Eloise looked at her man. Sir Isaac.

She had a grin on her face as Isaac grabbed her hand and did a traditional dance. He had one hand on her waist as he had the other in her hand. Eloise had her hand on his chest as the other was held in his hand.

The two looked like a beautiful couple...if only. But then dancers dressed in fine silk came out and surrounded the both of them. They had danced like ballerinas around them.

Isaac had spun Eloise around. Showing her off. Eloise had giggled as the musicians continued the play a delicate sound piece that sounded so beautiful.

One would think that this was Isaac's and Eloise's wedding. But the Duke and his family didn't judge. They let Eloise have her wedding she should have. Even let her dance with Isaac. They had this whole wedding be on her home world.

Why? Because this would be the last time she would see her family, friends, maids and servants. Her family that she grew up with. The crowd got bigger as Noble men danced around them with their own wives.

Leto saw how much Eloise had a huge smile on her face as she danced. She seemed fully of life and so happy. Leto saw his wife be happy with someone else as he did the same. He held Jessica's hand under the table.

Jessica had her face covered with a piece of silk. She wanted to respect Eloise by giving her the gift of making Eloise seem more important to the Duke.

Paul was all smiles as he saw the people dance. Something that wasn't a traditional thing on Caladan. He seemed so inspired as he sat on the edge of his seat the entire time.

Sadly the dance had ended. Eloise looked at Isaac with heart eyes. Everyone saw it in the room. But Isaac knew he couldn't do anything. He pulled away and bowed. As he bowed he took one of her hands and kissed it with gratitude.

"Thank you, for the pleasure of dancing with you, Lady Eloise."

Isaac said as he looked at her from his hooded eyes.

"The pleasure was all mine, Sir Isaac."

After that conversation the whole crowd clapped again. As if they didn't see the clear tension.

Eloise went back to her seat next to Leto. Leto held Jessica's hand still under the table. Eloise saw but didn't care. She felt more at peace as she got to dance with the love of her life.