Appetency

FIVE

  Laurent enjoys parties. He likes chatting with people, being the center of attention all because of his vain personality, and likes the way everyone wanted to be next to him. It's never surprising to see a large grouping hanging off his shoulders even if they secretly loathed his nasty attitude.

But Laurent always found a way to draw people in whether it was adapting to the conversation or even outright seducing others. And with their attention on him, he takes that as his ticket to a dance.

Because Laurent loves to dance.

But not this time. And even though he retained the muscle memory of the original owner, he doesn't want to dance in any way, shape or form.

Especially with Emperor Ephraim.

He's still holding onto his hand, looking down at Laurent expectantly. But how would Laurent be able to refuse him? In front of all of these people?

He can even see his older brother nearly losing his mind in the corner and having to be held back by some the other nobles.

Laurent closes his eyes for a second.

Just when he needed Seamus out of all the times, his older brother can't even save him from this turmoil.

"Your Majesty, I'm rather clumsy when it comes to dancing-"

"I've seen you dance before. It's beautiful."

This is no time for compliments whatsoever. Hell, everyone knows that Laurent can dance, so there's no reason for him to try and make up an excuse—actually, the people around them can somewhat understand.

No one expects the emperor to dance at this event. In fact, they can't even recall if there was ever a time he did so.

But he's doing this for Laurent? So suddenly?

It's also understandable since Laurent always had groups of people lined up to dance with him, but the emperor himself?

Laurent tries to back away. "U-Um... well, I was sick recently. I'm afraid you wouldn't enjoy it as much. You'll have to forgive me. Perhaps there's another person you would like to dance?"

"No."

The blunt answer made everything even more uncomfortable.

Was Emperor Ephraim always so dull when it came to conversation?

"Your Majesty, I really can't since I-"

Laurent was suddenly pulled to the side by the emperor. He nearly tripped over his own feet and would've fallen if it wasn't for Emperor Ephraim holding him up by the waist. He keeps a slow pace, considerate of Laurent when in reality, Laurent barely even had the strength to walk since he was still lost in his own thoughts.

But he's even more baffled when the emperor carefully guides him to sit down. Near the throne.

... Something's amiss.

Even the crowd stared up at Laurent, sharing the same sentiments.

"Your Majesty?"

"If you don't feel well right now, we can always dance later."

Dancing should be the least of their worries.

Laurent keeps up a smile, trying to act nice. Emperor Ephraim responds to a small grin of his own, though it was rather crooked, like he wasn't quite sure how to smile.

"Actually, about dancing, I-"

"What are you doing?"

The sudden harshness in his tone made Laurent jerk back, hitting the back of his head against the seat. He thought he somehow offended Emperor Ephraim, but it turns out that he wasn't speaking to Laurent. He was speaking to a nearby servant instead who was terrified.