Chaconne of Ruins

Coronation(2)

"Jay," she whispered against his chest. Her heart thudded back and forth between her lungs-she had to make a dreary announcement.

"Hmm," he hummed, waiting for her response.

She sighed like a storm brewing at sea, and looking up into his eyes, she began, "Once I step out of this ballroom and the clock strikes midnight, I will forget everything... The curse will make me forget it all." Horror twisted her face, and silence enveloped them until she spoke again. "This dance only happened because of my father's blessings, which lasts only till midnight. Tomorrow, we'll go back to the same struggle, fighting for love, hoping for a future that might never come."

"Maybe I can stay by your side until time runs out? I want to hear you talk... your voice is magnificent, my love," he said, his voice deep, the weight of emotions pressing against every word.

"Of course," she replied, pulling him to a nearby table. He pulled out a chair for her, then sat down, his gaze fixed on her. He waited for her to speak, but she hesitated, a lump in her throat despite this brief freedom.

"I want to know about you-how life has been, what you enjoy, what makes you happy," she said in a brittle voice. Her mind raced with a thousand questions, but time was running out, and everything felt impossibly complex.

"My life, besides falling in love, has been pretty amazing. I love horse riding, chess, playing the piano, and reading. As for what makes me happy, hmm," he thought for a moment, "it's probably seeing a smile on my loved one's face. What about you, Sera?" Her nickname slipped off his tongue, stirring emotions she had never felt before. It was a devil's temptation-something akin to a lustful attraction yet soothing like a sip of hot chocolate.

"About me? I love reading and horse riding too, and I enjoy playing with Erin," she said, grinning.

"Who's Erin?" Jay asked, frowning.

"My pet dog. He's the loveliest being. Let's go to the palace garden and look for him," she exclaimed, jumping up from her seat and pulling Jay towards the door. But her feet froze as soon as she reached the threshold. Her head bowed, and her grip on Jay's hand loosened. She crouched, burying her face in her hands.

"It's alright, honey. Someday, we'll play with him together," he said, crouching beside her, resting a comforting hand on her shoulder. She felt ashamed-of herself, of their circumstances... of everything.

Just then, the clock began to strike: 1... 2... 3...

"No, no, I need more time," she said, her words muffled and rushed. Realizing the time slipping away, Seraphine suddenly pulled him into a kiss, cherishing what might be their last moment, and whispered against his lips, "I love you more than myself now. I hope that love will bloom soon in reality as well."

10... 11... 12...

Their mellow "dream" was over. Life had returned to its harsh reality. Seraphine looked at their closeness with fear and uncertainty. She pulled away from his embrace and rushed through the door, leaving Jay standing there, broken. His fingers brushed the spot on his lips where she had kissed him, his mind replaying her words, "I love you more than myself now," until he couldn't bear it any longer. It was a lovely tragedy. He let out a bitter, mad laugh, standing at the entrance.

"Excuse me, sir, you're in the way," a lady behind him said, tapping his back. He stepped back into the ballroom, glancing at the corner where he had just experienced his first kiss and dance. His eyes searched for hers, hoping for a connection, but none met his gaze.

"Jay, I'm sorry my powers are only limited to a few hours and not a lifetime," King Syrus said, patting the younger man's back. Jay's head slowly turned towards the older man, eyes stained with melancholy.