Flight of Frost and Aurora

Chater 33

Later that night, after dinner had been cleared and the remnants of the feast were being tidied away, Charlotte found herself pacing the grand foyer once more, her heart racing with anticipation.

"Papa," she began, her voice steady but filled with urgency, "I need to talk to you about something important."

Lucifer looked up from his seat by the fireplace, his brow furrowing slightly. "What is it, Charlotte?"

"I want Alastor to come to the Yuletide ball with us," she declared, her eyes shining with determination. "It wouldn't be fair to leave him behind, especially after all the hard work he's done for us. He deserves to celebrate just as much as we do."

Lucifer raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in his gaze. "Charlotte, you know how I feel about that boy. He's strange, we don't know where he comes from, and I worry about the impression it might leave on everyone at the ball."

"But he's proven himself! He's worked tirelessly, and he's shown nothing but respect and dedication. Stepmother is wrong about him, he's not just some vagabond; he's a good person, and he cares about our family. Please, Papa, let him join us. It would mean so much to him—and to me."

Lucifer rubbed his chin thoughtfully, weighing her words. He could see the passion in her eyes, the way her cheeks flushed with excitement at the mere thought of Alastor being part of their celebration. After a moment of silence, he sighed, relenting. "Very well, Charlotte. If it means that much to you, I will allow it."

Charlotte's face lit up with joy, and she rushed forward to embrace her father tightly. "Thank you, Papa! I promise I'll make sure everything goes smoothly."

As she pulled away, her heart soared with excitement. Without wasting another moment, she dashed out of the house and made her way to the barn, her footsteps echoing in the stillness of the night. The cool air brushed against her skin, invigorating her spirit as she imagined Alastor's reaction to the news.

She pushed open the barn door, and climbed up into the hay loft where Alastor sat, whistling to himself.

"Charlotte." He said. "What brings you here at this hour?"

"I have wonderful news!" she said, breathless with excitement. "I just spoke to my father, and he's agreed to let you come to the Yuletide ball with us!"

Alastor's eyes widened in disbelief. "Really? You're not joking?"

"Not at all! I told him how hard you've worked and how much you deserve to celebrate with us. He finally relented!" Charlotte beamed, her heart racing at the thought of sharing the evening with him.

A look of pure joy spread across Alastor's face, and he stepped closer, his expression softening. "Splendid."

"It's going to be amazing! We'll dance, eat delicious food, and celebrate together. Just think of all the sweets Molly and I have been preparing!" Charlotte said, her enthusiasm infectious.

"I've never been particularly fond of sweet things, but I do love music and dance. As a child, my parents and I would visit the village church at night to celebrate special occasions. The church had an old organ, and my father would play beautiful melodies while my mother and I danced together."

"Sounds like fun."

"It was. We were too poor and from a lower socioeconomic background to attend any parties or balls, so we made the most of what we had."

"Your parents sound like wonderful people."

"They were. I don't talk about them much, though."

"Why not?"