A Mightnight Dance

Reckless

Dinner was served when we arrived at the dining room. The servings were enough for one person. Wine bottles were placed next to the meals. Candles burned, illuminating the room. Sebastian pulled out a chair for me. When I'd sat, he took a seat beside me.

"No need to be formal," he said. "It's not an official event. I hope you don't mind."

"I don't. I think I prefer it this way."

Mr. Timmons personally placed a dish of minced meat and mashed potato in front of me. Puzzled, I glanced at Sebastian, but he was happily filling his glass with wine. With ease, he opened another bottle and poured me a glass of wine as well.

"Please enjoy," Mr. Timmons said.

"Thank you."

Using my utensils, I took a bite of the minced meat. My mouth exploded with flavor. Tears sprung to my eyes. This was the most delicious thing I had ever tasted.

"I'm glad you like it," Sebastian said.

Embarrassed, I chewed quickly. As I ate, Sebastian watched me, quietly sipping his drink.

"Is that all you're having?" I asked.

"I don't require much nourishment. Delilah, on the other hand, does. It depends on age."

"Are you calling yourself old?"

"I'm calling myself an adult."

Smiling, I sipped my wine.

Throughout dinner, we chatted about Delilah. Her new interest was art, and she drew many portraits of Sebastian.

"She drew you a picture," I remembered. "Did you receive it?"

"Not yet."

I bit my lip. "She misses you."

Sebastian placed his glass down. "I'm aware. My duty to my family and my duty to serve often clash."

"She wants you to send her letters."

"She'll see through my lies."

I reached over and placed my hand over his. "My father never sent me nor my siblings letters. He always sent them to mother. We'd get one almost every week. Thinking about it now, I'm sure Mother wrote those herself." I shrugged. "Lies or not, they were comforting for a child."

"I'm not going anywhere," he said, squeezing my hand. "But you've given me much to think about."

"They're just my ramblings. If they help someone, then I'm grateful."

"If you're finished with your meal, fancy a walk?"

"Don't you have to return?"

"I have time."

Hand-in-hand, we walked out of the dining room. The callouses on his hand scraped against mine, tickling me. We walked around the mansion, candlelight leading the way. We passed unfamiliar portraits and soon found ourselves on the terrace where we first met.

"This might be a little late," I began, "but I do apologize for my behavior when we met. I was a little too forward."

"I didn't dislike it. More good than harm came of it."

Smiling, I said, "I think so too." I cleared my throat. "If I can be forward again, you look very handsome in your uniform."

He kissed the back of my hand. "You can admire me all you like, but please don't be reckless again."

I looked away. "I was worried about you."

"It was merely a sighting. The Hellios were moving - though I don't know what caused this. We're taking every precaution we can."