Rue

9. Compliments

The door opens on that moment, revealing Chaol, drinking in the sight of Rue.

"Hey! At least knock the door before you come in!" Rue says, startled.

Chaol scoffs at her. "I just thought of complimenting you, but it seems that you don't deserve it, huh?"

"Oh, just, shut up." Rue is suddenly aware of herself, and she blushes unceremoniously.

"As if I will." He smirks.

****

"You look beautiful." He whispers to her as he held the car door open for her as she steps out.

"And you look as charming as a devil." Rue replies with sarcasm.

They had been quiet during the car ride like what she had wanted, but she is still being extra jumpy due to her wondering how the night would be and of course, what Chaol actually wants from her.

"You do not want to see me as a devil." He murmurs.

"Pardon me?" She pretends not to hear him. 'Goodness knows what he meant by that.'

"I take that as a compliment." Chaol winks at her, holding out his arm for her to take.

"Is this a formal event? Why should I hold your arm?" She tries changing topic, as they stepped into a mansion.

"It is always what you never expect, Rue, that comes into your life."

Rue sucks in her breath, being fully aware that Chaol is staring at her, waiting for her to say something. But he didn't answer her question, so it's only fair not to answer his statement, no matter how intriguing it is.

'Looks like this is going to be a night full of riddles.' She looks back at Chaol's waiting eyes, and decides not to answer anymore. 'Who cares anyway?'

The door opens, saving her from having to reply Chaol. A huge blast of music catches her, and she steps into an orange-lit ballroom. The scented air and decorations are in a good combination, and the whole place just smells classic.

It is not in her heart to pick, but Rue couldn't help judging as the next sight takes her excitement away. She took in the mass of drunken people dancing and swaying to the music, not even keeping up to the rythm. She pushes pass them to see more drunken people, some even making out in public. At this point, she is feeling sick to her stomach and she regrets believing in Kate and coming.

"Hello there, beautiful." A man comes staggering towards her, stopping her train of thoughts. "My name's Damen, and you?"

At least he isn't that drunk yet, because he still has not slur his words together like what she reads in the novels. But as soon as she thinks of that, she realises that Chaol is not beside her. She just wants to go home right now.

"Rue. Do you know Kate? Can you help me to find her?" 'At least I try. I'm never going to go for parties. Never again.' She has a feeling that this Damen here could find Kate for her, if her hunch that Kate is famous is true.

"Oh, Kate. There-"

"Sorry. She is not yours to take."

He is interrupted by Chaol, who carries her at once, into a room. She struggles against him and curses him until he puts her down, which is about an effortless five minutes for Chaol, but an exhausting five minutes for her.

"What in the hell are you doing? I don't need you to save me from nothing, and you wrongly accused him of wanting to take me all the while when he is not even harming me! I was doing perfectly well on my own!" Rue shouts when she lands on the floor and found her balance.

"Says the lady who got lost." Chaol speaks, his soft voice almost drowning in the blaring music outside. She can't see his face as it is half hidden between the shadows but she could swear that he sounds hurt, even if the sentence is sarcastic.

She stops. She can't continue venting out her anger. She cares for his feelings too much to continue blaming him of something that isn't his fault. She settles down in silence, watching him.

"What a drama the both of you do, huh?" The lights are turned on and Kate is suddenly in front of Rue, hugging her.

"You're doing well, Rue." Kate whispers in Rue's ear when she hugs her back, leaving her to wonder what it is that she meant. Out loud, Kate giggles, "Well, well, you have learned on yourself how to be fashionably late. Or did Chaol teach you that?"

"No?" Rue replies, breaking away from the hug. "I was sleeping. Sorry, Kate."

"Being fashionably late is style, Rue, you have to know. I'm glad you learned this." Kate smiles at her. "I'll leave you alone with Chaol. See you later." She walks away just as fast as she came, leaving Rue surprised and confused.

"So you saw your friend. Happy?" Chaol says as she turns to face him. In her heart, she is glad that he did not disappear for the second time, although she doesn't show it.

She doesn't know what to reply him, so she keeps her silence. Chaol is leaning on the wall, his arms crossed, having the usual bored look on his face again. They look at each other, but for some unknown reason it isn't awkward, not at all.

He relaxes his stance.

"Care to dance with me?"

***
Don't forget to vote and comment below! :) Thank you!!