The Insight of Denmark

~3~

The bustling Parisian street was just adding to his nervousness as he and Francis made their way to the dance studio. It was hard to believe he was there finally, soon meeting Annalise. He felt the same adrenaline he had when he discovered new areas with the Vikings and raids he did in his younger years, so much going on within his head he thought he would burst.

"Just relax, you will meet her soon." Francis laughed at him as he held the doors open.

"Already here?" he paused.

"Oui, we are." Francis replied, "What, too afraid?"

"Me, afraid? Ha! Funny there." he shook his head, "Ok just a little."

"It is quite thrilling non?"

"It is." he replied as something came to his mind, "Hey Francis?"

He heard the man hum in reply, "Be honest. How scary was it when it all happened? For you and Brie?"

That got the Frenchman to pause, his eyes staying low as they ventured farther into the building, "To be honest, once learning all I did after Lukas and Vlad found out the truth behind the books, knowing that the past soul of Rasputin was out there hunting her down, it was the most terrifying thing I could have ever been through. Beside almost losing her and Jacque in Italy."

Mathias almost forgot that tidbit of information. It made sense why Lukas was so adamant to be around Katyusha the entire time or have her in Norway twenty-four seven.

"Why do you ask?"

"Oh, just curious."

"You afraid it won't go well?"

"It hasn't for some people. Supposedly Antonio had a hell of a time making sure his capital didn't commit or place herself in an asylum, some like Eliza even had theirs admit themselves. I just worry that's all."

Francis gave a light chuckle, "I understand your fear, I do. However, Brie and the children, especially Jeanne, have spoken with her over everything and that isn't something you have to worry over."

"You sure?"

"Is the great king really doubtful?"

"Funny but all jokes aside, yes I am."

"Mathias, just relax." Francis reassured him as he opened a set of doors, "She's more than ready, now it's your turn."

Moving closer, he found himself upon an overlook of the dance studio and below them were the dancers, so many graceful women and men, filling the floor with delicate and tranquil moves that would silence an audience of thousands. And she was within them.

"Alright, everything looked good today. Let's keep it that way. You all may practice a little longer but as for now, you are all dismissed." the Mistress called out to them.

Here and there, ballerinas shuffled out of the large room as he waited for Francis to give him a clue as to which she was. He tried to see, tried to place what Jeanne had explained to him as one dancer came to sight. She moved upon the floor as if she were floating in air, grace and beauty capturing the others as they watched her. She was skilled, talented, amazing in his eyes. He couldn't help but awe at her, she was the definition of a ballerina as she gave a final twirl and stopping. Gentle claps filled the air as he too added his own to the mix. It was then he saw Francis move, just not in excitement like he was.

"Francis what's wrong?"

"Keep your temper."

"Why do you say that?"