Steel Rose

Chapter 16 part 1

Ptolemus Pov

   I can tell she is nervous. Not her face, no, but her hand. Her nails dig into my hand, pinching my skin. I take my hand out of hers, and slip her arm in mine instead. It does no good, seeing she only digs her nails in my arms instead, wrinking the sleeve if my jacket. "Belle, you have little reason no be nervous." 

   "Am I your girlfriend?" she asks ignoring my question. She looks up at me, "My brother called you my boyfriend so-," she trails off.

   I furrow my brow, "I thought we were already official." 

   "When was that established?" she giggles.

   "Our first kiss," I answer and she smiles. 

   "Okay," she nods and we stop by the door leading to my family's residence. She stares at the door, biting her lip. "What should I expect?" 

   I'm no good a comforting anybody. But as I look down at her, she doesn't look like she wants to be comforted, but prepared. I turn her towards me, pulling her closer. Her hands rest on my chest, a small smile at the corner of her mouth, the nerves fading away every moment she spends in my arms. I can't help but notice how well she fits into my embrace. She sighs contently.

   "Look, I promise you I'll stick by your side the whole time okay. I won't let them hound you too hard, alright."

   She twists her lips to the side. Adorable. "And you sister?"

  I already know she feels my muscles tense, "What about her?"

   "Well I know you guys are close" she starts, "and watching how my brothers  interacted with you, I was only wondering if I should expect something along the lines of that?" 

   I would be lying to her if I said that Eve would go easy on Isabelle the whole dinner, and I couldn't tell her that she wouldn't bother her at all. That would be a real lie.  "I don't really know what to expect. My cousins are the most interactive, my father is a quiet man, so you don't really have to 'win' him over. Just show the respect her deserves, and you'll do fine. Smile, don't look so nervous."

   She nods, "Okay,"

   I lean down, touching my lips to hers in a quick kiss. My stomach turns and my heart jumps. I press my forehead to hers, "You got this. I believe in you." Her cat eyes sparkle and brighten and I feel a sense of pride, knowing I'm saying the right things to a lady.

   We walk in arm in arm, Belle taking a few deep breaths. I can see most of my family mingle already, some with wine in their hands, others sitting quietly. My cousin sees us first, still wearing his guard uniform, his bald head reflecting off the light. "Lady Nornus," he greets taking her hand and kissing her knuckle. I clench my jaw. "Let me be the first to greet you, I'm Lucas, Ptolemus' cousin."

   Belle smiles her grip on my arm loosening. "Isabelle," she says. 

   "What a jewel you've got yourself here, cousin," he says smiling at me. "How long have you guys been seeing each other?" he asks. Its a innocent question, but I clench my jaw again.

   "Nearly three months," she says.

   "Well," he looks at me, "Ptolemus you've kept her hidden from us way too long. How long did you really think that was going to last?"

   "Longer then it did," I answer and Belle chuckles while Lucas smiles.

   "No need to wait any longer then," Lucas says looking back down at Belle. "I'd say its time to meet the Samos family." he gestures her mostly forward. "No need to worry, we're not all that bad."

   Belle doesn't look like she believes him. I wouldn't. Lucas starts her off easy, with a younger cousin about her age. She quickly recognises him, her smile widening. He does the same, and we engage in an easy conversation. Lucas leaves at some point, as Belle and my cousin continue their conversation.

   "How long have you guys been together?" he asks his eyes ticking between us.

   "Not too long," Belle says. "I insisted he meet my family and Ptolemus insisted I meet his, before we carried on too long."

   She never calls me by my first name, I think to myself. I make a mental note to ask about it later. "Ptolemus," he says and I redirect my attention to them. "I'd say its about time you introduce her to your father." he grins.

   "My father?"

   "Yes," he chuckles. "What a turn out. I wish you best of luck." he bows his head towards Belle. "My Lady." then he leaves me and Belle.

   "What about your sister?"she asks looking around the room.

   "You want to meet her, officially?"

   She shrugs still not meeting my eye. "Perhaps. Build my way up to meeting your father." she looks up at me. My hand somehow finds its way into hers, bringing her knuckles to my lips. She smiles, her eyes watching my every move. We pay little mind to the watching eyes, or chatter.

   "My father is not a fan of social gatherings. He is in his study." I tilt my head toward the other room. "This way. It'll be quieter."

   She looks to where I gestured. "Alone." she mumbles. "Ok, lets get this over with."

   I lead her away from the rest of my family. Her hand stays in mine, a firm reminder for the both of us. I knock before I enter. "I'll let him know you're here."

   She nods. "Of course,"

   "Come in," his gruff voice calls from behind the door. I peck her cheek before I push open the door. I slid in my hand feeling oddly cold as she releases it.

   I close the door behind me with a quiet click. The voices fade away, before going into a silence all together. I see my father immediately, he's not hard to miss. He sits behind a steel desk, our house colors hanging proud behind him.

   "Ptolemus," he says gesturing me forward. He looks up slightly, placing his own down from writing the letter. No doubt to mother miles away. "Something you need?"

   "No," I tell him walking forward sitting down. "I want you to meet someone."

   He sits back, his eyes lighting in curiosity. "The lady you've been seeing," and I knows its not a question. I also doesn't want to know how he knew.

   "Isabelle," I tell him. "Isabelle Nornus."

   He nods crossing his fingers in his lap. He nods to himself. "Pretty name. I hope she lives up to it."

   "From what I know, she does." Ptolemus nodded to himself as well. "In fact, I couldn't help but compare you to her."

   Father raised an eyebrow his lips pursing. "Like how?"

   "She is smarter then she seems. Quiet, and yet almost every time she opens her mouth she surprises me with her words. Her view of certain things is almost intimidating. Of course," I smile playfully up at him. "She speaks more then you."

   Father sighs deeply. "Bring her in. I believe its worth meeting the lady who is taking up all my sons attention."

   "Indeed."