Steel Rose

Chapter 18

Ptolemus Pov

   Days after Belle meeting my family I still feel the ghost of her small hand on my cheek, probably the most tender touch I've had in a long time. You're wonderful. I let the words echo around in my head for a while, a long while. I itch to see her, since both of us, mostly me, had been too occupied to go out again. After I returned her to her residence, Father had officially given Belle his approval. She'll be good for you, he told me. Evangeline hadn't been as enthusiastic about Belle, but I knew it would only take time. 

   I took my time to prepare today. I took time to mold and craft my armor for the Parting Ball.  I dressed to impress. Although it should be to show the strength and power of my house, the only opinion I really care about it is the girl with golden locks and hazel eyes.

   "Ptolemus," my Father's voice inturputs my thoughts. "Hurry up. We can't be late."

   "Ok," I call back putting the finishing touches on my outfit. I take another glance into the mirror feeling satisfied before opening my door to follow. 

   We line up accordingly, and a brief memory of me as a child practicing this crosses my mind. I make effort to search for Belle but end up only disappointed. Besides Father doesn't let me go far, knowing we march into the ballroom in any moment. 

   "Look for her in the ballroom," he says as I get in line behind him. He glances back at me.  "You like this one don't you?" 

   Its not a question but I answer anyway for the pleasure of saying it. "I do," 

   The doors open and the line moves. I'm one of the first to shake hands with the royals, but I keep my eyes on Evangeline. I shake Marenna's hand her grip noticibly light but I don't ponder over it. "My congratulations," I tell her.

   When I reach her, she smiles at me. We embrace in and hug, our outfits clicking quietly. "You look beautiful," I whisper to her.

   "Thanks," she says quickly. "I'll come find you," Knowing we don't have much time and I need to keep moving, I nod moving on down the line. I follow Father, shaking the prince's hand and down to the king and queen. The line keeps moving, and time keeps going , slowly, and slower it seems. The ballroom gets more crowed and the line continues. I search for Belle, but I can't seem to find her myself. 

   A cousin clapping his hand on my shoulder makes me pause my search. "Stop staring," he says pulling me away. "She'll be along eventually." he plucks a dainty glass from a passing servant handing it to me. "Drink, relax."

   When the pleasantries end and the line is gone I find myself with Evangeline, on my third glass of champagne. I nod along to what she is saying but my interests are elsewhere, and my head begins to fuzz slightly.

   "Don't drink too much Tolly," she says plucking the glass from my hand. She finishes it for herself before handing it off. "You know Father," she chuckles, "and I wouldn't want to get you in trouble."

   I wave it off, "I'm fine. I can hold my alcohol. Its the cousins I worry about."

   She smirks, "Yes," she drags tilting her head to the side admiring the ballroom. She sighs in content, letting the stress and worry fall from her shoulders just for a moment. "One day," she gestures to the room. "This will be mine."

   Her gaze is distant and she isn't looking at me anymore. I can't tell if she is speaking to me still, or to herself. "And what about Elane?" I find myself asking.

   Her eyes snap to mine, and he stands upright. "What about her?"

   "Her, and the arrangements. You haven't mentioned that in a while."