RIPPLE

{Eleven}

AN: slight sexual content.

The bash tonight was out of this world.

        I'm introduced to many members of the Royal family line. Darcy's family lingers near her and Lachlan, and Margo's is in the gardens with her while Mikhail consumes glass after glass of richly flavored chocolate wine. My mind is swimming. Despite attempts to get Mikhail away from the newly decorated bar area, he stays put.

       For the first half of the night, everything runs smoothly.

         I'm approached and asked to dance a lot, and I usually refuse.

        Near the large windows of the ballroom, tables of food have been set up and a band plays on the stage. I have a table almost to myself, but I can't help thinking about what Lucien said earlier. Bad things are going to happen this evening, and its best if you stay faraway from the scene of the crime.

       Lachlan's out-of-town semi Royal friends and close cousins showed up near ten, and from there it all went to hell. Lachlan began to drink, and ever so slowly by eleven thirty, the elder adults sizzled out and left the almost adults out to play. The music changed to something that played on the radio yesterday, and strobe lights begin to bounce along the room. Cheers are heard and a fog machine clouds the air around us all.

         Decorations are destroyed. Alcohol is consumed faster than it can be brought out, and Mikhail brings me a blue alcoholic drink in a larger glass. He takes me by the hand, whisking me towards a non-existent dance floor.

         “Drunk before midnight must be a new record for you,” I shout over the music, sipping the drink Mikhail placed in my hand.

         Mikhail grins, “You haven't seen anything yet, darling.”

          Mikhail showed me how to dance to this new music. My back is to him and we move to the beat of our own music. I feel powerful as I finish my drink, “Come on King of Kinerton, where is your betrothed? Shouldn't you be charming your guests?”

         I snag another glass from a server's tray as they pass, and so does Mikhail. His hands drift low against my waist, “Lachlan can charm a nun out of her panties,” he sneers. “I'd rather be dancing with his beautiful new mermaid friend. I'm simply here for the beverages.”

        I turn to face him now as we dance, “And you still have secrets to tell me.”

        “Meet me in the gardens at midnight.”

         Lachlan manages to get away from his friends and Darcy, and swept up behind me as I face Mikhail. There's jealousy in his gaze and alcohol on his breath and mine. “Is he bothering you?” Lachlan slurs. His eyes are bloodshot and I can see Darcy watching us from the other side of the room.

        “I was just leaving.” Mikhail glares back.

         Lachlan dances with me the way Mikhail had. My back is to him and my back is pressed against his stomach. I can tell that he doesn't want to let me go, and his lips close in on my neck in a warm kiss. Its hard to focus around Lachlan, its hard not to completely lose myself in his embrace and touch. I want him more than I have ever wanted anything.

          Between the next glass of alcohol, Lachlan's touch and the blinding lights, I can't seem to tear my gaze away from him. Deep in the back of my mind, I know something bad is going to happen. But I don't care. I can't look for Lucien or seem to get away to hear Mikhail's drunken secret — whatever it may be.

         Lachlan introduced me to his friends, despite the fact that I quickly forgot their names.

         I want Darcy to feel what I have felt all night. I want her to look at Lachlan and I and I want her to know that the second-born Prince of Kinerton is mine. Near midnight, I could see Lucien sneaking out of the room and away from Waverly, but I cannot bring myself to follow.