Con Man and Princess [ IkariShipping/Paul x Dawn ]

gowns & gloves

The bustle and excitement of the wait for the ballet was captivating, those gathering around to chat with enormous smiles on their face, engaged in conversation.

Meanwhile Reggie, the man with pulled back hair and a fake persona was awaiting his two partner's arrival. He was dressed in an elegant black suit, with tails, a vest, and a bow tie, and it all almost screamed phony, but the eldest Ikari wore it with pride and cheap gloves.

He admired the lobby he was waiting in, sensing the riches it must have taken to build an establishment such as this one. He had never quite seen something so extravagant.

That is, until Dawn walked in. She wore a dark blue dress, the same color as her midnight hair. It was formfitting with a mermaid design that graced the floor as a veil, almost. It was lined and traced with diagonal beading that glimmered in the lighting the lobby provided. She was slightly taller than she normally was, but found herself in the posture the Ikari boys had helped her find. Her matching midnight hair was curled in an updo that outlined her features and secured by a sparkly headband. And of course, the added touch of gloves to her elbows. She truly looked the part, all thanks to the stylings provided by Maylene.

Paul's breath was taken away. Unsure of what to say or do, he merely gave her his own arm to escort her to their seats.

The Princess obliged by his offer with a light smile. She felt as if she were floating. It was a mix of nerves and glamour. She had never felt this beautiful and confident, but at the same time, she was a bundle of nerves ready to explode at the sight of the Dowager Empress.

Dawn didn't think she'd be able to make it through the ballet, but luckily the Ikari boys were there in their selected booth right there with her. And Paul was willing to offer his hand if she needed it. And with guarantee, she did.

+++

"The finest and driest champagne they have, we're doing to need it.

Reggie led himself and his brother through the hallway, whispering, "Is she in a good mood?"

"She's never in a good mood." There was a pause, and a realization made by Maylene. This wouldn't be good. "What have you talked me into?"

However, Reggie oozed confidence. "Just wait until you see her."

As if on cue, entered Dawn. The girl was shaking slightly but hid it well. She couldn't believe it was time to actually meet her Grandmother. It was her whole life in the making, the reason she was in Lumiose.

Maylene gasped, "Your highness!" And gave the girl a curtsy.

Dawn picked her up though, she would never ask someone to bow to her, she would never get used to the treatment. "No you mustn't!"

"We did a good job, Paul," Reggie gaged this reaction by what Maylene thought. And her reaction was incredibly promising.

Dusting her dress off, Maylene simply and unfortunately murmured, "Don't get your hopes up, young lady. She's a tough crowd."

Dawn was about to follow her into the room until Paul grabbed her by the sleeve of her glove, only to whisper with an untraceable blush. "We'll celebrate after on the bridge, okay?" He received a smile nod from the Princess:

"I'm ready," Dawn sighed, breathing a hopeful composure.

Maylene trembled, knocking on the box door. "You have a visitor, Your Majesty."

Paul pressed his ear upon the door as soon as both ladies disappeared. Turning to his brother he questioned, "What are they saying? I can't hear." But he answered his question with another, "I wonder how long they'll be." Why should I worry, the boy thought. Worrying is nothing like me.

He tossed his violet hair to the side as his brother announced, "I can't handle this. I need some vodka." And he simply exited the room in a measly jog.

The boy heard nothing but silence and continued down his spiral of thoughts, pacing. They had everything to win, there was no need to worry. But he had to assume it was good. She was finally going to see her family and him his riches, he had to be happy. However that was the last thing going through the man's head.

He should be glad they're all breaking free, but nothing is what it was. Suddenly, he came to the realization that his brother had assumed weeks ago. She mattered to him. No matter in what scenario they found themselves in, he would end up losing her. And the boy didn't want to experience that melancholy goodbye. He didn't want to lose her.

And there she was, standing before him in the blink of an eye. His thoughts were disrupted, his heart skipping a beat at the near sight of her. "What happened?"

"She wouldn't even look at me." She paused, a tear escaping her eye. "Tell this imposter to leave, I know her kind all to well. She wants money and fame and to break an old woman's heart to get it."

Paul was angry now, defensive in seeing Dawn upset. "I'll tell her the truth."

"That I was a pawn in a scheme of yours? That you made me think I might be someone I never was or never could be?" She was taking shrill gasps between her speech to hold back her tears, he couldn't decipher whether she was angry or upset. "I may have been desperate when I met you, Paul, but I wasn't dishonest. I hate you for that!" The girl stormed off and Paul had the sense not to chase after her, even if it meant losing her in this way

"I'm sorry young man," Lily sighed. The Dowager Empress following her.

"Your Royal Majesty," Paul gulped.

"How dare you address me?"

He was furious now, "Dawn doesn't want your money! Ill take full responsibility — but I believe in all my heart the she is the Grand Dutchess Platinum."

"I will not stay for this." The old woman began to walk away.

Paul, fueled by anger and sadness, stomped on her dress, rendering the old woman immobile. "She only wants what is rightfully hers! You're recognition and your loving embrace! Try to imagine her life since her entire family was murdered.

"I do not need reminding of how I lost my entire family. I lost everything I loved that day!"

"So did she. Dawn survived for a reason, to heal what's been broken or Sinnoh will be a wound that will never heal!"

"That is no longer a concern of mine. Russia has damned itself to eternity for what it has done!"

Paul simply murmured, "God will judge you harshly, old woman. History already has."

"Take me home, Maylene."

This is unedited, but I just really wanted to push this chapter out. I was way too excited ahah.