Once Upon His December

Chapter 19 - The Argument

Kira

"F-f-fian-," I couldn't finish the word.  The blood drained from my face.  Head swimming, I felt faint.  "W-wh-what?"

"Aww, he never told you?" Lada pouted in mock empathy.  "We've been engaged for several years now.  It should be announced by New Year's since Nik will be turning 21 soon and be of age to take over."

Lada spun and strolled away, leaving me behind, stunned.  I clutched my stomach battling dizziness again.  All those years.  All the gifts.  The dances.  The kiss.  Had it all been just to use me?  This was my heart's worst fear.

Nikolai must have witnessed my heated exchange with Lara but didn't get to me in time to intervene.  He probably wasn't close enough to hear.  He hastened to get to me, weaving between guests.  I spotted him and frowned angrily in his direction.  My seemingly sudden anger made Nikolai's steps hesitate.  Still, he continued through the crowd to get to me. 

A fellow musician came up to me, stealing my attention.  "It's time for our quartet."

I nodded, gave a weak smile then turned and disappeared further into the crowd of guests.

****
Nikolai

Frowning, I caught sight of Lada and went for her instead.  She was cackling with another girl her age.  The sound made my ears feel as though they were ready to bleed.  I grabbed her arm, spinning her to face me.  Not at all gently.

"What did you say to Kira?" I accused, seething.

Lada shrugged and gave a small smile, batting her eyelashes.  "Nothing," she cooed.  "Just the truth."

My grip on her arms tightened to the point Lada winced and scowled at me.  "What. Did. You say to her?" I demanded, much more forcefully.

"I told her you and I have been engaged since childhood and she will never be wanted by you when you have me!" Lada rambled.  Fear shimmered in her blue eyes having never seen me this angry.

"You will never be half of what Kira is to me," I growled at her.  I shoved Lada away as if being burned then pointed a scolding finger at her. "Don't speak to her ever again.  Do you understand?"

Lada nodded enthusiastically.  "Yes."

"Good," I snapped then straightened my caftan.  "Get out of my sight before I have you arrested."

Lada's eyes went wide as saucers before she scurried away, tears glistening in her eyes.

Letting out a heavy sigh, I ran a hand down my face.  What a mess that petty, scheming, spoiled brat created.  I surveyed around desperately for Kira.  My heart raced at what she must be thinking and feeling.  I needed to clear this up and soon.

Before I could find her, the lights in the entire hall went out.  Murmurs of questioning what was happening filled the room.  I froze in my spot.  Then, from the stairs came a single candlelight illuminating the one face I ached to see.  As others saw Kira standing alone on the stairs holding her candle, murmurs of anxiety turned to quiet chattering of excited anticipation.

Once it was quiet in the room, her bell of a voice started out slow and soft.  It was barely audible but as expressive and controlled as ever.

Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

I inched closer until I stood boldly at the front of the crowd.  I wasn't sure if Kira could see me, but I wanted to heighten my chances. Not only so she could see how enamored I was, but so I could steal her away and speak to her after the song.