Abyss - Book Five of the Alpha Series - MxM

Chapter 47 ( M)

The greetings from guests, thankfully short, are plentiful and enough to keep me from having to spend too much time with anyone dignitary for too long. 

Fillipa had changed into a more modest dress, something easier to move in as we navigated the multitude of warm bodies. We had been the talk of the Capital for some months now and the opportunity to speak with us, even if only for a few moments, was too much to resist for the commonwealth of Paris.

Plates of food swirl around us, and I do everything in my power not to devour everything in sight. The smell of good food in the compact space reminds me that I hadn't eaten today, and the chefs had outdone themselves.

 I keep a drink in my hand and do my best to snag things as often as I can, even with servants waiting on us; getting away from the prying eyes to have a singular moment to eat seemed nearly impossible.

 It's one of the few instances where I'm craving the savory meat choices they offer, considering that my diet is mainly vegetarian. 

"That cake is gigantic." Fillipa comments, and we both marvel at the time it must have taken. Its intricate design makes it look more like a sculpture than a cake. "You look rather handsome, by the way."

"Don't I always look this good?" I retort, enjoying my wine as it helps me loosen up. "I've enjoyed both of your outfits. It was nice of you to dress Helen; she looked like an adult for once. Have you taken such a liking to her?"

"She's a lovely girl. She's been a major help. It's serve you well to get to know her, she's an asset-" 

The master of ceremonies makes an announcement in French, and the floor begins to clear. I raise an eyebrow at Fillipa, who rolls her eyes at me. 

"Have you not learned French by now? What do you do all day? It's time for us to have our first dance." Extending her hand, I gather it in my own, guiding her effortlessly into the cleared space under the massive chandelier. 

"I terrorize French nobles and try not to get assassinated. I think at this point I'm not learning out of spite, have they tried to learn my language?" I retort dryly under my breath. It's a blessing that Fillipa isn't but an inch taller than me. Her shoes are flat, keeping her in line with my size. 

I twirl her around as the music plays softly in the background, a gentle melody that encourages us to move slowly. For once, I'm glad of the classes I took as a boy, though admittedly, she helped me more than I care to say. 

 "You outdid yourself... is Roksana-" I bring her closer, earning a guarded glance from her. She didn't want to talk about it, confirming my suspicion. 

"My job is to support you, and I must admit, if I liked men, you wouldn't be the worst option." She regards me with a slight smirk, regal in her tan dress, which complements her complexion. "I'm glad your friends are here for you. I feel like they are my own after what we've been through. You surround yourself with good people. They even gave you your space." 

I tilt my head, and she leads me in a circle so I can spin her once more. 

"They've been here for two days, helping to set up. You've been so busy following your lycan around that you haven't noticed. I saw you finally let him out?"

I sigh; so even she noticed that? "I just want him to be safe-" Pressing my lips together, I force myself to compose my face. "By my side, not making an excuse to leave me behind."

"That man loves you, or should I say, he is obsessed with you?" She reminds me, but she must see my pain, for her hand touches my face, lifting my gaze to meet hers. "It'll be easier once we are home. France has been hard on us all."