Obsidian Path

Chapter 1

1, 2, 3- 1, 2, 3.

The count echoed around my head, the sound considerably amplified by the ballrooms domed ceiling. I was having considerable trouble focusing on the rhythm when everything was being doubled.

My padded feet attempted to move swiftly over the polished wooden surface, failing at keeping silent and in time with the music. Glancing up from the disaster below, I saw the scowling faces of both my mother and partner not just once, but reflected thousands of times in the mirrors surrounding us.

I simply couldn't keep up with the rhythm and my short legs could not stretch far enough to allow my partner enough room. Ember let out another exclaim of pain before dropping my plumb body from his arms and clenching his foot to his chest.

"For goodness sake Collette, will you focus on your feet," mother told me in exasperation, placing her head in her hands and rubbing it methodically. "I do not know how you will be ready by tonight, even with non-stop practice until then."

"I'm sorry mother."

Facing the garden, my mother stretched her arms upwards and let out a huge yawn. Suddenly, as if realising what she was doing, she quickly covered it up by choosing something 'interesting' to look at in the garden.

My mother is one of the nicest people you will ever meet- sweet, caring and beautiful, but Lady Elizabeth Karina is too busy attempting to fit in with the other high class people to take notice of her children. Unfortunately, I was currently ruining Lady Elizabeth's reputation with my mediocre dancing skills.

It wasn't fair! A young girl like me shouldn't be expected to dance like a professional. Even is Ember could.

Mother sighed once more, "Ember, make sure she practices for at least another hour before taking her get ready. If she embarrasses me later neither of you will be happy."

"Of course miss, I will do the best I can," Ember promised bowing.

Bending my head over, I waited until I heard my mother's footsteps leaving before turning to face Ember.

"Thanks a lot Ember," I cried angrily.

He smirked at me, his thin lips curling cheekily, pushing his cheek up and further rounding his well-fed face.

"Have I upset you milady?" Ember asked sarcastically.

"You can stop with that nonsense, mother has left the room," I curtseyed mockingly.

"Of course milady."

"Urgh," I exclaimed, throwing my hands into the air.

I hated Ember; he was everything Lady Elizabeth wanted me to be. Although he was my cousin, Ember was treated like another servant in the house. I wasn't sure why but I knew it was a reason I wasn't allowed to know- or wouldn't understand because I'm too young.

I've heard it's something to do with his looks. His dark skin was unusual around the royals, I've only seen a couple that were only slightly darker than mine, let alone as dark as Ember's.

"Now, shall we get back to business?" Ember inquired, holding his hand out to me.

I rolled my eyes, "sure, whatever."

Holding his hand and shoulder, I waited for him to begin leading.

"Well?"

"We need to start the music," Ember smiled, nodding towards the player.

Pulling myself from his grip, I stomped over and pressed the play button.

"Why do I never see you using your magic?" Ember asked, glancing at the marks upon my forehead.

I shrugged, "let's just start shall we."

Ember nodded, pulling me into place and starting the dance. After five minutes of watching my feet and doing ok, Ember stopped me in mid dance.

Placing his hand on my chin, Ember pulled my eye line to meet his. I started at him nonchalantly.

"You can't watch your feet all the time," Ember explained. "Your partner will not appreciate it."

I cringed, even if I didn't like Ember it was much better dancing with him than someone I didn't know.

We continued for another hour before I complained about my feet hurting too much. I think Ember agreed with me, although for a different reason to me. At least my feet were small enough to not hurt his too much.

"Well, I'd better get ready," I looked at him, expecting him to leave but he nodded towards the door expectantly.

"Lady Elizabeth asked me to escort you," Ember explained.

"Ok, sure," I waved him away and stormed off.

Ember caught up with me easily, his long legs striding further than mine. "Why are so angry all the time?"

"Why is there so much to be angry about?" I retorted.

"Do you not know where you will end up if you continue like this?" Ember asked cocking his head to the side.

"Where?"

"In hell," Ember stated spookily, "so what must you do to not?"

"Not die," I suggested sarcastically.

Ember shook his head, grinning happily. "So you can joke, but can you laugh?"

I scowled at him, "why does that matter?"

"If you keep doing that your face will freeze and you'll always be scowling," Ember stated, avoiding my question.

Spotting my door, I sped up my walk and managed to reach the handle before Ember. Pulling it open, Ember pushed it closed before I could get through.

"Knock knock."

"What?" I shook my head in confusion.

"Say who's there," Ember prompted.

"Who's there?"

"Orange."

I stared at him while he stared at me expectantly for a while before scowling himself.

"Orange who," I finally replied.

"Orange you going to open the door," he raised his eyebrows expectantly.

"You're in my way," I mumbled grumpily.

Ember shook his head, finding my response funny. "Never mind," he moved away. "Have fun being pampered."

"You too," I yelled back, finally entering my room.

"Are you reading ma'am?" My in waiting staff asked.

Looking back at the door, I considered running but thought better of it, "might as well get it over with I suppose."

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Got to go, no time, thanks for reading :D Xx