The Baron and his Lady

Fifty-six: Uninvited

Penthurst Manor

When he saw her lying there—on his bed—he felt the sudden urge to pick up her head and cradle it against his chest. But she was sleeping soundly. So peaceful. Could he really bear to disturb such serenity?

When Tristane brought her in he realized how much he missed her. Even after he saw her during the ripple's last attack. This time she made his heart jump, his pulse thicken and his breath short. When they asked him if he wanted to hold her and bring her upstairs he refused. His hands were shaking too much from nervousness. What if he dropped her?

After Tristane laid her down they were left alone. He realized he was acting like a love-stricken boy. He thought denying his feelings and pushing her away was going to make it all go away. The rituals were done, he drank the stinking potion they gave him and refused to reach out to Krista. When Patrick came upon him two weeks ago and recruited him to prepare the ball, he knew nothing has changed.

He still loved her.

It only meant that the ripple did not influence him in any way.

Her chest heaved up and down in a relaxed movement. She may be having a dreamless sleep. Something she rarely had when the ripple started barging into their lives. He really should just leave her alone for now. A few minutes more of sleep shouldn't hurt. He could use this time to prepare his grand entrance, so to speak.

***

Krista's pov

I carried my skirts and played along. After wondering if this was the same person who I thought touched my cheek before I woke up, I decided to go with the flow. Who knows? Maybe I'll figure it out later on. The other guy who gathered me from upstairs had an air of indifference but this one right here, he feels warm and welcoming.

I took the man's hand and let him lead me into the dancefloor. Others didn't even turn to stare unlike most dreams where the protagonist starts getting attacked for gate crashing. But I was invited just like that other man said. Maybe, this was one of those nicer dreams.

"Is something the matter, my lady?" He asked.

"N-no. I am just surprised that you asked me instead of another respectable lady."

He gave me a genuine smile and for a moment I thought I recognized it, "Fear not. I am yours tonight." The way he said the last word sounded slightly different. Was he trying to change his voice? It was like he was making it lighter instead of a normal baritone.

Then he pulled me against him and we began dancing. Luckily, the music was slow and I could catch easily. I followed his lead and found myself enjoying the moment.

We did turns and exchanged partners once. I saw several heads nod and smile at me as if I truly belonged there. How silly. I wasn't made for this world. I was a modern girl living in a modern world. But my heart was head over heels with a man who matched everything in this dream.

I was back into my partner's arms and felt that music was coming to an end.

"You look lovely, my lady." He said.

"Lovely? How can you say that? I am wearing a mask."

"No mask in this world can ever hide your beauty from me." He gave me twirl that sent my skirts flying. I gasped and landed on his chest while staring up at him. Who was this man exactly? "How do you find the ball, my lady?" He asked.

"I...I..." my head was spinning. It felt like I was getting drunk from this dream. It was too good to be true. The place, the costumes, the food and even the music. They're perfect. It was like I stepped into his world once more.