[3] downfall ~ harry potter × marvel

2.03

Here you go, guys -- enjoy the refurbished version! :)

I really want to give some special thanks to many of my readers who've been helping me and reading this story ever since I started the first book. I love you guys and I appreciate it so much that you've stuck by this series from the very beginning.

TW: there is some signs of PTSD in this chapter. I don't know if the trigger warning is needed, but let's just get started, aye?

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the dance

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All the eyes were completely focussed on her. Everyone had stilled to watch her descend the steps for the first time as Queen. Gasps had escaped the nobility's mouths when she'd preformed her graceful curtsy.

The announcer for the night called for her High General to step forward for the first dance. Skyler felt her chest swell with nerves – as far as that was possible, since Astrid had strung the corset very tightly. This would be her very first dance. Both as Queen and in general. She'd never danced during previous balls held in the palace.

He was already waiting for her at the bottom of the golden steps, standing out from the crowd in his pure white suit with silver and light blue. Once she stood right beside him, Raymond bowed respectfully.

"Ready?" he murmured as he offered her his hand. She tried not to seem hesitant, after all, no one knew what she'd planned for tonight. A night no one would ever forget.

"Of course." She grinned and took his hand. Together, they headed for the centre of the ballroom, where the first dance would commence.

The silence was almost suffocating – Skyler could swear she heard only the people's breathing. It didn't get better as they reached the middle of the room and bowed to each other once more.

Only once she heard the first beat of the orchestra and felt her body relax. Time to start dancing.

Raymond's hand circled around her waist and pulled her closer, as their other hands remained intertwined. His eyebrows shot up in amusement. "Is this... a corset, my Queen?" he purred near her ear. They began to sway to the melody's rhythm.

A delightful shiver went down her spine and Skyler smiled. "Why, it's tradition after all." He twirled her around, the many skirts of her dress flaring around her. Then she was drawn towards him with her back against his chest, the hand that had been around her waist now on her hip.

"Didn't you throw quite a tantrum when Alexandra tried to coerce you into wearing one?" he chuckled, then they twirled again. Skyler looked down at their feet, recalling the memory. "Oh, no, are you blushing?" Raymond gave a louder chuckle this time, and a smile reached her face as well.