Another piece of Ambrose and Az's personal history. Thanks as always to eleanorariail. We need beta appreciation week!
"Follow my count," Ambrose instructed to Azkadellia who clasped one of his hands in hers, her other hand resting on his upper arm (she wasn't yet tall enough to reach his shoulder comfortably).
The girl nodded, looking very studious for her part. "It's almost like learning a new language," she thought out loud.
"Well, you should have no trouble then, Azkadellia." Ambrose said with a thin smile. His dance partner's serious expression gave way to a bright smile at his complement. "Shall we begin?"
Azkadellia composed herself again and nodded, so Ambrose placed his free hand on her shoulder and started a rhythmic count.
"One, two, three, one, two, three," he went through the rhythm twice, then started to lead Azkadellia through a waltz.
At first Azkadellia kept her eyes on their feet to be sure she didn't trip. There was no music yet, just Ambrose's steady count that she mouthed along with him. After a few waltzing circles and only one stumble she was feeling more confident that she hadn't inherited her father's two left feet and decided that it was safe to look up at her teacher.
"One, two, three, good, two, three," This came so naturally to him! Azkadellia couldn't suppress the smile that tugged up the corners of her lips.
"Do you think you have the timing?" Ambrose finally broke from the rhythmic speaking, but he didn't miss a step.
"I think so." Azkadellia answered, taking a quick glance down at their feet, to make sure hers were still moving in time. Ambrose nodded and lead in one more circle, then stopped her.
"Music?" She asked eagerly.
"Music." Ambrose affirmed, then parted form her, walking to the gramophone that sat on the table near the window. Azkadellia watched as his fingers moved over the machine, swearing that it seemed to move to his wishes before his fingertips actually touched it, though maybe it was just a trick of the light.
The music started up and Ambrose walked back to Azkadellia. He bowed, she curtsied, and they took their positions once again. Ambrose waited a moment for the timing to be right with the music, then began to lead Azkadellia through the steps.
"One, two, three," her lips moved silently through the first few rounds, but then she was matching the flow of the music to the steps, and letting the sound guide her feet.
"Very good!" Ambrose smiled and surprised Azkadellia by releasing her shoulder and twirling her in place.
"Oh!" Azkadellia almost lost her footing, but her expression was delighted. She burst out in a giddy fit of giggles as she caught her balance. "We didn't practice that!"
"I'll warn you next time," Ambrose chuckled, her laughter catching.
"Oh, no, don't," Azkadellia said, catching her breath. "It's better a surprise." She beamed. The music played cheerily on.
"Alright, Princess." Ambrose smiled fondly at her. "I agree wholeheartedly."
Still grasping Ambrose's hand, Azkadellia straightened herself out and placed her other hand back on his upper arm. The music had changed to a different melody now.
"This is pretty." Azkadellia said after listening a moment.
"Mm," Ambrose nodded, listening as well.
"Master Ambrose?"
"Yes, Princess?"
"Thank you."
"Of course, Azkadellia."
She smiled and hugged him. He patted her lightly on the back.
"I'm glad to teach you."
Evening had fallen and Ambrose was back in his study. He settled in his favorite chair, opening up a book on the customs of Viewers; he needed to brush up, her majesty would be meeting with the leader of a northern colony in a fortnight. Comfortable, he set to reading, all the while humming a cheery waltz.
