Keep the Rhythm

Part I

It was the music, the music… She just couldn't face the music. As she ran, Micaiah could hear the screams echoing behind her, yelling for her to come back, but she just looked straight ahead, her legs carrying her full speed down the halls of Daein Keep. She knew how distasteful it was for a Queen to run in the halls, but right now, she cared not for her reputation. However, she was sure that Sothe would give her a scolding after.

But really, who cares if Daein finds out their Queen has two left feet?

She saved their country, defeated the god who was going to destroy all of mankind. Wasn't that enough?

Apparently not. The royal advisors 'encouraged' her to take dancing lessons to fix her little problem. It would have been all well and good if her teacher wasn't such a grotesque man who leered at her constantly. She would have accepted Heather's lecherous eyes over his any day…

The Christmas Gala was in three days. If only she could disappear until all that was over.

Her mind was in the clouds, not focusing on the obstacles in the hallway any longer. That's why it was too late to screech to a stop as she caught a glimpse of a person standing right in her war path.

"Oof!"

Bodies collided and Micaiah tumbled over her own feet. As she felt the forces of gravity drag her down, she didn't feel the cold granite floor, but instead, a warm curvaceous body underneath her. Trying to catch her breath, she lay there, panting. How long had she been running? How long was it since she had done anything remotely related to exercise? From the way her heart seemed to be thudding against her chest, she guessed that it must have been too long.

Suddenly, she became aware of the object that had cushioned her fall. She could feel the rise and fall of a chest beneath her, the soft mounds of….something that she had her face buried in.

"Nice to run into you today, Micaiah! Finally up for our duel at dawn?"

"Mia!" Micaiah bolted up, that oh so familiar voice jolting her out of her absentmindedness.

"I'm glad you remembered." The purple haired mercenary gave her a wide grin, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous playfulness.

"Of course I remember!" Micaiah got on her knees, straddling the trueblade, her hands placed on either side of the younger woman's head. Her smouldering gold eyes ran up and down her luscious figure. Mia seemed different, more mature. It wasn't just those full lips, those hardened emerald eyes, those womanly curves… Scanning the woman once again, her eyes suddenly focused on her chest. Had they gotten bigger? Micaiah furrowed her brows for a moment, jealousy overcoming her.

Beorcs these days... Always growing non-stop.

"Has it really been four years…?" Micaiah's words escaped as naught but whispers. Four years since the defeat of Ashera, four years since they parted with the Greil Mercenaries, four years since she had become Queen of Daein. It seemed to have gone by in a flash.

"Hah…Did you miss me?"

Micaiah could feel the rumble of her chest as Mia let out a small laugh. Her voice was different too, more…mature. There was no other word for it.

"You don't know how much…" Micaiah's voice dropped a decibel, her eyes fluttering closed as she lowered her head towards Mia's. Their lips were inches apart, Mia's hands clutching desperately at Micaiah's collar, bringing them closer and closer.

Then, the bell sounded and soon, the echo of footsteps flooded the corridor. All hell would break loose if anyone found them in such a position.

It was only a touch, fleeting warmth. They parted, their cheeks flustered, their breathing shallow. It wasn't enough, but for now, that was all they could spare. Daein's silver haired maiden never had such a mask of indifference, but now, she was suddenly overwhelmed with choices and responsibilities. Getting up off the dusty stone floor, she extended a gloved hand to her companion, heaving her up.

"Thanks."

The hall began to fill with people.

"I was meaning to ask you, but what are you doing here, anyway?" Micaiah tried to watch her tone. Even the Goddess of Dawn wasn't naturally a saint.

Mia's mouth was shaped in a perfect 'O'. She feigned hurt as she put on a pained expression. "I-I can't believe you could be so harsh, your Majesty. After receiving your invitation, we, the Greil Mercenaries get such an icy reception?"

"Invitations?" The silver haired Queen was baffled. She thought that this was another stuffy party, the one only the counts and royals attended.

"I'm supposed to keep this a secret, but Sothe wanted to surprise you. It's an early Christmas present you could say. He invited everyone." Mia smiled, watching Micaiah's expressions.

"E-Everyone…" Confusion gave way to sheer horror as her perfect alabaster skin started to pale, the color draining out of her face.

"Mh hmm. Aren't you excited? You'll be able to see everyone again!"

Micaiah froze, the gears turning wildly in her mind.

Excited? No.

Terrified? Yes.

Everyone was going to come and see her at her weakest point. After this ball, they would all know that she, after living for so many years, didn't know how to dance. No wonder Sothe was so insistent on getting her a teacher. It was Daein's custom to have the Queen or King attend the first and last dance. She didn't want to be the one to break this silly tradition, but it seemed like she had no choice. Suddenly, an idea clicked in.

"Are the other mercenaries here yet?" Desperation dripped off her tone, her eyes large and pleading.

"Well, Mist and-" Mia began to list off the mercenaries who had arrived, but was rudely cut off.

"That'll do. Where is she?"

Taken aback by this sudden panic, Mia answered quickly. "In the courtyard."

"Thank you." Without another word, she turned.

However, before Micaiah could get too far, a firm grip clamped down on her wrist. "Micaiah." Mia's tone was serious, hurt, and laced with want. All these emotions swirled through the mercenary's head.

Micaiah's gaze softened. "I'm sorry. I need to do something important. I'll make it up to you, I promise." With that, Mia loosed her grasp, Micaiah's hand slipping out of hers, the passing warmth still lingering on her fingertips.

She stared at the girl's retreating figure, her silver locks swaying as she walked.

The last time Micaiah promised, it was four years ago.

'I won't abandon you, I promise.'

Crushed by royal responsibilities, the rebuilding of Daein, and their difference in social status, that promise was forgotten.

A/N: Anyone glad to see that I've crawled out of my hole? I know I've been slacking on updates....but hopefully, by the end of the Christmas break, I'll have my current projects updated. This story in particular is meant to be a three part. I'm aiming for this to be done this week, but I can't keep any promises...

Hopefully, you enjoyed this and please review! I'll be mad updating this week. Hopefully. :D

Reviews do put me in a better mood which = more/faster updates.

Thanks for reading!