Warning: AU, Pseudo-Historical Romance, PG-13, Ran/Ken.

Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.

When He Danced With Me

Chapter 4

Once the King was seated the gathered throng drifted away from the edges of the carpet and arranged themselves in little groups near the walls of the room. There seemed to be just enough small clusters of chairs and settees for each one, and the few that remained empty were quickly filled by the nobles still arriving. The late comers had to walk all the way to the end of the carpet and bow or curtsy to the King before they could situate themselves, and until they were done no one else moved.

Ken watched from a chair in the little cluster of seats his Aunt and Uncle had claimed. It was very near the throne, he noticed. Aya and Elinor were sharing a settee, as were the Grand Duke and Duchess. Yohji also occupied a chair, and watched everyone with interest. Ran remained standing by the arm of Ken's chair and Omi was stationed near the wall, standing at attention, ready to serve.

"Now what?" Ken asked, getting fidgety.

"We wait until everyone has finished arriving," Collette answered as she scanned the crowd. "The Crown Prince is not yet here, but you told me he was back in Town."

"So he is, and his little entourage with him," the Grand Duke answered.

"I saw him at our club on Monday," Yohji added.

"Was he in good spirits?" the Grand Duchess enquired as she began to slowly fan herself.

"As good as ever he is," Yohji answered neutrally.

Ken and Aya glanced at him in curiosity.

"I dare say he's becoming almost as reclusive as Ran," Collette continued. "He didn't go to ten balls last year, and I never saw him at one card party."

Ran grunted.

"I think you may relax, Ran, for a few minutes at least," his mother chided him as she too opened her fan. Aya followed suit. "You look like an angry bull."

He frowned at her and, although he didn't drop his arms, some of the tension seemed to drain from his face and his stance.

"Well, Ken, do you recognize anyone from your spring visit?" Elinor asked.

"No. I wasn't really looking. But I saw Kate and Sebastian," he said with a grin.

"For tonight they are Count and Countess Shadwell, Dear," Lady Fujimiya corrected gently.

"Titles only, my boy," the Grand Duke said with a nod.

"And remember what we discussed earlier," Ran added quietly.

Aya glanced at Ken curiously, held her fan before her face and leaned over toward him.

"What did you two discuss earlier?" she asked Ken in a whisper.

"In public we're just friends," he replied in kind, then glared at Ran. "I won't forget."

"Hn."

"Ignore him," Aya advised lowering her fan again. "Just remember, no dancing."

"Yeah, yeah, I know," the Duke growled.

"Dear oh dear, spirits seem to be falling fast," the Grand Duchess tutted. "And it's only the first ball of the season."

"Ah, here we are, and not a moment too soon," the Grand Duke sighed as the musicians changed tempo and several footmen began rolling up the red carpet. They made quick work of it and once it was removed the King nodded and the footman's staff rang out again, three sharp taps.

Instantly everyone was in motion. Many nobles began to form up into lines in the center of the room, ready to dance the first official dance of the season. Others moved to meet with friends and acquaintances, or to pay homage to others of greater and more significant rank then they were themselves. The room was filled with music and loud chattering voices.

Aya sat up straight in her seat and smiled expectantly up at her brother, who remained standing, unmoved and disinterested. The Grand Duke, Grand Duchess, and Elinor rose to welcome several acquaintances, who they pulled Ken from his seat to be introduced to, and Yohji rose to face his cousin.

"My Lord, if you won't see the Lady to the floor then please permit me the pleasure," he said with a meaningful nod.

Aya looked between the two.

"You are her escort," the Prince reminded him.

The Earl's mouth twisted, but he shouldered Yohji out of the way and took his sister's hand. As she rose she smiled gratefully to their cousin, and then she was on her way to the floor for her first official dance.

Ken grinned after them, but pouted when moments later he found himself alone in their little seating area. The Grand Duke and Duchess had moved, with their friends, to join the dancers. As had Yohji and Elinor. Looking around Ken noticed almost everyone who seemed capable had fit themselves into the center of the room, where they stood poised to begin.

"Would you care for some refreshment?"

Ken jumped and turned startled eyes on Omi, who was grinning just behind him. He'd forgotten his friend was there.

"You won't need to worry about it being tampered with," the youth continued. "Not here. No one would dare."

"Yeah. Thanks, Omi," Ken smiled. "I mean, Master Tsukiyono."

"Just Omi," he smiled and was gone.

Ken turned his attention back to the dancers just as the tempo of the music changed again and they all began to move. It wasn't at all like the country dances he'd seen at the harvest festival in the fall. It wasn't even as animated as the minuet Aya and Yohji had shown him, and he'd been struggling to learn. It was complex and sophisticated. The couples moved around one another and everyone else carefully and slowly. Occasionally their finger tips would touch if they had to circle together, but otherwise it looked as if a large group of people trying not to get too close to anyone, and going to intricate geometric lengths to avoid it.

To Ken it seemed very dull indeed, and he wondered about Aya's great desire to take part in it. It didn't seem to fit her at all.

At the harvest festival he and Ran had attended upon their return to his estate in the fall everyone had undoubtedly been having a good time. The couples had screamed and laughed as they twirled and spun and exchanged occasional kisses. Everyone was full of merriment and the dances had reflected such. Once again he felt a pang of longing for home and sighed. Resigning himself to what looked like a very boring evening. Maybe the food at dinner would be good.

Omi arrived with his drink, a goblet of mulled wine, and proceeded to point out who was who among the dancing couples. Ken did recognize a few names from his previous visit, but Omi told him that many of the people they'd met in the spring had been friends of Ran and Yohji from school or their club. They most likely wouldn't see them at this ball as everyone attending was from the aristocracy, and many of their friends weren't. But he did see a few of the men he'd met while spending the day with the King, and much to his surprise he recognized Count Kase Kouichiro when he saw him. The man was still puffed up with arrogance, and still wearing the oddest and largest wig Ken had ever seen. This one had a hat mounted in it, and he was wearing a spot shaped like a battle ship at full sale on his cheek. Ken scowled in distaste and took a healthy drink.

Fortunately they only saw Count Kouichiro once, and with Omi's company and commentary the dance ended far sooner than it would have otherwise. Ran returned without Aya, having turned her over to their cousin who requested the next dance, and Elinor came back only to leave again a moment later to join a group of friends.

"How was the dance?" Ken asked. "Did Aya have fun?"

"Oh, yes," Ran snorted. "Every eye was on her. She won't be in want of a partner tonight, perhaps all season either. Bunch of wolves the lot of them."

Ken refrained from reminding his lover that Aya was no lamb. Although he'd said more than he had since they'd arrived, it was clear that Ran's mood was not improved. Ken wondered whether he should mention seeing Kase or not.

"Here," Omi said, shoving a drink under the Earl's nose.

Ran blinked in surprise then accepted it.

"Rather than worry about Aya, who can handle herself, why don't you take Ken around and introduce him," the servant suggested. "He's bored stiff sitting here, and he can't very well introduce himself. Right, Ken?"

"Yeah, I am kinda bored," the Duke admitted.

Ran's violet eyes met his chocolate and the cold annoyed anger faded into something soft and warm.

"You're absolutely right, Omi. As usual," he said handing back his drink. "Come, your Grace. It is time you met your peers."

During the next several dances Ran led Ken around the room, from group to group, introducing him to whoever wasn't out on the dance floor. He met Counts, but not Kase who was dancing and they avoided his sitting area which apparently Ran recognized, Earls, Ladies, Dukes, Duchesses, Viscounts, several other Grand Dukes and Duchesses, Marquis, Barons, Baronesses, and no fewer than twenty Baronets who were, Ken remembered, the lowest in rank of the hereditarily entitled. At each introduction Ken was grateful for Omi's careful tutelage in proper deportment.

Everyone he met expressed great pleasure in finally getting to meet him, and they were all interested to know whether the stories and rumors were true, but it was hardly a topic that could be broached in general conversation. So the same whispers followed them as they left every group. Had he really been raised as a servant? How remarkable, curious, disturbing, and in one strange case, charming.

By the time they'd circled the room Ken was more than ready to head home, straight back to his estate never to return. The idea that everyone was playing a very elaborate game came back to him full force and he was reminded of exactly how little he thought of it. And when he'd glanced at the King, lounging on his throne observing the dancers, he'd become aware of just how much his uncle enjoyed his position and the power it afforded him.

"Well, that should do for a start," Ran was saying. "You've met at least one member from every attending family, and I must admit that most of them are here. Now those you've met may introduce the others and I can return to watching over Aya. What's wrong?"

Ken glanced at his lover and sighed.

"I just remembered exactly how much I hate this," the Duke muttered.

Ran ducked his head and graced him with a small secret smile.

"I know, Love," he whispered. "After tonight I won't ask you to accompany me to anymore dances or balls. But it was impossible for you to miss the Grand Opening Ball. The King expects you to be interested in all of this. Your position and the privileges it entails. He doesn't realize how much of a farmer you are," Ran smirked.

Ken snorted then sighed and nodded. The next thing he knew they were back at their seats and Omi was handing them their drinks. Ken sat down heavily and prepared to be bored once more, at least now that he'd met people he could wander the room at his leisure.

The evening continued in this vain for several hours before dinner was called and everyone lined up in order of rank to proceed into the dining hall. And hall it was. The largest room Ken had seen yet, with two long tables that stretched the length of it all done up in glittering plates and silverware. Ken knew if Mrs. Hudson and Molly could see it they'd be very impressed. An army of servants stood by ready to direct the seating and the handling of the food.

The King sat in the exact center of the first table across from an empty place, left vacant in honor of his dear wife and Queen. The highest ranking of the gentlemen sat one on either side of him and so on down both sides of the table. The lower ranks sat in the same set up at the second table. Both sets of gentlemen sat on the outsides of the tables, and the Ladies filled in the empty seats across from them, also arranged by rank.

Once again Ken found himself separated from his family and friends, but at least they hadn't used "promiscuous seating", and he was spared having to chat with any of the women. It proved hard enough to carry on a conversation with the elderly Duke to his left, and the man's eldest son to his right. The two were mainly concerned with who'd made a good showing so far, in terms of dress, and who'd danced with who. They were both very interested in being introduced to Aya and asked him if he wouldn't put in a word to Ran about it.

Ken couldn't wait for dinner to end.

Halfway through the meal there was a disturbance at the entrance to the hall which attracted everyone's attention. A servant dashed in and said something to the King which made him scowl darkly and throw down his napkin. Seconds later a blast of trumpets rang out and a tall, imposing figure stepped through the doors. He was impeccably dressed in a fine suit of gray silk with a yellow sash across his chest. He was at least as tall as Yohji with dark hair combed back into the customary tail and spectacles hid intelligent, golden-brown eyes.

There was a flurry of activity and the loud scrape of over a hundred chairs being yanked back over the floor boards by servants so the nobility seated in them could rise to bow or curtsy.

"Announcing His Royal Highness, Prince John Bradley Crawford."

The Crown Prince had arrived.

He ignored the genuflecting mass of people and strode purposefully over to the only vacant seat, that left for his late mother. Once there he bowed to his father who sat glaring up at him while everyone else remained standing in a show of respect. The Crown Prince motioned to the nearest footman to pull back the chair so that he could be seated. The man nervously looked to the King whose dark scowl turned icy. Not only would that show disrespect to the late Queen, but it would also place the Crown Prince between two women.

"Come, come, man," the Prince stated impatiently.

The King gave a slight nod and the chair was pulled back, allowing the Prince to sit. Once he was settled everyone else returned to their seats, but the noisy good cheer had been replaced by a quiet tension.

"I apologize, Sir, but as you can see it was the only vacant seat," the Prince stated as his plate was removed and filled.

"Had you been present when dinner began your seat would've been available to you," the King replied stiffly. "I did not see why I should be short a dinner partner because you were late."

"I was detained on business."

The King's eyes narrowed.

"You had the whole day to finish your business, Sir. This evening you were to be at my disposal," he snapped. "Are you suggesting your business was more important than the will of your sovereign?"

The Crown Prince met his father with a smirk. The light from the candles flashed across his spectacles.

"What I believe, Sir, is that this is a conversation we should have later," he said. "Away from prying eyes and attentive ears."

The King took a breath as though he would answer, but the Prince turned his attention to his returned plate and tucked into his dinner, ending the discussion. His father eyed him grimly and took a deep swallow of his wine. Around the table quiet cautious conversations began again.

Ken curiously studied the Crown Prince from his seat down the table, noting that the man seemed to have, despite his smirk, a serious countenance similar to Ran's. He appeared to be ignoring everyone around him while he ate, but Ken saw that he took in everyone and everything. When their eyes met briefly the Prince's registered some recognition and interest before moving on. His eyes, the only part of him that even remotely resembled the King, held a fierce intelligence.

The Duke wondered about the man. Neither Ran nor Omi had told him much. Even Yohji had been silent on the subject. The last thing he'd expected was the display he'd just witnessed and he wasn't sure what to make of it all. The fact that the Prince had bucked convention wasn't nearly as shocking as his exchange with the King, or the fact that neither of them had attempted to speak softly. Ken was certain everyone in the dining hall had heard them.

By the time dessert was served everyone had settled back into the good cheer they'd had before the Prince's arrival, and the conversations had resumed their relaxed nature and their volume. When they'd finally returned to the ballroom the tension between the King and the Crown Prince was either under tight control or had disappeared altogether, and as the first dance began they came down off the raised platform to wander the room.

Aya, who'd sat out the dance in the hopes of an introduction, sat up straighter in her seat and attempted to look indifferent. The rest of their little group, minus Yohji who was now flirting fully with everything female off and on the dance floor, had returned to their seats and tried not to smile too broadly. They all rose as the King and Crown Prince approached.

"Sire," the Grand Duke said as they bowed and curtsied. "Your Royal Highness."

"Evening, Sakajo, Lady Collette," his Majesty said with a smile. "Lovely evening, what? Quite a turn out."

"I believe every noble house is represented, your Majesty," the Grand Duke agreed.

"Lady Fujimiya, you are as lovely as ever," the King said nodding his head to Elinor. "I wish you would decorate our court more often."

"Your Majesty," she replied, with a deep curtsy. "I couldn't possibly leave the estate to its own devices."

"Huh, your son has a lack of trust in stewards," the King stated casting Ran a glance which the Earl ignored. "And this divine creature is, I believe, your daughter."

"Yes indeed, your Majesty," Elinor replied with a smile. "My daughter, Aya."

Aya dropped into a low curtsy, lowering her eyes demurely.

"Your Majesty," she said.

"Lovely," the King commented. "Miss Fujimiya, you've out shown them all. Well done. Oh, and here is my son, Prince Crawford."

"Your Royal Highness," Aya said curtsying again, but not quite as deeply.

"Miss Fujimiya, a pleasure," the Crown Prince said reaching forward and kissing her hand. She flushed with pleasure. "I wonder if I may beg the next dance?"

"Certainly, Sir," she said with a smile.

"Excellent," he replied with a bob of his head.

"And this young man is your cousin, his Grace the Duke of Hidaka," the King stated indicating Ken.

"Sir," the Crown Prince nodded, his bright eyes studying Ken closely.

"Your Highness," Ken nodded back, then remembered himself and bowed only to discover identical amused smirks on both the King and his son when he came back up.

"Have you met your impersonator yet, Sir?" the Crown Prince asked him.

"Not yet," Ken replied.

"He's not a bit like you," the Crown Prince stated dismissively and turned away.

Ken started in surprise and Ran snorted.

"How are you enjoying the evening, young Ken?" the King asked jovially, ignoring his son.

"The food was good," the Duke replied evenly, also deciding to ignore the Crown Prince who had begun watching the dancers. "The dances are...interesting."

"I notice you haven't participated in any," the King said eying him.

"N-no, your Majesty," Ken said and glanced at Aya. The King also looked at Ran's sister and raised his eyebrows expectantly.

"Duke Hidaka has many skills, your Majesty," the young woman said carefully, "but dancing, I'm afraid, may not be among them."

She began to fan herself and the Crown Prince barked out a laugh.

"My dear sister worked hard at teaching the Duke this fall," Ran added giving the Prince a light glare. "Often with unfortunate results."

Ken frowned then blushed then huffed angrily and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Well, this is serious," his Majesty said, pondering. "I shall have to see what can be done."

Ken cast a worried look at Ran who successfully swallowed his smile. The Grand Duke and Duchess and Lady Fujimiya all began chuckling, as did the Prince, who hadn't ceased smiling.

The music changed suddenly and he bowed to Aya.

"Miss Fujimiya," he said and she curtsied.

"Your Royal Highness."

The others watched them as they took up position on the dance floor.

"I've been watching her dance, my Lord," the King said to Ran. "She is grace itself."

"Thank you, your Majesty," the Earl said without any of his former stiffness.

"She has been most anxious about this evening, Sire," Lady Fujimiya said.

"As any young woman with any sense would be," the King replied.

"I'm pleased it's going so well for her," the Grand Duchess commented.

"Indeed," the King agreed. "If only my son would feel similarly anxious over his own behavior. The boy has no sense of decorum or protocol," he added sourly.

"They do have their own minds, Sire," the Grand Duke said with a chuckle.

"Indeed they do, Sakajo."

Ken didn't comment. Although from what he'd seen it appeared the Prince had no interest in decorum or protocol. His sense had very little to do with it.

While the dance was going on the King moved to the next group, and Ken's party resumed their seats for a few minutes. After a while Aya returned with a brilliant smile lighting her features and the evening continued in the same vain it had before dinner. Ken found himself wandering the room nodding to and chatting with almost everyone who wasn't dancing. Many of the older gentlemen considered themselves farmers, as he did, and he found they shared many of the same concerns and interests. He watched Ran and Aya dance again, and located Yohji in a corner surrounded by young women. He blushed fiercely when his cousin called to him to join them, and hurried away. When he happened upon Count and Countess Shadwell sitting out a dance he happily engaged them in conversation.

The King observed him from just down the room. After a moment he approached Ran, who was just moving from the dance floor with Aya.

"My Lord, a word," he said and drew the Earl aside.

"Your Majesty?" Ran asked.

"I have some concerns," the King stated directing his gaze toward the Duke who was animatedly speaking with Sebastian and Kate.

Ran followed his gaze and felt his stomach clench. He worked to school his expression and keep his breathing slow and even. They'd been so careful, how could the King know?

"As you well know, it is imperative that a gentleman of fortune and consequence be able to present himself well at court," the King continued. "How bad was he at dancing?"

Ran felt himself marginally relax.

"Bad, Sire," he answered bluntly. "I believe Aya was actually limping after each attempt. She did not give up easily, but ultimately she felt it unsafe to let him try it in public. We did continue to try at his estate, but with little improvement."

"Something shall have to be done," the King muttered. "His manners are tolerable, but if he can't present well I worry about his influence. Others may not respect him or value his opinions."

"Hn," Ran grunted with a single nod, relieved beyond measure. The King didn't suspect a thing, and gave dancing more weight than Ran did apparently.

"This goes hand in hand with his cavorting with his tenants," his Majesty continued with a frown. "I was not pleased to hear about that football business. It is one thing to be on top of what occurs on one's estate and quite another to be on such intimate terms with one's tenants."

Ran frowned.

"With all due respect, your Majesty, what impresses the common folk is somewhat different from what makes an impression on one's peers," he said meeting the King's eyes unflinchingly. "Your concerns about his reception at court are well founded, but believe me when I tell you that he has endeared himself to not only his tenants, but the local gentry as well."

The King looked at him hard before beginning to smile.

"I'd forgotten what it was like sparring with you, my Lord," he said, his smile growing. "I see that you have continued to improve in your time away from Town. I am very pleased to see this, my Lord. Very pleased."

Ran blinked in surprise.

"I've no doubt you're right so I'll leave that be. But the dancing must be worked on," the King said. "I'll contact some of Crawford's former instructors."

"Thank you, your Majesty," Ran said with a slight bow.

"And as for his hair..."

Ran blinked again.

"...where is his tail, Sir? Why hasn't he grown one?" the King inquired.

"Honestly, Sire, it never occurred to me," Ran answered.

The King eyed him.

"I can see that in more ways than one you're not as reliable as your cousin, Prince Yohji," he said. "He'd have no respect for anyone if left to you."

"Sorry, Sire," Ran replied, not without amusement.

"Yes, well do something about his hair," the King commanded turning away. "A Duke without a tail. Unheard of."

Ran quirked a brow and watched the King move back toward his throne. As he thought about where he'd expected the conversation to go he breathed a sigh of relief. Then he looked to Ken, who was not going to be pleased to have more dancing lessons, and he began to consider how to convince him to grow his hair out.

By the time the ball came to an end and they were on their way home it was only a few hours to dawn. Aya was ecstatic about her debut and expressed her pleasure and thanks over and over. Ken was relieved when they dropped her and Elinor off at their apartment. He was too tired to listen to her politely. The silence of the coach after the ladies' departure was welcome and he found himself leaning into Ran's steady warmth.

"Did you have a little fun, at least?" the Earl's deep voice floated out of the dark.

"Mmmm, a little," Ken admitted with a yawn. "I found some other farmers to talk to. The Prince..."

"Hmmm?"

"He wasn't wha I 'spected."

"Hn."

"You nev'r talk 'bout 'im," Ken murmured. "Yohji either."

Ran glanced down at his lover and pulled his arm from under his weight so he could wrap it around Ken's shoulders. As their coach passed by a street lamp Ran noticed that Omi was sound asleep in the seat he'd taken from Aya. It seemed Ken wasn't far behind. Ran squeezed him closer.

"We're almost home," he said softly. "We can discuss the Crown Prince tomorrow. Alright?"

"Mmmm-hmmm," Ken answered quietly.

Ran glanced out the window at the dark city, the smoky street lamps dimmed by the lightly falling snow, and allowed himself to relax. They'd made it through the evening. Their first big test and they'd made it. Now if only things would continue to go as well for the rest of the season. Unless by some miracle the King wouldn't mind his nephew's love for another man, but he seriously doubted that.

Sighing, he pulled Ken closer and listened to the muted sounds of their coach moving through the snow covered streets toward home.

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Author's Note: I made everything about court balls up. I have no idea what they were really like and I was too lazy to look them up...again. But what the King said to Ran about Ken's needing to have perfect manners and dancing was absolutely accurate. He wouldn't be able to win the respect of his peers or the hand of a suitable Lady in his current state, and those were considered all important. Poor KenKen.

Noir Raven Dravenwood: The Crown Prince is Brad. This chapter was "the big reveal". Of course, it'd have been bigger if it hadn't taken me two years to write this fic. Aya is one of my fovorites to write because she's an unknown and you can basically do whatever you want with her. Fun, fun! LOL Oh, I'm sure you can be far more evil than me! I may do some evil things and have some evil ideas, but in the end I want everyone to be happy. So, I'm really a softy. Please don't pull out all the stops!