Author's note: Here we are, two chapters, one day, I rock and I know it XD Thank you everyone for your kind compliments and adds/favs! It warms the heart to know you all enjoy this story so far. Criticism is welcome if you have any thoughts on how it's going and/or how I can improve it.
(As always, I don't own anything, the original storyline is my own creation).
The room was crowded with swaying bodies as the music droned on. The bright masked and clothes created a rolling sea of colors. Above it all Shaw sat proudly on his throne. He gazed at his subjects with an approving air. The Christmas gathering was going well, and all the better now that he got to show off his new prize. The scientist had been brilliant in discovering the gaps in memory and the control of her powers. Using her own mind against her not only made her more vulnerable, but also led her to trust the ones that mattered most. Yes his dear Anna would be an excellent addition to the family.
The clock above him dinged the eleventh hour and the music started to die down. The hidden faces turned to him in anticipation and he smiled under his own red beaded mask. A hush fell over the crowd as he stood, walking to the front of the small dais he raised his hands and spoke with a loud commanding voice.
"My gentle friends, I welcome you to this glorious festivity to welcome my beautiful daughter to the fold. Her powers have grown wonderfully and I…" he paused sweeping his eyes across the crowd. "could never be prouder. Please welcome my darling girl, Anna Marie!" The double doors at the other end of the hall opened wide. His ice queen stood beautifully in a pure white ball gown. The diamonds in her mask sparkled in the spotlight and her smile dazzled the crowds as always. Next to her in a dark green velvet gown was Rogue. Her hair had been curled and piled neatly on top of her head to show off her long neck. Her deep jade mask sparkled with emeralds as she carefully descended to the dance floor. He watched her nervous smile and shot Emma a quizzical thought.
'She's just nervous, doesn't want to disappoint her father.' He could feel her dark chuckle behind her thought and he crowed inside. It was always marvelous when plans went accordingly. Anna stopped just short of the dais as Emma ascended to stand next to his side. Anna curtsied smoothly and held that position until Shaw bade her to rise.
"My daughter, you have grown beautifully over the years. Your powers have caused you undue pain and suffering but now… now you are mastering your demons and I am proud of you my Anna." the crowd burst into applause and Shaw could see her beaming under his gaze. Her bare tinged red from the praise and she smiled meekly up at him.
"I'ah aim to please you father." Shaw stepped down and cupped her chin with a gloved hand.
"You do my daughter and I know you will continue to do so. Now then," The turned her to address the room. "This is a party isn't it? Let's enjoy ourselves!" he led her onto the dance floor and snapped his fingers. Instantly the hidden orchestra started back up and he bowed to her. She curtsied again and they were off. He swung her around the room in dizzying circles and she laughed in joy. Shaw marveled in how easily she picked up on the steps and was beginning to enjoy the dance with this young beauty. He brought them to a slower waltz as the music slowed and quieted. He smiled down at her as she watched the other dancers.
"Their all staring at me poppa." He could see heads turning to watch as they glided across the room. He smiled at her and continued to spin her around to show off his prize to his subjects.
"Their awed by your beauty and power my darling. How are you feeling? Your last session left you weaker than normal."
"I'ahm fine, Nathan took good care of me. He's helping with the control, I think I would be lost without him."
"Your quite fond of our scientist aren't you?" She blushed under her mask and averted her gaze with a small smile.
"He is different. He doesn't treat me like the others." Shaw laughed and started to twirl her again as the music picked up it's tempo.
"You my dear, are a marvel. That intimidates most, I wouldn't have any less from my daughter." Shaw felt a light tap on his shoulder and he broke away to face Emma who was lead by, "Speak of the devil, Nathaniel, we were just talking about you."
"All good I hope, may I cut in?" Shaw smirked and bowed to Anna before leading Emma away. He watched them for a moment and scowled when Anna laughed at something Nathaniel said.
"Relax my dear, he was just commenting on the pomp and circumstance. He's a good addition to the charade." He looked at Emma as they danced. Her ice blue eyes glittered from behind her mask and Shaw smiled as he projected images of things he would love to see reflected in those eyes. She laughed haughtily and let him steer her off of the dance floor and into a side room. He kissed her fiercely as the door closed behind them, groping at her bodice. She laughed lightly in his mouth and pushed him back.
"Easy my love, we have time. Rogue is fully secure. I have been away from you for weeks, I need to make it up to you."
Back in the ballroom, the music had taken a more modern tone and Anna watched the dancers with Nathan supporting her arm.
"Poppa will get angry." Nathan merely shrugged as he steered her out into a small attached greenhouse. It had started snowing at some point and the statues in the yard had a light dusting of powder. Anna breathed deeply in the perfumed air and pulled her mask off. Nathan came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She leaned against him, enjoying the contact.
"You look beautiful tonight my butterfly. How are you feeling?" She sighed and pulled away from him to stroll along the small pathway deeper into the greenhouse.
"I'ah feel find Doctor, thank you."
"Anna, don't be like that. I care about you more than that and you know it." Her shoulders drooped a little from his light reprimand and she turned an apologetic look to him.
"I'ah know… mother was in mah mind all evening and it makes me a bit cranky." He kissed her gloved hand lightly accepting her apology before leading her towards a secluded benched area.
"We wish only to make you stronger Anna, that is all. We want you healthy my butterfly." She was silent as she watched the fat flakes of snow drift lazily in the yard. He took this moment to pull out a small charm necklace from his pocket and drape it over her throat.
"Merry Christmas my darling." She gasped and fingered the small charm, it was an image of a star surrounded by a large heart with a single emerald in the center.
"Be careful not to shower with it… I haven't quite worked out the waterproof kinks yet." She turned to look at him but was caught by surprise when his warm lips took her's in a tentative kiss. He pulled back and looked into her dreamy eyes. "It will prevent flair ups of the voices and allow touch to others." Her smile dazzled him and she returned his kiss deeply. Turning back to return to the party, Anna started to adjust her mask back on when a voice from the darkened corner made her freeze.
"Rogue? Chere, what are you doing here?"
Dun dun dun! I know this one is a bit shorter but I've run into a slight writer's block and I'm not sure where to start the next chapter. Hope you enjoyed and I'll try not to take too long with the next update!
