Sorry, Sorry, Sorry. I can only say that school got in the way. But here it is . . . the long (read: impatiently) awaited Ball Chapter. Or at least half of it, I'm splitting it up. This is so that an update happens now and not in a month which is when I will probably get the rest finished.
Incidentally I am thinking of stopping my other story 'It goes in Circles' to concentrate on this one. Also because I think that Circles has an over used plot line and I like to be original. Please tell me 'Safe in my enemies arms' is original, right?
Thank you to all who reviewed. Wow, over 200 reviews.
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"Wow Floss" breathed Téa, "You are amazing!"
Floss laughed good naturedly. "I hardly did a thing, that's all you" she finished with a smile.
Téa returned the smile gingerly, clearly worried. Gently, avoiding the bruise, Floss took a hold of Téa's shoulders.
"Love, you need to relax, you are making the right decision. You're giving that little boy a future, that is a wonderful thing to be able to do. Now just calm down, you need to be on your best behavior tonight, the last thing you want is for Bakura to call off your deal because you didn't play the perfect partner." Téa remained staring at the ground. "That means you smile. Act charming, I know it's hard but just you keep a picture of that little boy in your head, okay? I know you can do this."
"You're right Floss" she drew a shaky breath, "I can do this."
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Bakura examined himself in the mirror, he had refused point blank to have anything to do with the tuxedo offered to him by the rather nervous servant assigned to getting him dressed. Instead he settled on black dress slacks with matching shoes and a deep blue dress shirt. He was at that moment trying to determine whether he liked the darker blue tie or not.
The manservant waited anxiously for his decision.
"Phh! I look ridiculous." the spirit wrenched the tie from his neck removing the top few buttons of his shirt in the process. "I'm late enough as it is now"
He started for the door taking time to check his reflection, the open neck looked much better he decided. Hurrying down the deserted corridors he allowed himself to think of the girl waiting for him, Téa. 'I certainly hope she is in a better mood this evening.' He sniggered quietly. 'How will she we deal with the situation tonight? This is sure to be entertaining.'
He had reached the rooms, with a lot of bowing the door was opened and he stepped in, dismissing the guards. Thankful, they hurried away, practically tripping over themselves to get out of the way of the irate spirit. This brought a smile to Bakura's lips which faded slightly when he realized that the living room was empty. 'Surely she can manage to stay put for one day...' his train of thought trailed off when he heard voices from the bedroom.
He smirked, she wasn't hiding. "We are leaving now" he announced. At the sound of his voice the sounds in the other room ceased.
Téa froze where she stood, glancing helplessly at Floss. "Please" she mouthed, "I just need another few seconds."
Floss nodded and headed for the door, turning she whispered "Good luck" before entering the living room.
Bakura whirled from his examination of the rooms sole painting to witness the little woman from earlier quietly come through the bedroom door. She bobbed a curtsey to Bakura.
"My Lord, she will be out in a moment." Bakura nodded absently and Floss quickly left.
Peering through the gap between the door and the frame Téa watched Bakura pace the room, with each second he seemed to get more agitated. She knew that she had to move, tonight would be easier if he wasn't in a bad mood before they had left the suite, but she couldn't get her body to take that first step.
Téa took a deep breath, 'This is it girl, breathe, good - now think of Mokuba.' Gently she cracked the door open and crept out, ready to begin the masquerade. Her eyes were fixed on the floor so she completely missed Bakura's reaction.
Bakura snapped around as he heard Téa enter the room, a rebuke already on his lips. And froze.
Téa had just stepped into the light, the floating material of the dress settling softly around her frame. Her head was down but as he watched she slowly looked up and met his eyes before demurely turning away. Bakura was stunned. He had been aware that Téa was attractive, even commenting on it to Ryou and Marik, but this was something else. He felt a surge of pride that she would be on his arm that night. 'Bad luck Marik, you really did miss out. She's beautiful.'
In his Soul Room Ryou was staring listlessly ahead at the wall, he was going to spend this evening watching the spirit with Téa. His head snapped up at the whispered comment that glided through his mind. '. . .Beautiful'. He looked around quickly before he realized that Bakura wasn't in the Soul Room with him and it had just been a stray thought on the part of the spirit. Concentrating, Ryou called up an image of what Bakura was seeing. A vision appeared shimmering in the air before him, soft blue eyes flitting up to meet his, then shyly away.
He gasped. "Beautiful" he murmured in an unintentional echo of his darker half. "Wow."
"Shall we go?" Téa spoke so softly that it took Bakura a moment to answer, at least that was the reason he gave himself.
"Indeed." He turned and walked toward the door, holding it open as Téa exited. Once in the hall he offered her his arm. Téa stared at it for a moment before accepting.
'If he want's to play the gentleman, so be it. Mokuba, this is for Mokuba'
They walked in silence down the corridors. From under her carefully lowered eyelashes Téa examined the youth next to her. He was dressed almost casually in a blue dress shirt that complemented her own garment well. Téa decided that he did good, 'But Ryou would look even better, it's his body.'
Téa had no idea where she was going, not having seen much of the castle, but she could just hear a low murmur of voices up ahead. Gradually the sound in the distance grew louder. When it reached the point where the sounds seemed to be coming from just around the corner Bakura stopped. Leaning against the wall of the corridor he regarded the girl across from him for a moment before speaking.
"From this point on you will be on your best behavior. You will smile and be gracious, under no conditions will you tell anyone you are here under anything less then your own freewill. Failure to comply with any of this will result in our deal being called off. Do you understand?"
Téa nodded stiffly, "You needn't worry, I won't embarrass you."
"Very well." He pushed himself away from the wall and offered Téa his arm again. She slid hers gently through his, resting her hand on his forearm.
Together they stepped around the corner, ahead two grand double doors had been thrown open. Through the archway music and light streamed. As they drew closer individual figures became visible as they swirled around the dance floor to a light beat or stood near the walls talking.
Téa looked around surreptitiously as she drew level with the doors then through them. At first glance the room seemed like any well bred persons dinner party but closer inspection revealed the ever-present tension. A brittle laugh, a too-quick gesture and everywhere the strained smiles.
The ballroom was three times as large as the throne room. Marble pillars wrapped with decorative silk streamers supported the vaulted ceiling. Instead of the usual smoky torches, grand chandeliers, five of them, illuminated the room. The decorations all featured purple and gold, the colors that Marik seemed to have adopted as his.
Gently Bakura led Téa around the dance floor and over to where Marik was holding court in the far corner. At their approach he broke off what he was saying and stepped forward to greet them, taking Téa's hand. He examined her for a second then bowed over it planting a courtly kiss on the back.
"My dear, you do look ravishing." Téa's face remained frozen for a second before something seemed to click and she smiled timidly.
"You are too kind." She considered for a moment 'May as well make this look good.' "My Pharaoh."
Marik's face split into a bright smile, then he turned to Bakura, "I see you have managed to control her after all, I must say I had my doubts"
Bakura snorted, "She would do anything for her friends, it is a major weakness and an easily exploited one"
Téa bit her tongue to keep from commenting.
"Oh well," Marik was smiling again. "You will have to make sure to save a dance for me, I look forward to it." He looked over at the Spirit who was scowling furiously, "Come now, my friend. You can't monopolize her completely. Now, you have meet the ambassadors earlier, haven't you?"
He turned to the group he had been speaking to before Bakura and Téa arrived, naming them for Téa's benefit.
"This is Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe from the U.S., Mr. Roscoe is their ambassador. Over here is Mr. Maxwell and his wife from Britain, oh and Miss Winston from France."
"Pleasure" said Téa as she shook all the hands offered. There followed an awkward moment which Mrs. Maxwell broke.
"Why Darling," she said to Téa "You look parched. Come, let's visit the refreshment table." Téa glanced at Bakura for permission, he tightened his grip on her for a moment in warning before letting her go. He watched her walk away, 'She is definitely the best looking of all the women here' A sudden smirk, 'And she is all ours. Of course, it would help if I could get Marik to understand that'
Mrs.' Maxwell and Roscoe led Téa over to a table in the opposite corner where one of the castle's myriad of servants poured them all a glass of punch. Téa looked nervously between the two women, it was clear they were used to these kinds of situations.
"So, this is certainly a lovely place. Do you live here permanently?", asked Mrs. Roscoe, Téa frowned lightly, there was a slight inflection in the way she said that, 'They don't like me' she realized. 'They think I'm a...a...a tyrant like Marik.'
Considering her words carefully she spoke, "I hope that this all works out well for your countries, I would hate for anyone else to get hurt, some of my friends did. No one should have to go through that.'
The ambassadors wives exchanged meaningful looks. Hesitantly Mrs. Roscoe spoke,
"If you don't mind me asking, why are you here?"
"I'm with Bakura" Téa used her punch glass to indicate the white haired spirit, understanding dawned on the two women's faces, and Mrs. Maxwell grinned suddenly.
"Oh, well don't worry" she patted Téa lightly on her shoulder, "They say true love conquers all."
Téa choked on the mouthful of punch she had just taken, she ducked her head to hide her shock. Her two companions mistook it for embarrassment and carefully guided the conversation back to more neutral topics. They chatted companionably until a manservant appeared at the doors and announced in a loud voice.
"Dinner is served, if you all would be so kind as to follow me." He bowed and walked out the main entrance.
Téa put her glass down and turned to look for the spirit. He was already on his way, following Marik and the ambassadors over toward Téa's group. Without being asked she slipped her arm through Bakura's and made to follow Marik and the other couples out.
As they walked through the double doors she slowed, allowing a gap to form between herself and Bakura and the Roscoe's in front, then leant close to whisper to Bakura.
"They think we're in love and that's why I'm here."
Bakura smirked 'That would certainly be interesting.', "Little one, you are doing well. Now let's see if you can keep it up."
Incidentally I am thinking of stopping my other story 'It goes in Circles' to concentrate on this one. Also because I think that Circles has an over used plot line and I like to be original. Please tell me 'Safe in my enemies arms' is original, right?
Thank you to all who reviewed. Wow, over 200 reviews.
.
.
.
"Wow Floss" breathed Téa, "You are amazing!"
Floss laughed good naturedly. "I hardly did a thing, that's all you" she finished with a smile.
Téa returned the smile gingerly, clearly worried. Gently, avoiding the bruise, Floss took a hold of Téa's shoulders.
"Love, you need to relax, you are making the right decision. You're giving that little boy a future, that is a wonderful thing to be able to do. Now just calm down, you need to be on your best behavior tonight, the last thing you want is for Bakura to call off your deal because you didn't play the perfect partner." Téa remained staring at the ground. "That means you smile. Act charming, I know it's hard but just you keep a picture of that little boy in your head, okay? I know you can do this."
"You're right Floss" she drew a shaky breath, "I can do this."
.
.
.
Bakura examined himself in the mirror, he had refused point blank to have anything to do with the tuxedo offered to him by the rather nervous servant assigned to getting him dressed. Instead he settled on black dress slacks with matching shoes and a deep blue dress shirt. He was at that moment trying to determine whether he liked the darker blue tie or not.
The manservant waited anxiously for his decision.
"Phh! I look ridiculous." the spirit wrenched the tie from his neck removing the top few buttons of his shirt in the process. "I'm late enough as it is now"
He started for the door taking time to check his reflection, the open neck looked much better he decided. Hurrying down the deserted corridors he allowed himself to think of the girl waiting for him, Téa. 'I certainly hope she is in a better mood this evening.' He sniggered quietly. 'How will she we deal with the situation tonight? This is sure to be entertaining.'
He had reached the rooms, with a lot of bowing the door was opened and he stepped in, dismissing the guards. Thankful, they hurried away, practically tripping over themselves to get out of the way of the irate spirit. This brought a smile to Bakura's lips which faded slightly when he realized that the living room was empty. 'Surely she can manage to stay put for one day...' his train of thought trailed off when he heard voices from the bedroom.
He smirked, she wasn't hiding. "We are leaving now" he announced. At the sound of his voice the sounds in the other room ceased.
Téa froze where she stood, glancing helplessly at Floss. "Please" she mouthed, "I just need another few seconds."
Floss nodded and headed for the door, turning she whispered "Good luck" before entering the living room.
Bakura whirled from his examination of the rooms sole painting to witness the little woman from earlier quietly come through the bedroom door. She bobbed a curtsey to Bakura.
"My Lord, she will be out in a moment." Bakura nodded absently and Floss quickly left.
Peering through the gap between the door and the frame Téa watched Bakura pace the room, with each second he seemed to get more agitated. She knew that she had to move, tonight would be easier if he wasn't in a bad mood before they had left the suite, but she couldn't get her body to take that first step.
Téa took a deep breath, 'This is it girl, breathe, good - now think of Mokuba.' Gently she cracked the door open and crept out, ready to begin the masquerade. Her eyes were fixed on the floor so she completely missed Bakura's reaction.
Bakura snapped around as he heard Téa enter the room, a rebuke already on his lips. And froze.
Téa had just stepped into the light, the floating material of the dress settling softly around her frame. Her head was down but as he watched she slowly looked up and met his eyes before demurely turning away. Bakura was stunned. He had been aware that Téa was attractive, even commenting on it to Ryou and Marik, but this was something else. He felt a surge of pride that she would be on his arm that night. 'Bad luck Marik, you really did miss out. She's beautiful.'
In his Soul Room Ryou was staring listlessly ahead at the wall, he was going to spend this evening watching the spirit with Téa. His head snapped up at the whispered comment that glided through his mind. '. . .Beautiful'. He looked around quickly before he realized that Bakura wasn't in the Soul Room with him and it had just been a stray thought on the part of the spirit. Concentrating, Ryou called up an image of what Bakura was seeing. A vision appeared shimmering in the air before him, soft blue eyes flitting up to meet his, then shyly away.
He gasped. "Beautiful" he murmured in an unintentional echo of his darker half. "Wow."
"Shall we go?" Téa spoke so softly that it took Bakura a moment to answer, at least that was the reason he gave himself.
"Indeed." He turned and walked toward the door, holding it open as Téa exited. Once in the hall he offered her his arm. Téa stared at it for a moment before accepting.
'If he want's to play the gentleman, so be it. Mokuba, this is for Mokuba'
They walked in silence down the corridors. From under her carefully lowered eyelashes Téa examined the youth next to her. He was dressed almost casually in a blue dress shirt that complemented her own garment well. Téa decided that he did good, 'But Ryou would look even better, it's his body.'
Téa had no idea where she was going, not having seen much of the castle, but she could just hear a low murmur of voices up ahead. Gradually the sound in the distance grew louder. When it reached the point where the sounds seemed to be coming from just around the corner Bakura stopped. Leaning against the wall of the corridor he regarded the girl across from him for a moment before speaking.
"From this point on you will be on your best behavior. You will smile and be gracious, under no conditions will you tell anyone you are here under anything less then your own freewill. Failure to comply with any of this will result in our deal being called off. Do you understand?"
Téa nodded stiffly, "You needn't worry, I won't embarrass you."
"Very well." He pushed himself away from the wall and offered Téa his arm again. She slid hers gently through his, resting her hand on his forearm.
Together they stepped around the corner, ahead two grand double doors had been thrown open. Through the archway music and light streamed. As they drew closer individual figures became visible as they swirled around the dance floor to a light beat or stood near the walls talking.
Téa looked around surreptitiously as she drew level with the doors then through them. At first glance the room seemed like any well bred persons dinner party but closer inspection revealed the ever-present tension. A brittle laugh, a too-quick gesture and everywhere the strained smiles.
The ballroom was three times as large as the throne room. Marble pillars wrapped with decorative silk streamers supported the vaulted ceiling. Instead of the usual smoky torches, grand chandeliers, five of them, illuminated the room. The decorations all featured purple and gold, the colors that Marik seemed to have adopted as his.
Gently Bakura led Téa around the dance floor and over to where Marik was holding court in the far corner. At their approach he broke off what he was saying and stepped forward to greet them, taking Téa's hand. He examined her for a second then bowed over it planting a courtly kiss on the back.
"My dear, you do look ravishing." Téa's face remained frozen for a second before something seemed to click and she smiled timidly.
"You are too kind." She considered for a moment 'May as well make this look good.' "My Pharaoh."
Marik's face split into a bright smile, then he turned to Bakura, "I see you have managed to control her after all, I must say I had my doubts"
Bakura snorted, "She would do anything for her friends, it is a major weakness and an easily exploited one"
Téa bit her tongue to keep from commenting.
"Oh well," Marik was smiling again. "You will have to make sure to save a dance for me, I look forward to it." He looked over at the Spirit who was scowling furiously, "Come now, my friend. You can't monopolize her completely. Now, you have meet the ambassadors earlier, haven't you?"
He turned to the group he had been speaking to before Bakura and Téa arrived, naming them for Téa's benefit.
"This is Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe from the U.S., Mr. Roscoe is their ambassador. Over here is Mr. Maxwell and his wife from Britain, oh and Miss Winston from France."
"Pleasure" said Téa as she shook all the hands offered. There followed an awkward moment which Mrs. Maxwell broke.
"Why Darling," she said to Téa "You look parched. Come, let's visit the refreshment table." Téa glanced at Bakura for permission, he tightened his grip on her for a moment in warning before letting her go. He watched her walk away, 'She is definitely the best looking of all the women here' A sudden smirk, 'And she is all ours. Of course, it would help if I could get Marik to understand that'
Mrs.' Maxwell and Roscoe led Téa over to a table in the opposite corner where one of the castle's myriad of servants poured them all a glass of punch. Téa looked nervously between the two women, it was clear they were used to these kinds of situations.
"So, this is certainly a lovely place. Do you live here permanently?", asked Mrs. Roscoe, Téa frowned lightly, there was a slight inflection in the way she said that, 'They don't like me' she realized. 'They think I'm a...a...a tyrant like Marik.'
Considering her words carefully she spoke, "I hope that this all works out well for your countries, I would hate for anyone else to get hurt, some of my friends did. No one should have to go through that.'
The ambassadors wives exchanged meaningful looks. Hesitantly Mrs. Roscoe spoke,
"If you don't mind me asking, why are you here?"
"I'm with Bakura" Téa used her punch glass to indicate the white haired spirit, understanding dawned on the two women's faces, and Mrs. Maxwell grinned suddenly.
"Oh, well don't worry" she patted Téa lightly on her shoulder, "They say true love conquers all."
Téa choked on the mouthful of punch she had just taken, she ducked her head to hide her shock. Her two companions mistook it for embarrassment and carefully guided the conversation back to more neutral topics. They chatted companionably until a manservant appeared at the doors and announced in a loud voice.
"Dinner is served, if you all would be so kind as to follow me." He bowed and walked out the main entrance.
Téa put her glass down and turned to look for the spirit. He was already on his way, following Marik and the ambassadors over toward Téa's group. Without being asked she slipped her arm through Bakura's and made to follow Marik and the other couples out.
As they walked through the double doors she slowed, allowing a gap to form between herself and Bakura and the Roscoe's in front, then leant close to whisper to Bakura.
"They think we're in love and that's why I'm here."
Bakura smirked 'That would certainly be interesting.', "Little one, you are doing well. Now let's see if you can keep it up."
