"Yes." Her body protested as Haru took a step back. "Did you feel the difference?"
He nodded slowly and Haru thought his cheeks appeared a little more pink than usual. They were silent for a moment, but Haru didn't mind. She needed the time to collect her thoughts. The proximity between them before affected her in a way she hadn't anticipated. However, Haru was never comfortable in silence for long.
"Depending on how you hold her, you are sending a different message." Haru swallowed, hoping the action would help her gain composure. "She may initiate the contact and then you must act carefully. Unless you have romantic intentions toward the lady, I suggest you slowly move away."
"Romantic intentions?" Yomi had a rogue smile on his lips. "What if my intentions aren't so honorable?" Haru opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Her heartbeat quicken when Yomi pulled her close and whispered in her ear. "What would you do then?"
His hand on the small of her back trailed up, sending shivers through her body. The music spun a spell around them. Allowing the heat of his body to surround her, Haru felt her body sag into his arms. Gently, he nudged her thighs apart with his knee. Possibilities of what could happen filled her head. The images aroused her with the pleasure they promised. His hand cupped her cheek and his thumb moved across her lips. She looked up at him longingly. He was bend down to her. She could feel his breath on her cheek.
"It would depend on my intentions." Haru managed to speak.
"And what are your intentions." He whispered, his lips were a hair's breath away.
Hic! Hic! Hic! the record protested. Haru pulled herself away and busied herself with the task of turning the record over. Her body longed for the warmth she deserted. Scolding herself for losing head, she regained her senses. After years of waltzing, she should been able to defuse the situation before he held her like that. She'd dealt with rakes on the dance floor before. Momentarily, she let her guard down and Lord Yomi seized the opportunity perfectly. This, she decided, was why many considered him a successful rake.
"I think that's enough on waltzing." She adopted her teaching voice. "We'll return to the subject later."
Stealthy, Haru walked through the corridors to her room. After her meeting with Yomi, she went out for a few rounds of poker. The games proved to be just what she needed. Not only was she successful, but also it also useful in relieving some stress.
She could hear the music and chattering in the ballroom. A dull ache filled her abdomen. Biting her lip, she contemplated entering. Would the lords and ladies be able to tell who she was? Would her past betray her? Or would they scorn her as a governess and tell her she didn't belong?
"I did belong," Haru muttered, "but that was a long time ago."
Telling herself it didn't matter, she smoothed her dress and walked along. Nothing was going to ruin her good mood. She had a great deal more coins in her pocket and arranged a visit with her sisters next week. Then she cringlde at an off key C sharp in F-minor. Her eye twitched as it sounded again. Nothing, that is except an off key piano.
Forgetting her anxiety about entering the ballroom, she stormed in like she owned the place. When she reached the orchestra, she grabbed the pianist by the gruff of his collar.
"What kind of abomination plays an out-of-tune piano?" She demanded. "You dare call yourself a pianist?"
By now, all eyes were on the spectacle she caused. Whether she was too busy with the pianist or just didn't care Haru didn't notice the crowd forming around them. The pianist blubbered some nonsense, too nervous to speak. Rolling her eyes, Haru released her grip and looked under lid of the piano. Immediately, she found the problem. Tightening the strings would be difficult without a tuning hammer and a screwdriver. It took professionals years to get the 'feel' of turning the pin just right. Doing so without the proper tool would be an arduous task. Luckily, for Haru, the strings appeared to be in perfect shape.
"What is this?" Haru held up a handkerchief. "You left a handkerchief under the lid?"
"I-I didn't know-" The pianist protested.
"I think you can stop terrorizing the him." Yomi cut in.
Haru froze, feeling the color drain from her face. The out-of-tune piano upset her so much, she forgot who was hosting the ball. Lord Yomi's face was as unreadable as always.
"He has no right to play such an instrument if he can't properly take care of it." Haru found her resolve.
"You don't have the authority to decide who can and cannot play." Lord Yomi replied. "As it is, I am out a piano player."
Haru looked to the demon. He was shivering. Had she really scared him that much? She walked to a waiter, took a glass of champagne and handed it to the pianist.
"I'll play until he calms down." She sat down the on the bench, then looked toward Lord Yomi, "Is that agreeable?"
"As long as you play to the guests liking." Lord Yomi walked away.
The small crowd that gathered around the orchestra pit dispersed when appeared nothing else exciting would happen. Haru pulled out a collection of sheet music and began to play. The well rehearsed movements returning with ease. Soon, her fingers moved with semi-consciousness as if she never stopped playing.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a sleepy Shura standing in the doorway. She nodded him over.
"You are supposed to be in bed." She whispered as he took a seat on the bench next to her. "What are you doing here?"
"I don't want to sleep." Shura huffed. "This is much more interesting."
A smile spread across her lips, despite herself. Could she blame him? Colorful gowns swayed to the music, laughing and chattering guests lined the walls. It was quite a spectacle, even for the most seasoned lord or lady.
"You will have plenty of time to attend balls when you come of age." Haru replied. "You'll have to beat women off with a stick then, so I suggest you enjoy the view." Shura didn't seem to believe her. "I'll allow you to stay, but when I'm done playing it's off to bed."
He beamed his eyes filled with wonder. Although, it wasn't long before the night worked its magic on the small boy. His eyelids grew heavy. Skillfully, Haru watched, using the music to lull him into a slumber. Soon, he was asleep with his head rested on her lap.
The original pianist switched places with Haru, the pair not missing a note in the exchange. She murmured thanks. Then Haru lifted the boy, who was easily half her size, onto her hip and carried him up the stairs. She had to use her control over wind, but she managed. Tucking him in, she smiled.
"Silly boy." She ruffled his hair. "They all want to grow up too fast."
Haru left the door slightly ajar as she exited. Candles from the hall casted a beam of light into the room. All children, she learned, took comfort in the light, even as they slept. It was an odd phenomenon, but she wouldn't dispute years of experience.
With a sigh, she turned toward in room, only to see Lord Yomi waiting at the top of the staircase. She straightened her posture and walked toward him.
"Have you chosen of ladies downstairs yet?" Haru asked, hoping to ignore the debacle she caused downstairs.
"Yes." Lord Yomi replied. "Lady Ashton."
"Solid choice." She nodded thoughtfully. "Not the richest lady on the market, but very pretty. I hear her lineage is strong too."
"Indeed." Yomi interrupted. "Do you think she'll make a good mother for Shura?"
He didn't know why he asked. Miss Miyuki's opinion didn't matter. Perhaps it was because she was his governess and spent plenty of time with Shura. She would understand what he needed in a mother.
"I do not know Lady Ashton enough to pass judgment on that." Haru replied briskly. Haru bit her lip. She had to say something, anything, to break the tension, "Should we review the dance lesson? I could do it now and you can ask Lady Ashton to dance."
Yomi was quiet so Haru added, "We'll do something simple."
With that Haru slipped his arm around her waist with ease. Lord Yomi held her at arms length and she giggled.
"I'm not going to bite." She draped her hands on his shoulders. "Hold me like you did when we waltzed earlier today."
The music signaled the start of the song and Haru whispered instructions to the slow dance. Steadily, Haru released the role of leader and followed his movements.
"You're humming." Yomi pointed out after awhile.
"Oh, I'm sorry." Haru looked down for a moment. "I dislike silence and tend to fill it with inane comments if I don't busy myself in other ways."
"Do you usually hum while you dance?" Yomi asked amused.
"Oh, no." Haru felt a blush cover her cheeks in embarrassment. "A slow dance is meant for conversation because the movement becomes unconscious after a while. You seemed like you were concentrating though."
Lord Yomi accepted her answer. The pair glided across the hall. Yomi appeared to have learned the steps easily enough. The song slowed as it neared the end.
"...let's do this right. With just a kiss good night." Haru whispered.
"What?" Yomi released Haru's waist and stepped back.
"Its the lyrics to the song." Haru tried to repress a smile. "I thought I recognized it when it started, but I couldn't remember the words exactly." She bowed slightly, "I wish you luck with your dance, my lord. Good night."
Haru slipped away into the dark hallway toward her room. Lord Yomi stood in place a while longer. His heart was beating with unusual speed. Haru's voice whispering lit his imagination. He held her close once before, but how would she feel without heavy curtains surrounding them. How would she feel without the restriction of clothing between them?
Yomi shook his head. The dance obviously went to his head. Lady Ashton waited downstairs.
Haru carried a large picnic basket filled with all sorts of goodies. The cook assured her that he packed more than enough food for her and Shura and, as she struggled to find a comfortable position for the basket in the crook of her arm, she believed him.
When she arrived at the classroom, Shura's head rested on the table.
"You look tired, Shura." Haru smiled as she sat the basket down on the desk. "Stay up too late last night?"
"Hmmp." Came his muffled reply. He raised his head, "When I'm old enough to go to balls, I'm never going to stay up that late."
"It sounds like you learned a valuable lesson about the importance of sleep." She nodded. "I hope you remember it throughout your life."
"How does Father do it every night?" Shura asked. "Not to mention all the other adults…"
"I suspect most adults who attend such parties don't have 8 am classes and sleep until noon." Haru smirked. "As for Lord Yomi, he's probably learned to function without much sleep. You, however, are growing and require much more sleep than adults."
Shura seemed to consider her explanation. Then he shrugged, "Why do you have a basket?"
"I had a feeling you'd be too sleepy to stay awake while sitting in a desk today." Haru smiled slyly. "So I thought a day outside applying your knowledge was the perfect solution." Shura continued to eye the basket suspiciously. "I have a lunch packed in here."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Shura shot out of his desk with more energy than he'd showed all morning. "Let's go!"
Shura dashed down the hall and Haru followed with a smile. It was funny how the promise of a day outside changed the attitude of students. Right as Shura reached to open the door to the garden, a shiver ran down Haru's spine and she froze. Mustering a cheerful tone, she turned around, "Good Morning, Lord Yomi."
"Miss Miyuki," He greeted her, "I didn't recognize you."
Haru looked down at the basket it her hands. Of course he didn't recognize her. The basket increased her weight. Thus the vibrations that Lord Yomi used to identify visitors were different than usual.
"I am a little heavier today." Haru replied. "The cook gave me enough food to feed a small army in this basket."
"And where are you and my son going with such supplies?" Yomi asked. "Shouldn't he be in the classroom?"
"Yes, well-"
"We're going outside for class today." Shura piped in excitedly. "Then we're going to have a picnic for lunch!"
"It's been a month." Haru smiled. "I think it's high time we applied what we covered in class."
"I'll go with." Yomi walked past Shura and opened the door.
The color washed from Haru's face. "We'll be quite fine on our own."
"I have no doubt in your abilities, Miss Miyuki." He continued to walk. "I only want to assess what you've done so far."
"Don't you do that every day with the lesson plans I supply…" She muttered under her breath.
"Please speak up." Lord Yomi smirked. "I may have excellent hearing, but Shura does not. I wouldn't want him to miss a single word of the lesson."
A slight blush covered her cheeks as she rushed ahead of Yomi and catch up to Shura.
The rest of the morning went along smoothly. Haru pointed to various flora and fawn for Shura to name. Occasionally, Haru stopped Shura to show a new animal or plant. Then she explained the common aspects or behaviors.
Around noon, they reached a nice clearing and Haru sat the basket down. Stretching her sore arm muscles, she silently determined that Shura or Lord Yomi would carry the basket home.
"I'll set up the blanket." Shura volunteered and reached into the basket.
"Thank you." Haru smiled and rubbed her arm with the opposite hand. "It should be right on the top."
Industriously, Shura and Haru worked on setting up the area for lunch. Lord Yomi stood aside like he was surveying the area. For what Haru didn't know. He seemed to see something no one else could see, which was silly since he was blind. Before leaving, Haru used her power with psychometrics on the basket and saw some clouds, but nothing out of the ordinary. Slowly, Lord Yomi took a seat next to Shura. Haru reached out to gently touch his hand. Immediately, he recoiled and shook his head.
"It's going to storm tonight." He said dryly.
"Does it even not storm in Gandara?" Haru rolled her eyes. "If I hear we are going to have a drought from one more person…"
"I made you a plate." Shura pushed the plate in front of his father. "Can I go and check out the river?"
"No." Haru and Lord Yomi said together.
"I want to see you eat at least half your plate." Haru spoke, pretending she didn't hear Lord Yomi. "Then you can explore the area, if you remain within ear shot."
Yomi nodded and picked up a piece of cold ham. Apparently, that was all the encouragement Shura needed. He ate in a hurry and then ran down the hillside.
"A bundle of energy." Haru took a slice of bread and watched Shura use a stick as a sword. "Four hours ago he could barely keep his eyes open."
"You should have made him go to bed instead of sit at the ball." Yomi replied. "Actually, neither of you should have been there."
"Shura learned a valuable lesson." She ignored the last part of his statement. "I can not think of a better way to stress the importance of sleep than to make one go without it."
Lord Yomi continued eating and Haru considered her mission. He seemed utterly invulnerable. His feelings were kept under lock and key in a steel box. Hid not indulge in anything except the occasional glass of wine. While most men frequented gambling dens and whorehouse, the lord remained at home analyzing his assets or calling meetings.
She watched as he focused on his plate. The sunlight gleamed over his hair, bringing out shades from honey to blond. He let his thick locks grew longer than fashionable. The style, which would have softened the appearance of other demons, made his features sharper, almost refined. The ladies of Gandara had to find him handsome Haru decided. His clothes may emphasize his elegance, but nothing could hide the power and strength underneath.