Queen's Harlequin's Side Story: Party
Lelouch never liked parties.
He wasn't a very social person, though he may conduct himself as such, but for some reason, he could never feel comfortable in a large, crowded room. It certainly didn't help that people kept grabbing him and dragging him off somewhere, whether to start an elicit affair or to converse on the latest foreign issues. Yes, Morgan was doing an excellent job with the Seelie Courts. The new market stalls just opened. Business, business, business…
He wasn't really keen on topics like these, especially on a night like this. The rare violet moon had appeared that one night, and he preferred he be alone to take in the view. The festivities were always a welcome sight, but just…not here. It was so hot and sweaty, but everyone wanted to stay inside the castle. No one even bothered setting up a fairy circle.
But he knew they wouldn't. The many that surrounded him tonight were a part of the privileged class. Seemingly bred for excellence, the students were always looking for opportunities to boast about themselves, and frankly, they were getting on his nerves. He leaned against the wall, a bored expression claiming his face, when he heard the annoyed sigh of his sister. Euphie, with her heavy skirts, frantically started to him and stopped a few inches away. She heaved heavily as she turned, waving goodbye to her newest set of admirers. Her patience and stamina were truly impressive.
When they were gone, she sat on the windowsill near him. "Where's C.C?" she whispered.
"Not coming," he grumbled.
"Ugh." She wiped the sweat from her forehead. She could feel the frustration radiate from her brother. Lelouch looked at her with an amused smile. "I thought you liked stuff like this."
"To be honest, when they said party, I thought we were going to dance. I like the Wildelands better." She stared at him with hopeful eyes. "Can you set up another meeting?"
He couldn't help but laugh. "Wouldn't that be a bit offensive? 'Hey, you're an ally; wanna be drinking buddies?'" The scene became entertaining when Euphie began sputtering, vehemently denying that desire.
But he couldn't blame her. The stresses of being Queen were always a deep onus. The factions of the Seelie Courts were still prevalent, but Euphie had to keep up with her image; it wasn't like she could just slaughter them all herself. And though domestic reforms are going well, he had to deal with many complaints, especially by those idiotic advisors. Just because he was the Viceroy doesn't mean he was their babysitter.
His eyes kept looking upwards, shutting out the trivial conversations. He felt a tug on his sleeve, and looked down. His mouth was slightly agape, as the supposedly absent witch pulled him through the crowd. He turned to his side; Euphie was dragged somewhere else, to her exceptional irritation.
"I thought you weren't coming," he whispered. No one noticed C.C. Of course; they didn't want anything to do with the Seelie Courts.
He heard her tinkling laughter. "I finished early, and you begged me two hours before, so…"
He scoffed, swiftly moving his wrist away. "What's in it for you?"
"The satisfaction of saving you both from a dreary night of idle talk."
He stared at her for a moment. "Socializing with these people might've already killed some of my brain cells…"
"Thank you for the warning." She was looking off somewhere, and Lelouch only needed to follow her eyes to the musicians. The string quartets were all present, their instruments shining in the warm gleam. The flutist was twirling her fingers, her rapid actions delighting a few of the guests. The silver lining of the flute seemed reflected everyone around it, tempting them away from the processions.
C.C looked back and gave her partner a mischievous smile. "Well?"
"Would you like a dance?" he asked sarcastically.
"No."
"Then why did you come here?"
"Like it or not, you're my fool too."
"Oh? And what would that make you?"
"Your mistress."
His eye twitched irritably, and before he could grab her, she moved away rapidly. Her green hair made her stand out amongst the guests, and the shimmering, white dress she had on did little to conceal her strangeness. The pearl legs she was so proud of hiding now shown in all their glory, as she literally snatched the violin from one of the players. The poor man was about to protest when he saw just who that thief was. He humbly bowed.
She readied her stolen violin, and immediately began playing. The trills fell through the velvet moonlight, the shadows dancing by their own whims. She appears as though she drew the sound from that precious wind, who sang its mournful dirge. Everyone fell silent around him, and it wasn't until he caught her daring expression did he smirk. She was baiting him.
And like a fool, he took it.
He stepped out from the crowds, proceeding to move the same as he always did. But tonight's song was a little sadder, more melancholic than usual. He could hear their whispers, trying to determine if the two were doing this simply out of mere political gain or allies, or even the eyes of the queen. No one stopped him, however, as he entered underneath the moon's sadistic gaze, forming a fairy circle of his own. If no one wanted to join him, then so be it.
He never even needed to draw out his wires, and allowed himself to vanish within the confines of C.C's songs. And sure enough, when the song was over, he found many of the admirers performing their own sweet lullabies, trying to imitate his moves with pathetic results. Even Euphie was endeavoring to dance on her own two legs.
She looked like a regular girl that night.
