Somewhere along the way, dragging Star into the hotel lobby while she straggled after his larger stride turned into Tyki holding her hand and slowing down so she could keep up. He had changed into his suit and top hat as they exited the carriage and still wore a glove on his free hand but the one holding her was bare.
Star let go of his hand as they passed a set of large doors leading into the ballroom on their way to the lifts.
"Where exactly are you going, girl?" Tyki asked, brow raised.
Star pushed open the doors and was happy to be right about what was on the other side: a big gleaming ballroom. She hurried inside and got the lights turned on.
"Dance with me, Tyki Mikk."
The ballroom looked like something you'd find inside a Faberge egg.
"I thought you don't dance."
"I don't but I changed my mind. I asked Inspector Link to give me few lessons in my brief return to headquarters."
"The guard dog that's always with that Levellie guy?"
"Yes. He's surprisingly good. I told him so in so many words and he blushed, haha. So pretty."
Golden eyes glaring, Tyki frowned, looking annoyed, and took a drag on his cigarette. She was glad to see that he didn't look too pleased to see that she'd danced with Howard Link.
"Why now?" he asked.
"Indulge me."
Tyki stood back and bowed.
A little jittery with nerves all of a sudden, Star released Gaia from her coat.
"Gaia, play Claire, 'Fly Me to the Moon', please."
Gaia transformed into her gilded, rainbow-winged human form and started to sing while the instrumental of the song emanated from inside her being. The bluesy-feeling music filled the ballroom.
"I've never heard this song before."
"I know," Star smiled.
Teez filled the room, black and white, striped and gold, and purple sporting lacy wings and playing card motifs. Sighing as if annoyed, Tyki took Star's hand and put the other hand on her waist, pulling her into a ballroom dance that flowed with the music. Star tried not to laugh, unable to help moving her hips. She eyed the teez.
"Still fronting for the Earl I see."
"Noah's gotta try. It's the least I can do since I can't let you escape again," said Tyki.
Star laughed then. "Can't or not supposed to? Subtle difference there that speaks in volumes."
"Isn't it the same thing?" said Tyki.
"Mm, maybe. Is it you who wants to keep me or is it the Earl?"
"Both are the same. Lord Millennium's will is mine."
"Hmp. It'd be more romantic if I didn't know the pretty butterflies eat flesh on command," said Star. She whooped as Tyki gave her an elegant spin and pulled her closer.
"Don't run away again and I won't tell them to," Tyki warned. "But if you try to escape again, I'll have them devour you."
Star glared at the almost pretty flesh-eating parasites. "Hmph. I'll just pretend they're harmless. And part of the mood."
Tyki leaned down and put his mouth next to her ear.
"I didn't say they weren't," he murmured.
