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SONIC CHAOS 3: UNDERGROUND ARC - ALEENA
Mounting Tensions
Sleet stood by the buffet table fuming. He hadn't expected things to take a turn quite like this. He had planned for a naïve little princess trapped inside a castle most of her life, with no knowledge of the outside world or how manipulative it could be. Catch her attention by standing up for her before her father and mother. Intrigue her. Play on the oblivious fantasies of a child and let her lose herself in fake romance. Lure her into a web from which she could never escape...
What he hadn't expected was a girl so quick-witted, or a king so forceful, or a queen so insightful, or a Commander with a memory so clear that he could recall a voice from half a year back without trouble. To be fair, the last one had turned out to be a saving grace, but that was beside the point. The point was he had underestimated the royal family, and now he needed to take this game in a new direction. Huffing, he threw back a glass of wine and took to monitoring his target, considering his next move. Soon a smirk played across his lips. She did so like to dance...
SU
Jules waltzed listlessly in Bernadette's arms. She had come to find him as soon as the music started up again. She'd always been good at sensing when he was upset. For a long time, there was silence between them. "What happened that day in the forest wasn't your fault," she finally said. "Those lives lost? Your hands aren't stained with their blood."
"Yes they are," he solemnly said.
"Your man's are," she corrected, almost before he'd finished speaking.
"My man, Bernie, is the only reason I'm in your arms at all tonight!" he agitatedly replied.
Bernadette bit her lower lip in frustration and bowed her head. "You've gotten better at this," she dryly said. Debate that was.
He ruefully chuckled, smiling apologetically. "No. Just this time I've personally experienced the topic." She was quiet. "For what it's worth, your skills truly are to be marveled at. Given how well you held your own when I was defending him, it's safe to say you haven't grown rusty in the slightest."
She smiled at him, but her smile soon fell. "Jules, are you alright?" she asked.
He shook his head. "No," he answered. "No, I'm not. But I'm trying."
"Commander..." she began.
"I thought you said we were beyond titles," he teased, cutting her off.
"Jules," she corrected with a grin, tucking a strand of blond hair behind her ear. "Thank you for the dance."
"No. Thank you, Bernie" he replied. "You're the one who came to me when you sensed I was upset."
She smiled at him, but soon it fell as she looked down. "I suppose you'll be off to see Aleena now?" she asked.
"Well, given I intend to court her, the more time spent with her the better my odds," he answered. "That is, if she'll still have me after..." He stopped, trailing off.
Bernadette felt her heart twist painfully at his words, and she swallowed over a lump in her throat. "Jules, no one blames you for what happened that day. Least of all Aleena or me," she promised. Bowing her head, she looked to the side and rubbed one of her arms. "I wish you luck with my cousin," she quietly said. "If you can keep her engaged with conversation, she'll forgive you your dance skills."
"Are they so atrocious?" Jules asked.
"No. At least not in comparison to most. In comparison Aleena, though... Enough said," Bernie said, giving him a rueful look. "I'm afraid I can't be much of a teacher if it's her you intend to keep up with."
"Well then I will take all the well wishes I can get," he answered. He lifted her hand, dropping a kiss on her knuckles, and walked away leaving her standing there blushing and cursing her misfortune in love.
SU
Aleena spun from partner to partner, beaming in delight. Twirling around with her latest partner, Argus, she suddenly gasped when a firm hand clasped hers, spinning her quickly away from the Captain and turning her around. Another hand planted itself on her waist, while her own free hand automatically went to the shoulder of the one who had so brazenly commandeered her. She looked quickly up and her breath caught in her throat when she saw who it was. The man in the wolf mask! He swept her so effortlessly up into the dance that for a moment it took her aback. She recovered herself quickly, though, and began to keep pace. To her surprise, he matched her every step without trouble. Confidently he commanded each motion. He led her comfortably and seemed genuinely surprised that he hadn't thrown her off yet. He danced her through the crowds with no trouble, so she challenged him. He tilted his head curiously but took the challenge up, starting to move in more complex patterns and steps. Gradually other guests began to take notice, and paused to watch in surprise. Who was this stranger who could so effortlessly keep up with their vibrant young princess, thus far unrivalled upon the dance floor? He led her at cut time, the two of them moving so quickly and gracefully that no one even had the opportunity to realize the man in their princess's arms, was the same one who had dared challenge their king...
Aleena silently summed up her new partner. Standing at her full height, as straight as she could, she barely reached his shoulders. He was neither bulky nor thin, and she could feel the power in his grip, firm and strong and sure. Snapping out of her shock, she narrowed her eyes at him. "You," she icily said.
"Aw. Still put out little princess?" he taunted.
She determined not to react and instead opted to attempt to find a more neutral ground. "You wear the mask of a wolf," she noted.
"No. Here I thought it was a coyote," her partner dryly and sarcastically replied.
She frowned a bit at his sarcasm. "I was only trying to make conversation," she said as he spun her around so her back was against his front.
"Is it so much of a conversation starter?" he bluntly replied, tone impersonal and slightly cold.
"Yes," she replied. "It is rare these days to see the face of a wolf. Even a false one. There are so few of them left… Why did you choose it? As a memorial?"
"Do you look for symbolism in everything?" the man questioned.
She frowned at the annoyance in his voice. "I'm sorry, have I offended you in some way?" she asked as he spun her around to face him again.
"Not at all, princess. If you must know, it was the only one that would fit me," the man replied. "I take it, though, that you have a fascination with wolves?"
"I wish to learn more about them. I want to peer into their culture, I want to know why they've all but disappeared, I want to understand," she replied, carefully picking her words. She wasn't sure why, but she felt like he was the sort of person you needed to be careful of.
"How about you learn when to let things go instead?" he replied.
She frowned, but the topic seemed an uncomfortable one for him so she decided not to pursue it. It was best she attempt to maintain this neutral ground for as long as possible. "How have you enjoyed the ball?" she asked.
"I hate music and festivity," the man replied.
"How can anyone hate music?" she asked in disbelief.
"By doing so," he answered, sounding smug and mildly amused.
She frowned a bit. Music was one of her favorite things. That didn't mean it was everyone's favourite of course, but for him to go so far as to say he hated it? She could scarcely believe her ears. Nonetheless, she let it go. To each their own, she supposed. "For someone who hates music, you are exceptionally skilled at dance," she remarked.
He wryly smiled. She couldn't see it, of course, but she heard it in his voice. "It serves it's purposes," he answered. She tilted her head curiously, puzzled as to what he meant. "Tell me, princess. What really are your thoughts on all of this?"
"What do you mean?" she warily asked. Part of her could guess, but the other part wanted to hear it confirmed.
"All these men lavishing their attentions on you, smothering you with gifts and honeyed words in hopes of a chance at acknowledgment," he answered.
"Would you not be flattered to be lavished in the attentions of so many young women?" she challenged a bit coldly.
"Annoyed, more like it," he replied.
"That, I think, is more your problem than mine," she said as he spun her around.
"Well, well, wit after all. So your claim wasn't false. How refreshing," he said. "Which, I would guess, is more than can be said for most of the men you've danced with tonight."
She gave him an annoyed frown. "There are just enough honest and refreshing young men to make it worth my while," she coldly answered.
"You know you're little more than a trophy to them, right?" he taunted.
"You're jaded, young man," she said.
"Or you're naïve," he answered.
"Or you liken every man's desires to your own," she said.
"If I were going after a trophy, your highness, I would scarcely be behaving in a manner that would cost me it, now would I?" he answered with a cold smile.
"There's no accounting for foolishness," she answered without missing a beat.
"Speak for yourself," he retorted just as easily. He let go of her and placed his palm against her own, the two of them walking around one another in time with the music. "Every man has an ulterior motive."
"Every man certainly does not have an ulterior motive," she said.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I say every man? I meant everyone," he corrected. "The sooner you learn as much, my lady, the better off you'll be."
"You, my lord, are delusional. Your cynicism will be your end," she said.
"My cynicism will keep me alive. Your trust in people, on the other hand…" he said before trailing off and tsking her.
"Really? Because no man I have danced with this night, until you, has given me cause to believe so little of them," she said.
"Just because they haven't shown you their true colors yet doesn't mean you haven't crossed any," he answered.
"You look at them and only see yourself," she snapped as he pulled her back into his arms with a spin. "I will marvel if any male present here is half as corrupted as you," she said.
"If you want corrupt, your highness, I'll introduce you to corrupt," he said. Her eyes narrowed.
"What is your name, rank, and position?" she asked coldly.
"Oh. Do you want to tattle on me? How cute. Unfortunately for you, your Majesty, I'm bound by neither rank nor position," he answered. She could just hear the mocking smile he wore behind that damnable mask.
"I was under the impression you were a soldier," she replied.
"Be careful with your impressions, Princess," he answered, smirking.
"You claimed you were," she said.
"Do you believe everything you hear?" he asked.
"What is your name?" she demanded, starting to get testy.
"My name is none of your business," he answered.
"My business is mine to decide," she replied.
"And my privacy is mine," he testily retorted.
"Answer me," she said through gritted teeth.
"Is that a temper I hear?" he asked.
"There is only so much aggravation one person can take, and you have already tested my patience more than anyone else ever has. Enough of this game. Answer me," she replied. "Who are you?"
"A son of a forbidden nation," he replied.
Again she heard the accursed smirk in his voice. This time, though, she didn't care. His words had caught her attention and she perked up a bit, intrigued. "A forbidden nation?" she asked. He chuckled. "What do you mean? What is this nation?" she pressed.
"What are you willing to give me for that information?" he asked.
She started and her eyes narrowed a bit. "My order," she answered. She gasped a bit in pain when his grip on her hand and waist tightened.
"Wrong answer," he replied in almost a growl, the pace of their dance rapidly picking up until it seemed like the faces and sights all around them blurred into one.
She glared up at him darkly, teeth clenched. "Since you seem to have so little respect for authority, tell me. What do you think of the royal family?" she asked, charged up now.
"The old king, the sickly queen, or the pesky princess?" the man bit.
Her eyes hardened. "All," she snapped sharply, ready to defend her family if he forced her hand. Given the direction this seemed to be heading so far, it was likely more a question of 'when' than 'if'.
"Precious little," he answered. "Whether your family reigns for the next hundred years or is overthrown by some mad tyrant, it's all the same to me. I never could be bothered with politics or laws. The only authority I follow, my lady, is my own. If, and when, I so choose, I will work for whatever side I must."
"So then you're a criminal," Aleena said as he dipped her.
"Now what makes you think that?" the man replied arrogantly, his smirk again presenting itself in his voice.
"You could not be more transparent if you tried," she bit as he pulled her back up. He started, and she felt the tension and anger rising in him again. It seemed he was displeased with her. Good. "The only authority you follow is your own. That tells me you like your freedom. Clearly you are neither a born and bred aristocrat, nor a soldier. If, and when, you so choose, you work for whatever side you must. That betrays to me that you go under employment only if it pleases you to, so clearly you are no ordinary laborer. You asked me what I was willing to pay for information, when you told me you were son of a forbidden nation. That makes it plain to see that you are quite fond of profit and opportunistically seek it wherever it may be found. You are an outlaw, young man. That much is clear. Of what sort I couldn't say."
"You think yourself so clever," he sneered.
"You think yourself so careful," she answered without missing a beat.
"Why you little..." he began.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Have I offended your pride, my lord?" she cut off.
"Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, Princess Aleena," he bit. "Hardly befitting one so nobly born as yourself."
"And such carelessness is hardly befitting a criminal as despicable and skilled as you doubtless imagine yourself to be," she replied. "Allow me the pleasure of being the first to tell you that you are far less impressive than you seem to think."
"I wouldn't bank so soon on that, your highness," he icily replied.
"Are you or are you not a law breaker?" Aleena questioned point blank, continuing to put the pressure on him.
"You've decided already that I am," he replied.
"I want to hear it from your own mouth," Aleena replied bitterly.
"Hmm," he answered. She heard the dark smile in his murmur. "I'm whatever I need to be to get the job done," he vaguely replied. "If that should happen to take on the form of a criminal, then it takes on the form of a criminal."
"Tell me what you are," she said coldly.
"A man," he replied.
"Don't play coy," she replied.
She could almost hear his teeth grinding in silent wrath, but when next he spoke, she heard the haughty smile in his voice once more. "An independent contractor."
"Enough with your games!" she snapped sharply. She let out a small cry as he pulled her suddenly and roughly against him and bent down.
"I'm a bounty hunter," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. "And if you're not careful, Aleena, you'll witness firsthand just how despicable I can be."
A tingle raced down her spine and a soft breath escaped her lips. Suddenly she was acutely aware of how close he was to her and how roughly his hands gripped her body. In that dark embrace she felt the power behind the sinewy muscle buried beneath the armor he wore. She almost regretted challenging him now, but she would not back down. Not for anything.
"Am I one of your bounties?" she replied in a breathy whisper, heart racing inside her chest.
"Wait and see," he answered in a dark growl. Her heart skipped a beat. "You're frightened, princess," he mockingly cooed. "I can hear your heart racing."
She felt faint at those words, but she wouldn't be thrown. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing her afraid. "My heart races in wrath," she replied in a breath. He grinned coldly.
SU
Suddenly they heard the cocking of blasters. Her partner growled, looking quickly up and around. She gasped, turning as well. Her eyes widened in shock. It seemed the sparks of their argument had caught. Now the royal guard stood at the ready, surrounding them with weapons drawn. Each one of them was prepared to step in the moment things threatened to become violent. Near at hand were her parents and cousin. Jules as well, with Argus, Max, Armand, Sherman, and Amadeus.
"Release her. Now," Argus darkly said, blaster trained squarely on her partner's head. The man only sneered at the Captain in response. "Don't make me kill you," Argus continued.
There was a tense moment in which the stranger considered his options, surveying the situation warily. At last, though, Aleena felt the pressure on her waist and hand release. She in turn relaxed her own grip on his shoulder and felt him subtly shudder as she let go. She looked quickly to where her hand had been and immediately felt guilty when she saw the bleeding marks left behind where her fingernails had dug deep into his flesh. Her conscience pricked at her and she looked quickly up at her partner in a measure of concern. He, though, was paying her little mind, eyes fixed on the ever-looming threat of the guardsmen hovering near at hand. Shifting uncomfortably, she stepped away from him.
"Seize him!" her father ordered, pointing at the man the second his daughter stepped back.
Aleena caught her breath, eyes widening. "No!" she exclaimed, turning quickly to the guards. Her partner looked sharply and warily at her. Her focus, though, was entirely on her sire. "Father, please, this is ridiculous! It was only a dance," she said, determined to defuse the situation and spare them all any further ugliness. "I swear to you it was only a dance." She looked at the guards. "Lower your weapons," she pled.
They hesitated to obey, looking to their Captain for direction. Argus, eyes narrowed, eventually looked towards the King. "Should I arrest him or not?" he demanded.
"Of course you should!" the king snapped.
"Mother!" Aleena pled, looking to her mother for backup.
"Maurice, really my dear. You overreact so," the Queen chastised, frowning at her husband.
"Overreact?!" he demanded in outrage.
The Queen turned to Aleena. "Yes. Overreact. If our daughter doesn't deem his offense worthy enough to punish him over, then why should we? If it was a battle of wits, she probably thoroughly enjoyed it besides. Sometimes a debate becomes intense. That's all there is to it."
"Oh yes. Things were getting a little too intense between us, weren't they your highness?" her partner said as he looked at her, voice implying all sorts of things that made Aleena blush. She could only imagine how hot her father's blood was now boiling.
Sharply she looked at him, eyes narrowed. "Yes. They were," she replied.
"Aleena, did he harm you?" King Max demanded.
"No father. In truth I fear I was the one who harmed him," she answered, looking to the King.
"You do have a way of getting under my skin," he answered. "Especially with those talons you call nails."
She frowned. "Since you so tightly grasped me, it was only to be expected that my grip would increase as well," she said, looking back. "If, by the way, you have bruised my waist or hip, it will be to your detriment."
"What?!" her father demanded in outrage. Aleena and her partner barely seemed to notice him.
"Oh, princess and the pea?" the man cooed in false sympathy, tensions starting to rise again.
"A pea does not have the pressure required to leave any sort of mark," she nipped, turning around and crossing her arms.
"Now suddenly I've marked you?" he asked.
"Since a bruise is a mark, if you've caused one then you have," she replied.
"Given how you marked my shoulder, I would consider us even," the man replied, eyes narrowed at her.
"And I would consider it punishable by hanging!" the King furiously snapped. Startled, the two immediately returned their attentions to him, eyes wide in unease and a measure of fear.
"Sir, as unacceptable an offense as that would be, would prison not be more reasonable?" Jules immediately asked, looking mildly concerned. His eyes were fixed on the man in peril, though, not anyone else.
King Max shifted uncomfortably. "Jules, I know it sounds harsh, but a hostile to royalty can never be tolerated," he uncomfortably said to his friend.
"This man is a hostile to everybody," Aleena cut in, glaring once more at her partner.
"If you want hostile, your highness, I'll show you hostile," he bitterly replied, a scowl in his voice.
"Enough," Jules said, boldly stepping forward to stand at Aleena's side as her guardian. The action earned him a scathing glare from the man.
"It's alright," Aleena said to Jules, linking her arm through his.
"Sire, hand him to the people and they'll deal with him," Titus said, stepping from the observing crowds with eyes narrowed, eyes fixed on the stranger guardedly. "Aleena is, after all, our beloved princess."
"Please! Put an end to this witch hunt. I wish him no ill will. In fact, I should like to thank him for the dance," she said calmly, turning to the man in the mask. "It has been some time since last I was challenged. Few have been able to keep up with me."
"None have been able to keep up with me," he boasted.
She huffed in annoyance, but let it go. "Go in peace, young man," she ordered.
"Your mercy will be the death of you," he coldly replied.
"We'll see," she replied.
"Brave words," he said.
"Did you think me a coward?" she asked.
He was silent a beat. Soon, though, he darkly chuckled. "Well played," he said, a hint of a smile in his voice. She couldn't help the smile that crossed her own lips.
Quickly dismissing said smile, she put back on a neutral expression. "Go in peace," she said again.
"As you command, Princess Aleena," the man replied in his eerie voice as he bowed low. He looked directly at Jules and straightened up. "Enjoy her sir," he said in a mocking tone that again implied all sorts of things that had Aleena blushing. Jules as well for that matter. The man didn't wait to be called out on the remark. Instead he turned and pushed his way back into the crowds.
SU
The royal family and guards watched after him as he went before turning to the princess in concern. Aleena put on an accommodating smile. "Please, everyone, I'm alright. Let's not make a mountain out of a molehill. We shall continue this evening without further delay. There is no need for the ball to be ruined on my account. I promise you, all is well."
The crowds began to disperse and Aleena let out a quiet breath of relief, shoulders sagging as her entire posture relaxed. "Are you sure you're alright?" Jules asked, turning to her in concern.
"I'm fine," she promised.
"Certain?" Bernie asked.
"Yes," she replied. Inside, though, she was more flustered than she cared to admit.
"Mademoiselle, if zat man embarrassed you, rest assured 'e will regret it," General Armand vowed.
"He hasn't!" she insisted. "Really, this is getting ridiculous now. I appreciate your concern, all of you, but please just let it go. I'm capable of taking care of myself." She turned to her father. "Father, all is well. Please don't fret over me."
"Very well," the King reluctantly relented, caving under the furious gaze of his wife, who was glaring at him.
Aleena sighed softly in relief and turned to Jules with a smile. "May I have this dance, Commander?" she asked.
He looked surprised at first, then grinned, pleased by the request. "Of course, Princess," he answered before leading her off.
SU
Bernie watched after her cousin and Jules ruefully, rubbing her arm. The ones she liked were always the ones Aleena got. She should be used to it by now, she knew, but it still hurt. She felt her aunt's eyes on her and stiffened a bit, looking over at the woman. The Queen gave her a look that silently signaled to her they were going to have a little talk, and Bernie grimaced. Nonetheless, she followed the Queen.
"Dearest, whatever is wrong?" Queen Sonya asked, sitting next to her niece on a bench off to the side.
Bernadette looked down and to the side sadly. "It's nothing, Aunty. A little envy is all. It seems all the men I'm interested in getting to know would much rather be in Aleena's company than mine."
"Jules?" her aunt questioned. Bernadette nodded. "My darling, Aleena can hardly dance with him the whole night through. She would get rather bored of that, I think. Especially after her frenzied waltz with that mysterious young man who has your uncle's fur in a twist. Every dancer she may have after him will pale in comparison. Casual conversation will only sustain your cousin for so long. You'll have your chance to dance with the young Commander again. He seemed to be rather enjoying your company besides, when the two of you were dancing earlier. Tell me, what did you speak of?"
Bernie smiled a little. "It was more a mix of a conversation and debate," she answered. "He was clever. Very much so. It's rare I can find someone who keeps pace with me. He's improved since our schooldays. He put up a good fight and made some very interesting points even I couldn't refute, and that was a first." Her smile fell again. "But as much as he might have enjoyed my company, it seems he enjoys Aleena's far more."
"My darling, don't give up," the Queen gently said, reaching out and gently placing a hand against her niece's cheek. "You surrender so easily."
"He has stated his intention to court Aleena. That means it's already over," Bernie said, sounding upset.
"There's still lots of time for things to turn around and for him to decide he wishes to court you instead. Or court you along with your cousin," Queen Sonya replied. "He is closer to your age than hers I know."
"What does that matter?" Bernie asked.
"It means you have maturity on your side," the queen teased.
"Aleena is already mature for her age and always has been," Bernadette protested.
"Ah, ah, ah, no more naysaying. Everything will work itself out in time, and giving up before the battle has even started is hardly the way of our family now, is it?" Queen Sonya said. Bernie perked up a little and willed herself to smile, nodding at her aunt. "That's my girl," the queen praised. She dropped a gentle kiss on her niece's forehead and rose to return to her place at the King's side. The King for his part was glaring darkly out over the crowd, eyes doubtless fixed on the mysterious man who had caused such a stir with Aleena. Bernie grimaced a bit. She pitied the poor fool, if her uncle ever caught him alone.
"Bernie, may I have this dance?" a voice asked.
She gasped softly, looking over. "Jules?" she said in surprise. She frowned a bit and folded her arms. "What about Aleena?"
"I can hardly dance with Aleena when she's dancing with my superior officer now, can I?" Jules replied, sounding a bit put out and glaring in the direction of Aleena and the General. "Armand commandeered her from me, probably to discuss the behavior of my unofficial soldier who I'm definitely in hot water over, so in the interim I'll dance with you instead."
Bernie smiled ruefully. "Always second choice never first?" she asked again.
"Bernie," he warned, unimpressed.
"Sorry," she apologetically said. She reached out, taking his hand, and got to her feet. "No more self-deprecation. Promise."
"Good," Jules replied with a smile, bringing her onto the dance floor. "Honestly, I'm surprised you feel overshadowed by your cousin at all. It's not common that the older one is the one feeling inferior."
"Well, I have my reasons," she vaguely replied.
"And those are…?" he fished.
She ruefully smiled. "We're not going to talk about that right now," she said. "I promised you no more self-deprecation, so there'll be no more self-deprecation." He looked mildly concerned by the answer, but decided to let it go for now and smiled back. Quickly the two settled into a comfortable dance.
SU
It wasn't long before Aleena returned to her throne to sit and watch the rest of the dancing. She had tired of it quickly after there was no more challenge. She found another reason to resent her mysterious partner. If not for him, she would never have realized what she was missing out on. Now everything else felt dull in comparison, and for the rest of the night she would no longer be content with her partners. Not as much as she had been before. He'd ruined her for other men, she noted to herself in bitter humor. Of course that phrase was not supposed to refer to something as unappealing and unromantic as this. Still, she was determined to continue enjoying the night despite the infuriating stranger. Her people were having fun. Perhaps she could enjoy the rest of the evening vicariously through them. On top of that, conversation had not been unpleasant. Dancing was just an excuse to speak to one another, but you didn't have to dance to talk. A genuine smile found its way to her lips once more. Yes. She could still salvage this. Her smile fell a bit. It was a pity, though, that dancing would not feel the same. She caught herself scanning the crowds for the mysterious stranger, considering the possibility of another dance, and spotted him by the refreshment table. She pursed her lips thoughtfully then vehemently shook her head with a frown. No. All the skill in the world wasn't worth interacting with him again.
She felt eyes on her and blinked, looking over. Her mother was looking at her in amusement. "Mother?" she asked, puzzled.
Her mother turned in the direction she had been staring, and Aleena felt a burning sensation rise to her cheeks. "He was quite the dancer," her mother remarked.
"And quite the scoundrel," Aleena coldly said, frowning a bit.
"Of course, of course," her mother said. Aleena huffed and for a moment there was silence. "But he was rather witty, wasn't he? Witty enough, at least, to completely distract you of all people from the maddening throngs."
"His is an ill-fated sort of wit," Aleena replied. "Really it was more arrogance than wit anyways."
"I see," her mother said, nodding. Another pause. "He was a spectacular dancer," the Queen soon said. Aleena bristled a bit and shot her mother a mildly annoyed glare. The Queen smirked, giggling a little. "You may not like him much, dearest, but why sit out the rest of the ball when you could be having fun dancing? Just don't speak with him."
"I doubt he would be interested in a second waltz with me," Aleena replied.
"I'm not so sure. He seems quite bored now too," her mother said. "He enjoyed commanding the floor."
"I'm sure he would enjoy commanding a great many things. It hardly means he has the proper temperament to," Aleena answered.
For the time being, Sonya let the subject drop. "Aleena dear, why not dance with your father? He may not be able to challenge you, but at least he will be able to keep up," she suggested.
Aleena, tempted by the song currently playing, turned to her mother, then looked at her father. Perhaps that was an idea after all. "Father?" she said.
"Daughter," he replied with a slightly strained smile, his nerves still a bit frazzled after the tense dance between his young daughter and the stranger.
"May we dance?" she asked.
"Of course, dearest," her father replied, standing and relaxing a bit. Aleena smiled back and walked onto the floor with him.
The queen, meanwhile, watched after them with a conspiring little smile, then sought out the soldier who had earlier danced with her child. She had words for him, and she would like to dance herself besides, so why not? All he was doing by that buffet table anyway was shooting dirty looks at whoever came near. Course determined, she rose, making her way towards him.
Upon catching sight of her, the young man seemed to tense up a bit before relaxing once more. "Your majesty," he greeted as she neared. My but he was tall.
"I would dance with you, young man," she replied.
"Oh? And why is that?" he asked.
"Because I have no sons to dance with, and because I would have harsh words with you over your little altercation with my daughter," the Queen answered simply.
"Hmm. If you prove half as witty as she, it might be amusing," he answered. "Very well. If you insist, my Lady." He bowed to her and she nodded in acceptance, taking his hands and guiding him onto the dance floor.
SU
Aleena fumed when inevitably she found herself back in the mysterious soldier's arms. Her mother, it seemed, was too clever for either of their goods. Part way through the dance, the Queen had waltzed by and snatched away the slightly alarmed King, depositing her own partner in her daughter's embrace. Said partner was, to no one's surprise, the soldier from before. Aleena felt in his touch that he was equally as displeased. Grimacing in disdain, the man glared icily down at the princess in his arms. Inevitably the two refused to speak to one another, instead lapsing into silence and focusing on their footwork.
"Your mother was quite perturbed by my behavior towards you," the man finally and begrudgingly said, breaking the silence.
"As she should be," Aleena answered coldly.
"She demands I apologize to you," the man bitterly said, sounding like a scolded child as he spun her around.
"Since you would not do so on your own, I suppose this is the next best thing," Aleena replied. He growled lowly in his throat. "You're a canine," she noted. She heard him curse under his breath. "Only canines growl in such a manner as that," she said, rubbing it in a little more as she spun in his arms without releasing his hands, and danced back to front with him, her own arms crossing over herself. "It is a sign of agitation, as I understand it. Bounty hunter, am I getting under your skin so easily?"
"Your nails already have," he bit in defiance.
"Humph. A pity my mother couldn't have seized upon a partner of a more heroic disposition. Commander Jules, perhaps? Now instead I must be stuck with you," Aleena bit.
"If a hero is what you see when you look at the Commander, princess, you're delusional," the man answered. He looked towards the man in question, who was grinning widely as he danced with Bernadette. "I see a worthless waste of space."
"Coming from a criminal? Don't be so pathetic," Aleena replied, keeping quiet and trying not to make a scene.
"Pathetic?!" he testily snapped. "You royal pain! You want pathetic, look in a mirror."
"Ooh, temper, temper," she said.
"Witch!" he spat.
"At least that was some level of restraint," she bit.
"You..." he began before stopping himself. "No. You aren't worth it. For your information, your 'hero', Aleena, is a failure."
"Clearly you do not approve of Commander Jules," Aleena said.
"I don't admire ne'er do wrongs," the man replied.
"You mean heroes?" Aleena replied a bit sharply.
"Heroes are what the naïve believe in," he replied coldly, not even bothering to try and hide his thoughts on the matter. "You do or you die. If you so happen to bring others with you, that's your business."
"According to all reports, Commander Jules is brave, clever, a good leader..." she began.
"Hah!" the man exclaimed sharply, cutting her off before she could finish what she was saying. Taken aback, she looked back at him in open shock. "I know more than enough about your precious Commander to tell you that those reports are as delusional as you are," her partner continued.
"Or you are the one who is delusional," she hissed, spinning around in his arms again to face him.
"Princess Aleena, is all well?" Jules questioned, waltzing over to them with Bernadette in his arms, both of them glaring at her partner darkly.
"He is only mentioning to me his disapproval of you, Commander. Nothing else," Aleena replied, smiling at Jules pleasantly.
Jules glared at the man, eyes narrowed. "Was I really so great a failure as that?" he asked.
"In a word? Yes," the man answered.
"You scum!" Bernadette exclaimed, pulling away from Jules and turning on her sister's partner. "At least he tried to save lives! What did you do?"
"You've answered your own question, my Lady. I did," he replied, smirking. "He tried to save lives, I succeeded."
"You disrespectful..." Bernie began.
"Bernadette please. Don't make a scene," Jules pled.
"I'll make as much of a scene as I please!" Bernie answered defiantly.
"Bernie, now's not the time!" Jules begged, catching her hand as she started to march towards her cousin and the stranger. Bernie sharply looked at him, eyes narrowed warningly. He didn't back down, though, and she turned once more to look at the man in her sister's arms. Soon she harrumphed, relenting.
"That's better. There's no point in beating around the bush after all," the stranger said. He turned to Aleena. "At the end of the day, Princess, your hero almost got himself and his entire battalion slaughtered. If I hadn't been present, a good many of the young men you've had such fun dancing with wouldn't be here tonight."
"Keep away from my cousin and stop poisoning her mind against Jules!" Bernie demanded.
"Your cousin has precious little faith in your mental fortitude, it seems," the man said to Aleena. Bernie started and scowled, fists clenching.
"So must you since you keep trying to turn me on those I care most about," Aleena replied dismissively. She could just sense the sneer he was giving her in response.
"I hardly have to work at that given your young Commander's track record," her partner answered.
Bernie tried to pull free from Jules to defend him, but Jules held her back. "Bernie, it isn't worth it!" he insisted.
"He put his reputation and career on the line for you!" Bernie shouted in outrage.
"His mistake," the man answered, brushing it off. Jules, frustrated, wouldn't meet his eyes.
"I do not care what happened that day in those woods. What was done has been done," Aleena said, looking up at her partner coldly. "People make mistakes. Those mistakes cannot always be taken back, but you do always learn from them."
"So benevolent, your majesty," the man mocked.
Aleena huffed and looked to Jules again. "I would dance with you, Commander. This time without your being driven off by a Commanding Officer. Your honesty and humility will be a welcome break from this." Her current partner rolled his eyes.
"It-it would?" Jules replied, sounding surprised.
"It would," she said, moving to him and taking his hand while glaring back at the other.
"I… Thank you, Aleena," Jules at last replied, sounding a bit overwhelmed. She would never know how much her defense meant to him. Aleena smiled at him and led him away.
Bernie watched after her sister and Jules in surprise, then sadly looked down, rubbing her arm with a hand and feeling utterly rejected. She looked to the man who had previously danced with Aleena, frowning. He watched after the princess, glaring daggers into her back, and if looks could kill her baby cousin would be dead. Needless to say, that made Bernadette more than a little uneasy. "Look away from her, scum, before I call for the guards," she threatened.
"Humph. You'd be wise to, Lady," he replied with a smug smirk. She started, frowning, then decided he wasn't worth it and turned, marching away. Once he was sure she was gone, he narrowed his eyes and looked after the princess once more. Aleena, he sensed, would be far more difficult to handle than anticipated...
SU
Aleena did her best to give Jules the attention he deserved, but she couldn't help but let her eyes drift over to the soldier she had danced with prior. "Princess Aleena?" Jules asked, breaking into her thoughts.
"Who is that man with the golden eyes?" she questioned. She had yet to get a satisfying answer.
Jules, mildly surprised at the question, glanced towards him and grimaced. "You're better off not knowing. Trust me. He has his problems," he dryly replied.
"Such as?" Aleena asked.
"I wish I knew," he answered with a hopeless shrug.
"What is his name? What do you know of him?" she asked.
"Aleena, I've told you. I know precious little. Few do," Jules answered.
"Then tell me that precious little. Please," she said.
"Everything I know about him, I've already shared," he answered.
"You know his name," she pointed out.
He hesitated a moment, trying to decide whether it was his place to give it or not, then sighed and turned to her. "His name is Sleet, and while he was with us he caused no trouble and saved lives. I refused to expel him like many others wished to, because I knew that if he stepped out of place he would fast be put back into it again. Sleet is skilled, amazingly so, but I doubt even he could face down four of the best blades in Knothole," Jules said. "Those blades are me, Max, Armand, and Amadeus. The best of the best can hardly be expected to hold their own against the joint efforts of the four runner-ups." Aleena nodded, turning her gaze once more to the man in question.