Meliodas stood outside the ballroom, listening to the dance instructor's shrill orders as the princesses received their dance lessons.
"Veronica! Keep your back straight. Ladies do not slouch when dancing."
Meliodas smirked at this, knowing that the tomboy princess hated this class with a passion. But his smirk quickly turned to an expression of worry as he heard Elizabeth give a soft squeak followed by a thump against the wooden floor.
"Elizabeth! You mustn't be so clumsy." the teacher sighed, her tone softening," We wouldn't want you to be covered in bruises, would we?"
"No," a small voice replied.
"Very good," the woman said in a cheerful tone," Margaret, perhaps you can give your sisters some pointers before our next lesson. Until then, keep practicing and soon you'll be ready for the Harvest Festival."
Soon, three exhausted girls walked out the dance room. Veronica was muttering to herself about how "dancing was stupid, whilst Margaret was fixing her hair. Elizabeth's tired expression immediately brightened when she saw Meliodas leaning against the wall.
"Hi Meliodas!" Elizabeth called out, causing the Sin to grin. He still loved the nickname "Meli" but to hear his full name from her was the best gift he'd ever received.
"Hey Ellie," Meliodas grinned as he wandered over to the smallest princess," How was your dance class?"
"Good," Elizabeth replied with a smile, before pouting slightly," I kept stumbling though."
"I'm sure it was very pretty," Meliodas insisted, bending down to tuck a stray silver lock behind the princess's ear," What's next then?"
"Boring things!" Elizabeth whined, which caused Meliodas to chuckle.
"What kind of 'boring things'?" Meliodas smiled.
"We've been called for a dressmaking session and then we're heading off to our lessons," Margaret answered, placing a hand on Elizabeth's shoulder," We have to hurry Ellie."
"I don't wanna go," Elizabeth pouted, crossing her tiny arms across her chest.
Margaret sighed, rolling her eyes. Elizabeth had recently become more stubborn about these things and Lord knew she couldn't deal with another boyish sister. Thankfully, Meliodas stepped in.
"How about if I tag along?" Meliodas suggested.
"Yay!" Elizabeth cheered, latching onto his hand.
"Thank you, Sir Meliodas," Margaret exclaimed, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as she watched her little sister hurry to the dress room with her carer in tow.
…
"What color, Meliodas?" Elizabeth asked, examining the different brightly colored scraps of cloth. She'd been given the chance to pick what color of dress she'd wear to the Harvest Festival and she was taking this new responsibility very seriously.
"Hmmm…" Meliodas exclaimed, examining y the clothes carefully, before holding up the turquoise silk," How about this one?"
"Pretty!" Elizabeth chirped, before rushing off to hand it to the seamstress who looked relieved that a decision had been finally reached. Her sisters had already selected their fabrics and waited patiently as Elizabeth wandered over to them.
"We need to head to class now, so say goodbye to Sir Meliodas," Margaret said to Elizabeth.
"Okay," Elizabeth said before turning to Meliodas," Bye Meliodas!"
"Bye Ellie," the blonde replied, laughing as he watched the youngest princess scamper off to her lessons.
…
The day of the Harvest Festival had arrived and Meliodas was impressed by the beautiful set up. Stalls were set up along the cobbled streets whilst the Centre had been covered in strings of lights and colorful fabrics. The smell of freshly baked sweets and other treats wafted around the city as people began to prepare for their individual feasts
Meliodas snickered as a group of children ran past him, screaming in excitement as they saw all the games and cakes awaiting them. Their parents soon followed, only lightly scolding them. After all, it was the Harvest Festival.
Soon, the musicians began to pluck their strings and couples began to dance in the Centre as the sun set, all laughing away and making merry. The dances were fast and lighthearted, unlike the formal waltzes seen at Balls.
Elizabeth, Veronica and Margaret all came out to dance as well, much to the delight of the crowd. The citizens of Liones loved the Royal Family and adored the three princesses. The girls each looked beautiful. Veronica wore a white blouse along with a violet skirt which she'd secretly had made into a culotte, much to her mother's horror. Margaret looked beautiful in her pale yellow silk gown which fell down her new and slight curves. But, to Meliodas, Elizabeth was by far the most beautiful in not only the trio, but the whole kingdom. The turquoise fabric made her silver hair shimmer and she had begun to stop wearing her dresses in children's styles as she was getting older. Now, the dress went just to the tops of her ankles and a silver ribbon laid at her waist. Her hair was in a bun with her bangs hanging down.
As the princesses stepped out, two Holy-Knights-In-Training stepped up to greet the ladies, their faces tinted pink. Griamore and Gilthunder stepped up to their respective partners and bowed nervously. Margaret shyly curtsied to her pink haired partner, a slight blush showing her happiness. Veronica bowed back to Griamore, a smirk on her face.
Meliodas followed in their steps, though not as nervous as the boys. With a smile, he bowed to Elizabeth who sweetly curtsied in response. Then the dancing began.
With each step and twirl, Elizabeth's smile only grew wider as her own cheeks became flushed. In turn, Meliodas couldn't help but laugh as he held her hand and spun her gently. Veronica and Griamore were having a difficult time as both originally intended to lead the other, however Veronica soon allowed herself to be led around the dancefloor. Gilthunder and Margaret were adorable to watch as with each nervous touch, they grew more confident and less shy. The crowd roared their approval and stomped to the beat, allowing the dancers to settle into a comfortable, steady pace. The final strum of the instruments left the dancers out of breath with the people cheering their names.
"I love this!" Elizabeth giggled as Meliodas swept her up in an embrace.
"It gets better," Meliodas grinned as he pointed to the now busy stalls. Elizabeth watched as her own mother and other women handed out baskets filled with fruits, meats and other goods to the gathering masses, many of whom were in torn, soot covered rags.
"What are they doing?" Elizabeth asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.
"It's called Handouts," Meliodas explained," At this time of year, the Harvest brings in so much food. It's important to share it with those who need it, so we give it out in baskets."
"Oh," Elizabeth gasped, before turning to Meliodas," Can we help?"
"Eh?"
"Can we help with the handouts?" Elizabeth repeated, clinging to Meliodas' shirt," Please Meli!"
Meliodas stared at the little girl, a soft yet sad smile on his face. Once again, he was reminded of his first lover, who also wished to help those in need. Each reincarnation of his Elizabeth was different. He'd seen a warrior, a savage and now a princess amongst many. Yet each Elizabeth was kind, generous and beautiful. They each wanted to help those in need and make the world a better place. And this Elizabeth was no exception, despite her young age.
"Sure," Meliodas smiled, taking her hand," Let's go!"
Thus Meliodas allowed himself to be led off by the young girl with a heart of gold.