Breathless

Chapter 9: Crazy Cotillion

"Ow! Mercy!" Yuu wheezed as Vil cinched her into a corset. "I can't breathe, Vil!"

"I know it's uncomfortable, but try to hang in there. I've only got two left. One!" He yanked the strings tight making her wheeze. "Two!" The last one had her collapsing forward on the bed. "There we are!"

"Ugh, my intestines are in my lungs now." Yuu breathed out slowly and rubbed her stomach. "Do I have to wear this thing the entire night?"

"I'm afraid so, Dearest." Vil helped her to sit. "It's perfect for posture training though. Look at how straight your back is now."

"Well, I will admit my back hurts less. Just wish I could say the same for my ribs." She groaned.

"Your stomach is so tiny in that, how is she supposed to eat anything in that thing, Vil?" Grim inquired with a wince.

"In small snippets. Relax. Corsets are an essential fashion must amongst the Debutantes in the Pyroxene and the Shaftlands."

"Have the women there learned not to breathe?" She wheezed again. "Do I really have to do this Cotillion thing?"

"Yes, Yuu. You've made your professional debut, but now it's time for your societal debut. It's essential for young women in our world. It's the best way to make the right connections, and marry the right man."

"Well it all seems very old fashioned to me." She pouted. "Where I'm from girls don't even think about all that until after they graduate."

"I know our world is different from yours Yuu, but you've chosen to stay here so need to adhere to its rules. Besides, it's tradition not old fashioned. The music and entertainment are modern, with a few exceptions. They still require you to dress a certain way, and act a certain way, but manners are never old fashioned. Also you'll have young women your age, who have gone through this and can relate to you. You'll have fun, Dearest, trust me."

"You invited all of our friends, right? I really want people there I'm familiar with so I don't feel so out of place." She admired herself in the mirror, fussing with the blonde hair she was still getting used to.

"I have… and I hope it's okay but I invited Malleus and Elena as well." He watched Yuu's hands stiffen as they fussed with her hair. "I know you and Elena aren't on the best of terms but…"

"No, no it's fine. Malleus invited us to his wedding, it'd be rude if I left them out." She turned towards him again. "Besides, I really should try to make peace with her. I don't know why she dislikes me… but I want to get along with the woman who Malleus fell for."

"That's my girl." Vil kissed her forehead and gave her a hug.

"Vil…" Yuu hugged him back. "You're really doing all this to help me right? You're not doing this to make me your barbie doll or something right?"

"Barbie doll?"

"Other world reference… uh, you know, dress up. Puppeteering so to speak."

"Absolutely not!" Vil glared and put his hands on his hips. "Get any thoughts of that out of your head now, young lady." He wagged a finger in her face. "I don't know who put that into your head but it's rude and insulting. If you truly don't want any part of this then just say the word. I will not be accused of being some kind of overbearing self obsessed tiger mom."

"You mean you're not? Owowow!" Grim whined when Vil grabbed his cheek and pulled hard. "Okay okay I'm sorry!"

"Just so we're clear, I'm only hard on those who will actually learn from it. I've long since given up trying to teach YOU any manners, Grim." He released him with a huff.

"I'm sorry." Grim whimpered warily as he held his sore cheek.

"I know what you meant, Vil, and I appreciate it. I just wanted to hear it from your mouth." Yuu's eyes were full of affection. "Now it won't matter what anyone says. I'll always believe my brother first."

"Hmmm…" Vil gave her cheeks a little pinch as well, but only to put some color in them. He turned her back toward the mirror to fuss with her hair himself. "Why don't we go brunette tonight? Blonde is good for your career self… but tonight it's about showing your true self to others." As his fingers brushed, the strands faded back to a rich brown but kept the curly wave. "Everyone should get to know you as you are, not as the world wants you to be."

"Thanks Vil." She smiled at him through the mirror.

"Don't mention it " he lay his chin atop her head. "Now that we've got all that out of the way… mind telling me what's been on your mind lately?"

"Hmmm?" She blinked and tilted her head back to stare up at him. "What do you mean?"

"You're hiding something. I'm not sure what it is, but you've been acting odd. You'll get spaced out and anxious, looking ready to bolt the minute I leave the room. You'll disappear for hours and come back either stupidly chipper and ready to work or extremely languid."

"Yeah, and you refuse to tell anyone where you go! The other day I searched high and low all over campus and couldn't find you. Not even Ace and Deuce knew where you were."

"Oh… do I really do all that? I never noticed." That WAS odd… she hadn't realized that her time with Leona had been affecting her emotions like that, or that they would be so wildly noticeable.

"You don't like lying to me, so if it's something you'd rather keep to yourself then that's fine. I just want to make sure that I'm not the reason you've been avoiding me and the others."

"I promise you, Vil , it has nothing to do with you. I like spending time with you, Rook, and Epel. I'm just still getting used to being ogled at by strangers. I enjoy the work, and I'm having a lot of fun on set. The fact that they want me to write the lyrics for the love song is really exciting. I'm already working on a few drafts."

"Really? Can I see them?" He held out his hand. Yuu stepped away and over to her desk to pull out her notebooks. Vil sat on her bed, crossing his legs at the heel in order to sit up properly. When she brought him the rough drafts his eyes scanned the pages carefully.

"Hmmm… not bad. I can see you're taking your character's feelings into consideration as well as their background. Just remember to keep it simple. You've got a wide vocabulary, but you need to appeal to a wider audience. Simple is best when it comes to love songs; true, pure, and from the heart."

"Okay," she took the notebook back and played a bit with the edges. "Look… I know you're worried about me Vil… but I can assure you I'm not unhappy. For the first time since I arrived here I really feel accomplished and satisfied in what I'm achieving. It's just… I'm not used to all the attention focused on me, and every once in a while I just need some privacy. Is that okay?"

"Of course it's okay…" he cupped her chin. "Just don't feel the need to hide it from me."

"Okay I won't. I'll let you know whenever I… want to be alone." She finished the sentence with a mock pose, and had him laughing.

"Now you're sounding like a diva. Okay, now that that's all settled… are you ready to see the dress dad sent you?"

"All those fancy clothes he stuffed in my closet, and yet he continues to spoil me…" she sighed and put her hands on her hips. "Oh well, I didn't put this corset on for nothing. Lemme see it "

Vil opened the box sitting on the bed. As he pulled back the paper, Yuu's eyes went wide and she held her stomach and covered her mouth in a sign of astonishment.

"Oh my God… is that real?"

"Gorgeous isn't it?" He pulled it all the way out of the box and held it up against her. Tears filled her eyes as she reached out to stroke the fabric. "It pairs well with your natural coloring. Dad chose well."

"I've never been much of a girly girl but I've never wanted to put something on my body so much! Put it on me, put it on me, put it on me!" She bounced on her toes and held up her arms as Vil slid the gown over her head and then secured the ties and buttons in place.

"There we go… and for the finishing touch, a little gift from your doting elder brother." Vil picked up the smaller box and opened it revealing a sparkling hair band, a locket with her name engraved on it, and a pair of matching gold earrings.

"Oooh shiny!" Grim poked his nose in the box.

"Don't worry, Grim, I didn't forget about you." He pulled out a slim box and opened it revealing the elaborately decorated ribbon and silk hat. "Even a familiar should look their best at these events."

"That familiar thing is just gonna stick isn't it?" Grim sighed heavily, but beamed at the accessories. "Ah well, at least it comes with benefits. Nyahaha!"

"Glad you like them. Now I just gotta add the finishing touch." Vil held out his hand for Yuu's. She accepted it and with his assistance sat down in the vanity chair. He reached under the miles of skirt to find her foot and bring it up into view. He then slipped on a pair of heels in the same shimmering color as the dress, but ornate with red roses on the toe. "Perfect… Now you're ready to shine, my star."

~ Cafeteria ~

The large lunch space had been transformed into an elegant ballroom with a little magic from the teaching staff. The entrance now had a grand staircase which guests came down as they were announced by the school ghosts dressed in prim uniforms. Students were invited but not obligated to attend, and most chose to skip the event altogether. Those that didn't, dressed in either ceremonial robes, or tuxes.

Leona opted for the robes, as tuxedos suffocated him. He had been tempted to skip the event altogether, but since his family was to be in attendance he knew he'd never hear the end of it

from his brother if he skipped out. Besides, he wasn't about to let some prim and proper prince or noble make moves on what was… for the moment anyway… his.

"Leona-san!" Ruggie, also wearing his robes, strutted up to Leona with arms full of food. "I hit the jackpot at the buffet table. Look at these sandwiches, they're so dainty I grabbed like twenty of them! Shyehehe!"

"Gimme one," Leona snagged from the top of the pile and inhaled it. "Ugh, this is tedious. Leave it to Vil to come up with an event where we're forced to dress up and make nice with a bunch of pompous herbivores."

'You could always cut out early. You already greeted your family." Ruggie eyed the King of Sunset Savana, standing arm in arm with a lovely lioness queen and his son Cheka who was bouncing in his fancy shoes. "You could make your excuses and hide out somewhere til the festivities are done."

"Mmmmmm…" Leona grunted, his ears picking up some whispers nearby.

"Have you met this latest addition to the Shoenhiet clan?"

"I saw her performance in person, it was quite riveting and emotional. I wonder if she's as lovely in person as she is on stage."

"She's a bit comely, for my tastes, but she does have a good form. Great for birthing heirs. I could be tempted to indulge in some polite conversation, if you know what I mean gents."

Leona growled and he sent withering stares to the group of young nobles. The intense stare had them excusing themselves and scattering.

"I'll tough it out for now." He told Ruggie and accepted a glass of cider from a ghost waiter. He took a long sip.

"So… are the two of you gonna come out as a couple after tonight?"

The cider spat from Leona's lips and nose. He coughed and held his mouth.

"What, cough, cough, what the hell are you talking about?"

"Oh come on, Leona, I'm not stupid. I'm the one that cleans your room and makes your bed and does your laundry. Her scent is all over everything you own. You two haven't been hiding it very well."

"Who else knows about us?" Leona's eyes scan the crowd.

"No one else in our dorm has caught wind of it yet, though Jack did make a comment the other day that you were unusually cheery as of late."

"Cheery? ME?! YOU'RE KIDDING, RIGHT?"

"I didn't really notice it at first, but yeah. You're in a way better mood lately. You're actually participating in classes, you're smiling more often… I even saw you brush your mane out."

Leona was dazed by this information. It couldn't be true, could it? How the hell had he let that girl affect him that much? He purposely kept their relationship friendly to avoid becoming too attached. He could count the number of times he and Yuu had actually gotten physical on one hand. Most of the time they just wound up relaxing and hanging out somewhere.

Maybe that was the problem…

He'd grown accustomed to having her close by, to spending his afternoons with her, his precious off days, his every free moment. He waited anxiously for her to come home from work. He missed her when they parted. He thought about her when she wasn't around. She'd completely consumed his every thought without him even realizing it.

"What the f-"

"Attention everyone!" Crowley clapped his hands and he climbed several stairs so that he could look over the crowd. "I'd like to thank everyone for attending today's gathering to welcome our lovely Yuuki into society."

Applause rang out and Leona crossed his arms. Enough was enough. He couldn't afford to get anymore attached to the girl. Once enough time had passed he would end things tonight, and they'd go back to being casual acquaintances.

"Without further ado, here's the lady of the hour, accompanied by her father and brother. Miss Yuuki Emcee Shoenhiet!"

Leona politely clapped, his eyes hardening as the double doors opened and three sets of footsteps echoed. He focused that gaze on the approaching figures…

…And lost his breath.

The two dashing blonde men framed a petite yet stunning female shrouded in gold chiffon. The Ballgown Yuu wore was stunning. The soft champagne color shimmered against her pale complexion and emphasized the rich dark color of her brown hair that Vil had teased and lightly curled to make her appear more feminine and beguiling. Layers of soft fluffy fabric cascaded from the cinched corset waist bodice, and was decorated with Twinkling starlike gems.

Her smile was wide, and even from his place on the main floor Leona could tell her cheeks were flushed with pleasure and humility. She looked like the sun rising over a high mountain, slowly illuminating the sky with vibrant color.

His heart did a slow roll in his chest, and he felt his body move through the crowd of people so he could get closer to her.

Yuu spotted him in the crowd and kept her eyes locked on his approaching form. Her smile went wider, and she felt a slight giddiness. She wanted to race down the steps to him, to jump into his embrace and kiss him breathless… but held her composure. Her grip on Vil's and Eric's arms increased, earning her comforting pats.

"Don't be nervous, my dear." Eric assured her with a smile. "You look wonderful."

"I'm not nervous…" She took a deep inhale. "I'm… excited."

"Of course you are… look at all those strapping young men eager to dance with you." As they reached the bottom floor, Grim made a beeline for the food, and the three humans waited patiently to be approached. "The real question is which of these charming young men will have the honor of your first dance?"

Yuu's eyes were still focused on Leona who was making his way to her.

"I think-"

"I would be honored to have your daughter's first dance, Mr. Shoenhiet." Azul stepped into view, cutting the intense moment. Yuu nearly pouted.

"I'm sure she'd be delighted, wouldn't you, Yuuki?" Eric eyed Vil who had taken a protective grip on his sister's arm. "Vil?"

"No funny business, Azul." Vil lifted his chin and slowly let go. "I'll be watching you."

"I wouldn't dream of it." Azul assured and held his hand out for Yuu's. "Shall we, my dear?"

"I didn't realize you knew how to dance, Azul." Yuu laughed softly but accepted his hand. As he led her onto the dancefloor, she snuck a glance back in Leona's direction. His eyes bore into her, making her heart flutter. There was something dangerous in his eyes tonight.. and it excited her.

Azul turned out to be a competent dancer, not smooth, not clumsy, but adequate. His coy smile made the air around them friendly, and she let him talk And talk about investment this, marketing that, all the while giving little absent nods.

Annoyed, Leona watched Yuu take to the dance floor. His hands fisted at his side. Once again, she's lured him in… and now he was fully latched like a trout with a hook in its mouth. There was no way he was coming out of this unscathed.

Damn it! He thought with a sneer. It wasn't fair. Why should he be the only one with bruised feelings? Why did he have to be the only one feeling conflicted, and panicked? He wanted her to feel the same way that he did. He wanted her to ache for him, to long for him, to not have that stupidly appealing smile on her face when she danced and talked with other men.

"Screw this…" He muttered and turned his heel. He made his way to the courtyard exit, hoping to find some peace and quiet in the dark where he could brood.

Just as Azul was about to start up another conversation, his eyes lifted over her head and his smile turned forced.

"It would seem our time is up."

"Hmm?"

"May I cut in?" a familiar deep voice bellowed.

"Oh!" Yuu gasped and she found herself staring up at Malleus who had his usual charming smile in place

"Of course, Malleus-san. It's always a pleasure." Azul took her hand kissing it before handing it to the Fairy King. Smoothly Malleus guided her into the next dance.

"You look lovely, Yuu. My apologies if I'm late. Elena had work to finish up."

"It's no problem." She eyed the gorgeous fairy in regal purple. She fanned her lovely face with a folded lace fan, and gave her a narrowed look and polite smile. "She's just as popular as Vil, and I know how busy he gets when the work piles up. I'm just happy you both could come." She managed to smile up at Malleus.

"We were both excited to receive your invitation. I wasn't sure if you would be interested in something like this, but I'm glad Vil is making sure you're adjusted to Twisted Wonderland's customs."

"I may be from another world, but this is my home now, and Vil is my family. Besides, I'm rather enjoying myself. There are some things about my new lifestyle that I haven't gotten used to, but I can't really complain when I'm being treated so well, and given every opportunity to better my life."

"I'm glad to hear it. I'm quite excited about the movie you're to be in. Elena says you performed exquisitely and she had no qualms in handing the part over to you." Malleus told her, and Yuu tried to keep her smile genuine. She kept trying to remind herself to be friendly, and polite where Elena was concerned.

"Elena's dance was superb as well. I don't know why the director chose me over her, but I'm grateful for the opportunity. I just hope I can live up to everyone's expectations."

"You can, and you will. I have no doubt about that." Malleus assured. "Speaking of your career though, Elena has several friends in the industry who'd like to meet you, and include you in their upcoming projects."

"I see…" Yuu wondered just what sort of 'projects' these friends of hers had. "I'll have to ask Vil and Dad to get their contact information. They're managing my career for the time being so that I can focus on finishing school with Grim."

"I'll be sure to pass on the message." He gently brushed stray hairs from her cheek. "I can't tell you what it means to me that you and Elena are friends. You both mean a great deal to me, and it wouldn't sit right if we were at odds."

Oh Malleus, Yuu closed her eyes to keep him from seeing the saddened look in them. She's got you wrapped around her finger, and you don't even know it.

"She's a lovely woman. If she makes you happy, Malleus, then I'm happy." She opened her eyes and genuine affection filled them. "I wish you both all the happiness in the world."

Malleus' smile was genuine and suddenly all the malicious feelings she had towards Elena disappeared. She was grateful the music stopped. She gave Malleus a deep bow, and winced as the corset dug into her ribs again. Pain and discomfort filled her eyes. As other couples stepped onto the dancefloor Yuu quickly walked off of it, heading back to Vil who looked concerned.

"Are you alright? He didn't say anything to upset you, did he?" Vil asked, noticing the look in her eyes.

"No… it's just this corset." She held her stomach and let out a small wheeze of pain. "I'm gonna take a second to adjust it."

"Would you like some help?" He whispered it so no one could overhear.

"No, I'll step outside and deal with it. Can you cover me for a little while?"

"Of course, take your time. It's a long night, so do what you can to get comfortable." He kissed her hands and motioned her towards the back door that led into the courtyard. Yuu walked out,

and let out a small sigh of relief as she breathed in the night air. She grunted a little, shifting the corset so that the bones of it didn't dig into certain areas.

"Ugh, it'd be easier if I could just rip off the damn thing."

"If this is how you were gonna act, then what was the point in coming tonight at all, Leona?" She overheard a stranger's voice pick up in the wind. Her eyes scanned around, and she spotted Leona and another tall and muscular lion male speaking in the shadows of the apple tree.

"You may be King of the Savanna dear brother, but here you have no say in how I live my life." Leona snarled back at him. "I came as a favor to your wife, and now that that obligation has been fulfilled I see no point in staying."

"Yuuki Shoenhiet is your friend, is she not? You should at least show her some support? Do you have any manners at all, Leona?"

"That's not her name, that's just a title she acquired by signing a stupid piece of paper." Leona snapped. "That prim and proper princess parading herself in front of all those drooling asshats is not my friend. I wouldn't befriend such a foolish peacock."

Leona's words stabbed her harsher than the bones in her corset. Tears welled up in her eyes and she held her mouth, slowly taking a step back and away. She wasn't sure if she wanted to hear anymore of this conversation.

"That's not what your little hyena friend told me." Falena crossed his arms. "From what I overheard, the two of you have gotten quite close."

"I stand by my words… the woman in there is not my friend." He jerked his thumb towards the ballroom, but his ears lowered. "Vil painted her over… putting her on display like some kind of elegant painting to be admired and purchased by the highest bidder. It's disgusting to look at, and I refuse to go back there and watch."

"I see… I'm beginning to understand what your relationship with her really is." Falena sighed and shook his head. "Can't say I approve of it. From what I can tell the two of you are completely incompatible. If the girl had any sense she'd drop you like a bag of stones."

"Listen you son of a-" Leona whirled, but froze when he caught Yuu's scent in the air. His head jerked in her direction and his words choked in his throat. Falena saw the expression on his brother's face and turned to face Yuu as well.

"I should return to my wife and son. You think on what I said, Leona." He stepped forward, nodding his head at Yuu. "Miss Shoenhiet."

"Your highness." She gave him a sluggish curtsey, but never kept her eyes off Leona. "What was that all about?"

"Just my brother's usual nagging fest. Telling me to step up and stop being a disappointment." He crossed his arms, his fur standing on end and skin feeling prickly with discomfort. "How much of that did you hear?"

"Enough to know that we're not friends." The hurt in her voice gripped him tight around the throat.

"Well we're not are we? We're lovers."

"Ah… right." She laughed at that. "Yes, I suppose you're right about that. Still even lovers can be friends, can't they? Or do you dislike being around me so much that you feel the need to run away from me?"

"It's not you I'm running from." He stepped up to her and flicked an arm out towards the party. "It's them."

"Your family?"

"Society! This stupid and pointless display of manners, and tradition shoved in the faces of people who just don't give a damn. Tradition dictates who stands out, and who falls in the shadows. Society dictates who is deemed important, and who's deemed worthless. If Vil and his father hadn't taken you in, then the people in there wouldn't give a damn about you or your future."

There was something deeper underlying his emotional outbreak, Yuu decided. Something had gotten under his skin, and he was struggling to let it out. She stepped towards him, and wrapped her arms around him. Leona stiffened and gripped her shoulders trying to pull her off.

"Let go of me, Yuu."

"No… I don't want to." She lifted her head up to his. "Come back to the party, Leona. Come dance with me."

"Why the hell should I?" He pried her off of him.

"I want you to… please Leona, this is the only time where I can be affectionate to you in public without raising any eyebrows. I know it was my idea to hide our relationship because I worried what people would think, but I don't care about that anymore. I want people to know that we care about each other."

"Why? So you don't have to feel lonely and dejected because Malleus picked that prissy fairy princess over you?" He scoffed and crossed his arms. "No thanks. I'm not your emotional shield."

"I don't care about Malleus and Elena. The only reason Malleus getting married bothered me was because he and I were close, and I worried that she wouldn't like me… and she doesn't. I can't change that fact. She's chosen to dislike me, and he's chosen to be with her. I accept that. Elena can say or do whatever she wants about me, I'll grit my teeth and bear it so long as it makes him happy."

"Bull!"

"It's not Bull! It's the truth. I don't want to be at odds with Malleus, so I'm bound determined to enjoy myself. I can do that with or without you, so if you really don't want to be here then go, I won't stop you… but I'd have a lot more fun, and be a lot more happy if it was with you."

She sighed deep and turned her back to him.

"I'm going back inside and joining the party. If I don't see you in there, then have a good rest of your night." She lifted up the skirts of her dress and headed back to the ballroom. Leona watched her go, then let out an aggravated sigh as he paced the courtyard irritably.

"Damn that woman!" He went inside. He muscled his way past some groups, when his ears caught the irritating sound of Elena's highpitched laugh. God, how could Malleus stand that woman? He turned an annoyed expression to the couple who huddled close and watched the dancers. ~ MALLEUS ~

"I'm glad to see that Yuu is enjoying herself. Thank you, by the way, for coming with me my dear." Malleus kissed Elena's hands. "This was our first outing as a couple since we announced our engagement. I have to say it's been a very successful night."

"Agreed, I'm glad I came. I'm really quite fond of Yuu, actually, she's a lovely child." She sighed heavily, milking her moment. "I just wish the affection was mutual."

"What do you mean?" Malleus asked with a puzzled look. Leona's own eyes narrowed as he listened in on the conversation.

"It could just be my imagination, but I really don't think she likes me very much." She pouted cutely. "We're rivals, so naturally there's some tension, but I fear it might run deeper than that. She has feelings for you after all, and humans can get so petty when they're jealous."

A growl escaped Leona's lips before he could stop it. Why that little witch, he thought, and was tempted to hurl something at that pretty and smug face of hers.

"Feelings for me?" Malleus' eyes returned to the dancefloor where Yuu was now laughing while Jack fumbled a little with the steps. "Are you sure?"

"A woman's intuition, my love. I worry that this jealousy may damage your friendship. Don't you think you should talk to her, maybe try to encourage her not to come to the wedding after all. I'd hate for there to be all that tension on our big day."

Malleus stayed quiet for a moment . He watched Yuu dance and laugh, without a care. When her eyes met his for a moment, he saw her smile soften and eyes sadden. She paused her dance to give him a deep curtsey before taking Vil's hand and joining him in the next dance.

"It wouldn't feel right. I want Yuu to be there. She's my friend, and we were close." He held his chest. "I shall speak to her, and make her understand her place in my life. If she harbors feelings for me..."

"She doesn't." Leona's voice cut into the conversation before he could stop himself. "Your lady friend is mistaken."

"Excuse me?" Elena scowled. "It's not nice to eavesdrop on someone else's conversation."

"Sorry." He pointed at his ears. "Can't really help it. At any rate you're wrong about Yuu. She may have had a crush on Malleus when we were in school, but she's long over it."

"What makes you so sure?" Elena frowned at him. "Who are you, anyway?"

"This is Prince Leona Kingscholar of Sunset Savanna." Malleus made the introductions. "We were classmates and rivals when I was in attendance at NRC."

"Don't pretty it up. I hated your guts and you know it." He sighed and touched his temple. "Look, I know it's none of my business, but this is a special case. I don't want you jerking Yuu into your drama."

"You never answered my question, though. How do you know she still doesn't harbor feelings for him?" Elena crossed her arms.

"Because she told me, and besides…" He let the next piece of information come out of his mouth casually. "She's seeing someone else."

Both Elena and Malleus look surprised by this piece of information.

"Oh?" Elena's brow winged up. "Who, pray tell?"

"Now that IS none of your business." He turned up his nose.

"Or you're just lying to protect your friend." Elena huffed.

"She's not my friend…" Leona grumbled, his arms tensing up as he silently accepted his own feelings. Yuu was far more precious to him than just a friend.

"Kingscholar…" Malleus spoke this time. "If you say that Yuu doesn't feel that way, then I believe you. However I am concerned with whom Yuu is giving her love and attention to. Is he amiable? Is he worthy of her?"

"None of the above…" his smirk came fast and quick. "Rumor has it he's a scoundrel. Selfish, arrogant, and a real brute to her. They've been keeping their relationship a secret because she knows no one would approve of it."

Malleus' aura swelled temperamentally, and his chin lifted up.

"Is that so? Who is it that harbors such a death wish?"

"Pay close attention. You'll see exactly who I'm talking about." Leona turned and shouted loudly. "Yuu!"

The entire ballroom halted at the booming sound of Leona's voice. He ignored the scowls from his brother and Vil, and kept his focus on Yuu who stared owlishly at him. With his smirk wide and stance confident, he held his hand out for hers.

"My turn, dance with me."

"Wait, really?" Her eyes lit up, and Malleus' blood went cold as ice.

"Don't make me repeat myself, princess. Get over here." He crooked a finger and grinned wide when she didn't hesitate to go to him. He took her hand, gave her a little spin that made her laugh, and then pulled her in close. "Keep smiling…" he whispered in her ear. "Use those acting skills you've learned and keep smiling no matter what I tell you."

"It would take a lot to remove my smile now. I wasn't sure if you were gonna stay or not, but I'm glad you did." She lifted her eyes to his. When she saw how serious he looked, she felt her smile drop for just a second, before remembering his command. She kept the smile in place, but her eyes showed concern. "What is it? What's wrong?"

"You were right about Miss Priss over there. I brushed it off because I thought you were jealous, but that's not it." He pulled her in closer so her face was hidden against his shoulder. He bent down and whispered in her ear. "I overheard her trying to turn Malleus against you. She's threatened by you because Malleus is fond of you. She's worried you still have feelings for him."

"I know, but she shouldn't be… Malleus chose her, and I have no intention of coming between them." She sighed heavily. "I don't know what I can do to make her believe me."

"There's only one way." He slid his hand over her lower back. He tried not to smirk when he noticed the fury in Malleus' eyes. "If you want to make nice with her, then you have to convince her, and Malleus that you're in love with someone else." He pulled back so that she looked into his eyes. "You have to convince them that you're in love with me."

"Leona…" Yuu felt her breath shorten, and shudder out.

"I know this is gonna complicate things between us and your career. It'll probably cause some tension between you and Vil as well… but it's your only option if you wanna keep the peace with Malleus."

"What about your brother?" She looked in his eyes, the rest of the room fading away as she lost herself in the rich forest color of them. "He doesn't approve of me."

"It's me that he doesn't approve of. He thinks you're too good for me, and he's not wrong about that." He let out a small scoffing laugh. "Personally I'd love to shut him up by proving him wrong. I'd love to see the look on his face when he sees that I can be a good partner to you. In fact, I want to show him, Malleus, and the rest of the world that I'm the BEST match for you. Even if all it is is a big facade."

Was it all a facade? Yuu wondered. Wasn't the fact that he wanted to be with her proof of his affections for her? Could she hope for that, could she bring herself to believe that he'd fallen in love with her, just as she'd fallen for him?

"If we're gonna do that…" she released his hand so that hers could caress his cheek. "Then it can't just be me. You have to prove to everyone that you're in love with me too."

He leaned into her touch, closing his eyes. The dance paused, and he began to hear the collective curious murmurs around them. Leona opened his eyes, and he rested his forehead on hers smiling genuinely for the first time.

"Quite a demanding princess, aren't you?"

"I'm not a princess…"

"No… but you will be." Leona raised his voice so that everyone could hear him now. "That is…" he took one of her earrings from her ear, and with a little magic reforged it into an engagement ring. "...if you agree to marry me."

Yuu stared at the ring with absolute astonishment. Her mouth dropped open, her hands pressed to her stomach, and the room around them erupted in mixed responses.

"Are you serious?" She stared at the ring and then back into his eyes.

"Deadly. If you're against it, then that was your mistake for letting me have you in the first place." He took her hand, and practically shoved the ring on her finger. "Once I've claimed something as mine, I ain't about to let anyone else take it from me."

Rude, arrogant, and not at all romantic. It wasn't the kind of proposal a woman dreamed of, or should appreciate. He was essentially staking a claim on her, marking her as his territory in front of hundreds of others. It was wildly inappropriate in this prim and proper society…

… and entirely too perfect for her.

"Okay." Yuu laughed, her smile spreading wide. "Yes! I will marry you!"

Leona smirked and pulled her in close again. His eyes glanced up at Malleus who looked ready to set the entire ballroom aflame, and then to Vil who looked ready to faint on spot. His two rivals, the overprotective brother, and the old flame, were rendered speechless.

Checkmate, Leona thought, and sealed his victory by kissing Yuu long and deep until both of them were completely breathless.