3 days flew by quickly and the day of the ball arrived. The ballroom was decorated lavishly. The marble floor was scrubbed so clean that it reflected the light of the glass chandeliers. Silver candlesticks with wax candles cast a golden glow across the room. New silk curtains hang over the large windows. Polished wooden tables were placed around the dance floor. Lady Une gave last minute instructions to the servants and allowed a small smile of satisfaction. Everything was perfect, like Treize would want it to be. Her eyebrows drew together in a frown. Treize had left for Luxembourg and she hasn't heard from him for three days. She hoped that he wasn't going to be late for his own party.
As if her thoughts has summoned him, she heard the slam of the front door and his voice. A few minutes later, Treize walked through the double door and done the staircase. Following him was a very familiar girl with long blonde hair. "Very nice." He commented as he looked around the room. "I hope you remember my cousin Dorothy Catalonia." He continued gesturing towards the girl. Lady Une nodded. She didn't know her very well, but heard she has become a prominent member of the Romeffeleur foundation. There was the send of footsteps and Maremeia ran into the room. "Father! I missed you." Treize picked Maremeia up and swung her around before putting her back down. "I missed you too Mareimeia. Dorothy. Why don't you go unpack. I will see you later. Maremeia, go with her." Dorothy smirked slighlty, and gave him a meaningful look, but left chatting amiably with Maremeia. "Do you want something done sir?" Asked Lady Une.
"No, I just wanted to ask you something. Will you accompany me to the ball tonight?"
"I will be happy to."
Treize examined himself in the full-length mirror. He must admit he is a bit vain, not that he cared more about his looks than most aristocrats. Tonight, he had discarded his usual military uniform. He had put on a white shirt and blue vest decorated with gold patterns. Over this he wore a dark blue dress jacket with matching pants. He hadn't bothered to put gel his hair and golden brown bangs fell into his eyes. Straightening his cloth one last time he walked out of his room.
Treize walked to the ballroom and found Lady Une waiting for him in reception room. When he saw her he could only stare. She looked absolutely stunning. A long pale gold gown covered her slim figure. The silk was incredibly light and thin, clinging tightly to her smooth curves. The sleeveless attire revealed the smooth white skin of her shoulder and arm. The color of the dress went well with her and hazel eyes. Her chestnut colored hair spilled down her back framing her face. A light touch of make up gave color to her pale cheeks.
Treize realized after several moments that he was being very impolite. He regained his composure and walked forward to greet her. "You look lovely tonight my dear." He murmured unnecessarily.
"You too, Excellency." It wasn't just a compliment. Treize did look good, even better than usual.
He bowed and offered her his arm. She slipped her arm through his and rested her palm on his forearm. "Nervous?" Treize asked noting a slight tremor of her hand.
"Yes, I never attended such a social occasion. I usually go as a officer or bodyguard." She was actually more nervous because she was standing so close to him. But she wasn't going to tell him that.
"Don't worry you will be fine." Treize said as they walked to the ballroom door. The servants bowed and pushed open the doors.
"His Excellency, Lord Treize Kushrenada, Duke of Romeffeular!"
"Lady Une, Commander of the Preventers!"
The guests turned and watched as the pair descended the grand staircase. Lady Une felt like she is in a fairy tale. She was a princess descending the stairs of the throne room with her prince. When they reached the foot of the staircase, the guests burst into applause. A crowd of people immediately surrounded Treize, everyone trying to talk to him at once. "Go," Treize whispered, "I will find you after I lose these people." Une nodded. She let go of his arm and slipped through the crowd.
Lady Une found Maremeia just as she was about to drink from a goblet of wine. "Don't even think about it young lady." She said as she took it from her. "Who gave you this anyway?" Une looked up to see a guilty looking Duo trying to walk away inconspicuously. "I didn't do anything!" He yelped when she gave him a glare.
"Duo! Can't I leave you for a minute with out you causing any trouble?" Hilde appeared from the crowd. "Sorry." She apologized to Lady Une. "C'mon, you!" She grabbed Duo's braid and dragged him away. "OW! Hey let go! OUCH! I can walk!"
Same old Duo. It had been Treize's idea to invite the gundam boys. He thought that the gundam boys had as much right to come as any politician. Zech's had politely declined his invitation. HE and Noin had work to do and couldn't make it. She looked around and saw Relena. She started towards the vice-foreign minister until she saw a shadow by her side. It was Heero and he was talking quietly to her. Une decided to leave them alone. Near the buffet tables were Sally and Wufei. Sally was talking to Wufei and Wufei was, well being Wufei, ignoring her. "Hello Lady Une. A very nice party, don't you agree?" Lady Une smiled at the blond haired pilot "Hello Quatre. I didn't think that you could come. You must be very busy with the family business."
"I wouldn't have missed this for the world. It's good to see old friends again. You must be very happy with Treize back. "
"Yes" She said softly.
Dorothy came towards them from the dance floor. "C'mon Quatre. Let's dance." She said as she grabbed his arm.
"I will talk to you some other time." Yelled Quatre over his shoulder as he was pulled away.
"Dorothy is very fortunate." commented Trowa quietly from behind her. He was leaning against one of the pillars with his arms folded infront of his chest. He nodded towards her. "Good evening, Colonel.
"I haven't seen you for a while Trowa. Where have you been?"
Trowa shrugged. "Here and there. Mostly at the circus with Catherine." He stood. "I'd better go and keep an eye on those Dorothy and Quatre." Trowa strode silently away with the grace of a cat.
Always a kid of few words that Trowa.
Lady Une looked around and saw Treize making his way towards her. He was distracted a few times when people stopped him to talk, but he only offered them polite greetings. Treize sighed with relieve when he reached her. "If I hear another person trying to persuade me to help them gain a better political position, I will-" Treize broke off when he heard her give a small chuckle. He raised an elegant eyebrow. "What is so funny my Lady?." Her hand was not big enough to conceal her grin. "I find it funny that a man that once ruled the world can be so annoyed by a few ambitious politicians."
Treize smiled. "You should talk to them instead of me." Just then, the first few bars of a waltz drifted from the dance floor. Treize bowed and extended a gallant hand. "Will you honor me with this dance?" Lady Une didn't speak, but placed her hand into his and allowed him to pull her onto the dance floor. Treize slid one arm around her waist while his other arm rested on her shoulder. The pair danced slowly, but gracefully, drawing quite a few looks from other couples. "Too bad you can't dance like that Wufei." Said Sally watching them enviously.
"Is that a challenge woman??? I'll show you!" He growled almost dragged her on to the dance floor. Sally smiled and silently congratulated herself on a job well done.
Treize and Lady Une was oblivious of their spectators. They were in a world of their own.
The music cast a spell upon Lady Une and the things around her melted away. All she could hear was the sweet notes of the waltz. Treize's hand on her waist was pleasantly warm and the world became almost dreamlike. She unconsciously laid her head on his shoulder and breathed in the unique rose scent that came from him. She closed her eyes and let him guide her. She felt secure and comfortable. If this is a dream, don't let me wake up.
All too soon the music died away. Lady Une snapped awake and her head jerked up from Treize's shoulder. "Sorry sir." She muttered blushing slightly. Treize merely smiled and grabbed her hand. "Let's go outside. I want to talk to you."
"But what about all the guests?"
"They won't miss us."
As they walked off the dance floor, Treize looked over his shoulder and gave Dorothy a wink. Dorothy grinned and walked forward to intercept the young man following them. "Mr. Maxwell, where are you going?"
Duo looked up startled. "Ummm. I am just going outside for a walk."
Dorothy smirked. This ought to be interesting. "You will get lonely outside. Why don't you dance with me?"
"Ummmm, I don't really want to."
Dorothy chose to ignore the last comment. "C'mon, I will show you how to waltz." Duo groaned as he was forcefully dragged onto the dance floor.
Hmmm. Not too good, but it will have to do for now. *Yawn* Good night!