Asellus's human friends eyed her as she returned from her speech. Emelia was looking at her strangley, Lute looked shocked, Gen seemed to approve, and Charlie was looking at her with his mouth wide open. She couldn't say that all their reactions were good, but she could definitely say that she'd made an impression on each of them. Whatever their reaction, they all betrayed the surprise of seeing something new, something they hadn't seen before in her.
She paused a moment to delay a passing servant. He stood stiffly, the fear readable in his purple eyes.
"You," Asellus adressed firmly. She looked to Gen. "Get my friend a drink."
There was the slightest bit of hesitation on the servant's part. Asellus could practically read his mind, and it had nothing to do with her mystic gifts. Me? You want me to serve a lowly human? Then she saw him briefly weigh the embarrassment of serving a human against the consequences of disobeying his Lord. No contest. "Yes, my Lord," he said with only a slight quiver in his voice. He moved away, but suddenly stopped as Asellus held him in place with an unseen hand. She saw his hand trembling when he realized he couldn't move.
"And if he, or any of my guests asks anything of you, you will not hesitate to satisfy them like you did with me."
The servant paled as he realized that his Lord had called him on his transgression. "Yes, my Lord. Please forgive me." As soon as his Lord released him he bowed.
"I don't see you getting my friend his drink."
The servant abruptly stood to attention and strode off.
Asellus shook her head slightly. "Unbelievable."
She felt the grip on her hand tighten a bit. She looked to Gina, who had a worried look on her face. "Please don't be mad," she said, almost pleading. She never could stand it when people were angry, especially her own beloved Lady. It frightened her. Sometimes it even looked like she was scared of her own Lady Asellus. Scared of her, of all people! It could be irksome, but that was Gina.
"You'd think by now they'd know who their Lord is," Asellus said darkly. She shook her head, shaking away the dark mood. "I can't just let these things slide, you know. They look down upon my friends. I'm not about to let the servants tell me what kind of company I can keep."
"I guess so," Gina said. Even she had to know that she joined the mystics with stark disapproval from the others. Asellus was glad to see the fear lift from her face. "Still, Mister Gen has already had three bottles of wine. He might have already had enough."
"He's just getting started."
Asellus's human friends had all gotten over their initial reactions to her speech and composed themselves by the time she strode up to them.
"Man, girl," Gen said, approval still on his face. "You sure know how to work a crowd."
"That's some speech," Emelia added, though Asellus couldn't quite say that she approved.
Asellus smiled her usual cold smile. "It's only mystic affairs." Then she felt a more natural smile come on and showed it to Gina. "But now that's done. Let's have fun."
Asellus clapped her hands together once. The sound echoed through the whole room and everyone stopped what they were doing as if slapped. "Music!" she called out.
At first, nothing. It had been long, too long since the sound of music flowed through the halls of Chateau Aiguille. Too long since anyone asked for the musicians' services. Orlouge had the title of "Pursuer of Beauty", but that beauty was mostly visual. Music and song hadn't played in Chateau Aiguille, in all of Facinaturu for that matter, for centuries. Maybe a soft, sad song here, a rebellious tune in a locked room there, the very rare private performance for the Charm Lord, but nothing meant to be shared with all. Dust and silence had ruled together in this land for a long time and it was difficult to shake loose of their tyranny.
On the other hand, the musicians saw their current Charm Lord losing patience. A deep note on an age old violin started things off. Soon it was joined by an entire orchestra of ancient instruments and they turned it into a slow, graceful song in the classical style. However long they'd let their skills lay silent, the mystic musicians hadn't lost their touch.
Music was an alien presence in Chateau Aiguille and all the mystics stood stiffly and in confusion, as if they were still listening to the speech of the new Charm Lord. Even those who lived away from the reaches of Facinaturu knew this was something new and strange.
Of course, the Lord would have the first dance. Asellus stepped down from the throne and into the center of the room. She looked to Gina and held out an inviting hand. Her first Princess glided towards her with a rare show of grace that matched her Lady's and took the hand. Staring into each other eyes, matching their smiles together, they spun a circle between themselves and began to dance.
-----
"That is one odd couple," Emelia said as Asellus and Gina glided across the floor in unison.
"She seems nice enough," Lute said. "A lot different from White Rose, though."
Gen had a wicked smile on his face. "I can picture it," he said, licking his lips. "Oh, yeah, I can picture it real well."
Emelia rolled her eyes at him.
"Sir."
The humans turned to one of the mystic servants. The purple eyed mystic stared directly at Gen, blatantly ignoring all the others. He handed over a dark green bottle to the samurai. "With Lord Asellus's compliments," he said. As soon as the last word left his mouth, he spun on his heel and strode away.
Gen lifted the bottle appreciatively. "Hey, thanks!" he called out to the mystic's back. "Remind me to give you a tip!"
The servant paused for only a moment. He might have tilted his head a bit. Then he resumed his retreat as quickly as before.
Emelia hissed. "Snob."
"What are you talking about?" Gen said, uncorking the bottle and tilting it towards his lips.
Emelia groaned. "You are so blind."
Gen gulped down half the bottle before even bothering to take another breath. "Whatever. How about we dance?"
"With you? Oh, that'll be a sight. I guess the mystics here could use a laugh."
Gen smiled faintly. "Gimme a shot, that's all I ask."
"Are you gonna let go of the bottle?"
The smile faded. The samurai looked to the bottle, then her, the bottle, and her again. "Oh, alright, if you really have to have it that way." He handed the bottle over to Lute. "Hold this for me. And don't drink any of it!"
Lute eyed the rim of the bottle, where Gen's lips had smothered all over not even a minute ago. "No problem."
Gen took a moment to wipe his lips with the back of his hand. He then suddenly stood straight and strode to the dance floor and offered his hand to Emelia, just like Asellus had offered hers to Gina. He didn't look drunk at all, now.
Emelia took a moment to appraise the Wakatu samurai, not quite believing what she was seeing. Shrugging, she met him on the floor.
"Milady?" Gen said with courtly manner.
Emelia let out a sarcastic gasp and took his hand. They were the second couple to actually start dancing. "What is with these people?" she spat, looking over Gen's shoulder at all the mystics who simply stared out on the nearly empty floor. "You'd think they'd never heard of dancing before."
"Hey, more space for us," Gen said, leading her to the left.
The music was slow and stately and the dance was strictly of the ballroom variety, slow and measured even by those standards. Emelia had experience from the many parties she'd attended as a model, but she was afraid for Gen.
Much to her surprise, he was pretty good at it. Maybe they weren't as smooth as Asellus and Gina were, but at least they weren't looking like fools. Still, she felt a little out of place being one of only two couples on the dance floor. "Where did you learn to do this?" she asked as Gen spun her round.
"Old Wakatu ceremonial dance. What, you thought all we did was wave around our samurai swords in our spare time?"
"It's just a side of you I never seen before."
The couple slid close to Asellus and Gina and drifted away again before Gen spoke. "Night's full of surprises, don't you think? Never knew lil' Asellus could make a speech like that."
"Neither did I," Emelia said, glancing back at the other couple.
They danced awhile, the music always keeping its slow, trodding pace. Emelia let herself sink into the hypnotic trance of the song, stepping and spinning in tune, allowing the world to dissolve into the simple movements of dance. It was kind of nice after all the worries she'd been put through. It was good to let go, if only for a little while.
Finally, the mystic audience seemed to have gotten over their confusion as to what was going on. Finally, the boldest among them ventured out into the dance floor and started to fill the void their Lord had set for them. They danced and with every step, their fine clothing and jewelry caught the light, making the whole room alive with shimmering, sparkling glitter. Whenever a mystic pair loomed into view, Emelia couldn't help but be distracted by the twinkling lights they gave off.
"Uh oh," Gen smiled. "Looks like Asellus is coming to take you away from me."
"She is?" Emelia turned and saw the Charm Lord approaching, that smooth grace still defining her movements. The warm, natural smile on her face made Emelia feel a little more at ease, but the fact was that she was a little nervous at having to be alone with Asellus, especially after that weird encounter before the party.
"Careful, girl," Gen said. "She's got a hungry look on her."
He meant it as a joke, of course, but Emelia didn't take it as one.
-----
When her Lady offered a hand on the dance floor, Gina felt her insides flutter with relief and delight. Finally, her Lady had turned her attention from all the things that distanced her from her Princess. It was when Lady Asellus turned her beautiful eyes upon her that Gina felt happiest. Any time she was away, when her eyes looked to someone else, Gina couldn't help but feel abandoned. Pangs of jealousy assaulted her constantly. She knew it was unfair to feel that way, but it was what came naturally. She couldn't deny it.
She could feel her smile widen with each step her Lady led her through. It made her feel special, knowing that with all the things on her Lady's mind, with all her friends here, with all her mystic subjects watching, it was she that her Lady would focus her eyes upon. For all the people that populated this place, the world was just she and her Lady and the dance they weaved together.
Just feeling the touch of her Lady was a delight. Gina loved the firm grip Lady Asellus kept, the way she guided her so surely, kept her close when she felt she was about to drift away. She never felt unsure or worried when Asellus's eyes were upon her.
As they danced, Asellus would sometimes draw enticingly close, her lips drifting near, only to draw away just as Gina felt they were about to kiss. She did this several times, tricking her Princess each time, always leaving her just a brush away from consumation. Lady Asellus liked to tease sometimes. It was cruel, but it only made her hunger after her Lady's caress all the more.
"You dance divinely, Gina," Asellus purred, drawing close, her lips parting slightly.
This time Gina resolved not to be tricked again. "Thank you, Lady Asellus. I, I never danced before, you know."
"You're a natural, darling." Asellus drew closer. "I've never danced, either."
This got Gina's surprise. "Really?"
"Not with you," she smiled coyly. Her eyes grew distant, recalling a memory. "Me and White Rose danced before."
Gina's eyes went downcast. "Oh." She felt foolish. Of course her Lady would be experienced in such things. She was experienced in so many things. And she, she was just a tailor's maid in a fancy dress. Strip it all away and she was still just a simple tailor's maid out of her league among the noble mystics. A poor substitute for Lady Asellus's lost White Rose. Everyone in Chateau Aiguille thought it, whispered it to each other. And yes, there were times when she'd be jealous of White Rose, a woman she'd never even met. She couldn't even compete with a memory.
That was what everyone said. Rastaban told her not to worry about it. He said that he couldn't remember the last time the mystics actually welcomed a newcomer to their kingdom, if it had ever happened in all of mystic history. Still, there were times when Gina doubted herself, wondered if they were all right. How could so many people be wrong?
Asellus's eyes were still locked in memory. Gina felt herself falter. "It was one of those rare times we actually took the time to enjoy ourselves. It was a little after my aunt rejected me. We were in some dance hall in Shrike. I guess White Rose figured I needed some cheering up. I'd never danced. I didn't want to. I was afraid of looking foolish." She smiled a faint, honest smile. "Of course she'd danced many times before and I was intimidated. I knew I'd look stupid. But she told me not to worry. She said it was her first time, too."
"Huh?" Gina looked up. "I thought you said she'd danced many times before."
"She said that it was her first time with me. No matter how many times she'd danced with others, it was her first time with me. She said that you never know how well you'll fit with someone else when it's your first time with them, no matter how much experience you've had with others."
"Oh," was all Gina could say. That was a pretty wise thing White Rose had said. Especially compared to her own one word answer to it. She felt like she really couldn't compete with a memory.
"You know," Asellus said, smiling, pulling Gina closer than they ever had been through the entire dance. "I think we fit wonderfully."
That brought Gina's spirits up. Once again, she was staring into her Lady's eyes, which were staring back at her with loving attention. Their lips were only a finger's width away from each other. Asellus edged herself just a little close and Gina felt herself reaching for those lips.
Then her Lady reared back, the coy smile back in full force again. She leaned forward and pecked her on the cheek. "I'll come back for you later." She released her hold on Gina and strode away. Gina couldn't do anything but stand shocked for a moment. Then, bewildered, she turned to see her Lady stride over to Emelia and Gen. She already knew whose hand she would ask for.
It burned her to know that she'd been tricked again, but Gina was more concerned with how her Lady looked when she took Emelia's hand. One of the more popular rumors circulating around Chateau Aiguille was that Lady Asellus was going to make a new addition to her throne, maybe from among the humans she'd invited to the party. Gina had no doubts who it was going to be if the rumor was true.
She turned away, slowly trodding her way to Lute and Charlie, still reeling from the sudden abandonment. She could see the other mystics on the sidelines whispering to each other, starting new rumors, laughing. Gen sped past her, making a beeline for the bottle Lute was holding. As she passed some dancing mystics, she could hear the echoes of mocking laughter as they circled away. She already knew what they were thinking.
She's, she's not replacing me, is she?
Midway towards reaching the two men, Gina turned back again to see Asellus with Emelia. That smile her Lady had, she'd always reserved that for her alone before. Now. . .
"Hey, Gina, you wanna dance?"
She turned to Lute, a bewildered look on her face. Just before Lute could repeat himself, she recovered. "Um, yes, very well."
The human took her limp, lifeless hand and guided her back to the dance floor. Gina knew it was rude, but she couldn't help but look towards her Lady and her new dancing partner. They danced well together. With long, rich blonde hair, pleasing form, and a practiced grace, Emelia was beautiful, almost as stunning as her Lady. She heard that she had been a model before. How could she hope to compete with her?
Maybe the competition was over before it already started. Maybe I was just here to pass the time before Lady Asellus. . .
"Uh, Gina, you are dancing with me, aren't you?" Lute asked, breaking through her doubts. So far, she'd been dancing with all the life of a puppet. Lute had to struggle just to get her limbs moving.
Gina finally turned to look to her partner. "Oh, yes, I'm sorry, Lute. I. . .I just. . ."
Lute looked to where Gina had been looking. "I wouldn't worry about it, Gina. I don't think Emelia's into girls."
Gina took another glimpse at her Lady before politely looking back to Lute again. "I'm sorry. It's just that recently Lady Asellus has been busy with so many things, we hardly spend time with each other. She's always going on about her plans. She says it's all for our benefit" She sighed. "But sometimes I just wish that she'd be happy with what she already has."
-----
Gen's little joke of a warning had put Emelia on guard, but the experience wasn't as bad as she had prepared it to be. It looked like Asellus only wanted to dance and while she had that cold, creepy smile for the first couple of minutes, it faded into the warmer, more comforting smile that Emelia remembered her friend used to sport on rare occasions. Emelia made sure to keep the dance at a respectable distance, even though Asellus was leading. She noticed the long, worried stares Gina kept aiming at her.
"How do you like it here?" Asellus asked.
Emelia looked around at the finely dressed mystics, the thorn framed throne, the high ceiling of carved stone and shrugged. "It's alright." Though it's not to my taste.
Asellus laughed. "You don't have to spare my feelings. Most of this stuff is leftover from the former Lord. I hated it here before I escaped." She sighed. "I'm trying to redecorate, but it's hard to find anything I like around here. Every craftsman here builds things to the old Lord's tastes."
"Yeah, I can imagine. Maybe you ought to go out into the human world and bring back a few things?"
Asellus brightened at the idea. "Certainly. Though it would be pretty hard to get any of my servants to go out into the human world." She paused and let the matter pass. "It's good to see you again, all of you, but you especially." Asellus's eyes went downcast, definitely reminding Emelia of the old Asellus. "It can get pretty lonely around here."
Emelia rolled her eyes skyward, appreciating just how high the ceiling was, how much empty space occupied this room and the rest of the castle. "I can imagine that, too. But you have Gina, don't you?"
Asellus laughed. "Of course. . ."
"But?"
"But nothing. I love her." She sighed and laughed, though not particularly amused. "But. . .she's only a part of my life. You, Gen, Lute, White Rose, all of you were a part of me, then fate just ripped you all away."
"And now we're back."
"But only for a little while."
"We can always visit every so often."
"Yes, every so often. You know a few moments here can be eternity?" Asellus pulled her a little closer and spun her around, giving Emelia a full view of Gina staring at her over Lute's shoulder. She also started to notice the little sideways glances the other mystic dancers were aiming her way. "You know, it would be nice if you'd stay here a while. This place could use a little life."
Had Asellus approached her earlier, Emelia was going to say no, make up an excuse, any sort of excuse to get herself away. But now, after seeing her act more like her old self, she wasn't sure. It was true that she didn't have much waiting for her back in the human world. Nothing besides a warrant for her arrest. And Facinaturu was pretty much out of IRPO jurisdiction.
But she didn't like the way the other mystics were looking at her. And she didn't want Gina to get the wrong idea.
"I don't know. I'll have to think about it."
"Of course." Asellus led her through a graceful twirl that would up with them standing back to back with each other. "I'll see you later. My Gina looks like she needs a little attention," she said with a smirk.
-----
"May I, Lute?"
The blue haired musician stepped aside and let Asellus take Gina's hand. He lingered, maybe to appreciate the sight of the two together before moving to join with the rest of human audience.
Even her Lady's presence wasn't enough to get rid of the doubts and worries running through Gina's mind. She couldn't help but sneak a glance at Emelia as she went to join with her friends. Asellus took up a limp hand and looked at a downcast face.
"What's wrong, Gina?"
Gina lifted her head only slightly. "Nothing. It's nothing," she said with forced steadiness.
Asellus's eyes narrowed slyly and darted to the side, catching Emelia as she passed by. "You're not jealous are you?" she said with a laugh.
"N - no," Gina said apologetically, thus revealing herself. "That's not it at all. . .I. . ."
Asellus laid a gentle hand on her cheek. "You needn't be, Gina."
"I - I know I don't have any right to be, but I just can't. . ."
Asellus put a finger to her lips. "Sh. Let me tell you right now that you are my most precious thing. I feel things with you that I don't feel with anyone else. With anyone else," she repeated, emphasizing her words.
"What about White Rose?"
Asellus suddenly reared back, shock clear on her face. Even Gina couldn't believe how blunt she'd been. She felt afraid suddenly, afraid that something was going to happen, afraid that she'd ruined everything with a few hasty words. She reared back, flinched, as if Asellus was going to strike her.
Instead, Asellus gently pulled her back and shook her head. She pulled her close, so that their foreheads were touching. Gina could feel her Lady's breath against her. "She's gone. Even if she comes back, you're the one I feel these things for. Only you."
Gina was on the verge of tears. How could she have had so little faith in her Lady? "Lady Asellus. . .I'm so sorry. I didn't mean. . ."
"Shhh," Asellus cooed. "It's nothing."
"No, it's not." Gina forced herself straight. She looked around at the other mystics, all their banter and gossip an affront to her and her Lady. Lady Asellus had always had to bail her out, kept her from being the outright laughing stock of Facinaturu. As it was, everyone merely laughed behind their backs. It was time to stop acting like a simple child, time to stop giving them reason to laugh.
Gina reached around her Lady's head and undid her tightly bound hair. It fell loose around her shoulders, wild, snaky mystic hair. Again, Asellus reared back, just as surprised as before, though this time it was pleasantly so. "I have to make it up to you." Gina reached and combed her fingers through that lustrous green hair, luxuriating in the feel.
She could hear her Lady take in a breath sharply. She laid a gentle finger around her neck. She could feel her pulse quickening. Yes, it was true, there were certain things that she alone could make Asellus feel. She, the simple tailor's maid, was the only person in all the universe who could make her Lady, perhaps the most powerful being in existence, breathe the way she was now, make her heart beat as it did now.
"Gina," Asellus said in a whisper, her breathing still excited. She clutched the back of her head and ran her fingers through, undoing the delicate knots and braids, letting it fall around her neck. She pulled her in so that only a sliver of space was between their lips.
Now the ex-maid could hear the murmurs of the other mystics again and this time they didn't sound so mocking. She thought the laughter was almost approving.
"Let's get out of here."
Gina felt herself starting to fade as they teleported away from the party, but before they did, she sneaked one last triumphant look to Emelia, who was gawking at her, arms crossed, with an expression of shock.
-----
Lute held a hand to his lips, shock clear on his face. "Whoa."
Gen had an ear to ear grin and pointed at the space Asellus and Gina used to occupy. "Now, *that's* a side of Asellus I've never seen. Always pictured it, but you know. . ." He turned to Emelia. "Makes you wonder what else goes on in these lonely castle walls, don't it?"
Emelia's arms were still crossed. She had to admit, she was a little annoyed with that smirk on Gina's face just before they left. Did she really think that she was trying to compete with her? She looked to Gen and answered, "Well, yes and no."
She paused a moment to delay a passing servant. He stood stiffly, the fear readable in his purple eyes.
"You," Asellus adressed firmly. She looked to Gen. "Get my friend a drink."
There was the slightest bit of hesitation on the servant's part. Asellus could practically read his mind, and it had nothing to do with her mystic gifts. Me? You want me to serve a lowly human? Then she saw him briefly weigh the embarrassment of serving a human against the consequences of disobeying his Lord. No contest. "Yes, my Lord," he said with only a slight quiver in his voice. He moved away, but suddenly stopped as Asellus held him in place with an unseen hand. She saw his hand trembling when he realized he couldn't move.
"And if he, or any of my guests asks anything of you, you will not hesitate to satisfy them like you did with me."
The servant paled as he realized that his Lord had called him on his transgression. "Yes, my Lord. Please forgive me." As soon as his Lord released him he bowed.
"I don't see you getting my friend his drink."
The servant abruptly stood to attention and strode off.
Asellus shook her head slightly. "Unbelievable."
She felt the grip on her hand tighten a bit. She looked to Gina, who had a worried look on her face. "Please don't be mad," she said, almost pleading. She never could stand it when people were angry, especially her own beloved Lady. It frightened her. Sometimes it even looked like she was scared of her own Lady Asellus. Scared of her, of all people! It could be irksome, but that was Gina.
"You'd think by now they'd know who their Lord is," Asellus said darkly. She shook her head, shaking away the dark mood. "I can't just let these things slide, you know. They look down upon my friends. I'm not about to let the servants tell me what kind of company I can keep."
"I guess so," Gina said. Even she had to know that she joined the mystics with stark disapproval from the others. Asellus was glad to see the fear lift from her face. "Still, Mister Gen has already had three bottles of wine. He might have already had enough."
"He's just getting started."
Asellus's human friends had all gotten over their initial reactions to her speech and composed themselves by the time she strode up to them.
"Man, girl," Gen said, approval still on his face. "You sure know how to work a crowd."
"That's some speech," Emelia added, though Asellus couldn't quite say that she approved.
Asellus smiled her usual cold smile. "It's only mystic affairs." Then she felt a more natural smile come on and showed it to Gina. "But now that's done. Let's have fun."
Asellus clapped her hands together once. The sound echoed through the whole room and everyone stopped what they were doing as if slapped. "Music!" she called out.
At first, nothing. It had been long, too long since the sound of music flowed through the halls of Chateau Aiguille. Too long since anyone asked for the musicians' services. Orlouge had the title of "Pursuer of Beauty", but that beauty was mostly visual. Music and song hadn't played in Chateau Aiguille, in all of Facinaturu for that matter, for centuries. Maybe a soft, sad song here, a rebellious tune in a locked room there, the very rare private performance for the Charm Lord, but nothing meant to be shared with all. Dust and silence had ruled together in this land for a long time and it was difficult to shake loose of their tyranny.
On the other hand, the musicians saw their current Charm Lord losing patience. A deep note on an age old violin started things off. Soon it was joined by an entire orchestra of ancient instruments and they turned it into a slow, graceful song in the classical style. However long they'd let their skills lay silent, the mystic musicians hadn't lost their touch.
Music was an alien presence in Chateau Aiguille and all the mystics stood stiffly and in confusion, as if they were still listening to the speech of the new Charm Lord. Even those who lived away from the reaches of Facinaturu knew this was something new and strange.
Of course, the Lord would have the first dance. Asellus stepped down from the throne and into the center of the room. She looked to Gina and held out an inviting hand. Her first Princess glided towards her with a rare show of grace that matched her Lady's and took the hand. Staring into each other eyes, matching their smiles together, they spun a circle between themselves and began to dance.
-----
"That is one odd couple," Emelia said as Asellus and Gina glided across the floor in unison.
"She seems nice enough," Lute said. "A lot different from White Rose, though."
Gen had a wicked smile on his face. "I can picture it," he said, licking his lips. "Oh, yeah, I can picture it real well."
Emelia rolled her eyes at him.
"Sir."
The humans turned to one of the mystic servants. The purple eyed mystic stared directly at Gen, blatantly ignoring all the others. He handed over a dark green bottle to the samurai. "With Lord Asellus's compliments," he said. As soon as the last word left his mouth, he spun on his heel and strode away.
Gen lifted the bottle appreciatively. "Hey, thanks!" he called out to the mystic's back. "Remind me to give you a tip!"
The servant paused for only a moment. He might have tilted his head a bit. Then he resumed his retreat as quickly as before.
Emelia hissed. "Snob."
"What are you talking about?" Gen said, uncorking the bottle and tilting it towards his lips.
Emelia groaned. "You are so blind."
Gen gulped down half the bottle before even bothering to take another breath. "Whatever. How about we dance?"
"With you? Oh, that'll be a sight. I guess the mystics here could use a laugh."
Gen smiled faintly. "Gimme a shot, that's all I ask."
"Are you gonna let go of the bottle?"
The smile faded. The samurai looked to the bottle, then her, the bottle, and her again. "Oh, alright, if you really have to have it that way." He handed the bottle over to Lute. "Hold this for me. And don't drink any of it!"
Lute eyed the rim of the bottle, where Gen's lips had smothered all over not even a minute ago. "No problem."
Gen took a moment to wipe his lips with the back of his hand. He then suddenly stood straight and strode to the dance floor and offered his hand to Emelia, just like Asellus had offered hers to Gina. He didn't look drunk at all, now.
Emelia took a moment to appraise the Wakatu samurai, not quite believing what she was seeing. Shrugging, she met him on the floor.
"Milady?" Gen said with courtly manner.
Emelia let out a sarcastic gasp and took his hand. They were the second couple to actually start dancing. "What is with these people?" she spat, looking over Gen's shoulder at all the mystics who simply stared out on the nearly empty floor. "You'd think they'd never heard of dancing before."
"Hey, more space for us," Gen said, leading her to the left.
The music was slow and stately and the dance was strictly of the ballroom variety, slow and measured even by those standards. Emelia had experience from the many parties she'd attended as a model, but she was afraid for Gen.
Much to her surprise, he was pretty good at it. Maybe they weren't as smooth as Asellus and Gina were, but at least they weren't looking like fools. Still, she felt a little out of place being one of only two couples on the dance floor. "Where did you learn to do this?" she asked as Gen spun her round.
"Old Wakatu ceremonial dance. What, you thought all we did was wave around our samurai swords in our spare time?"
"It's just a side of you I never seen before."
The couple slid close to Asellus and Gina and drifted away again before Gen spoke. "Night's full of surprises, don't you think? Never knew lil' Asellus could make a speech like that."
"Neither did I," Emelia said, glancing back at the other couple.
They danced awhile, the music always keeping its slow, trodding pace. Emelia let herself sink into the hypnotic trance of the song, stepping and spinning in tune, allowing the world to dissolve into the simple movements of dance. It was kind of nice after all the worries she'd been put through. It was good to let go, if only for a little while.
Finally, the mystic audience seemed to have gotten over their confusion as to what was going on. Finally, the boldest among them ventured out into the dance floor and started to fill the void their Lord had set for them. They danced and with every step, their fine clothing and jewelry caught the light, making the whole room alive with shimmering, sparkling glitter. Whenever a mystic pair loomed into view, Emelia couldn't help but be distracted by the twinkling lights they gave off.
"Uh oh," Gen smiled. "Looks like Asellus is coming to take you away from me."
"She is?" Emelia turned and saw the Charm Lord approaching, that smooth grace still defining her movements. The warm, natural smile on her face made Emelia feel a little more at ease, but the fact was that she was a little nervous at having to be alone with Asellus, especially after that weird encounter before the party.
"Careful, girl," Gen said. "She's got a hungry look on her."
He meant it as a joke, of course, but Emelia didn't take it as one.
-----
When her Lady offered a hand on the dance floor, Gina felt her insides flutter with relief and delight. Finally, her Lady had turned her attention from all the things that distanced her from her Princess. It was when Lady Asellus turned her beautiful eyes upon her that Gina felt happiest. Any time she was away, when her eyes looked to someone else, Gina couldn't help but feel abandoned. Pangs of jealousy assaulted her constantly. She knew it was unfair to feel that way, but it was what came naturally. She couldn't deny it.
She could feel her smile widen with each step her Lady led her through. It made her feel special, knowing that with all the things on her Lady's mind, with all her friends here, with all her mystic subjects watching, it was she that her Lady would focus her eyes upon. For all the people that populated this place, the world was just she and her Lady and the dance they weaved together.
Just feeling the touch of her Lady was a delight. Gina loved the firm grip Lady Asellus kept, the way she guided her so surely, kept her close when she felt she was about to drift away. She never felt unsure or worried when Asellus's eyes were upon her.
As they danced, Asellus would sometimes draw enticingly close, her lips drifting near, only to draw away just as Gina felt they were about to kiss. She did this several times, tricking her Princess each time, always leaving her just a brush away from consumation. Lady Asellus liked to tease sometimes. It was cruel, but it only made her hunger after her Lady's caress all the more.
"You dance divinely, Gina," Asellus purred, drawing close, her lips parting slightly.
This time Gina resolved not to be tricked again. "Thank you, Lady Asellus. I, I never danced before, you know."
"You're a natural, darling." Asellus drew closer. "I've never danced, either."
This got Gina's surprise. "Really?"
"Not with you," she smiled coyly. Her eyes grew distant, recalling a memory. "Me and White Rose danced before."
Gina's eyes went downcast. "Oh." She felt foolish. Of course her Lady would be experienced in such things. She was experienced in so many things. And she, she was just a tailor's maid in a fancy dress. Strip it all away and she was still just a simple tailor's maid out of her league among the noble mystics. A poor substitute for Lady Asellus's lost White Rose. Everyone in Chateau Aiguille thought it, whispered it to each other. And yes, there were times when she'd be jealous of White Rose, a woman she'd never even met. She couldn't even compete with a memory.
That was what everyone said. Rastaban told her not to worry about it. He said that he couldn't remember the last time the mystics actually welcomed a newcomer to their kingdom, if it had ever happened in all of mystic history. Still, there were times when Gina doubted herself, wondered if they were all right. How could so many people be wrong?
Asellus's eyes were still locked in memory. Gina felt herself falter. "It was one of those rare times we actually took the time to enjoy ourselves. It was a little after my aunt rejected me. We were in some dance hall in Shrike. I guess White Rose figured I needed some cheering up. I'd never danced. I didn't want to. I was afraid of looking foolish." She smiled a faint, honest smile. "Of course she'd danced many times before and I was intimidated. I knew I'd look stupid. But she told me not to worry. She said it was her first time, too."
"Huh?" Gina looked up. "I thought you said she'd danced many times before."
"She said that it was her first time with me. No matter how many times she'd danced with others, it was her first time with me. She said that you never know how well you'll fit with someone else when it's your first time with them, no matter how much experience you've had with others."
"Oh," was all Gina could say. That was a pretty wise thing White Rose had said. Especially compared to her own one word answer to it. She felt like she really couldn't compete with a memory.
"You know," Asellus said, smiling, pulling Gina closer than they ever had been through the entire dance. "I think we fit wonderfully."
That brought Gina's spirits up. Once again, she was staring into her Lady's eyes, which were staring back at her with loving attention. Their lips were only a finger's width away from each other. Asellus edged herself just a little close and Gina felt herself reaching for those lips.
Then her Lady reared back, the coy smile back in full force again. She leaned forward and pecked her on the cheek. "I'll come back for you later." She released her hold on Gina and strode away. Gina couldn't do anything but stand shocked for a moment. Then, bewildered, she turned to see her Lady stride over to Emelia and Gen. She already knew whose hand she would ask for.
It burned her to know that she'd been tricked again, but Gina was more concerned with how her Lady looked when she took Emelia's hand. One of the more popular rumors circulating around Chateau Aiguille was that Lady Asellus was going to make a new addition to her throne, maybe from among the humans she'd invited to the party. Gina had no doubts who it was going to be if the rumor was true.
She turned away, slowly trodding her way to Lute and Charlie, still reeling from the sudden abandonment. She could see the other mystics on the sidelines whispering to each other, starting new rumors, laughing. Gen sped past her, making a beeline for the bottle Lute was holding. As she passed some dancing mystics, she could hear the echoes of mocking laughter as they circled away. She already knew what they were thinking.
She's, she's not replacing me, is she?
Midway towards reaching the two men, Gina turned back again to see Asellus with Emelia. That smile her Lady had, she'd always reserved that for her alone before. Now. . .
"Hey, Gina, you wanna dance?"
She turned to Lute, a bewildered look on her face. Just before Lute could repeat himself, she recovered. "Um, yes, very well."
The human took her limp, lifeless hand and guided her back to the dance floor. Gina knew it was rude, but she couldn't help but look towards her Lady and her new dancing partner. They danced well together. With long, rich blonde hair, pleasing form, and a practiced grace, Emelia was beautiful, almost as stunning as her Lady. She heard that she had been a model before. How could she hope to compete with her?
Maybe the competition was over before it already started. Maybe I was just here to pass the time before Lady Asellus. . .
"Uh, Gina, you are dancing with me, aren't you?" Lute asked, breaking through her doubts. So far, she'd been dancing with all the life of a puppet. Lute had to struggle just to get her limbs moving.
Gina finally turned to look to her partner. "Oh, yes, I'm sorry, Lute. I. . .I just. . ."
Lute looked to where Gina had been looking. "I wouldn't worry about it, Gina. I don't think Emelia's into girls."
Gina took another glimpse at her Lady before politely looking back to Lute again. "I'm sorry. It's just that recently Lady Asellus has been busy with so many things, we hardly spend time with each other. She's always going on about her plans. She says it's all for our benefit" She sighed. "But sometimes I just wish that she'd be happy with what she already has."
-----
Gen's little joke of a warning had put Emelia on guard, but the experience wasn't as bad as she had prepared it to be. It looked like Asellus only wanted to dance and while she had that cold, creepy smile for the first couple of minutes, it faded into the warmer, more comforting smile that Emelia remembered her friend used to sport on rare occasions. Emelia made sure to keep the dance at a respectable distance, even though Asellus was leading. She noticed the long, worried stares Gina kept aiming at her.
"How do you like it here?" Asellus asked.
Emelia looked around at the finely dressed mystics, the thorn framed throne, the high ceiling of carved stone and shrugged. "It's alright." Though it's not to my taste.
Asellus laughed. "You don't have to spare my feelings. Most of this stuff is leftover from the former Lord. I hated it here before I escaped." She sighed. "I'm trying to redecorate, but it's hard to find anything I like around here. Every craftsman here builds things to the old Lord's tastes."
"Yeah, I can imagine. Maybe you ought to go out into the human world and bring back a few things?"
Asellus brightened at the idea. "Certainly. Though it would be pretty hard to get any of my servants to go out into the human world." She paused and let the matter pass. "It's good to see you again, all of you, but you especially." Asellus's eyes went downcast, definitely reminding Emelia of the old Asellus. "It can get pretty lonely around here."
Emelia rolled her eyes skyward, appreciating just how high the ceiling was, how much empty space occupied this room and the rest of the castle. "I can imagine that, too. But you have Gina, don't you?"
Asellus laughed. "Of course. . ."
"But?"
"But nothing. I love her." She sighed and laughed, though not particularly amused. "But. . .she's only a part of my life. You, Gen, Lute, White Rose, all of you were a part of me, then fate just ripped you all away."
"And now we're back."
"But only for a little while."
"We can always visit every so often."
"Yes, every so often. You know a few moments here can be eternity?" Asellus pulled her a little closer and spun her around, giving Emelia a full view of Gina staring at her over Lute's shoulder. She also started to notice the little sideways glances the other mystic dancers were aiming her way. "You know, it would be nice if you'd stay here a while. This place could use a little life."
Had Asellus approached her earlier, Emelia was going to say no, make up an excuse, any sort of excuse to get herself away. But now, after seeing her act more like her old self, she wasn't sure. It was true that she didn't have much waiting for her back in the human world. Nothing besides a warrant for her arrest. And Facinaturu was pretty much out of IRPO jurisdiction.
But she didn't like the way the other mystics were looking at her. And she didn't want Gina to get the wrong idea.
"I don't know. I'll have to think about it."
"Of course." Asellus led her through a graceful twirl that would up with them standing back to back with each other. "I'll see you later. My Gina looks like she needs a little attention," she said with a smirk.
-----
"May I, Lute?"
The blue haired musician stepped aside and let Asellus take Gina's hand. He lingered, maybe to appreciate the sight of the two together before moving to join with the rest of human audience.
Even her Lady's presence wasn't enough to get rid of the doubts and worries running through Gina's mind. She couldn't help but sneak a glance at Emelia as she went to join with her friends. Asellus took up a limp hand and looked at a downcast face.
"What's wrong, Gina?"
Gina lifted her head only slightly. "Nothing. It's nothing," she said with forced steadiness.
Asellus's eyes narrowed slyly and darted to the side, catching Emelia as she passed by. "You're not jealous are you?" she said with a laugh.
"N - no," Gina said apologetically, thus revealing herself. "That's not it at all. . .I. . ."
Asellus laid a gentle hand on her cheek. "You needn't be, Gina."
"I - I know I don't have any right to be, but I just can't. . ."
Asellus put a finger to her lips. "Sh. Let me tell you right now that you are my most precious thing. I feel things with you that I don't feel with anyone else. With anyone else," she repeated, emphasizing her words.
"What about White Rose?"
Asellus suddenly reared back, shock clear on her face. Even Gina couldn't believe how blunt she'd been. She felt afraid suddenly, afraid that something was going to happen, afraid that she'd ruined everything with a few hasty words. She reared back, flinched, as if Asellus was going to strike her.
Instead, Asellus gently pulled her back and shook her head. She pulled her close, so that their foreheads were touching. Gina could feel her Lady's breath against her. "She's gone. Even if she comes back, you're the one I feel these things for. Only you."
Gina was on the verge of tears. How could she have had so little faith in her Lady? "Lady Asellus. . .I'm so sorry. I didn't mean. . ."
"Shhh," Asellus cooed. "It's nothing."
"No, it's not." Gina forced herself straight. She looked around at the other mystics, all their banter and gossip an affront to her and her Lady. Lady Asellus had always had to bail her out, kept her from being the outright laughing stock of Facinaturu. As it was, everyone merely laughed behind their backs. It was time to stop acting like a simple child, time to stop giving them reason to laugh.
Gina reached around her Lady's head and undid her tightly bound hair. It fell loose around her shoulders, wild, snaky mystic hair. Again, Asellus reared back, just as surprised as before, though this time it was pleasantly so. "I have to make it up to you." Gina reached and combed her fingers through that lustrous green hair, luxuriating in the feel.
She could hear her Lady take in a breath sharply. She laid a gentle finger around her neck. She could feel her pulse quickening. Yes, it was true, there were certain things that she alone could make Asellus feel. She, the simple tailor's maid, was the only person in all the universe who could make her Lady, perhaps the most powerful being in existence, breathe the way she was now, make her heart beat as it did now.
"Gina," Asellus said in a whisper, her breathing still excited. She clutched the back of her head and ran her fingers through, undoing the delicate knots and braids, letting it fall around her neck. She pulled her in so that only a sliver of space was between their lips.
Now the ex-maid could hear the murmurs of the other mystics again and this time they didn't sound so mocking. She thought the laughter was almost approving.
"Let's get out of here."
Gina felt herself starting to fade as they teleported away from the party, but before they did, she sneaked one last triumphant look to Emelia, who was gawking at her, arms crossed, with an expression of shock.
-----
Lute held a hand to his lips, shock clear on his face. "Whoa."
Gen had an ear to ear grin and pointed at the space Asellus and Gina used to occupy. "Now, *that's* a side of Asellus I've never seen. Always pictured it, but you know. . ." He turned to Emelia. "Makes you wonder what else goes on in these lonely castle walls, don't it?"
Emelia's arms were still crossed. She had to admit, she was a little annoyed with that smirk on Gina's face just before they left. Did she really think that she was trying to compete with her? She looked to Gen and answered, "Well, yes and no."