Romantic? I Think Not:
A/N: You guys are awesome! Over a 1000 reads! Yay!I know that this isabout a week overdue but here it is, Chapter 18! Enjoy :D
You know how there are girls who wish for that day to come and for the man of their choice to sweep them off their feet? That romantic of all romantic actions? Let's just say that Papa's glare and Mama's blank face isn't making it any easier for me to be a romantic girl. They've been staring at Merric (well Papa has been) non-stop. At least Mama had the decency to look elsewhere and talk to other people and while the celebration wasn't that big, there were still a great number of guests. Glancing to my right, I could see Merric finally calm and collected even if he was still a bit pale. I was surprise when he took my hand into his left and gave me a shy smile. Luckily for me, Shinko, Kel, and Yuki were dancing otherwise I would've had some teasing to deal with.
Giving my hand a slight tug, "Would you like to dance?"
"Are you sure you're up to it?" I asked warily.
"Most definitely," Merric said looking past me.
Following his line of gaze, I saw Mama finally relaxing with a slight hint of a smile. Turning back to him, I nodded a 'yes' before he could change his mind.
One down, one more to go, I thought to myself.
I felt oddly comfortable when he held me around the waist and lead me towards the other couples. (I inwardly snickered as I thought of Merric and I as a couple. Who would've thought that I'd be willing to do that?) I didn't really have to do much other than let Merric lead me around, which surprised me as he was a wonderful dance partner.
Maybe, just maybe, this will turn out all right.
Merric couldn't shake that unnerving feeling of someone else staring at his back as he danced. Discreetly looking, he couldn't find the source until his eyes fell on the same knight he has seen at dinner. He frowned just slightly at the sneering man but turned and spun Eri. As she came back, Merric forgot about the knight and focused on her. She looked a bit flushed but he couldn't determine why, only that it looked lovely on her. He noticed that as he brought her closer, her cheeks deepened at the close contact and smiled. That small bliss was rudely interrupted when he felt a slight shove.
"Sorry there," the knight smirked.
Merric could feel his anger starting to rise but before he could say anything, the knight ignored him and turned to Eri. With a slight bow, the knight took her hand and kissed it like any gentleman would... except that Merric could tell her smile was forced. If this guy had any sense, he should run before she snaps.
"Ah Eriko, how nice it is to see you again," the man purred.
"Really? How unfortunate," she answered coldly.
As much as Merric would've love for Eri to mock the man, they were in the middle of the floor.
Still holding her hand, Merric pulled her closer, "We're in the way of other people, come on," he whispered while leading her away from the crowd.
He had to keep a firm grip on her hand a tug a bit harder to get her going. Once they made it outside of the dancing crowd, Merric led her to where Roald, Shinko, Seaver, and one of the ladies, Katherin, were congregated.
"I saw you dancing out there," Katherin teased in a singsong voice, as she turned to Eri.
Sighing a bit in relief, he let the lady and Shinko pull Eri aside but made sure to keep an eye on her just in case that knight came back. From his place, he could see a myriad of emotions on her face; there was anger and irritation before it blanked, paled, and then finally reddened in embarrassment as he watch her try to stammer something out.
"Merric? Merric!" Seaver called out to his ear.
"What?" he said in annoyance as he turned.
"I said what did you get for Roald," Seaver reiterated.
"Get?"
"You do realize you're here for my birthday right?" Roald said jokingly.
Shit, Merric thought, he had forgotten why there was a ball.
"I-I know. Why else would we be here," Merric spoke.
"So what did you get him?" Seaver pressed.
"It's all right you didn't have to get anything," Roald answered.
"Yeah... what he said," Merric said uncertainly.
"You forgot didn't you?" Seaver asked while Roald tried to hide his grin.
Putting his arms around Seaver and Roald's shoulders, "Look at it this way, you can't buy friendship," Merric told them.
"Oh Merric that was beautiful. Marry me!" Neal said before hugging Merric from behind.
Giving a small yelp, Merric was about to yell at him when he saw Yuki rolling her eyes in jest.
Playing along, "How could you Neal? Not even telling Yuki first before asking. Shameless!"
Neal gave a mock wounded look before leaning against the wall and began 'crying' his heart out. Feeling much better, Merric was glad he played along. It's been a stressful day and this kind of relief is the only ones that can be provided by his friends. Not only that but he had danced with Eri as well. Hell, he actually asked her to dance. Not her asking him but him asking her!
"Why do you put up with him?" Kel's voice rang out in their group.
"Because he's entertaining," Yuki explained.
Looking up from his crying Neal gasped, "No? Is that why you love me? Oh Yuki how you have deceived me."
"Don't worry I still love you, you're just more entertaining than loving right now," Yuki informed him before patting his head.
Neal's shocked look at Yuki's gesture sent the group into a laughing fit. Enough so that Roald and Kel even started to get watery eyes. While Neal sat down and glared at everyone, they could hear his mutterings of 'some friends and mean bride-to-be'. Looking around, Merric noticed that Kel was glaring at something in the crowd of dancers. Kel's face blanked even more as he tried to figure out what she was staring at.
vvvvvvvv
"Kel what are you staring at?" Eric asked.
"What is he doing here?" she hissed.
"Who?"
"Sir Harrison," she spat.
"Who are you talking about?" Eric asked again.
"Him! The one dancing with Eri!" Kel said in a harsh whisper.
Watching him like a hawk, Kel could tell how tense Eri was and didn't like the way the knight was eyeing her like property.
This is why I hate men like him. Sexist son of a bitch, Kel thought.
Glancing a bit to her left, she could tell Merric was turning red from anger. Seeing the man eye the door and taking Eri aside, Kel ignored Eric's questioning and followed them.
Time to put the tightwad in his place.
vvvvvvvv
Eric was having a hard time deciding whether or not he wants to follow Kel. He could follow but the high possibility of pissing her off even more was scary. Scanning the crowd, he found Yuki talking to Shinko.
Two is better than one.
Going up to them, Eric tapped Shinko on the shoulder.
"Yes," Shinko said with a slight smile.
"Can you two follow Kel?" he asked.
"Follow?" Yuki questioned.
"Where is she?" Shinko asked.
"She followed Eri and some guy out that door," Eric explained before pointing to Kel just before she disappeared into the crowd.
"What?"
"Alright," Shinko said, "I've got a bad feeling anyways with Merric looking like he's about to kill."
"I'll take care of him, you guys just follow and don't let Kel or Eri do anything stupid."
Bowing, Eric went back to where Seaver was holding Merric back.
"When haven't they," Yuki mumbled before following Shinko.
Stupid etiquette. Stupid jackass. Stupid holier-than-thou lapdog, who thinks he's bigger than life.
Looking at him out of the corner of my eye, I could see Sir Harrison smiling at everyone we passed like he was an angel.
Yeah and I'm the Yamani Empress, I snorted in thought.
"Tsk tsk Lady Eriko. Snorting like that isn't very lady-like," Sir Harrison said discreetly tightening his hold on my arm.
I knew something was bad when he asked for a dance. It's that old pig of a noble's fault, saying how lucky I was. Lucky my ass! I didn't even notice that I had left Merric's side at all! And I'm sure I didn't either.
Tugging my arm, Sir Harrison only held on with a vice-grip while plastering a sweet smile for me. I shuddered at the thought of him having a sweet smile. It wasn't until I felt a cool breeze that I realized we were outside. Hiding my shock and disgust, I found myself idiotically trailing him like a mindless twit. The fact that most of the real couples have gone in as it was nearing midnight didn't make the garden so magical anymore. Oh Goddess, how I hated the retreating couples pointing at us with those 'secret' smiles.
Leading me to the fountain, he sat me down on one of the benches before taking my hand and kissing it. Did I mention that it was having a rock kiss my hand?
"Dancing with you has been a wonderful treat," he started.
Glad my misery was so amusing.
"Of course you're attitude was atrocious. What kind of lady steps on her partner's feet?"
It was on purpose of course.
"And your constant glares are ridiculous."
Guess why?
"It saddens me to think what your Aunt must go through every time she sees you."
I swear his sneer is going to be a permanent feature.
"But. I am willing to overlook your flaws, so you should feel flattered and honored that I'm even sinking this low."
Balling my fist, Sir Harrison kneeled down and offered a ring.
"Now say 'yes' before I change my mind."
Getting up, I gave him a smile and prepared to throw a punch.
"Eri say 'yes' and I'll kill you!"
Looking up, I saw Kel standing there with her skirts gathered in one hand while the other held one of her slippers. I heard Sir Harrison growl in frustration before standing up and facing Kel.
"Well, well. If it isn't the Sir Lady of Harlots," he sneered in satisfaction.
"You call that an insult?" Kel challenged.
"No, call it a compliment."
"You lous-"
Kel didn't even bother finishing her sentence before throwing her slipper at his face. If I could, I'd laugh but this is a serious situation... not to mention that it's cold.
"Yes, that's the way to become a lady Mindelan," he mocked.
"Oh shut up! Don't you dare tell me how to act like lady," Kel huffed in anger.
"Aww, still a bit touchy I see and from what I can tell in there, you've apparently snatched a man after all. I wonder how stupid he is."
"And I still see you're desperate for a wife. What, father dearest won't give you the money if you don't marry?"
That masochistic bastard, I thought.
Sir Harrison's face darkened incredibly at Kel's comment, which I admit has me cowering a bit. Kel only smirked in triumph, as she stood straight and stared through him. He lunged at Kel without a care if anyone saw him at all. I was shock and angry for only a second before going after the pair and trying to pry them apart. Apparently, it didn't matter that Kel was in a dress because all he did was try and punch.
"Stop it this instant!"
Jumping back from them, I looked surprised at Shinko's tone. Shinko's face, which was usually devoid of negative emotions, looked furious like a dragon protecting her offspring... although that wasn't far off seeing as how Kel was pinned by Sir Harrison. Getting up quickly, he pointedly ignored Kel and glared at Shinko. Straightening his clothes as best as he could, Sir Harrison started to limp away but turned around and stared at me for moment.
"Don't think this is over Eriko. I'll come back when you aren't surrounded by riff rafts," he sneered.
Getting up, Kel was about to take off her other slipper when I picked up her discarded one and threw it at the back of his head.
"That's for insulting my brother and my friends you piece of horse shit!"
He looked like he was going to come back and hit me but only eerily smiled before leaving. Turning around, I went to Kel and checked over her bruises and cuts. Compared to him, she's probably worse of-
"Kel, what in the Black God's Realm were you thinking!" Shinko hissed.
"I was trying to get justi-"
"That is not justice! That is being childish!"
"Shin, maybe you should calm d-"
"No I will not calm down!" Shinko said interrupting Yuki.
"Do you know how bad this will look? You're supposed to be better than him! Whatever were you think- were you even thinking? It is Roald's birthday and I don't have to want to deal with whatever that fu- farting dick is going to do tomorrow."
Yuki, Kel, and I stared wide-eyed at Shinko's almost swear before she left us alone, shocked at her own words but nevertheless angry at us. Well, it's more of Kel and me since Yuki didn't do anything. Looking at Yuki, I could see the disappointment in her eyes.
"Yuki, do you mind telling Neal to meet us in Kel's room?" I asked quietly.
She didn't say anything other than a nod 'yes' before scurrying away. Gathering a bit of my Gift, I concentrated as I focused on changing Kel's hair and eyes.
"They're mad at me aren't they," Kel stated.
"You're not the only one but we can go apologize tomorrow, right now we need to see how bad the damages are."
Helping her up, I realized that she might've twisted her ankle when she tripped and fell during the fight. We linked arms and I let her lean on me as much as I could as we slipped out of the gardens and towards the Knights' Wing.
