Dangerous Games
Chapter Three
Momentary Distractions
This was going even better than he anticipated: truly the Duke had kept her under close supervision. Guimel gently led her to an empty couch along one of the walls, safely in view of the dance floor and orchestra, inwardly smirking at the pretty pink on her cheeks. He released her arm, resisting the urge to stroke her fingers. He never underestimated a prey's sophistication, no matter how innocent they seemed, and softened his smile as they sat down.
"Are you feeling a little warmer?" he asked guilelessly, unable to resist the double entendre. Her blush deepened and she nodded, averting her eyes. He followed her gaze to her brother and was pleased to see that he was still absorbed with Isabelle. Perhaps he should try something a little bold…
"Oniisan! Oniisan!" Two high-pitched voices cried from his right and he turned away from her, suppressing a snarl of annoyance. What the hell are the J's doing here? he growled to himself as the two eight-year-old boys, identical twins dressed in perfectly matching pale-blue jackets and pants, came running up to him. They threw themselves upon him, laughing, and he couldn't help but grin back; hugging them quickly before setting them back on their feet.
"Isn't it past your bedtime?" he asked, running his fingers through Jason's pale blonde curls. The boy blushed and opened his mouth, but his brother, Jeremy, spoke first.
"Father decided we were old enough to attend this party!" he said excitedly.
"So he had Annelle bring us," Jason added shyly.
"Is that so?" Guimel asked, glancing over to the girl. She was watching them, smiling, which was a good thing, but he had to get rid of these two before she did the unthinkable: request that they stay. But, manners first. He quelled an impatient sigh.
"This is Lady Madeious, daughter of Duke Corin Madeious," he said. The boys immediately stepped back, turned to her and gave a short bow.
"Jeremy and Jason Guilliame, fourth and fifth in line to Baron Robert Guilliame, Minimoto Province," they announced in their high voices, their fair faces utterly serious, and he quelled a responsive, affectionate smile. A few more years and no girl would be safe from them. Or boy, if that turned out to be their inclination. He looked about the room but Annelle was nowhere in sight. Fuck. He turned back towards Hiroko, who was now listening quite seriously to the J's as they rhapsodized about the party, and caught her eye. He smiled as she looked inquiringly at him.
"Forgive me," he said softly, "But despite what these two say, it really is too late for them to be out. Would you mind if I went and found my sister?" She smiled, quite enchantingly, then turned back to the boys. He rose from the couch and headed for the double doors that led out to the gardens, keeping an angry scowl off his face. Kenneth joined him once he had rounded a corner of the ballroom, grinning from ear to ear.
"I just wanted to tell you that this has been the most entertaining evening I've had in a long time."
"Shut up," he growled at him. "Where's the bitch?" Kenneth laughed.
"The look on your face when the J's appeared! She was watching from the orchestra; but then headed for the buffet."
"Arigato," he said smoothly. "Now, get lost." Kenneth grinned again and disappeared. Guimel rounded another corner - trust Annelle to go to the whole other end of the ballroom! - and spied his older sister leaning against a column, one hand tracing the lace at her breast. There was a young nobleman with her, smiling slightly and speaking as he gestured carelessly with his hand. Guimel inwardly snorted: Annelle would flirt with anybody. He came up to the young man's side and brought his lips to his ear.
"I just saw Priscilla headed this way, Akiro!" Akiro jerked his head around and stared at him, paling. He had just ended a rather messy affair with the fiery young noblewoman and she was now out for his blood.
"Arigato, Guimel!" he gasped and made for the double doors that stood a few meters away. Annelle gasped in outrage, glaring at him. Guimel turned towards her, his back to the ballroom, and frowned.
"Get the J's," he ordered. Annelle smirked, ever so slightly.
"They saw you and wanted so badly to come over!" she said innocently. "How could I say no?"
"Don't fuck with me, Annelle," he growled softly, "Or I'll tell Akiro about that nasty disease you just recovered from." Her mouth dropped open then quickly snapped shut.
"What disease?!?" she demanded, sotto voce, then bared her teeth for an instant. "You wouldn't!" Guimel smiled and waited, twisting a little to his left to get a wineglass from a passing waiter. It would serve her right if he did spread such a rumor: she was forgetting her place, even if she was his elder by a year. The fair, delicate features were smooth: Annelle knew better than to show her true feelings here, but her green eyes were dangerously dark. Then she gave a short, silent sigh; his smile grew broader.
"All right, but I'm telling Father," she said softly but defeatedly: they both knew what an empty threat that was.
"That's better," he replied lazily, then looked her up and down. "With the proper attitude, even you may be able to catch a husband." The large green eyes flared, then she drew herself up, staring down at him. Guimel crushed a snarl of irritation: she was taller than him by only a few centimeters, but it still irked him when she reminded him of it. Bitch, he thought darkly.
"You will pick them up in ten minutes," he said with soft steel, then turned and made his way back through the room, knowing she would obey.
---
They were so utterly sweet, she remarked silently, quietly listening to their sweet voices and taking in their innocent faces. Completely adorable! And they were so excited and bubbly about the party. It was a shame she herself did not feel so. Then again it wasn't as if her time with the young lord was unpleasant, on the contrary, she was quite enjoying her time with him, until, that is, they had had this small interruption. She glanced up, no longer able to make out the glint of golden locks before glancing down at the younger siblings. They were still talking, both at the same time, and she had to bite her lower lip gently to suppress the laughter building as they interrupted each other with every other sentence. Miniature Guimel's, she mused to herself, suppressing a smile.
It was as the voices stopped that she snapped out of her thoughts, glancing up past the pair to take in the long black trousers, further up to see matching fitted jacket and intricately designed shirt. She glanced up further, taking in the tanned complexion, smooth, kept black hair and blue eyes; a fond smile spread across her lips.
"Terris!" She exclaimed happily as she regarded the equally smiling face before her. He nodded his head promptly, politely repeating the action to the two small boys, receiving the same gestures from them as well.
"My complements to you gentlemen: you keep fine company!" came the calm tone and immediately Hiroko felt her blush return, though she did not look away. "Please, excuse the intrusion, but you brother bid me seek you out before the party began. Although he is currently engaged elsewhere at the moment, he still has concerns for your well being." And he knelt slightly, taking her hand in his, placing a gentle kiss to it.
"His concern knows no bounds, and yet he sends you and not himself… Not that seeing you again is not delightful. It's been too long." He nodded his head, blue eyes sparkling as he stared down at her.
"I agree. I had every intention to journey back to Asturia to see how you were faring but unfortunately I was prevented from doing so, so many duties and responsibilities yet so little time. But your father, and brother, guaranteed me that you were faring well." She cast him an affectionate smile as she glanced down towards the two young boys, taking in their obvious unhappiness at being seemingly ignored.
"Do excuse us. No doubt you feel quite put out, being so rudely forgotten. May I introduce my dear friend, Lord Terris Mustrum, son to Count Philippe Mustrum!"
"Enjoying the party, boys?" came the pleasant voice of Terris as he settled himself down beside Hiroko on the couch, taking her hand affectionately in his. Once again the young boys began talking excitedly, picking up from when they had previously been interrupted.
While Hiroko stared intently at the young men before her, Terris leaned back in the chair, lazily taking an interest in the young men's banter before leaning up against her ear.
"I had hoped to seek out earlier but you seem to be very elusive to find." She remained silent, her eyes still on the two blonds. "Your brother seemed quite concerned that you were without a chaperone too. Seems his concern for your welfare is quite valid." She frowned gently, brows lacing together as she inclined her eyes to stare at him, silently mouthing the word 'why' before returning her gaze back to the boys. They were talking to each other now, beaming smiles still present on their faces. Only then did she turn back to Terris. "Surely you realize that the men present here are all players in their own rights. Why do you think your father wished for you to be monitored at all times? You do not realize how deceiving they can be."
"What does that make you then, Terris?" she chuckled. "Besides, I don't need a baby sitter; after all I have already spent five months practically alone in Asturia."
"You know all too well that Asturia and Zaibach are completely different! And as for myself, do you not think I am getting a little to old to play such games?" She sighed gently, shaking her head and touching his cheek gently.
"Don't be so daft. You are still in your prime. You are merely more level headed than most here. Your age is nothing but a number and that is too insignificant to even speak of. Old indeed. But, dare I say, I think you are turning into my father." He snorted gently before he shot her a roguish grin. He was so fine a man and was one of the few she allowed herself to be almost curt with at times. He allowed it, when others of Zaibach would not. Perhaps it was that they had always been together, brought up closely, an almost maternal relationship between them. Yes, he and her brother were too similar at times. She should have guessed he would have been here tonight; he was never very far away from her!
Truth be told, she had hoped to see him before the party, for he did tend to be her escort to such functions, which she always found strange. Her brother Naolin would always arrive alone and, almost immediately upon his arrival, find himself a suitable woman to accompany for the night, enjoying himself in her company well before dinner was even called; such as he had now, yet Terris never did. Perhaps it was his age, after all he always hinted towards it. But he was only twenty-four rotations, not that old. He certainly had many years left. Whatever the reason he was always by her side and that fact was always comforting.
A small bout of silence resumed between the pair as the boys before them carried on talking and her smile broadened, taking great interest in not only their conversation but also inadvertently the likeness they held to their older brother.
"Quite spirited aren't they!" she heard Terris finally speak and she chuckled gently in response, eyes glittering.
"I want two just like them," she mused almost silently before her smile slipped from her lips. "In fact if my father has his way I may find myself in that situation very shortly."
"So I've heard…" came the calm response. "Even your brother seems to back up his decision. But you don't really need to worry about such things. Your father will choose wisely. He wants a union which will do both him and yourself honor." She smiled slightly, turning to look at him with bright eyes. He was right, as always. "Well, as you seem so adamant that my presence is unnecessary, I shall take my leave of you. Besides I think I have intruded long enough." Hiroko started slightly; shocked he had taken her worlds to heart, before noticing the knowing glint in the depths of his prussian orbs and sent him an irritated look. "Don't fear though, you know that I'm always around and if I do not see you again tonight I shall make a point to tomorrow. Your father and I have some business to attend to so it means we can spend time together catching up." Her hand, still held almost possessively in his, was raised to his lips, a light kiss placed against her knuckles before he released it. "Though if I may, I would request the last dance?"
"I look forward to it," she replied dotingly, as he turned away, nodding politely to the young Guilliame twins before disappearing back into the crowd upon which he had previously come, Hiroko staring a little disappointedly behind him.
---
He emptied the wineglass as he moved forward, feeling the flush from the wine on his cheeks. Better not have too much: absolute control was needed in these games. Of course, it wouldn't hurt if he could get her to have a few more... He inwardly smirked as he dropped the empty glass onto a table, then froze as he spied the girl: there was a man sitting beside her, quite close, listening to the J's as he held her hand. Guimel leaned casually against a wall, partially hidden by two noblemen who were conversing nearby, studying the man. Who was it? Ah, Terris Mustrum. What was that old goat doing here? Perhaps he was her betrothed? He inwardly frowned: that might make her seduction a little too much of a challenge. But they weren't acting like an engaged couple, despite their apparent mutual affection, so he must be just a close friend. Guimel suppressed a scowl: a very attentive and wary close friend. Mustrum had been notorious in his day, and would be on alert for his kind prowling around the girl. He'd have to play this very carefully, now. He smiled faintly as he watched the J's: they were adamant that Hiroko pay attention to them but were giving proper respect to the nobleman. It would be quite entertaining when they finally got of age to play for real. Jason was very engaging, but Jeremy would do better: that shyness was irresistible. Guimel glanced about the room, spying Kenneth at a table near the orchestra, a slight, sly smile on his face as he watched the little group. Probably waiting for his arrival, Guimel thought sourly. He waited for a few minutes, going over his options, then breathed a silent sigh of relief as Mustrum suddenly got up and left. But the nobleman didn't go far; merely far enough to give at least a feeling of isolation to the girl. And to her possible suitors. Tricky bastard. He moved forward, keeping a covert eye on the man. Hiroko's very own knight-in-shining-armor, and a much better one than Naolin. Well, at least he had beat Annelle back to the couch. Jason caught his approach and immediately the two boys ran up to him, telling him all about Lord Mustrum - his father's a count!! Guimel grinned at them - he really was fond of them, and it looked good to his conquest - then glanced apologetically to the girl as he gently pried Jeremy off his side and sat down.
"I hope the J's haven't been troubling you. They can be a bit overwhelming," he said, smiling.
"Of course not, Lord Guilliame," she responded sweetly, gently brushing a stray strand of hair out of her eyes before returning her hands to rest against the fabric covering her lap. "They are quite the gentlemen; charming and attentive!" Her eyes returned to the young boys, her smile growing at their bright expressions. It was quite infectious! But soon her gaze faltered, drawn back to the crowed in a futile search to see if she could see where Terris was, if once more that night.
Guimel inwardly frowned, watching her look about the room. He looked at the boys and smiled, then shook his head a little. They looked from him to Hiroko, then smiled sweetly and settled down alongside his feet, talking quietly to each other. Guimel turned back to her.
"I've heard of Lord Mustrum," he said gently. "He's quite the gentleman."
"He does have his moments…" she mused almost absentmindedly, fingers trailing across her collarbone.
He inwardly smirked. Now to see where she was at with him, so far. He put on a look of slight concern.
"Perhaps you'd rather spend some time with him? He might make your evening more pleasant than I could manage, since he's known you longer than a half an hour!"
She turned sharply to stare into his verdant eyes before shaking her head slowly.
"You make fine company Lord Guilliame. Besides, I already know him all too well and can see him any time. You I would like to get to know better." She smiled sweetly, her focus completely on him, only slightly aware of the twin's quiet talk by them.
He fought to keep a grin off his face - fabulous! Suddenly there was a gentle cough to his right.
"Why, hello there!" Annelle said brightly, smiling and looking over Hiroko with polite interest.
Hiroko nodded her head politely, returning the bright smile as she regarded the young woman before her.
Guimel kept from scowling - barely. She would get rid of the J's, at least. Annelle's smile softened and she gracefully curtsied.
"Annelle Guilliame, daughter to Baron Robert Guilliame, Minimoto Province," she said softly.
"Hiroko Madeious, daughter to Duke Corin Madeious." She responded smoothly, once again nodding her head slightly, her expression calm and relaxed.
"I'm honored," Annelle said, smiling brightly again. Take the J's and get the fuck out of here! Guimel thought at her; she looked at him, knowing exactly what he was thinking, and then turned back to Hiroko.
"Forgive me for being so presumptuous, but you seem new here! I've met your brother, though - Lord Naolin. Quite the... interesting young man! Wouldn't you agree?"
"Very much so!" Hikoro responded cordially, the light laughter in the words audible in her tone. "My brother is most definitely interesting, quite like your own brother."
Annelle's pale eyebrows rose, then she smiled warmly. Guimel's blood went cold. The bitch was going to blow it for him! He looked up at her as she turned to look once more upon him, both their faces showing only polite affection.
"Hai, my dear brother is quite..." she began, but then Jeremy jumped up and tugged on her pale pink skirt.
"Annelle! Take us to the buffet!" he exclaimed and Guimel almost laughed at the surprised, irked look that flashed for an instant on the fair features. Jason got up as well and latched onto her other side, holding onto her arm in a death grip.
"Hai!" he softly exclaimed. "Let's go!"
"It's been nice meeting you, Lady Guilliame." Hiroko spoke sweetly, her smile never faltering as she gazed down at the twin's expectant faces. "I do hope you enjoy the rest of the party."
"The pleasure was all mine, Lady Madeious," Annelle replied with another warm smile, then she allowed the two boys to pull her away. Guimel hid a smirk then turned back towards the girl. She looked quite lovely, he felt a pull to run his fingers along her collarbone, imitating her earlier self-caress, and inwardly smiled at his reaction. There would be plenty of time for that later. Much later thanks to Mustrum. But that was all right - he could practically feel the presence of the older nobleman, hovering nearby, and oh, how he was going to rub it in when he had won her! But he was getting ahead of himself. He turned toward the girl, resting one hand on the discrete space in between them on the couch.
"You had mentioned that you had learned some hard lessons in Asturia. May I ask what they were? Or perhaps they are not a subject that makes you feel comfortable?"
"Not hard lessons, sir. More that I just became more aware of things than I had been. Nothing to perturb me though!" she said, turning her eyes to stare out at the ruffling gowns and suits in front of them.
"What things, if I may ask?"
She nibbled gently on her lower lip, glad to have broken his piercing gaze, if for but a moment or two. What should she say? That she had learnt the freedom of being her own person without the pressures of having to be constantly submissive to men. That most certainly would not do.
"Asturia merely showed me the differences between our countries, that's all. Ours undoubtedly holds more discipline!"
He smiled gently at the force behind her soft words. He turned and looked down at his hand, resting on the couch, inwardly admiring the long fingers against the swirls of the brocade underneath them.
"I sometimes find the demands of constant self-discipline to be tiring," he said, very softly, a little surprised to realize that he had spoken the truth. He stopped that line of thought - it was counterproductive right now.
She merely continued to smile, her head turning back to look at him for a moment before returning it back to the crowd. She gathered her hands together, fiddling with the tips of the white fabric.
He must be mistaken about her boldness, after all. She was being the very proper young noblewoman. All right, he thought and kept his eyes on the couch, let's see if this will work.
"How do you like the discipline of Zaibach, my lady?"
Just perfect. Now how could she word this without sounding distasteful, of her place as a woman in this world of theirs?
"It's all I've ever known. All I can say is that its discipline has produced a powerful country! That and powerful men. All organized and proper, as it should be. Here everyone has their place."
He looked up at her and smiled, almost his lazy smile. "What do you find your place to be, Lady Madeious?"
"My place is simple." She spoke seriously, eyes locking with the young lords as she held her head up proudly. "My place is as a respectful daughter and sister. It was ordained to be that way. Obedient to my father and brother and when the time comes, to my chosen husband. It is my place to honor them and show them the proper respect for their own status, as with you yourself. Not that that is such an awful thing. I am content with such a situation. As I said before, it's all I've ever known!"
His smile softened a touch.
"And Asturia? How did you like the order of things in that country?"
"As I spoke of before, escape can sometimes be necessary but the foreignness of such freedom was quite disturbing in a way. In all truth, I was happy to return." She paused, studying him for a moment but not for too long. She made sure not to make that mistake a second time. "And so, Lord Guilliame, what would you determine to be the best course to rectify these constant demands for self-discipline?"
A damn good lay, he thought immediately and almost cracked a smile. Damn, if he didn't take this seriously he would truly lose the prize. His face grew serious.
"I find it to be a... challenge," he said quietly.
"A challenge?" she enquired gently, her left eyebrow raised ever so slightly.
Guimel decided to throw caution to the wind. What the hell, he thought, the sensitive approach doesn't seem to be doing anything, and I'm bored with it anyway.
"Hai," he said, smiling. "Self-discipline is always demanded, so how does one combat it constantly in one's life? How would you do it, Lady Madeious?"
She opened her mouth to speak before closing it, her brow now knitting together at his words.
"I wouldn't know of such things." She finally spoke. "I would never consider questioning my place! It is a way of life. I do not desire to rectify it." She was being cautious, perhaps a little too cautious for her own good. But her father had taught her to be so. Even though she had returned home she still knew she had reason to be cautious. Despite how comfortable she felt in the lord's presence there were others around she wasn't.
His smile warmed.
"It's all right - you don't need to trouble yourself with such things. Like you said before, your life is pretty much pre-ordained, and I'm sure your father and brother know what's best for you."
She nodded, eye finally lowering to stare at her lap in a thoughtful manor.
"I'm sure they will make a fine choice..."
A-ha, he thought.
"After all," he said softly, "It is your station in life. Surely they will pick the best man for you; whoever he is."
Once again a small nod of her head; followed by a gentle sigh. She seemed to fall upon this line of conversation a lot as of late!
"Would you..." he began, then stopped and looked down.
She stared at him expectantly, taking in his posture before leaning a little closer.
"Would I what, sir?" she enquired quietly.
He inwardly smirked. Get ready, Hiroko! He looked up, locking their gazes. Her leaning forward had put their faces in close proximity; he could practically feel the heat from her lips, centimeters from his own.
"Would you rebel?" he asked with quiet urgency, keeping her eyes locked on his. "Even if it was only in your mind?"
"Rebel?" she blanched for a moment. Such a thought had never crossed her mind and yet… "Why would I ever wish to do such a thing?" she asked breathlessly, a little stunned by his words. She could feel a light blush against her cheeks but she could do nothing but search the eyes before her.
His mouth dropped open and he immediately leaned away from her.
"What am I doing? Forgive me, Lady Madeious!" he exclaimed quietly, staring at her in consternation. "You would never wish for such a thing! It would be so... scandalous!" He debated turning away from her, face averted, but that would be just too melodramatic. So he settled for gazing earnestly at her. "Can you ever excuse my rudeness, my lady?"
The corner of her lips curved ever so slightly as she nodded.
"You were not being rude, lord. Merely inquisitive." She blushed a little more before averting her eyes. "And please, feel free to call me by my first name. At least we can remove that little point of discipline."
God, he wished he could blush on command! This would be the perfect time! Annelle could do it - damn her. He smiled instead.
"That would be an honor... Hiroko." His smile grew fond. "I have something in mind. May I be so bold as to tell you what it is?"
"Of course! What is it?" came her expectant reply.
Oh, if only I could, he thought as his features settled into a serious look. Just wondering how you sound in the throes of ecstasy. He had a sudden visual of the two of them, their sweat-slicked bodies entwined, that pretty voice of hers crying out uncontrollably... he mentally shook himself. What was the matter with him? He'd better watch it or else he'd really give the game away.
"You seem to enjoy music, and there's an outside concert tomorrow at Yamata Park. Would you be interested in attending it with me? With your father's permission, of course."
"I…" she stuttered. "May I at least get to know you just a little better before I make any such decision. The suggestion is delightful but still…"
"Forgive me," he said immediately. "I have embarrassed you, and that was not my intent." He smiled slightly and cocked his head to one side. "I would like to better make your acquaintance. How can this be achieved?"
"Surely as we are is just fine? Or do you have a suggestion? We are in each other's presence, talking. Is that not an important part of getting to know a person?"
He sighed gently.
"But this evening is already half over. Surely you wish to spend time with your brother, and of course Lord Mustrum." He looked down, then back up at her, leaning forward just a little. "Surely you will forget about me by the last dance!"
Her breath caught a little by his small movement before she shook her head.
"I do not so easily forget, Lord! Besides I am yours for tonight, if you desire it. My brother is, as usual, occupied and Lord Mustrum is away somewhere; I know not where. And to be truthful there are few others here I would wish to spend time with."
He quelled the impulse to raise his eyebrows: how intriguing. She acts one way and says another. Well, don't we all? he thought sardonically as he reached forward and gently took her hand. Let's see how far she's willing to go, tonight, he thought as he raised her hand to his lips. But not too far.
"Please, my lady, call me Guimel," he said softly and gently twisted her hand so that his lips met her bare wrist.
She didn't even want to speculate how deeply she blushed at that moment, so much so that she could have sworn her normally lightly tanned skin was now stained deep crimson. Yet she didn't pull away nor object to his touch, which she found quite strange. She had done so quite often in Asturia, with a young man who had made an advancement she was uncomfortable with but here, now. She swallowed slowly, eyes following his movements as a small shiver ran through her body.
"As you wish, Guimel…"
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