Dangerous Games
Chapter Four A Chaperone's Intervention
Her skin tasted very sweet; he was tempted to continue on, teasing her with his tongue on that so-sensitive spot on her wrist, but that would be extremely bad form. She was a novice, after all: at any moment she might yank her hand from his grasp and stand, outrage on her features, ready to call in her knight to rescue her. But it was interesting that she hadn't even tried to pull her wrist away, although this was a highly improper thing to be doing; he inwardly smiled as he released her hand and straightened up.
"Domo arigato, Hiroko," he said softly, smiling at her deep blush.
She remained there quite flushed as she finally pulled her hand back, her other hand resting where Guimel's lips had touched and a fleeting smile crossed her lips before she glanced up against to gaze at him. His smile was soft and inviting and highly pleasant.
Guimel inwardly smirked: he could just see Kenneth at his table, grinning slyly. He himself was feeling pretty good about her: she wasn't one of those totally secluded, strictly-brought-up, virgins who were such bores! He was tempted to lean forward again, just to see if she'd meet him... but there was Terris. The bastard hadn't showed up yet but that didn't mean he wouldn't. So it was back to safe ground.
"Tell me, if you would, Hiroko," he said, his voice slightly caressing her name, "What do you miss about Asturia? Anything at all?"
"This and that," she murmured thoughtfully, fingers running over her wrist where the kiss had been placed. "I miss the sea, the smell that is. The people too, well some of them. As I spoke of before, they seem to view you for what you can give them… In one way I do miss it but I am surely glad to have returned home. It has been too long."
"I would agree: you have denied us your graceful presence for far too long!" The orchestra had just finished their latest song; it would be a few moments before they began again. He rose to his feet and held out his hand. "Would you care to dance?"
She accepted his hand, rising from her position on the sofa before gently brushing down her gown of any wrinkles which may have appeared from her sitting, before turning back to Guimel. She smiled slightly, fingers curling around the young lord's hand as she moved closer to him.
Excellent, Guimel thought as he led her out onto the dance floor: the orchestra was starting a waltz. Such a physical dance as compared to the more formal ones! He hid a smirk as he brought his arm about her waist, feeling her light touch on his shoulder.
---
Kenneth's eyebrow rose slightly as the music started. Who knew Guimel would make such headway so quickly? This just wouldn't do! He glanced about as he took a swallow of wine: Annelle was out of sight, as was Naolin. Ah, but there was Mustrum. He set his wineglass down, glanced over at one of the wall mirrors to check his impeccable appearance, then got up and approached the nobleman.
"Good evening, Lord Mustrum," he said deferentially, giving a short bow.
Terris turned his head slowly in the direction the voice had come, wine glass still held casually in one hand. His eyes ran over the smart appearance before glancing up to meet dark eyes and well-kept hair and he nodded his head slightly, turning to face the man beside him.
"Good evening, Lord Ajinayama. Enjoying the evening?"
Kenneth smiled.
"Very much so, my lord. The capital city is always pleasant in early Autumn! Are you enjoying yourself as well?"
"So, so," he responded casually, taking a small sip of his drink. "These parties never seem to change! One is the same as the next."
"You are so correct," Kenneth replied, slight consternation on his fine features. "The same old crowd, the same old music..." He turned and looked at the waltzers, hiding a smile of triumph: Guimel and the girl were right in sight! He waved a hand at the group of dancers. "Look, even this newer dance has gotten old, ne?"
Slowly he turned, eyes running over the dancers before they fell on one couple in particular. 'Hiroko.' He frowned ever so slightly, eyes following the pair before he turned away, returning his gaze to the young man beside him. Had it gotten to the stage that he couldn't take his eyes from the girl before she was getting herself into some unknowing wary position?
"So it seems, though its popularity has not seemed to lessen!"
Kenneth smiled fondly. Time for another prod.
"Such a different style from the usual forms, ne?" he asked guilelessly. "So much physical contact between the dancers - it almost brings forbidden thoughts to mind, especially to those who aren't used to it."
Terris' eyes narrowed as he stared down at Ajinayama before returning to the dancers.
"Too true. And a great opportunity for those with experience to take advantage of the unknowing. There're a few too many players here for my liking…"
"Unfortunately, I would have to agree with you, my lord," Kenneth said softly. "And a simple dance becomes a powerful tool in the hands of an unscrupulous man."
---
Guimel smiled down into Hiroko's eyes, admiring the clear, cobalt blue irises as they moved along. He debated drawing her a little closer to him, narrowing that discrete space between their bodies, but settled instead for lightly stroking her back with his thumb. But only one stroke - he didn't want to make this seduction happen too fast.
She shivered gently at the touch but merely smiled back. It wasn't as if she were completely new to such dancing. Asturian balls seemed to have such music as the majority of its dance tunes and in the five colours she had been there she had had her fair share of balls. She lightly tightened her hold on his shoulder as they rotated ever so slightly, moving a little closer. Yes, she had grown fond of such dancing; there was such a hint of intimacy that the other dances lacked. Yet such closeness, though straining the rules of propriety, was allowed. Rebelling in a small sort of way. She chuckled secretly to herself as she broke Guimel's gaze as she leaned forward slightly, her cheek almost brushing his; an action she only regretted after it was to late.
Guimel suppressed the urge to raise his eyebrows. Just how far has she gone with a man? he wondered, feeling the warmth of her cheek on his skin. Perhaps this wouldn't be such a challenge, after all. And her independence! Surely Mustrum would have shown up by now; but perhaps he didn't realize how bold she actually was. Perhaps it was her stay in Asturia - Sam did say that the women there were very forward, distastefully so. He suppressed a frown as he pulled slightly away from her: females were prey, not predators.
She blushed brightly when she realized her forwardness, her head falling to stare down at the gap between them, not daring to look up at her dancing partner. Even though his movement had been slight it allowed her to realize her flaw and she chastised herself. That was twice that night that she had allowed a slip in her discipline. What he must have thought of her. She really had to make sure she didn't allow herself to have any other slips.
The waltz ended as they reached the edge of the orchestra; he suppressed a short sigh, smiling warmly down at her as he let go of her.
"Would you like some refreshment?" he asked softly as he led her to a chezlong set by one of the large windows. He needed to get away for a moment and think about this.
She nodded in response though her head remained low and she sank onto the elegantly designed piece of furnishing, gloved fingers threaded together.
"Something light to drink would be nice, thank you sir."
"I'll be right back," he said, then turned and made his way through the throng to a small bar that stood on the other side of the room. He scowled slightly as he saw Kenneth leaning up against it, one eyebrow raised.
"Did you see that?" he growled softly, then smiled, asking for two glasses of white wine from the servant on the other side of the bar.
"Bwaa, she just got back from that horrid country. Total barbarians there, my dear Guimel." Kenneth suppressed his own scowl of annoyance: did Mustrum give no thought to this girl's reputation? Guimel would have her before the night was over! But perhaps not - he seemed a little put off with her actions. He smirked ever so slightly at his friend's smooth profile. "Then again," he started, sighing, then hid a snarl as Guimel turned to him and smiled lazily.
"You're right, Kenneth: just because she is outwardly forward doesn't mean she'll put out right away. God, I hope so! I've been working on Lady Meredith, you know." Kenneth smiled broadly.
"Like she's a challenge," he replied smoothly. "Been there, done that!" Guimel smirked slightly as he picked up the glasses.
"Not really, Kenneth," he said softly, then started back.
---
Once again she returned to the action of wringing her gloves together as she continued to chastise herself. Stupid, stupid, stupid. She didn't like this situation in the slightest any more. She'd already made a fool of herself and now. She should just excuse herself and…
Once again she felt a shadow cast over her and she glanced up, taking in the towering form for Terris above her. She sighed in relief, a small smile tugging at her lips before it faltered taking in the look of disdain on his face. Had he seen?
"I don't know what's gotten into you, Hiroko; I can only give you some friendly advice. Watch what you do around Lord Guilliame! I bit my tongue before but I will not do it again. For one, in all your innocence, you are playing a dangerous game and I do not wish to see you harmed in the slightest. Perhaps it would be prudent if I extricate you from this untimely situation. It will most certainly save you face. I'm sure the young lord will understand. Perhaps a bout of fresh air will do you good!"
"But Terris…"
"No buts. I'm sure Lord Guilliame has already tired of that unpredictable character of yours." Her mouth fell open in a shocked and hurt manner as she stared up at him. He actually looked angry. But what had she done wrong? She hadn't done anything that wrong, had she? Obviously so. Her eyes drooped to stare at the floor as she tried to mask her feelings, obeying his unspoken order to stand.
Guimel stopped as he saw the two together at the chezlong: Mustrum self-righteously angry, Hiroko quite chastised. Quite different from the first time he saw them together: looked like Mustrum had finally figured out the game. His spirits rose - should he try to rescue her from her chaperone? He almost grinned at the irony, but the feeling was momentary. He knew Mustrum could easily take her from the party, out of his reach. He set down the glasses on a nearby table and walked forward, putting on a look of slight concern. Time to win over the old goat, if it was even possible.
He reached the couple and made a short bow.
"Lord Mustrum," he said respectfully.
"Lord Guilliame," Terris responded sharply, trying to halt the irritation showing on his face. He wanted to move Hiroko away from this place, not get into a conversation with the very person he wanted to get her away from. "How may I help you?"
Oh, fuck, Guimel thought darkly, keeping the slight concern on his features.
"Forgive me," he said softly, "Have I done something wrong?"
"Nothing at all, yet…" he responded, the last word barely above as whisper as he glanced down at Hiroko, who had not moved an inch since she had stood. "I just thought it would be proper to remove Lady Madeious. I feel she is forgetting her place!"
"In what way?" he asked innocently, shifting so that he was just slightly in between them, protecting her, as it were, from her chaperone. "Her conduct, as far as I can tell, has been nothing but proper, if a little vivacious." He kept his gaze on the nobleman, staring up at him, wide-eyed.
Terris snorted gently, eyeing the young lord with a dangerous air. As if he didn't have a clue what he was really referring to! Did he think him a fool?
"I merely wish to uphold her honor. I feel it would be best that she leaves. Despite her own feelings I do believe her father would appreciate and re-enforce my thoughts."
"Terris, please…" came the almost whimpered voice of Hiroko and for a moment his features softened before he glanced up again. "Despite her obvious embarrassment and discomfort, the lady is young and has no idea what she is getting herself into."
"Are you saying she has no mind of her own? A daughter of the Duke?" Guimel asked softly.
"Regardless of her own thoughts, it is not her place to question. She knows that as well as yourself!"
Guimel gave another bow, deeper this time.
"Forgive me for questioning your sound judgment, my lord," he said quietly. "But if I may be so bold to say that I am very much enjoying Lady Madeious' company, and would like to continue to do so. What can I do to assure you that my intentions are honorable?" Damn, but the old goat was being stubborn! And he was riling his own blood, which was not forgivable. Don't blow it! he thought harshly, stay in control!
"What do you think then, Hiroko, since Lord Guilliame seems so interested in your say in this matter."
"Whatever you think is right, sir." Terris inwardly snarled at her monotone response and caught her eyes; his own orbs softening at the forlornness on her face. His anger cooled slightly and he looked away, hating the look and feeling his insides twist at her seeming depression. She had been home barely a day and already his possessiveness over her was hurting her feelings. With a defeated sigh he gave the youth beside him a curt nod.
"Fine then, since you seem so distraught by my intentions you can stay," he said sharply before walking away.
Hiroko finally looked up, her depression remaining as she stared off after him. God she could just cry.
Guimel hid a sneer as he watched Mustrum disappear into the crowd: what a weakling! To be swayed by a female's emotions! He turned and looked down on her, ready to offer the proper words of comfort, but was stopped by the look on her face. She looked like one of the J's when they had done something they really shouldn't have, something that would disappoint Father once he found out about it. He almost grinned and brushed her hair, ready to tell her that it would be all right, to buck up there, little lad! He got a hold of himself and settled for gently taking hold of her hand.
"Arigato, Hiroko," he said softly. "I am honored that you would like to spend this evening with me."
"He acts like my brother," she muttered forlornly. "Despite his rank he has no right to be so presumptuous. I don't care what you think of me. I know I should have submitted but…" she sniffed ever so slightly, head still lowered, but her eyes remained low, staring at her hand held in Guimel's.
He suppressed a half-smile: Mustrum had done so much; pushing her in the very direction he didn't want her to go! He'd practically forced her into his arms. He gently tilted her chin up with his free hand, looking down into her eyes, the deep blue brilliant in the candlelight.
"How should I think of you?" he asked softly.
"I should have submitted to him, regardless to my wishes. His rank and sex means I must show him the proper respect, not show my individuality. Besides, my actions before were ill advised; I shouldn't have allowed my sentiment to show while dancing. I would not blame you if you were put off by my actions. I was just so relaxed and enjoying myself. Such a rare occurrence..." she replied quietly, eyes gazing into his. "I would not blame you if you did not wish to remain in my company."
Incredible, he thought, simply incredible. What a mixture of honor and rebelliousness! And innocence: he had to quell an urge to pat her on the head. He felt some trepidation: this prey was pretty complicated, and did he really want to invest so much of himself to conquer her? Perhaps he should just give her up and let her cry in Mustrum's brotherly embrace. The fact that he was even mulling this over was a dangerous sign; he should just end it now. Definitely.
"Guimel! What a surprise to see you here tonight!" He let go of her, turning his head up to glare at Kenneth. What the hell?!? he inwardly snarled.
Kenneth's smile broadened as he looked from his friend and the girl.
"Am I interrupting something?" he asked innocently.
Taking a small step back, Hiroko stared up at the young man who had come towards them, masking her light depression with a well-practiced sweet smile.
What the fuck are you doing? Guimel glared at Kenneth, who merely smiled politely. Then he mentally brought himself up: his friend didn't want him to win this one. Period. They must have looked pretty compromising for him to actually come up and accost them. Oh-ho, Guimel thought as a polite smile curved his own lips; does this really bother you, Kenneth? That I'll take a virgin when you won't even take a whore?
"My dear friend," he said warmly, "Let me introduce Lady Madeious, daughter to Duke Madeious." Kenneth turned to the girl and held out his hand.
"Baron Kenneth Ajinayama, my dear," he said smoothly. "Pleased to make your acquaintance."
Her smile brightened just a little as she placed her hand into the extended one before her.
"Likewise, Lord Ajinayama," came the polite reply as she nodded her head gently.
"The pleasure is most definitely mine," Kenneth purred, kissing her hand lightly and letting it go. "Are you enjoying the party, Lady Madeious?"
Her smile faltered as she glanced out into the crowd gathered there.
"It has been an eventful night at the least, lord," she spoke sweetly. "But for the most, a pleasant one! I do suppose it can only get better here onwards. Or so I hope."
His eyebrow rose slightly.
"I'm sure it will," he replied, his eyes sliding over to Guimel. "Especially since you are in dear Guimel's company..." That's it! Guimel inwardly snarled. You're gone, Kenneth! He turned towards Hiroko, smiling gently.
"I meant to get you something to drink, I believe, please forgive me for forgetting! Would you care to accompany me, this time?"
Her eyebrows rose gently before smiling at Guimel affectionately.
"There's nothing to forgive! After all if you had not intervened I would no doubt have been removed from the party. But of course I will join you… Lord Ajinayama, it has been nice to meet you. Perhaps we can speak some other time."
Kenneth's fine features showed a faint disappointment, but he smiled graciously.
"Of course, my dear," he replied smoothly, then turned towards his friend. "Guimel." Guimel smiled and gave him a little wave, then took the girl's arm and drew her away. Bastard; he had a lot of nerve, being so blatant.
"You were mentioning your conduct on the dance floor," he said quietly as they made their way down the room. "Pray, don't give it any more thought! You have not been in Zaibach for a quite awhile. Am I correct?" He smiled down at her, admiring once more the delicate features accented by the lightly tanned skin. This will be no problem; he thought smugly, she's been showing all the sign of a most willing prey. I should be able to take care of this tonight. What a relief!
"That's true, but still… I just hope I didn't offend you. How do you know Lord Ajinayama? Have you known each other long?" she enquired, her free hand resting lightly on Guimel's arm.
"Since we were small children," he said, going through the ballroom's layout in his mind. "Our fathers are cousins, and so we've spent much time together." All right, he thought, there's the one bar, the first corner, the second corner, the buffet and the doors to the garden. The garden? No, that's so obvious - and Naolin's favorite spot. Wouldn't want to run into him and Isabelle! He fought off a grin, his free hand automatically coming over to cover hers. Wait... the main entryway? There were many doors that led off that great hall; quite a few that were unlocked. Always dicey, since they may already be occupied, but perhaps he would get lucky. He smiled warmly at her as they paused by the bar. He ordered two white wines, then, after he had handed her one, took up her other arm again and bent his head conspiratorially.
"Would you like to do something a little... adventurous?"
"What would you suggest, Guimel?" she asked innocently, staring at him expectantly. "I couldn't possibly agree to something I did not fully know of, now could I." And she sent him a wistful smile.
He smiled playfully. "Don't you think you could?"
"It wouldn't be very proper, now would it," she teased gently, the faintest hint of a smirk on the corner of her lips. "Though you do seem to like such a suggestion. That's twice now you have mentioned such a thing…" She paused for a moment. Whatever he decided it wouldn't be anything too serious. He seemed just to be in good spirits and surely nothing bad could come from it. "Very well then, I'm game. What do you wish of me?"
He fought to keep his own smirk off of his lips. She had no idea what she was talking about, and it was very amusing to see her act so sophisticated.
"Just come with me on a little tour," he replied lightly, smiling a little roguishly at her. "How improper is that?"
"It isn't. Though I can't see how going on a tour of the grounds is adventurous!"
"Well," he drawled as he drew her slowly to the first corner, where the corridor to the main entrance lay, "we'll just have to see, ne?"
"I guess so…" she countered her smile remaining as she allowed herself to be led by him, all thoughts of Terris lost as she stared at the blond youth beside her.