A Dangerous Game
Chapter Twelve
A Ball a Ball
She sighed, absently stroking the blond hair of her younger sister as she leaned against her seated form, hugging her leg through the fabric of her gown. Her father had chosen to bring her to the party this time, despite her young age, allowing her mother to come see Sagé and indulge in the pleasure and enjoyment the masquerade would have to offer, under his watchful eye, that is.
Naolin, as promised, had returned to her side and sat quietly talking with her. She was actually starting to regret the mask on her face. When one was aware of it, the fabric itched and irritated the skin and she found it awkward to talk to her brother - feeling she were indeed talking not to him but to a stranger.
Callista yawned sleepily. It was well past her bed time already but she seemed to be eager to stay up as late as she could manage, yet eventually she gave in to her drooping head, and with small clumsy movements climbed up onto the sofa Hiroko sat on and snuggled up into her sister's loving embrace. She did this a lot anyway. Despite the fact she had a bed of her own the five year old would sneak into Hiroko's own bed most nights and fall asleep in her sister's arms, fiddling sleepily with a small handful of brown hair. So cute and secretly Hiroko loved her all the more for it.
"There he is!" Kenneth said, grinning and nodding towards Lord Sagé, who had a much more elaborate mask on than anyone else, as befitting the host of the party. Guimel looked at the small crowd about him, but didn't recognize Hiroko. Of course, how could he? He had no idea what she was wearing and, although her hair and form were quite lovely, they weren't distinctive, and he couldn't go up and examine every dark-haired girl's eyes and mouth. Well, not if he wanted to keep from getting slapped. He hid a grin and pulled on his cousin's arm.
"I'm getting a drink," he said, "You can tell me all about Lord Sagé when we meet up again, all right?" Kenneth nodded and took off for the crowd about the host, expertly weaving his way through the other masked guests. Guimel continued forward, smiling a little at the various noblewomen he passed, wondering who each was under that concealing mask. The anonymity was appealing, but he was getting irritated that he couldn't find her. He reached a small bar and ordered a glass of white wine, scanning the various tables and sofas. Ah, there was Naolin - his outfit proclaiming his identity. Then the young woman with him must be her. Guimel leaned back, resting his elbows on the bar, feeling a rush of pleasure and trepidation.
"Hiroko," he said, almost silently.
"Hiroko?" her eyes looked up, her concentration on her younger sister lost and she stared at Naolin with a questioning look. "I've been asking you the same question three times now! You seemed lost in your thoughts!"
"I'm sorry, brother," she replied quietly, noting the concern in his eyes. "What was it you asked?"
"I wanted to know if you might force yourself to speak to Terris? He's been watching you and it would be rude not to speak to him, if but for a little while." her mouth parted to protest but nothing came out, and she glanced across to where she had last seen her intended, speaking with her father and mother. Her eyes moved through the many masks and suits till she finally recognized Terris'. Her mother and father were no longer talking to him, off somewhere alone perhaps, for they never seemed to get much time on their own nowadays.
Terris now leaned against one of the main structure poles of the room not far from her. There eyes met accidentally and she watched as the masked face immediately turned away. Did he think her angry at him? It must be so… Perhaps she was in a small way, for him placing this burden on her shoulders. But how could they control who they fell for. Hadn't she herself fallen into that snare?
She shook her head, clearing those thoughts. She did not want to think of him tonight! Knowing he may be here was bad enough, without her thinking of him.
Do you think I should?" she asked softly, head turning to look at her brother.
"I do. You can't avoid him, after all you are to be married; what will you do then, lock yourself away from him?"
"I don't love him though. I don't want to marry him. My feelings for him are that of sisterly affection, nothing more! And now… after all this!" her embrace on Callista tightened slightly, a light tremble coursing down her form. "Why would he want me now?"
"He doesn't know and he won't ever know!" came Naolin's firm voice as he shifted their sister into his own arms. "Now go and talk to him. If you think you are suffering then imagine what he is going through." She nodded her head, standing slowly, the last trail of golden tresses slipping from her fingers as she gradually made her way towards her supposed husband to be.
Guimel took a swallow of wine, watching as Hiroko got reluctantly up off the sofa and headed off at an angle through the crowd. He immediately felt a pull to go to her, but suppressed it. Naolin's eyes were following her, and she wasn't wandering, rather heading directly for a nobleman who stood, his body turned slightly away from her. Mustrum? He must be: who else would she leave her brother to see, aside from her father, and this man looked too young to be him. Guimel debated for a few moments. Should he sidle over there and try to catch the conversation? How anonymous did he look? He glanced over to the mirror set up behind the bar. Not very anonymous, in his eyes. And Naolin would be on the watch for him - the young nobleman knew what he was wearing. Guimel looked about, then smiled: there was an empty table near the couple; a few hothouse plants placed along it, in Naolin's line of sight. Marvelous. He made his way through the crowd, glad for once that he was a little short, since the taller noblemen hid him fairly well from Naolin's possible notice, and discreetly sat down, his partly-screened profile to the couple.
Her hand lightly touched Terris', causing him to startle and turn to stare at her, his eyes staring through the dark fabric of his mask.
"Hiroko!" She merely nodded her head.
"I'm sorry for not coming to see you earlier. If the circumstances were normal I know I would have done so the moment I saw you enter but…"
"But now things are completely different." she nodded again before removing her hand, only for it to be caught in his. "I'm sorry I have brought this on you, Hiroko. It's just…"
"Mother says she's known for a long while, and by Naolin's reaction, so has he. Am I the only one who didn't know?"
"I'm not sure…" a soft sigh was released as she removed her hand from his. "But I've wanted to tell you. I've needed to for…
"I can't lie to you, Terris! I don't love you. I don't think I ever will, the way you want me to. I don't wish to marry you. I'm sorry but I don't. I can't let you go on thinking that I will warm to the idea but the thought of being forced to marry you… I don't think I could stand it." She didn't move, remaining with her eyes staring into his, wishing she could see his expression. She couldn't, though, and so merely went on.
"I know you seek me for your love. I understand you do not wish to share me with any other, nor lose me to another suitor but you have to realize that you are losing me by doing just this. I'm sorry. I can't give you my heart. It is not mine to give!"
Now what will Mustrum do? Guimel thought as he watched the masked guests before him, tipping up his wineglass. Will he try to win her back? He didn't feel the usual contempt he had for the nobleman, but rather an indifference. Mustrum had assumed rather than learned how this girl was, and had lost the game. But perhaps not. As to her heart being already taken, well, he didn't want to think too hard about that. In any case, she sounded distraught but basically all right, which was a good thing. He could leave her now and enjoy the party, have a few glasses of wine and see how Kenneth was doing with either the host or Lady Aiko. He could do these things, but he wanted to stay at his table. So he did, trying to work out how he could actually talk to her. Guimel, you're a baka, he thought with an inner sneer, worse than Terris about her! He was laughing at his own foolishness, but he wasn't going to move from this spot until she did. It was that simple. He inwardly shrugged and took another swallow of wine. One challenge met, only to find another. Oh, well.
"And so what do you want of me?" She shuddered slightly at the emotionless-ness in Terris's tone, as if he were indifferent to her words.
"I know of the speech tonight, speaking of our engagement. Please, I beg you to postpone it. Be it a week, a month. This has been far too sudden for me. How am I to accept, adjust so quickly? I don't want it to be that way. IF we must marry then I wish at least to be comfortable in the arrangement at that time." He was silent, for what Hiroko felt was forever.
"Your father seems to be quite taken by the idea of our marriage, as is your mother, uncle and Naolin!"
"They are not the ones who must live with the decision," she responded flatly.
"If you are worried about your life afterwards, you know I would never keep you from your family, god forbid. You know I would never ill-treat you. You would want for nothing, Hiroko!"
"I know!" she whispered, head drooping low. She wished she could lie to him. Tell him that she would learn to love him, as her mother had her father but there were so many differences between her parents match and her own. Why didn't he understand? She wasn't good enough for him anyway! Why couldn't he see that?
"Then why? There has to be some plausible explanation. I can't except that you do not wish to marry because you don't think you can learn to love me!" he sounded a little lost, confused - no he didn't understand her at all did he, despite all the years they had been together. If he only knew the real Hiroko, surely he would never wish to see her again. Perhaps she should tell him, reveal all but she didn't think she could bear the look of betrayal he would show; it would break her!
"Terris, please…" she whimpered, her mental mask finally slipping. "All I'm asking is for time. The last few days I have been put through so much, more than I think I can cope with. I didn't even wish to come here tonight but I had no choice. I just don't wish to be pushed and fooled anymore!"
"Hiroko?" his hold on her tightened, his hand slipping down to grasp her wrist, causing her to whimper again, her eyes closing tightly at the memory of the day before; hands holding her down. Please, not these thoughts again! she thought desperately, finally pulling away from Terris' hold.
"Please Terris. Don't declare the engagement, please!" She knew he saw them, the tears trickling out from under her mask, slipping down her cheeks. She tried her best to hold the rest back but her thoughts were getting the better of her, making her want to flee from this place, anything to get away from that look of worry and concern in her friend's eyes. She didn't deserve him!
"Very well, Hiroko!" once again came the emotionless response, causing her to release a suppressed sob, her form relaxing slightly. He turned away from her a moment later, seeming to take a great deal of interest in the dancers just a little way off. Her eyes followed his, spotting the familiar gown her mother had chosen to wear that night. She looked so happy, though with the mask that was quite hard to tell. Then again her mother always seemed happy and at ease when she was in her fathers presence. If only… Hiroko thought sadly. If only I could be that contented, someday!
This was bad. Very bad. She didn't sound all right at all. Guimel set his glass down, suppressing a scowl. What he should do is just stay away from her, let her cry a few more times, settle down and marry the old goat. Terris obviously cared for her very much. Or, rather, who he thought she was. But he didn't want to do that! He wanted to talk to her, dammit! He tapped his fingers on the table, considering. No wonder no one he knew did this, tried to get together with a conquered girl. It was just too complicated.
"Oh, there you are," Kenneth said quietly as he slipped into a chair next to him. "Do you have any idea how hard it is to find someone here tonight?" Guimel smiled at him, taking up his wineglass. Kenneth was speaking just above a whisper: the usual method they used when talking privately at a party. The couple was far enough away that they shouldn't hear. But still, he didn't want them to notice him, mask or no mask. How to move away with Kenneth? He looked about the guests, draining his glass.
"Isn't this wine marvelous?" he said softly. "I'm going to get some more." Kenneth grinned and handed him his own empty glass.
"Arigato!" he said cheerily, then leaned back and lazily looked over the swirl of masked nobility.
Nothing more was said between them after that and eventually Hiroko decided it best to leave him alone. Choosing to return to Naolin, she found him talking to her uncle and another masked gent. Oh, how Sag's laugh was infectious, if only she would be as merry as he that night, but nothing but lamentable thoughts crossed her mind at that time!
She returned to her seat, taking Callista's sleeping form back from Naolin's hold, quietly listening to her uncle boisterously talk of his reasons for choosing tonight's theme. She listened but her thoughts would not leave her and so she allowed her mind to drift back to them, rather than fight it. She stared back down at her sister. Thank the gods she did not have to go through with this, not for many years to come. And when that time came Hiroko was determined to prevent her from leading her path, she would never go through the pain Hiroko felt at this moment. She would protect her from it all!
Guimel watched her from his place at the bar, while he waited for the wine. She had safely ensconced herself within her family. He quelled a short sigh. This was proving to be a real challenge. He felt a brief pain - she had been so independent before! Now she looked like a frightened child, safely hidden in her mother's skirts, the vivacious personality nowhere to be seen.
"My lord?" Guimel turned and took the wineglasses, then returned to his table. He studied his cousin, hiding a scowl. Kenneth was looking like the best chance he had to getting near her, tonight, but the risk! Guimel sat down and handed him his wine; his cousin smiled at him and nodded his head. Guimel could feel himself tensing up; the dread tightening his muscles, but he had to talk to her.
"Kenneth," he said quietly. His cousin turned back to him, raising an eyebrow at the seriousness of his look.
"Hai?"
"I've changed my mind; I want to try for Lady Madeious again." Kenneth grinned broadly.
"I knew you couldn't resist! But you're too late - the four days are up." Guimel shrugged slightly.
"Not really, since I stopped before the last day. So, I've got a day or two left."
"Hmmmm," Kenneth replied, half-smiling, then he nodded. "All right." Guimel nodded towards the little group on the sofa. Kenneth slowly turned his head around, following his gaze.
"Ah, I see her brother was not thrown off the scent by your manner at tea," he said lazily. "At least, I'm assuming that's Naolin."
"Hai," Guimel replied. "How would you like to rescue her from an evening of utter boredom?" Kenneth turned back and smiled, raising his glass.
"I'm all ears, my dear Guimel."
Callista whimpered in her sleep, causing Hiroko to laugh gently, the young child subconsciously drawing the attention of those around her. Bless the child, she always had known how to be the centre of attention, even when she wasn't trying to. But Hiroko was glad for the slight disruption, her mind slipping away from her worries to ponder over the child's dreams while the rest returned to their previously interrupted conversation.
Kenneth wove his way through the crowd, inwardly grinning from ear to ear. Guimel and his love for subtlety! Why he couldn't just go up and smooth-talk the girl away from her family? Ah, well, he didn't mind: he simply loved the intrigue! He stopped before the group, bowing slightly.
"Good evening, gentlefolk!"
The newcomer was greeted with the proper respect, heads nodding and gentle greetings spoken as he came to a stop before them. Hiroko herself, following protocol, smiled gently and nodded her head before returning her attention back to the blond on her lap, quite aware that Callista seemed to be becoming a dead weight against her thighs.
"My lady," Kenneth said deferentially, "Forgive my boldness, but your loveliness has quite captured me." He looked down at the sweetly sleeping girl and smiled fondly. "The poor tyke has been completely worn out by the festivities! So kawaii."
"That's sweet of you to say, sir," Hiroko responded plainly, that small smile returning to her lips as she looked down at her sister. "As for my dear sister, I think you are right! Though I am surprised she can sleep at all through all this music and laughter!"
"It is a pity that she cannot enjoy it." His smile turned warm. "And yourself, my lady? Truly you were made for both music and laughter. But your somberness drew me to you." He reached down and gently took her hand, holding it as lightly as if it were made of spun glass, and brought it to his lips.
"I merely have had a long day, sir. I thought coming here might do wonders for my current disposition yet I find it is helping little." She pulled her hand back, a small sigh passing her lips, as she cast a small glance to Naolin, watching him in turn glance at her and her current companion before returning to talk to her uncle. Surely he must think all was well if he acted indifferent to this gent's front. "Hopefully it will improve a little later into the party." She tried to sound a little more pleasant, her small smile returning again.
"What a lovely smile!" Kenneth softly exclaimed. "I'm sure the true one is simply dazzling!"
"When I have reason to show it, I suppose it could be," she murmured wistfully, eyes gazing out through her visor before sighing softly as she fingered the stiff fabric thoughtfully. "A visor for a visor!" came the almost inaudible, thoughtful murmur.
"Then come, my lady, let's see if we can bring it out! Would you dance with me?" Kenneth smiled gently and held out his hand to her.
She cast an appealing glance towards Naolin only to have him nod his head and once again remove Callista from her lap. But why? She didn't want to go anywhere and yet he was signaling her to do so. She did accept his hand despite her reluctance; she had no idea of whom she was to dance with. It could be anyone; still perhaps it would do her good to relax a little, if she could. And so she stood and allowed her companion to lead her to the dance floor.
Kenneth hid a smile as the orchestra started the strains of a waltz. Perfect. He lightly took her in his arms and they slowly moved about the floor. She was a little tense, but her smile had widened a little.
"It's so good to see you once again, Lady Madeious," he murmured, smiling softly. "Truly my cousin is correct about your dancing skill - it is divine!"
She felt herself pale at his words, her mouth parting to stare up into the eyes of her partner.
"Lord Ajinayama?" she ventured quietly, eyes wide. How had he known who she was? Oh, she had feared such a thing would happen. And now what? she thought helplessly as she felt her throat tighten, and her mouth turn dry.
"Are you enjoying the masquerade, my dear?" he asked, smiling a little at her reaction. "Isn't it marvelous? One can be safely unknown; do anything without a thought to the consequences."
"I would have agreed, sir, had you not known who I was! Surely that means that we are all not as unidentifiable as we think!" she replied plainly, watching her steps as the lord led her through the dance. "As for enjoying myself, I'm sure I would be if I was more in the mood. Yet I find myself quite tired and this masquerade merely seems to be draining me more so! I don't think I will stay that much longer. I'll leave, to make space for those who will appreciate my uncle's hard effort more."
Kenneth gave a small frown. "You would deprive us of your loveliness? Please, stay! Your identity is safe with me!"
"I don't intend to leave quite yet." She replied, with a small smile. "And as for my identity if concerns me little. I have no intention to do anything which has any hint of consequence attached to it. But enough of me, how are you fairing, sir. Our last meeting was cut short as I recall and we had very little to talk."
"Ah, Guimel: he so likes to steal gentle company away from me!" he replied with a fond smile. "But I have you at last, my dear. Myself, I am doing quite well. Your uncle is a wonderfully unique individual - I simply must hold one of these masquerades!" The orchestra was only halfway through the waltz, but if Guimel wanted any time with her before Kenneth could return her to her family, he would have to move this along. He kept his grasp upon her feather-light, but brought his cheek close to hers.
"My cousin much desires to speak with you," he said softly into her ear. "Would you?"
A shiver ran through her, her head pulling back and slightly away from the lord's, her eyes searching warily over the others around her. He was here!? She shook her head, her hold on her partner tightening slightly. She couldn't make a scene, she couldn't act out of place and so she fought to calm herself, despite how weak her legs now felt beneath her.
"I do not. He drew me away from you once. I do not intent to allow it to happen again. It is your company I am currently enjoying, not his. Why, do you wish to be rid of me so soon, lord?" It was a chance, she knew it was, but she couldn't let him see the fright in her eyes and so allowed herself to smile brightly, her hold relaxing gently. "For that would be very regrettable, since I am finally starting to feel like myself once again, being in your fine company!"
Kenneth smiled broadly, intrigued by her initial reaction. This was new - had Guimel kept something from him? His cousin hadn't said anything yesterday, beyond his intention to drop her, and he'd assumed that he hadn't seen her again, after tea.
"I am honored!" he said softly. "And, if you will forgive my boldness, surprised. You seemed to be enjoying his company at the last party."
"I did, and do…" she retorted. "But I feel I did a little too much and in my current situation I feel it is wrong of me to carry on regarding him in such a way." Her smile faltered a little. "Besides, since your cousin has spoken to you since our last meeting I'm sure he has mentioned something of my brother's distrust towards him. Despite everything I must submit to my brother's say in such matters!"
"Bwaa! My dear, this is a masquerade, and you are far too grown up to be following your brother's every little wish! It's not fair that he wants to keep you all for himself!" He leaned forward again, lightly brushing her cheek with his. "Aren't you in the least bit curious as to what he has to say? He was most adamant about his desire to talk with you. It would seem that you've affected him greatly; the first girl I've ever seen do this to him." Kenneth quelled a smile - Guimel could be so romantic! Where did he come up with this idea, anyway? The girl's resistance was so amusing - and intriguing. He'd have to try this out sometime, when he'd found the appropriate prey.
"Still, despite the lord's feelings on this matter, I must respectfully decline. Perhaps he can find some other lady far fairer than myself to speak to. I'm sure I would not be much company." he was pushing her; she knew it and she glanced over to the direction of her brother, subconsciously calling out to him with her eyes. He was watching them too! Had he been doing so the whole time? That fact gave her a great deal of relief. "See, even now we are under surveillance. My cautiousness is well placed!"
Kenneth followed her gaze back to Naolin. He nodded his head at him as they swept by, then smiled back down at the girl, inwardly shrugging. Your loss, Cousin, he thought smugly.
"He will be most disappointed!" he sighed, then smiled again. "But, I must confess, I am quite pleased! Tell me, my lady, why do you think you are not much company? I must disagree with you: you have been wonderful company to me."
"I have a lot on my mind of late and have been getting quite side tracked! And now I think it has drained me of what little energy I have. In truth, I planned to curl up with a good book tonight; quite clearly, my plans did not go as intended!"
He frowned worriedly. "You make me of two minds, my lady: I would wish you well, but I abhor letting you get away from me!" He smiled fondly again as the waltz came to an end, putting them on the opposite side of where her family were seated. "How sad that this music should end! But perhaps you are tired. Shall I return you to your brother, or would you like to take a seat here?"
"If I venture far my brother will only seek me out, and most likely come after you in the process!" she teased gently. "So I think we should choose the first, rather than the latter option, but you are welcomed to join me if you like. I know my uncle will merely be repeating what he said to me at the party's start! Besides," she continued with a fond smile, "I think it is unfair to leave my sister to sleep here much longer. I think I should take her to her room soon so she can rest in piece!"
"Of course," Kenneth replied with soft regret as he wrapped her hand about his arm and led her slowly through the crowd. "You are staying here for the night?"
"My uncle insisted on it; I do not think my father had much choice in the matter." She chuckled knowingly. "I think he is too persuasive for his own good. But it is not as if we will be the only ones. My uncle has had all chambers opened for those who feel they have drunk too much and simply wish for somewhere to sleep it off. And all the rooms are most hospitable, there are so many of them too! No doubt by the party's end all will be accommodated!"
Kenneth hid a smirk. This was too perfect: perhaps Guimel wouldn't lose her after all. He put on a slightly worried look.
"With so many rooms, however will you find your own?" He grinned slightly. "Will you have a sign tied to your door handle?"
"You forget, lord, I have been here many a time. I know my way around this house as well as if I were at home!"
Kenneth's grin widened. "Of course!" he softly exclaimed. They reached the group and he softened his grin to a gentle smile, nodding at Naolin.
"Enjoy your dance?" came her brother's enquiring voice and Hiroko nodded her head, her smile growing slightly.
"Very much so, but… brother, I was wondering if you minded if I took my leave now. I've cleared up my thoughts with Terris and now I just wish to have some quiet on my own. I can put Callista to bed too, as her room is near mine." She turned to Lord Ajinayama. "I do hope you don't think me rude, it's just that, despite how pleasant it was, I think the dance has taken the last of my energy from me."
His smile immediately warmed as he took her hand and raised it to his lips. "I am most honored to have this last dance with you, my dear!" He turned to Naolin. "Your sister dances like a dream; and is every inch the lady." He bowed slightly to him, then to Hiroko. "May you have a most pleasurable evening, my dear." You may know this house like it was your own, Lady Madeious, he thought as he smiled again, but I know the Head Housekeeper. I will know where your room is and, shortly, so shall my cousin. He hid a grin as he made his departure from the little group, heading for the wall he knew Guimel would be leaning, waiting for him. Now, what he gives me for this information: that will be interesting.
With a light kiss placed to her uncle's cheek and a few murmured excuses of feeling tired, Hiroko left the group, Callista gathered securely in her arms. Naolin followed, saying he would escort her to her room. He had been true to his word that night! In fact he seemed reluctant to leave her side, and, after settling Callista into her bed, he had escorted her to her own chamber door, saying he could stay with her longer if she wanted. Did he not wish to go and enjoy the night himself? Surely he would want to enjoy the beauty on offer that night. She had spoken to him of this and eventually he had relented, watching her enter the room before turning back to the swirling gowns and shrouded faces of the party.
Guimel scowled at Kenneth. "What?" he snarled. His cousin grinned.
"Come now, my dear Guimel," he replied banteringly. "You've been holding out on me! Her reaction, and flat refusal to see you, speaks volumes. You told me you had left her at tea with quite a different attitude." Guimel smoothed his face out, still inwardly snarling. Dammit! He knew this would be a mistake, but what other option did he have? And now the smug bastard before him had literally the key to seeing her, but of course wouldn't give it until his damnable love of gossip had been appeased. He managed to smile.
"Now, Kenneth," he drawled, leaning back on his chair, lightly stroking the wineglass set on the table before him. "Naolin was rabid at tea! Obviously he's been working on her and, since I didn't show up to meet her the next day, as promised, I'm sure she's a little piqued." Kenneth looked at him, smirking faintly, and he stared nonchalantly back at him, praying he'd accept his explanation. After an eternity, his cousin smiled.
"Now, why didn't I think of that?" he asked softly, then handed him a slip of paper. "Here it is - you owe me for this one." Guimel slipped the paper into his breast pocket and took up his wineglass.
"Arigato," he drawled. "Although I think putting me through that horrid game of yours three times a week should be enough payment." Kenneth laughed lightly, then got up and left him, disappearing into the swirl of masked guests without creating a ripple. Guimel finished his wine and stood, making sure Naolin had returned, alone, before casually walking to the first staircase.