"They won! They won!" Harmony couldn't stop cheering, just like the rest of the crowd on the Blue House victory. She was shouting her praises triumphantly to them, especially for Ciel. Her arms flapped wildly in the air as Finny hosted her on his shoulders. Snake-like glue by her side.
Normally the behavior Harmony showed was indecent, but today was an exception. You stand with Lizzie and Soma valiantly appulad Appropriately, not too hard nor too loud. A job well done for the Blue House even if you missed most of the game. As both teams exit the field the crowd leaves as well. Soma escorted you while Harmony walked with Lizzie hand in hand with Paula following.
The Houses left to change their clothes to more formal and ceremonial attire, you and everyone else gathered by the river Thomas as the sun began to set to watch the boat parade. Harmony strained herself to see stood on her tippy toes but had no luck. Dismayed she gave up, noticing this Alexis kindly scoops her up in his arms giving her a magnificent view. Her eyes sparkled like fireflies at the pristine river and the parade. They widen even more at the sight of Ciel Cavalierly, taking the lead, marching with his house to their boat.
You beamed quietly proudly at the sight, despite your disheartening feelings. Seeing him like this showed all he carried his family legacy well and all the respect gazes. At that moment it rose in you he was your cousin and you were honored. Feeling such eyes on him Ciel quickly and quietly glanced at you without breaking formation and for a millisecond felt a warmth radiate throughout his body; his chest puffed a little and almost a proud smile but he reframed from it. He wouldn't give you that.
"He's so handsome," Harmony fawned, her cheeks red looking at Ciel. "like a...a prince!" She gasped, "He's a prince, not a pirate. He's a pirate prince."
Alexis and Francis smile amongst themselves. Overcome with giddy emotions, Harmony covered her reddening face. It was adorable. Her little heart thumped twice its speed.
It was a cute sight to see, among the crowd familiar eyes warmly watch her, adoringly, the same with you though in much carnal way. Smiling feverishly their eyes lingered on you triumphantly, and admiringly. High society treated you well. They admired much changed with you, though they wondered as their eyes fall to your abdomen if your wound healed properly the natural way or maybe you helped yourself? Chuckling lightly to themselves melt into the crowd and leave.
Not a moment too late either, feeling as though you were being watched slow your applauds and gaze across the faces of others. Drowning out the jubilant noise, a deathly chill rushed over you. Your heart stopped and your body went numb. For a moment you found yourself...back...back with; The Undertaker. Was he here?
No.
There was just no way. Your heart raced triple its speed in your chest causing tightness of pain you for a moment became dizzy and pale. Certain grey eyes noticed from high up. Trying to regain consciousness you try to excuse yourself but find the words snatched from you. It wasn't until the fireworks display went off and Soma took your hand did you beak free and return.
He cheered and applauded zestfully than everyone else. Putting triple times his usual energy. His smile was larger too. You weren't sure, quickly glancing at him while he admired the fireworks; that lit up the golden hue in his eyes further; your cheeks turned when he dropped his eyes and smile at you. It was...there was something different about it...that your gaze remains fixed on...him. This sudden rush of warmth you hadn't felt came over you, dusting your cheeks further red. And your heart...it hummed.
You wanted to say something but your tongue swelled and the fireworks ended.
It wasn't until Harmony said something did you snap from the said trance.
"It's time for dancing! Right, Lizzie?"
The girl nodded glad they were on the sat page.
"Yes! It is, comes why don't we go a greet, Ciel. I know he'll love to see your cute dress!"
Taking Harmony by the hand from her father they walk off with Paula and everyone in tow. Soma remainder as your escort, link his arm with yours. He talked about the vibrant fireworks all the way there, not once bring up anything about you.
"Ciel!" Harmony threw herself around his waist once he came to shore, ignoring his drenched clothes. Her arms squeezing him. "You looked so handsome. So very handsome."
Everyone smiled. He was flattered, "Thank you, Harmon-"
"Like Pirate Prince!"
His brow twitched, "T-Thank you." He muttered.
Everyone took humor at the moment. After changing his clothes, Harmony too, Sebastian had an extra outfit brought; a light peach and white with satin frills and matching bows. Aunt Francis approved, Lizzie especially. The festivities of the evening commenced. Endless food of savory and sweets was served. Lively and jubilant music played, curtesy of the Violet House. Surprisingly to you, Cheslock was rather good on the violin. Smiles and idle talks and conversations displayed. Dancing, which Harmony eagerly participated in. Taking Finny with her then Snake. Until Miguel came and nervously asked for her hand, to dance.
With Lizzie's delighted support (and Ciel's approval) she took, red from ear to ear, and danced with him. It was an adorable sight, one you locked away as treasured. Miguel fumbled over his feet, despite his efforts to appear well and coordinated. Harmony seems to have lost her ability to dance as well, fumbling but kept her smile.
"They look like lovely turtledoves," Lizzie fawned proudly. A hand lightly over her heart. Tears rose in the corner of her eyes. "Don't they?"
"It seems the little miss done got herself an admirer," Bradloy chuckled, unknowingly causing Finny to cry and Snake to glare daggers at the boy.
You, sitting down gazing with warm glimmer at the small pair smile blithely. Thinking of what Madam Red would do if she was here; she'd no doubt fawn over Harmony and instantly strike up a match between them while also parading around how lovely and cute Harmony was. Crying too, she'd cry. As kind as the thought was, it soured in you. The smile you held dropped a little.
Madam Red, you thought with tears, slide your gaze over to Ciel who tightly kept his eye on the dancing children. Particularly on Miguel, frowning a bit. It nearly mirrored Edward's when it came to Lizzie. Covering your mouth quietly laugh a little in it. Mey-Rin noticed your honest emotion present itself and smiled wholeheartedly. Glad to see that part of you again. She wasn't the only one either, Soma noticed it as well and was pleased. Looking at the dancers an idea came. It came to Edward at the same as well. Just as he moved his way over to you, Soma stood where he sat and stood on your side, bends forward holding out an inviting hand.
Edward stops, summing.
"S-Soma?" You stop laughing and gasp, cheeks heating up.
"May, would you do me the honors and accept my invitation for a dance?"
Your mind ran wild, but found the words, "Yes. Prince Soma." You gladly accept, taking his hand.
He held it with great care and security, lead you to the other dancers. The music was a merry melody. His other hand found itself on your waist, resting like a feather but holding like a lock. He led and you followed, his eyes remained fixed with yours, brightening with every tune played. His smile was smooth, soft, and kind. Not boisterous. It was a nice change of pace. You both matched in footing, it would almost seem in-sync. The butterflies swarming in your stomach tickled and you couldn't help but chuckle a little. Real chuckles, that you hadn't really done in quite some time. He could tell and wanted more from you. All the dread and weighted feelings you felt, swept away during this moment.
He was a rather good dancer, you had to give him that. Every step seems liver than the other; he spun you around with care and even bounced you up by the waist. Spinning you around. And set you down with importance. Harmony and Miguel stopped for a moment and noticed, the young boy's cheeks darkened and eyes sparkled. A sudden boldness came over him. Taking Harmony he corrected his footing (as best he could) and danced.
"Wow!" Finny smiled, "Look at the Baroness and the Prince go! They're really something."
Mey-Rin nodded agreeing, happy to see you smile again. Alexis looking on, despite his personal preference, smiled as well heartily. Francis remained stoic, her eyes fall to Edward. Who stood there clenching his fist. She coughed sharply at him, he heard and understood. Taking in a breath, stood tall, and walked over. The music was changing out.
"You are very good, Soma." You praise, through bouts of laughs, "I am quite astounded!"
Red flushed his cheeks and he wildly began scratching the back of his head, laughing. "OH! Thank you! I've been practicing with Agni!"
"Well, truly does show," your laughs reside. "Thank you."
He stopped and looked at you softly, "You're welcome, May."
The way he said it…like warm silk, your heart thumped in your chest, increasing blood to your cheeks. You drop your eyes to the side smiling quietly. Chuckle a little. He noticed this sudden twinkle in your eye, he was about to say something about it.
"Excuse me," Edward cuts in, turning your attention and Soma, "May, please allow me to extend my invitation for a dance?"
Soma frowned, Edward did it back quickly to him. You smile gently, hold out your hand, "Yes. Of course. I was quite wondering when you would."
He smiled and took your hand just as Soma did. You bid the prince bye and start-up dancing with Edward. This tempo was a little slower than before but still lively. He led, confidently. Each step there was no hesitation, and his focus was clear. He kept you close, never breaking eye contact, submerging himself into your golden pools. You found yourself doing the same in forest eyes and the world was gone. Only you, dancing in the empty forest to its music. Edward was the same, he was dancing in an endless morning under a warm sun. Until both forest and sun met together. His hand upon your back, lightly, released a small gasp of breath. Your chest was pressed close, but not too close. It was enough where you could feel the vibrations of his heartbeat. It was calm and fluttering. While your's was fluttering. Only to calm with his.
Where he was Alejandro was eating off his plate and caught a glimpse of the young man with his maiden. He smiled on the outside. Lizzie was transfixed by what she saw, she couldn't stop smiling. Neither could May-Rin or the others. Francis smirked approvingly, held onto her husband's arm. Harmony, having gone to rest her feet with Miguel watched you dance and swelled. You danced so elegantly. You looked flawless. Edward…she saw something in his eyes. The way they shinned warmly.
Despite his own feelings, Ciel watching carefully, and remaining indifferent. Studied the whole event. Sat up straight. Taking it all in.
Edward didn't lift you, like Soma. He kept you grounded. Which was…was alright.
Feeling your hand began to tremble, it stopped when he squeezed it slightly.
This was it. This was the moment. He had the words in his mind, ready to say them. Noticing his lips trembling quietly, you became worried.
"Edward, is everything alright?"
His lips pressed together for a moment, a moment he shouldn't have taken, the music slowed, "May…I-"
"Don't mind if I dance with the Baroness, now?" Grey interjected, to your carnage.
You and Edward stop with the music and give him the attention. The smile you had fell to a scowl inside, outside you smiled yet your eyes glowered. You give a small (begrudgingly curtesy.
"Why, my Lord Grey," you force yourself to say, much to his satisfaction. The smirk on his lips made you want to punch him. "I am currently partnered with Sir Milford." You hold onto Edward's arm, hoping he'd stay.
Grey's smirk dropped and his eyes shot at Edward, "Yes. So I see. But the two of you have already danced and it would seem rather improper to dance further. As he is not your betrothal."
"He might not be, yes," you acknowledge, holding closer on Edward, "but another dance would not hurt. I plan to afterward rest my feet. They have had quite an entertainment."
Grey's eyes narrow at you, realizing what you were trying to do. You glare at him steely. He smirked and moved his eyes back to Edward.
"May, if you will excuse me," Edward unhooked your arm and released your hands, somberly, "but Lord Grey is correct. I would not want to ruin your reputation in any way. When you have rested, I will dance with you further."
Before you could say anything, he passed your hands to Grey, bowed, and went back to the others. You wanted to follow him. But remained where you stood.
"Come now, my darling," Grey led you away to the center, you followed. "Oh, come now. Where was that jubilance you had with the prince and Milford? Hmm?"
Your smile dropped like a weight, luckily no one could see. A sneer wrinkled on your face, and words came out just as such.
"How dare you! You had no right. I told you, I wish not to be in any proximity of your presence."
The music started up, Grey led. You slightly dragged your feet. He didn't mind and found humor in it. Mey-Rin frowned deep at the sight.
"Oh, but why would not want me near you?" He smirked with coy, spinning you around fast and pulling you close.
Your footing and his trying to fight for dominance.
"Oh, careful there my darling," he purred, "it would be considered improper to rub legs so close. That is saved for a more private and cardinal affair."
You frown, hissing inside at his words. "That is improper sir. To say such things to a lady."
He dipped you quickly, lowered his lips to your ear, "You a lady? Well, I suppose in other ways. Yes. Appearance-wise. But, that ravishing and stellar personality of yours, well…now that is a different story."
He brought you up, you rose a brow not understanding what he meant. "I don't like riddles."
"Oh, but I do. And since the moment I meant you," he spun with you out of the middle and further to the back. "You've been a riddle to me. One I've been wanting to solve for quite some time."
Your heart froze.
"No cold feet darling. We did agree to let the games begin, after all. And so they have. Don't look so cross."
Lizzie tried to stand on her tiptoes, but couldn't find you. Ciel's eye narrowed a bit. Francis as well. Soma and Edward look at one another worried. Mey-Rin clenched her skirt her knuckles turned white. Her eyes saw everything and read everything, every word exchanged. Her heart climbing with pounding dread of what might be said. She and the others hadn't told Ciel yet, it was best they didn't. But the face Grey was here….would he? He had to get approval from Ciel, even if the Queen already gave her's. Oh, she hoped those words wouldn't be said.
Crossing her fingers did nothing, the ashen look on your face told her everything. You knew. Grey told you. He whispered it in your ear. Because when the music stopped, she never saw you look so defeated and riddled with fear while being crushed and shattered. Picking up her skirt she hurried over to you. To the surprise of the others.
"Baroness! Baroness!" She cried the others followed. Her hand outreached to you, clasped your wrist, managed to keep you steady. She held you close. In hopes to eliminate your trembling. "Baroness. Baroness." She called repeatedly.
You didn't answer. How could you? After what you were just told, your world it just…crumbled around you. Your legs were loosing their strength. If not for Mey-Rin to keep up, you surely would have fallen. Grey stood next to you triumphantly, still holding your other when Ciel and the rest arrived.
"Mey-Rin what is-" He stopped, noticing you, he read you quickly and shot his eye at Grey. Soma and Edward were about to say something, but Ciel held out his hand, stopping them. "Lord Grey, would you mind telling me why my cousin is in such a state? I was told my cousin, Edward, had grown tired of dancing? Have you overexcited her?"
Those words spread the smirk Grey had further, his eyes lower to Ciel's. "Why Lord Phantomhive, I assure you it was nothing of sort. In fact, I would say her state is one of plastered joy. Isn't that right, darling?" His eyes fall to you.
You said nothing. Ciel looked at you and tried to call to you, but you didn't respond. He shot his eye hard at Lord Grey.
With his other hand Grey rest it on the hand he still had, "To finish answering your question, it is simple really. I am the Baroness's betrothal. On behalf of the Queen."
