Oke-doke sorry it took me so long to update this time around! School started up and things went down hill from there.... but for my new fans here's the next chapter! (The one we've all been anticipating!)
Disclaimer: see chapter's one and two!
Chapter Three---Le Bal
George tried to twist his mouth into what he hoped would be smile, but became more of a grimace. The young court girl he was dancing with didn't seem to notice, however, as she smiled brightly back---her bouncy brown curls moving frantically as she nodded a bit---though George normally wasn't the kind to think so, it looked to him like the locks were trying to escape. He shook his head and mentally scolded himself
"Monsieur De'Sand, thank you for the dance. I hope it's been as pleasurable for you as it has been for...me." Her cheeks tinged pink, but she did not dare look away from the Rose Knight.
"Ah...ah...yes Mademoiselle Clochette du Argentees, however I have other matters I must attend to at present and..." George paused trying to think of something he could be doing---he was a terrible liar and everyone knew it.
Her smile and eyes narrowed slightly, and she took on an incredulous manner. "Surely, Monsieur De'Sand, you do not intend to leave a lady without an escort for the next dance---before, that is---you take care of your matters at hand."
He suddenly realized too late---as he usually did---that she wasn't as naïve and sweet as she let on. These court girls could have you running all directions. How was he going to get out of this one?
Fate must have smiled upon him that day, because suddenly everyone's attention---including Mademoiselle Clochette du Argentees---was focused on the figures descending the royal staircase.
Being a Rose Knight, he quickly passed each awestruck person politely and made his way to the base of the staircase---his shoes being the sharpest sound hitting against the marble floor among the murmuring that hummed and vibrated off the walls.
He glanced up and was not surprised to see---of course---the King of Neo-France---wearing his best attire of red, white, and gold. His old face shone proudly upon his escort---and it was the escort that was causing all the commotion---and George's own heart to stop.
The Princess Marie-Louise had never looked more beautiful as she did now. Her dress of carnation pink was traded in for a faded rose---the cut accenting the curves she had newly required. The bodice was lined with smooth luminescent pearls---being tied at her right hip and allowing the excess strands to hang down the remainder of the bell shape. Her gloves were a faded white to match---and her make-up barely there, except for the light pink lipstick she always wore. In George's opinion, she needed none. To complete her debut, her hair was pulled up into a high pony-tail---letting her thick soft curls of gold hang down---held up by rose ribbon and pearls to pull it all together.
A more perfect vision hadn't been seen since the days of the departed Queen of Neo-France.
Marie-Louise reached the bottom of the staircase, and was delighted to see George waiting for her. The awkward situation this afternoon temporarily forgotten.
Turning, she gave a quick kiss to her father's cheeks, and made her way over to George slowly. Her path being interrupted, by gossips and the like who were curious and wanted a chat. Finally reaching him, she smiled genuinely.
"George, I was afraid I might not see you at Le Bal tonight. Did you have change of heart about all this boring dancing?" She giggled lightly, bringing a gloved hand to her lips to stifle the soft noise.
George smirked and decided to have fun with her and shake formality up a bit---since she had taken the liberty herself. He took her other small hand in his and said, "It's never boring when the one I'm dancing with is as lovely as yourself, Miss Marie-Louise." He lightly put hip lips on her hand---lifting her arm.
Marie-Louise continued to blush even after he had stopped. She knew he wasn't truly flirting with her, but her heart fluttered all the same.
George heard a waltz start up for the next dance and looked hopefully at Marie-Louise---not yet letting go of her hand. "Would the Princess of Neo-France do this Knight the honor of this dance?"
"You needn't even ask, George." She smiled in pure elation---allowing herself to be guided to the middle of the crowded dance hall.
George positioned his hand so that it would barely touch her waist---he noticed that he could feel her body heat through the thin material. He felt her hand go on his shoulder as he took her left up and held it entwined with his in the air.
The music began to swim through the air and George led Marie-Louise to the left slightly and around---her flowing dress making it seem like she was gliding on the smooth floor.
George finally glanced fully into her eyes and remembered the look they held this afternoon. He took a deep breath and knew he could not whisk away the thought this time. He would have to ask her. The music got slower and it seemed to him that this one moment in time was stretching on forever when he spoke.
"Miss Marie-Louise?"
Marie-Louise looked up and noticed nervousness written on his face. "Yes, what is it George? Is something the matter?" She swallowed---hoping it was not what she knew it to be.
George looked down at the floor only to see his reflection mirrored in the polished surface—looking back at him. "I don't mean to put my nose in your affairs, Miss Marie-Louise. However, I...put bluntly, what were you doing taking a seat to my joust with Monsieur Pont de Noir from your window this afternoon?"
Marie-Louise let her smile that was in vain all along slide off her face. Not only was she embarrassed, but disappointed as well. The only dance she had with George since the Dark Gundam incident was being marred by her actions.
"George..." She paused, thinking of a possible answer besides the truth---she had been staring at him---no, more like gawking at him.
When she didn't answer him, he prompted her by squeezing her hand with gentle encouraging pressure.
Marie-Louise nearly felt herself melting to his touch, but took a deep breath instead. "I was concerned George, I just wanted to make sure you were unharmed by Monsieur Pont de Noir. He was the most difficult challenge you've had so far."
Though it wasn't completely a lie Marie-Louise already felt guilt plant it's seed in her heart for even considering doing such a thing to George.
George looked up at her once more and felt more relief surging through him than he ever had---close to when the Dark Gundam had been vanquished, but tinged with elation.
"Oh. Miss Marie-Louise, though I know it's foolhardy to tell anyone their fears are unjustified, I assure you I was in no danger from Monsieur Pont de Noir." He grinned at her.
Marie-Louise blushed, " I can't help it, George, you're a very dear... friend... to me."
"I'm honored to be considered as such, Miss Marie-Louise." George said the words easily enough, but barely controlled his voice enough so it would not crack.
The music stopped and time once again came to run at its normal unforgiving pace.
George let go of Marie-Louise and was certain that if he stayed any longer he'd be crushed by the immense emotion she drew from within himself.
He bowed, "Thank you for the dance Miss Marie-Louise."
"The pleasure was mine, George." Her hope rose when he took her hand again.
Without a word led her to the other end of the ballroom---towards the balcony.
Marie-Louise was sure she stopped breathing all together. Heat coursed through her and made her feel like Jell-O.
So caught was she in her emotion, that she nearly ran into George when he stopped at the entrance.
"How is the night treating you Monsieur Pont de Noir?" George asked the Knight in front of him.
The young Knight looked up and was quick to respond, "Fine, Monsieur De'Sand, I must say, though, I did not expect to run into you again this day."
George stiffly pulled Marie-Louise in front of him and saw Monsieur Pont de Noir blush slightly. "I'm afraid I must retire for the night Monsieur Pont de Noir, but would never dream of leaving such a fine lady without an escort."
He forced himself to move her gloved hand towards his, "Would you?" His voice was steely.
Marie-Louise felt like she just had the wind knocked out of her---her gut twisted and she looked up at George in disbelief---only to find his gaze purposefully undirected towards her. Feeling broken her eyes began to glaze over, and her hand went limp in George's firm grasp.
Oblivious to what was transpiring Monsieur Pont de Noir Carefully took Marie-Louise's hand---as though it was glass.
Without waiting for a reply from the younger knight, George walked to the entranceway. Blindly moving through the throng of people.
Letting only one thought circulate through him----better Monsieur Pont de Noir, than a coward to his own emotions. They would both be better off in time---at least—that's what he thought.
Whew! Another Chapter completed! Poor George, afraid of commitment and rejection.
French Translation:
Le Bal: The Ball
Again for the curious folks out there, Mademoiselle Clochette du Argenteees' name translates to Miss Little Bell of Silver.
Till next time! Hang in there for chapter four!
Chapter Four: Un Plus ProblemeEmerald-Velvet-Touch