LOVE ME IF YOU DARE
by Strawberry On Cheesecake
Disclaimer: Don't own Final Fantasy!
CHAPTER FOUR
"And that—" Rinoa looked away from one enormous building to another, beyond speechlessness as Mister Kiros Seagull did his own animated rendition of the 'Great Estharian Tour', "is Azore's most famous and exclusive club—the Zodiac."
It hasn't even been an hour of acquaintance, but Rinoa felt like she'd known him forever. From the moment they'd step down from the Celsius (which was a surprise for Rinoa who didn't know that Estharian nobilities have a habit of 'naming' their planes to avoid 'confusion') up until now that they're traveling back to Lion's Heart aboard a stylish Rolls-Royce hoverspeed, 'Mister Kiros' never failed to emanate the aura of an appreciative host. He was warm, approachable, and often times funny enough to sidetrack the growing uneasiness brought about by the thought of meeting the so-called 'in-laws'. He was also a good conversationalist; a man with a quick mind. He was so astute and sensitive that he'd manage to unravel Rinoa and Julia's attention by diverting them towards Esthar's beautifully structured, high-rise buildings; something that Rinoa was greatly thankful of, and made her feel that Mister Kiros wasn't as snotty as she first thought he was.
"The Zodiac is where His Grace spends most of his free time during weekdays, occasionally for a round of bridge, or a high-stakes Triple Triad game with a few chosen colleagues." Kiros was directing the information to Julia, who was expected to master her future husband's daily routine, "But I guess from now on, it wouldn't be just as frequent—he would be too preoccupied personifying the role of a doting husband."
He winked at Julia, who blushed uncomfortably before Rinoa's incredulous eyes, "And speaking of His Grace," Kiros smoothly changed the subject, seeing that Rinoa wasn't used to a flushing mother, "I am very much honored to extend his invitation for a family dinner tonight. He would be very busy the entire day, mostly because of the preparations, so he thought it was best to send yours truly to notify, before he completely forgets about it."
"A family dinner?" Rinoa asked meaningfully, looking down to her simple traveling gown with no more than a ribbon-sash belt as its main accessory. She looked at her mother, and realized that they both thought of the same predicament—they can't be introduced while wearing only these!
But apparently, Kiros saw it coming. He didn't gain his post as Laguna's secretary for nothing; he was a foresight winner, and satisfying his employer was his primary specialty! Smiling knowingly, he finally gave his seatmate a look of appraisal—as if she was a jewel of finest AND rarest quality.
"Ladies…allow me to introduce to you Miss Beatrix Onnivard." The classic brunette beauty smiled, tipping her head low enough to radiate an air of well-breeding, "She is one of Esthar's finest ladies-in-waiting. She would be your fairy godmother tonight, Madames, for under her long list of credentials would be an exceptional taste in haute couture and hairstyles."
"The pleasure is mine." Beatrix took in their wide-eyed expressions with little mind. What interested her the most was the mother and daughter's subtle 'glow', which she instinctively knew was capable of scorching up into a full blown flame. This new project excited her inexplicably, and the thought of making them over almost sent her reeling at wits end!
"Sir Kiros has personally invited me over in hopes of preparing you for tonight's little get together. I am very much pleased to have this honor—I would do the very best that I can."
"She would also be giving you a crash course about some Estharian traditions…only the important once, for a full, detailed course requires a month to finish." Rinoa grinned at Kiros' jibe, giggling as Beatrix responded by shaking her head in disbelief. Turning to Julia, Beatrix proceeded with more of her plans for tonight.
"As Sir Kiros has blatantly insinuated, the Estharian upperclass has their own handbook of practices." Beatrix purposely made the analogy to vindicate her point, using such to connote the intricacies of the 'higher circle', "Usually, it takes a little while to get used to them, but since it is a family gathering that we're looking forward to, I doubt that formalities would be used as often as it is required. So be rest assured—I am certain that we're going to pull it off nice and easy!"
Rinoa doubted that, quite aware of the hearsays about the Estharians' complete disregard towards simplicity. Just one look at their grandiose capital, Azore, and you'd absolutely understand what she's talking about. By Hyne, the city had more hoverspeeds than Rinoa saw in her entire life! It was a completely different world in there, and what more of their practices…? Just take it as teaching a new born baby how to recite the constitutional preamble, for crying out loud!
Miss Beatrix was in the middle of describing her vision for Julia's attire when Rinoa saw the buildings start to grow apart. Looking up ahead, she saw Kiros smile, bending his head in a way that prompted Rinoa to watch a transition that she'd least expected.
Submitting to the silent challenge, Rinoa mulled over her surroundings. The path was starting to narrow, and the trail of pine trees began to stretch in front of her eyes. Their car sped through an archway—more of like a magical barrier—which led them into a winding concrete bridge that linked the gap in between the modern metropolis behind and the evergreen forest that invitingly beckoned in front of them…
The evergreen forest…Describing it as whimsical was an understatement. The lush sea of trees almost had a glint of emerald under the sunlight…and on the hill was…
Rinoa's eyes grew with overwhelming awe and anticipation…
On heart of the hill rested a palace of splendor—a brick mansion juxtaposed with the great elements of wood and water. It stood with unwavering confidence; surrounded with the wisest trees and the choicest lumber. Its walls were a creative mix of more brick and marble, and as its gates opened for their hoverspeed's arrival, Rinoa began to realize how little she knew of opulence. The path that they took was long, and a very agonizing overture to the world of Centran pillars and Treno landscaping.
But before Rinoa could submerge herself into the full picture of this entirely new world, Kiros made the belated introduction, beaming more brightly than he should have.
"Welcome to Lion's Heart, Miss Rinoa…Ducal seat to the House of Loire."
And the world began to spin in a different way…with Rinoa stiffening as an after effect.
Lion's Heart spoke true of its name. It was a house meant for the bravest—a den only suitable for the noblest. After rounding a lotus-shaped fountain of Siren's effigy, their hoverspeed pulled over, obliging its passengers to step out and come face to face with the manor itself. With an innocent eye, Rinoa examined the façade of numerous windows, doors and balconies. To her, it looked like a hotel…the one that Seifer and Quistis would most likely pick during one of their excursions.
Rinoa and her mother were being escorted by Kiros and Beatrix to the front door when both panels opened, exposing an assembly of liveried men and uniformed women in deep moss green and white. The assembly was headed by a stiff looking man, who introduced himself as Cursovo, the butler of the house. As expected of him, Cursovo welcomed the soon to be Mistress and her daughter in behalf of the servants, volunteering to show the way throughout the gargantuan abode. While he's at it, he discreetly insisted that Julia and Rinoa visit their quarters for the mean time, while they waited for the duke who was seemingly engrossed with the preparations. Julia frowned at this, apparently disappointed by the fact that their reunion was once again being postponed for a later time, but Beatrix was quick to intercede; explaining that, a woman was to follow her husband's wishes…
Rinoa didn't like 'rule number one', not one a bit!
"The Countess Elle and the Lady Kramer have already arrived, Sir." A petite, girl-servant curtsied at the sight of the entourage, but was mostly attuned to Kiros' next biddings, "As we speak, they are being assisted within their respective rooms." She was still plummeted with her curtsy when she added, "And the Marquis, Sir—"
"The Marquis!" Rinoa didn't expect such a tone from Kiros, who sounded more terrified than surprised, "The Marquis has escorted the ladies all the way from Donna-Terra?"
"Yes, Sir."
"And how is he doing?"
The girl turned weak with excessive pallor, as if her next move was something that she didn't like to do, "In the Study, Sir Seagull…" she gulped, "with His Grace."
Kiros stiffened; his eyes threatening to bulge out off its sockets. Rinoa saw that her mother was absorbed with whatever Beatrix and Cursovo was telling her, so it was only up to her to do something before the poor secretary starts palpitating.
"Mister Seagull," Rinoa whispered low enough not to cause any disturbance on the party of three that constituted Julia, Beatrix and Cursovo. The same group decided to move ahead not long after, leaving Rinoa and Kiros on their own with the girl-servant, "Is there something amiss?"
Kiros regained his composure, turning to Rinoa with a reassuring smile that scared her of its fast transition, "Of course not, Miss. None at all…"
But he was lying, for a second after; a loud crash was heard coming from the East Wing.
"The Marquis is His Grace's only son, which rightfully puts him next in line to the ducal seat. He is a very nice boy, Madame, but sometimes, he could rather be…very temperamental." Kiros was barely breathing as he babbled, dashing towards the direction of the Study with only Rinoa and the girl-servant.
"He can also be possessive, and little aggressive too, which explains why we're running for His Grace's life." He added, looking up ahead as they slid through the archway that led directly to the East Wing. He eventually turned his face back to Rinoa, only to find out that he lost the girl's line of thought.
"I don't get it…" Rinoa mumbled, balling her fists as she pulled her skirts up to run faster. Her breathing was still even, although she was at that point in when she'd start panting, "Are you saying that he is capable of causing the duke a lot of harm at this rate?"
She saw the girl-servant swallow beside her, but it wouldn't suffice as an answer. Kiros had to sigh, knowing that he somehow had to defend the Marquis, "Figuratively speaking, yes…but pay no matter, Miss. The Marquis was raised a gentleman, and there was only so much that a gentleman can do…May it be physical or emotional harm."
"I doubt that." Rinoa muttered under her breath, slowing down as Kiros reached over for the knob. She saw him gain composure in less than a minute, courteously knocking afterwards.
They waited…
Nothing.
Kiros turned to the servant-girl, cajoling instructions to the frightened child. Rinoa clamped her teeth together as she listened to the secretary, overhearing names like 'Countess Elle' and 'Lady Edea'.
She couldn't understand why they seem to fear the Marquis so much. Was it because he's the heir of Lion's Heart, and their, would-be, Master of the house? If that's so, why wasn't the Duke doing anything about it? Was it one of his duties to ensure good camaraderie in between his successor and employees, for the benefit of the estate?
"Go now, Dear. We need them as soon as possible!" the girl-servant rushed back into the hallway as Kiros turned the knob. He gave Rinoa one final look before exhaling sharply, like he readied himself for a huge battlefield, "After me, Madame."
And he swung the door open, only to hear another one bang close inside.
"Kiros." Somebody almost lifeless called. Rinoa had to step back, covering her mouth with a palm as her eyes fell on the sight of a man looking over a broken chair…a man that cannot, not even in one's wildest dreams, be the Duke of Lion's Heart.
But Kiros was swift to correct her notion, bolting towards the scene to answer his Master's call, "Yes, Your Grace?"
The Duke still hasn't seen Rinoa, which made it possible for our heroine to feast with the sight of him. He was her Mom's age—probably forty-three—with long, jet-black hair that was pony-tailed by the nape. Though he looked like a nobleman, he was one of those rich, attractive kids who were given the 'amiable' instead of the 'aloof' aura, and even though he's frowning, Rinoa felt that he was good-natured—this guy would never hurt a rabbit even if his life depended on it.
"He misunderstood again…" the Duke sighed, rubbing his nose bridge thoughtfully with closed eyes. From Rinoa's spot, she saw that he made his way behind the desk, plunging his back heavily on the leather-upholstered office chair, hoping that the seat could somehow alleviate his weariness.
"I tried to explain to him, but he just won't listen. He doesn't like the thought of me, marrying again…he says that it would disrupt the trust funds." Kiros cleared his throat at this, but the Duke gushed nonetheless, "I have no idea why he thinks of Julia as a scheming—"
Kiros cleared his throat again, evocatively this time. Laguna looked up to meet his eyes, astonished to see a vision of Julia, as how he'd first met her, standing by the doorway with confusion dawning on her face.
He stared at her, and so did she.
Rinoa narrowed her eyes, "Scheming what?"
Julia didn't ask questions that she wasn't obliged to ask, and this made Laguna realize that she wasn't his Julia…
"Miss Rinoa—" Kiros interjected, only to be stopped by an expression that he couldn't believe she could conjure. Now, there was an evident sign that she was, indeed, the daughter of Sir Caraway, a fierce soldier way back during his time.
"A scheming what?" Rinoa repeated once more, frozen yet watchful. The Duke stood up from his seat, rounding the desk to approach her without breaking eye contact. Overflowing with fidelity, Rinoa looked after Julia's reputation, and she demanded an explanation for that seemingly profanity against her Mom.
"You must be Julia's daughter." Laguna quietly stopped on his tracks, turning sheepish much more than for his own good. He began to lamely scratch his nape while he's at it, throwing Rinoa off hand that the girl was now gaping at him, "I apologize that you had to hear that. My son can be very inconsiderate when it comes to voicing out his opinions."
"I've heard about that." Rinoa raised her brows, suddenly feeling her hostility vanish. The Duke sounded so sincere that she couldn't help but lower her shield…was this what her Mom was saying? That uncanny attitude that he has?
"Yes…of course. But even so, I am not going to defend his rudeness. I'm really at your debt…" He glanced at Kiros for a moment, before switching back to Rinoa, "It is Rinoa, am I right, Dear?"
Maybe because she'd never felt paternal affection, but when the Duke said that, Rinoa's uncertainties dissolved. His Grace began to nervously scratch the back of his nape again, and for some reason, Rinoa found it more comical than disturbing.
"Yes, Your Grace."
Laguna's eyes lit up at the referral, "That's Laguna for you, Sweetheart. You can also call me 'Dad' if you want."
Rinoa bit her lower lip, trying her best not to laugh at his determination to impress. He is cute. Too cute for the age of forty-something.
"Dad!"
The bizarre first meeting was ended by Rinoa stepping back a few paces, blinking at the sight of an enchanting lady dressed in shimmering satin and rhinestones. She let the woman slip right in front of her, not even uttering a word of apology as she directed herself to the goofily smiling Duke at the center of the room. Another lady, possibly older but just as stunning, followed suit; she gave Rinoa a nod of acknowledgement, turning away after courtesy has been brought to justice.
"What happened here?" Ellone placed her palms on Laguna's shoulders. She saw that the Duke had a silly look on his face, and the thought of him surrendering to madness crossed her mind. "Your GRACE?!"
He was still staring at Rinoa when Kiros explained on his behalf, "The Duke is very happy to finally meet his stepdaughter, Lady Elle."
"Huh?" Ellone raised a delicate eyebrow, skepticism on her face as she swiped a look from her father to the scrawny dark haired girl standing by the doorway. Her eyes widened incredulously.
"Her?" transparently referring to Rinoa.
"Yes, her, Ladyship."
Ellone was rarely out of sorts, so this major mistaken identity baffled her that she turned red. At first she thought of Rinoa as one of the many servants—Hyne, her father had too many servants for her to keep track! She never would have ignored her, point-blank, if she just had the slightest idea of who she was!!
Edea cleared her throat, stepping in as she tenaciously saved Ellone from sinking with her blunder. Gazing at Laguna, she leaped at the heart of the matter, "We were informed of your encounter with the Marquis, Laguna. How did he do?"
The look of forlorn crept back to Laguna's features; the corners of eyes crinkled a bit, "Not good, I'm afraid, Edea."
He shook his head, rubbing his palms together, "My son worries too much…He insists on his instincts about the matter, and we know him too well to know that once he thinks he's right, he's going to stand by his decision until the end."
Rinoa shivered, suddenly remembering a person who thought exactly like that—Squall. She didn't know how, but at this moment, she can fully relate with the people around her. She felt their apprehension; their frustration. She knew of the weight that they're carrying—and it wasn't an easy load to find yourself with the likes of Squall as your opponent. They thrive to conquer: to win, to win, and to win…
Ellone straightened her back, becoming distressed, "What did you tell him? Surely, you could have said something to make him feel threatened."
Laguna denied that fact, "I did not, and I am most certain. All along he despised the idea that Julia and Rinoa are already here—no offense, Rinoa—and because of that, he keeps a narrowed mind, shutting out everything that I tell him! He stepped out afterwards…towards his room, perhaps—he didn't say. This is getting out of hand…" the Duke's face fell with agony, "I do not know what to do right now!"
Rinoa's heart went out to him. Laguna Loire might be the bearer of the Emperor's favor, but that doesn't mean he's immune to family problems such as this. By looking at him, Rinoa saw uncertainty and grief in his being, as if he was being forced to make a choice in between his own happiness and his son's. She was greatly touched by that, familiar with such parental dilemma because of her Mom. Julia always had that look, and what Rinoa wouldn't do just to wipe it away from her.
"Your Grace," upon attracting the attention of the Estharians, Rinoa silently moved on, feeling the urge to console, "With all due respect, I think that you all need a breather right now. I am aware that the marriage announcement has been all too sudden; it is too, even for me. Perhaps the Marquis also felt this way…apparently that's the reason why he shuts everybody out. I, therefore, suggest that you give him more time. A person like him, who worries too much, needs time to weigh his options…to evaluate the pros and cons of the situation. Surely, he would come up with a very sound judgment in the end."
She glanced at the people around her, beginning to smile as their expressions ranged from bewilderment to curiosity. Either way, she felt that they're harmless, so she opted to move on, "I heard that the Marquis is a brilliant man…" it was an assumption, but what the heck? "So why don't we stay away for now, and wait until he's ready and approachable? How does that sound?"
For a moment, Rinoa thought they'd chew her head of with that silence, but one by one, they began to concede. They all knew that it is better this way, to have some sort of a game plan, rather than sitting down and moping around with nothing going on.
Julia and her companions came a while later.
Squall angrily pushed his valet out of the door—his temper getting the best of him. Why can't Laguna see along with his visions? How can he remain stupid with all these gibberish, crappy marriage thing? What is so difficult to comprehend with the situation at hand? Is he becoming senile or something?
Pulling his neck cloth, Squall glided by the mini-bar to grab a full decanter of whiskey. His quarters within Lion's Heart were complete with everything, that he could survive a week without stepping out of the rooms. Stripping off his jacket, he impatiently tossed it on a chair, marching towards the fattest and most comfortable looking couch to sit on it. He was so mad right now, he knew he'd drink himself sober; which he knew he mustn't do or even imagine doing. Ellone and Edea, Ifrit's twin Amazons from Hell, would surely let him have it tomorrow if he did; and what's more, he'd surely have a hang-over. No point of committing double jeopardy right now, he's not that suicidal, you know.
Sloshing a bit of liquor down his throat, Squall let the hard, biting warmth settle down his senses. When it kicked in, he tried to clear his mind, even to the point of convincing himself that he needed an Anger Management class. Choking at that thought, he shook his head fiercely, jolting up with the decanter still in his hand. He made smooth strides over the rich navy blue carpeting below, eventually leading the way to his desk.
It was still immaculately organized, Squall noticed. He had unread messages too.
Putting the decanter on the side, Squall picked the neatly folded paper up to his eyes. The first splashes of peace that day dawned that very moment, when he realized that it was a telegram coming from Rinoa. He turned around, all the while forgetting about drinking, as he instinctively looked for the fat couch which he occupied a while ago.
So Rinoa went to Winhill…She even wrote the telephone number down here. Squall pointed at the scrawl of numbers, sliding his finger to the right as he continued reading. She's visiting her Mother…
The letter was written a day ago, which meant that Rinoa would be off the tracks and very accessible by phone right now. Squall couldn't resist the urge to call her, just to hear her sweet, laughing voice that would surely regale him off his problems. He decided on that, reaching for the phone by the lamp shade.
Two rings; it was picked up to be followed by a young man's voice, "You have reached the Almasies' residence. This is Nida Peddlestow. How may I help you?"
Almasy? Squall wrinkled his forehead, puzzled.
"Yes. May I speak to Rinoa Heartilly, please?"
No sign of hesitation in his voice, "Miss Heartilly, Sir? Oh, I'm sorry, but I'm afraid she's already left the manor. May I take a message instead?"
"Of course…." Squall paused, disappointed that Rinoa wasn't around, "Please do tell Miss Heartilly that Squall called."
"Of course, Sir. I'd do that."
"Would you, by chance, know where she'd gone to? I really need to speak to her."
Nida thought that it was alright to divulge; the caller was Miss Heartilly's acquaintance, afterall, "Last that I heard of, Sir, was Miss Rinoa's journey to Guadosalam. I suppose she'd meet her mother in there…Miss Julia's getting married."
"J-julia?"
"Yes Sir. Miss Julia, Rinoa's mother, is remarrying. The specific details haven't been passed on, but with them reuniting, Miss Julia must already have a date in mind."
Squall hanged up a moment later; his stomach getting sick. He didn't know exactly why, but he was absolutely sure of one thing—it wasn't because he drank whiskey with an empty stomach.
Rinoa watched as Sophie closed the door behind her, a piece of perfumed note paper tucked safely in her sleeve. The girl-servant had just finished helping with her bath, and Rinoa took this opportunity to ask her a favor. Sophie was more than pleased with a task, and upon realizing that it was a message for her new Mistress' fiancé, she was exhilarated. Telegrams were only entrusted to favored servants, and to be delegated to send one was just an honor.
Facing the dressing mirror, Rinoa stared at her reflection. She couldn't help but be fascinated by the current events—the last thing she knew, her mother was about to marry an illustrious duke, who was very much capable of securing her future both financially and emotionally. It was like an inconceivable fairytale; the one that only happens to a chosen few. It was so unbelievable that now, as Rinoa tried to imagine it, she couldn't help but smile. Maybe, this was her Mom's good fortune. Good fortune that was rightfully hers, bestowed by Hyne, after withstanding many years of her trials.
Rinoa was about to move towards the beautifully draperied windows when somebody knocked on her door. Having no idea who it was, she made her way towards the door, hoping that it was her mother at least. Julia, as Rinoa surmised along the way, was going to be a fine Lady of this house. Sweet Mother of Hyne, she'd already befriended Beatrix and Cursovo in only a matter of seconds! Surely, she'd surpass every other's expectations with their help.
But instead of her Mother, somebody else decided to pay her a visit before dinner. Clad in a buttercup yellow, full-skirted gown, Countess Ellone Alayah fon Loire carried every ounce of regalness that she was born with, even wearing a diamond headband to finish the effect. She was playing with the lace of her sleeve when it finally came to Rinoa that it was up to her to break ice, opening the door wider for her to step in.
"Countess!" Rinoa didn't know how to call her, so she opted to use the most general term. Ellone seemed not to find that inapt, even giving her a little appreciative smile.
"Please do call me, Elle." She primly slipped in the room, walking further up to the dressing table. Rinoa was closing the door when she turned back, her friendly smile still up after finishing a quick survey of the dresser's contents, "You're gonna be my little sister very soon, so we should try skipping the formalities and jump right into the 'fun'."
"The fun?" Rinoa let herself be pulled by the Countess' gentle hands. Ellone pushed her down to sit on the dressing chair, her jolly expression unexpected from a person who've you'd just met in passing, one moment ago. "What do you mean—"
She was stopped by Ellone's open inspection of her attire—white terry-cloth bath robe—and began to tense. Ellone's smile was now replaced by a disapproving frown; she even sighed to express that she actually saw this coming.
"To be a Lady of Lion's Heart, you must always remember one thing." Ellone shot an index finger, which Rinoa saw, carried an amethyst ring, "DRESS like one."
"What?" Rinoa called out as Ellone began to move away, reaching for the door knob. She opened the door to make way for three uniformed women, who appeared to have been waiting for sometime now. Ellone was on the scene again, proceeding with the instructions.
"You, be careful with that. That's Coeurl muslin in there!" She flipped her tawny curls back, just to erupt with another command, "Put the make-up before the dresser. I want to see the colors below the light."
Ellone began urging the shortest of three women to wheel in a cart now, and to Rinoa's surprise, it carried a mesmerizing variety of shoes; from jeweled stilettos, glass slippers to leather indoor boots.
"To be a Loire, contrary to what everybody thinks, is a very tedious task." Ellone turned back after everything has been settled, a proud look of somebody who'd master this field on her pretty face, "A Loire, irregardless of their gender, is expected to be stunning at all times, for along with them they carry the family name. A name that had been known for ages, and written so far many times on the history books to just ignore…"
Ellone saw that Rinoa furrowed her eyebrows. Thinking that she didn't have any idea of what she's talking about, she tried once more, direct this time, "You got to dress up, Rinoa. It's all about the appearance."
"Oh…" Rinoa glanced at the luxurious array of clothing and make-up around her, and got confused again, "But all this? For just a dinner?"
Ellone tried not to laugh at her tone of incredulity, "U-HUH." She beckoned for a servant to come closer, in the verge to start a major make-over, "Just wait until you find out what I had during my debut."
"Must be an entourage…" Rinoa let herself be turned back to the mirror, Ellone giggling as she reached over for a hairbrush.
"Nope. I had a crowd."
"Please understand, Milord—"
"I don't want to hear it, Kiros."
"But Master, it is very important for you to have a better opinion of your father's fiancée during dinner. We do not require of you to be besotted with her, just a rightful amount of courtesy will do."
"I would not eat her alive, if that's what you think." Squall took a freshly starched neck cloth from his valet's hands, tying it expertly around his neck without so much difficulty. He was abruptly distracted by the same valet's raised arms, which now carried two suits of his own picking. Squall nodded dispassionately at the first closest thing.
"I cannot promise you anything, Kiros, but be rest assured, I'm not going to make a fool of anybody tonight." the Marquis donned the choice over his shoulders, not even bothering to inspect his reflection before jolting out of the room. Even on the hallway, Kiros tried bugging him, following his trail like a lost puppy.
The secretary exhaled sharply, so sharply, Squall almost pitied him, "You are going to make this hard for me, aren't you?"
Squall merely shrugged, snapping his cufflinks close, "I don't remember announcing my marriage in a very bad time, Kiros."
"There's never a good time for this, isn't it?"
Squall made a swift turn left, buttoning his coat to officially end his grooming. He wanted to sound mad, or look agitated even, but he preferred the cold scare that his eyes were very famous for. Inflicting that to Kiros, he murmured, "I'm not going to answer that question."
Kiros stopped dead on his tracks. Squall whistled forward to step down the stairs.
Lady Edea and his Father were already by the foot of the stairs when Squall arrived. With the encounter that afternoon still fresh, it was ordinary that the two men be reserved with each other. Not that it mattered, when Squall has always been detached towards his father, although this time, the air was sporadically uneasy. Before, when Squall dropped by, he never talked to his father; this time, he did, and as if to goad him. Squall could have continued acting this way throughout the night, until Edea intervened.
Ellone was bristling with pride. One look at Rinoa, and no one, not even her at first sight, would have guessed that she came from a deserted farm up North—wherever that place is again. Her features just obediently followed her vision…the peach, strapless ensemble hugged her body possessively, its corset fringed with wafer-thin lace and pearls, showing off curves that were unearthed after ages of sleep. The skirt was full, A-length and flowing down the back with a humble trail; satiny and embroidered with butterflies sewn together with crystal gems. Her long, shiny hair was now styled with the Estharian 'curled' fad, tamed with jeweled hairclips that combed the hair out of her face. Her make-up was only minimal, with only a touch of gloss and a dab of tint. Everything would have been perfect, except for her anti-climactic choice of a necklace. Rinoa insisted that she wear her own silver necklace, using her engagement band as its pendant.
Other than that, Ellone was proud of her; extremely proud of her that she looked forward to dressing her up again.
Julia was also a vision of her own right. With Lady Beatrix by her side, the soon to be Lady of the House was dressed for the occasion—a subtle but provocating attire she had. She was dressed in silken mauve, but unlike Rinoa's, her dress was long sleeved, and she had muslin gloves on her hands. The mother and daughter met just a few paces before the stairs, smiling at each other to adore their dresses.
Julia gave Ellone a curtsy—it was still allowed; she was not married to the duke just yet.
Ellone gave a nod of appreciation, visually applauding Madame Beatrix of her creation. Tapping her fan on a palm, she stepped ahead, turning back to the ladies with a wink, "Giddy up, Ladies. It's time to meet the boys!" And then they were off.
"Squall!"
The Marquis would have been knocked on the floor with that punch, but thank Hyne for manual labor as a technician. With fast reflexes he stood straight again, uninterestingly eyeing a shorter blonde dressed in an outfit that he'd never be caught dead wearing. Zell Dincht, Lady Edea's youngest adopted son, planned to attract everyone's attention by wearing an ancient nobleman's suit; with all baggy, over-sized sleeves and tight breeches. To make it even more 'interesting', he chose to wear it with glittering silver and purple stripes. To Squall, he looked like a clown in need of a fashion police.
"Hey." Squall muttered, rolling his eyes at the sight of another newcomer. Thankfully, this newcomer didn't share Zell's idea of wowing the ladies, but was an annoying sight nonetheless. Balthier Bunansa, Edea's second adopted son, stepped in with his radical slur.
"My heart to you, Milord." Balthier crossed his arms, after giving his mother a greeting kiss on the cheek. He and Squall were never close, and apparently, that's the reason why they hated each other's sight. "I am very pleased to have your audience, at last."
It sounded sarcastic to Squall, who answered in an equally derisive manner, "I was not informed of your attendance, Balthier. What a thrilling affair this is."
Balthier was about to answer to that, but was parried by the sight of four enchanting ladies coming down the stairs. He chose to let the tension linger, his attention being piqued by a particular black-haired girl in peach.
"Yes, it is…" He trailed off, a wicked smile curling on his lips, "…very thrilling." He added meaningfully. Squall was about to turn to his line of vision when Laguna bolted from his post, as if he couldn't wait any longer for the ladies to fully reach the foyer.
"My, my! How lucky of me to have all these beautiful women under my roof!" Silver eyes turned wide, hardened and black as Laguna showered compliments to each damsel, especially to the peach-princess that was now laughing to his comments. Squall could have mistaken her identity for any other, until she looked back at him, her eyes narrowing…and then turning wide…as realization hit rock-bottom for her.
She quickly grabbed her engagement ring, the same engagement ring that he gave her, for dear life…
"Rinoa…" Squall whispered helplessly, her name now tasting bitter as she seemingly also did the same.
Squall…
Author's Notes
Here we go!
(a) First of all, notice that I changed my pen name…it's T's suggestion for a comeback! (Although, heck, what's the point of a comeback if you have a different name?) Anyway, I would have done it eventually, and I wouldn't want anybody getting 'Strawberry On Cheesecake' other than me! (Sorry…cheesecake fanatic!)
(b) Thank you so much to all my reviewers, especially to Idryll (Love you so much! You're so generous with your reviews) and my new one, Spitfire! (I appreciate your e-mail! Sorry about the Balthier-thingy up there! Gomen!)
(c) Next Chapter—the game of wheel starts spinning! Tension arises as Rinoa and Squall's first encounter happens!!!
(d) Lastly, please R&R! I love it when you guys say what's on your mind!
Mwahuuuuuuggggzzzz!
Strawberry On Cheesecake
P.S.: First one to review get the thickest slice!!!! ;p Peace Out!