A/N:
J:
Here you are my pretties! I hope you enjoyed it! XD
By the way, here are some behind the scenes stuff/stuff that you may see when you are reading this new chappie:
Conversation /w Francis and Arthur on the balcony:
"Bonjour roi!" = "Hello King!"
"Comment allez-vous?" = "How are you?"
"Vous regardez plus laid que jamais!" = "You look uglier than ever!"
If you want to see Alfred's dress, then PM "T" and she'll tell me to send you the pic.
Arthur's maids (Jacqueline, Christina, Sakura and Alice) are Fem!France, Fem!Spain, Fem!Japan and Fem!England, and in that order too.
Song Alfred sings in rain: So Sad by Anna Blue
Conversation with Ivan and Alfred in the Garden:
"Добрый вечер!" = "Good Evening!"
"Не беспокойтесь об этом." = "Do not worry about it."
"…моя прелесть?" = "…my pretty?"
Conversation with Ivan and Arthur in the Garden:
"Перейти сосать мешок Дикс" = "Go suck a bag of dicks" ((For those of you who understand this reference…YOU ROCK! XDDD ))
I sincerely apologize if any of these translations are not completely or at all used correctly. I DEEPLY APOLOGIZE! DDD"X
But anywho, hope you enjoyed it and stay tuned kiddies! ;)
T: Dang "J". Long author's notes. O.o Well, I apologize for translation. I'm especially strict on that, but she wanted it, and we were too tired to edit this to ask our awesome bilingual friends. One more thing, this wasn't a lightning update, but the Asian girl did not lie to you, did she? *smirk
We would like to thank futurepsychoperson, xXYoraXx, Kira, FallingStar17, Angel the Neko, Japanese Sinister, and anon for reviewing. And thank you, readers, for taking the time to read this.
One Step Forward, Two Steps Backwards
Arthur's POV
Ballroom dancing, in my opinion, is the most sensible form of art in the history of mankind. The swift movement of the arms, the graceful arch of the back, the curving of the legs- all of them captivates me. However, a king cannot spoil himself to these luxuries, but since the court has been nagging me nonstop about hosting a ball, I reluctantly invited some nobles from overseas such as the Jade Palace's court and the leader of the Ruby Federation. Technically, I'm internally bouncing with ecstatic fervor because I would be killing two birds with one stone: I would discuss with Emperor Yao about the Kaoru incident and I would be dancing the night away in a drunken stupor. Honestly, nothing could be better! It may even seem hilarious to Ludwig and Kiku once they see their king acting human and jumping on his heels with eagerness all because of one, single ball.
Now, I know that might sound a little bit off to you…but you really have no I idea what it's like running a country. Dear God, the pressures, demands and stress that this jobs brings would not make anyone envious, I assure you. Mind you that when one is a king, he has no leisure time scheduled for himself, with the optional exception of tea time and highly stimulating nightly activities. This kingly business is typically a lifetime job, and subsequently, one that you cannot retire until death.
Unfortunately, due to old-fashioned tradition and proper etiquette, I, the king, am required to dance with the princess- my "beloved" wife- for the king and his wife are always the opening dance. Even though I have yet to experience a dance with Marie, I can already predict that she will absolutely step on my toes with each sidestep I take, as if it's on purpose. Not to mention that our body proportions are a nuisance when the matter comes to dipping. Blast Francis's genes for making her a tad bit taller. However, this unspoken rule of the opening dance isn't mandatory. In my opinion, since I haven't seen it published in some kind of book of etiquette, I can abandon the girl to stand firmly to the ground and leave her by herself, standing there like the prim and proper princess Elizabeta wanted.
Though I must admit, Marie is a headstrong girl who would never lower her head to the levels of a sycophant. I suppose that is one good quality of hers. She deserves an appraisal for that every now and then, I guess. Whenever I would check on her to see how her dance practices were going, I would catch both her and Roderich gulping down a cup of some type of drug called…oh, dear what was that blasted liquid called?
Was it c-coffee? Yes, that's right, coffee! Anywho, she would gulp down a monstrous cup, or rather bowl, of the vile substance along with Roderich, and they would practice her footwork in the grand music room, restlessly inching closer to their main goal. I blame Lisa for giving my wife that deadly addiction. After all, she did bring that can last time she visited.
When the day of the ball finally arrived, I heard a blast of trumpets bleating vociferously outside the castle walls, where an irate Ludwig was trying as best as he could to counteract against the hurried relentlessness of a particular diabolical, bearded fool and his entourage. Poor Ludwig. His sworn enemy and brother is here, and there is a high percentage that he will receive some form of harassment. No doubt her insufferable, egotistic brother, in other words, a certain Lapiz King was lurking about my castle, hoping to steal a glimpse of his dear sister, I bet. I've been trying as best I could to avoid the annoying man, but it was only a matter of time before he would come crawling over to greet me, as was customary of two rulers.
I turned around from the merrymaking of the slowing forming crowd in the ballroom and walked towards the balcony. I stared outside of the window, focusing onto the horizon where there was a faint line. You know, that one spot where the sun and the ground comes into contact and makes the sun drop into the perpetual darkness, only to be replaced by thousands of shimmering stars into the sky.
Speaking of glimmering lights, the chandeliers that Elizabeta had integrated earlier this week was now effusively sparkling dots of light all over the dance floor, resembling the sparkling stars outside the new darkened sky.
I opened the door and stepped outside. As I leaned against the console bracket of the balcony, I began to count the passing seconds before I would be forced to encounter the frog.
One…two…three
The doors that open to the balcony busted open as the sly Frenchman announced his unwanted presence. "Bonjour roi (hello king)!" I didn't even bother to turn around and face him.
Oh dear, that didn't last very long now, did it?
"Comment allez-vous (How are you)?"
His voice sounds irritably cheerful, which only furthers my irritation. He walked closer, and I could see the skip in his stride where I could practically see that ridiculous smile on his face.
Oh goody…here comes the frog breathing down my neck.
He wrapped am arm around my shoulder as he said, "Vous regardez plus laid que jamais (You look uglier than ever)!"
When an animal is speaking to you, you either threaten it or smack the daylights out of it. Good thing that I'm in a jolly good mood today… not.
"Speak to me in that generic language again and I will ship you back to where you came from. I'll file some type of restraining order if you don't speak practical English." I threatened sinisterly.
Francis seized his heart, contorting his face into one of hurt, speaking in a girly but mocking tone, "But Arthur!"
He turned his head in a dramatic fashion. His hair flipped, which slapped me in the face, though I couldn't tell if it was on purpose or not.
"Oh how that hurts me so! How did my sister NOT commit suicide after living with a brute like you?"
"Get off of me, frog," I said uncaringly. Honestly why is he this… annoying. "I have no intention of tolerating your vile presence tonight."
"Oh, why are you so mean to me Arthur!" he whines. But his arm is still around my shoulder.
"If you don't let go of me now, then I assure you that I will take great pleasure in dislocating your wrist."
Francis pouted his lips, but the poutiness quickly went away as it was replaced by a devilish smile and he slowly inched closer to my ear.
W-what the devil is h-!
"Or maybe the reason for your foul mood is because the guy who was fucking you last night still has his dick up your ass."
This is where I shall insert a middle finger, meaning that I flipped off Francis.
"FUCK YOU AND YOUR BEARD!" I shouted, pushing him as hard as I could for him to get away from me.
That disgusting bastard!
I hurriedly stormed out of there and walked straight into the middle of the dance floor where Roderich is positioned at the piano with an orchestra to accompany him. Apparently they're playing classical music to entertain the guests. Although Roderich seems completely infatuated with the music, his accompaniments seem drowsy. I guess they don't like this classical stuff. I laughed to myself. As tradition, no one is allowed to dance at a ball until the King and Queen (or princess) dances the first dance.
I mean, really, why do they always make such a big fuss about it? It's just one dance.
The dance really isn't that important to me; it really doesn't matter who is doing the opening dance. At this point, I rather just go upstairs with a maid and have my fun with her instead of having to tolerate all of these…these…foreigners!
Having a friend here would be nice. Speaking of which, where is Kiku? Oh, that's right, he can't be here. His dear big brother Yao Wang is present. If he ever where to discover that Kiku was actually secretly here hiding in the Emerald Castle…
Gah! I shook my head, casting away those potentially harmful thoughts. The idea of entering another war is something that I rather not think about. Besides, I'm sure Kiku's holding up on his own and is keeping calm. He is a professional after all.
Needing a quick distraction, I begin to walk around the ball room, observing the happy faces of the slowly forming crowds of strangers. Groups of people gathered to create a social ring of conversation between both friends and acquaintances, which is the typical norm of a ball. However despite being surrounded by so many people, I feel alone and unhappy.
Darn foreigners…there's too many of them!
The whole thing seems very dull and unentertaining. Or at least that was the case until I saw Francis's assistant, Lisa, strutted in a plaid suit, kissing the hands of women and twirling them around the dance floor, apparent in not reading the atmosphere or that unwritten rule of no dancing. She is more of a gentleman than what her brother will ever be. Later that night, Francis would tell me that her atrocious, unfeminine behavior was the effect of drinking his wine beforehand.
Time passes and more people are gathering; too much in fact. I've got to get out of here.
My eyes exhumed past the heads of many unimportant officials and nobles and whatnot, until they halted at the gorgeous display of black satin and white ruffles- a wonderful procession of feminine beauty. My four favorite girls: Jacqueline, Sakura, Christina, and Alice.
Even though I am acquainted with them during the night, they are still maids, so I averted my eyes away from their slim, elegant bodies, which were draped with the customary black dress and white apron uniform that each maid is required to wear in the premises. They are of a lower class and are at the bottom of the food chain, so I can't let anyone see me interacting with them. That is out of the norm. Though I say, let's give these women a night they shan't forget. Tonight, I'll treat them to a night of glamour. They could think of it as a thank you for their "hard work" in trying to keep me happy. Besides, it's rather sad that they have to work to death for a wage unlike the other nobles like Elizabeta and Feliciano.
I locked my eyes to Elizabeta's and then glanced at the girls, and at once she understood. I gave a wink, and with a snap of my fingers, the girls were gathered like how a farmer in the countryside would round up his horses, and were therefore kidnapped by the clutches of my governess. No doubt Elizabeta will dress them nicely; she does have great taste in fashion after all. Jacqueline would look nice in something purple, Sakura is pretty in pink, Christina would look sexy in scarlet and Alice always looks good in blue. I think happily to myself as I try to imagine how beautiful the girls will look. At least I know for a fact that they will keep me good company. As the girls disappear and fade into the background, covered and shrouded by the ongoing impediment of people, Roderich switches his music to something more modern, something catchier than his personal repertoire.
Click!
All of a sudden the lights and the chandeliers dimmed, as if by magic, and a spotlight emerges from the night. Where the blazes did that come from?
"May I present…Marie Everdeen Bonnefoy, Princess of Lapiz Kingdom and Queen of Emerald Kingdom!"
Marie steps out into the ball room and all eyes are on her. There is a dead silence, to the point that I could hear the faint sound of a pin dropping, as Marie stands there like a fool, blushing and nervously fidgeting with her hands. But despite standing there like a total buffoon, I must admit she does look rather nice…considering that she's a figureless female.
"Well don't just stand there!" blurted an annoyed Lovino, who was pushing the tense Marie.
Who I believe is one of Marie's personal designers-Antonio I think is what the other darker one is called- rooted the girl to go on as the angrier one demanded, "Get out there and show off my beautiful master piece!"
They both smiled happily as they playfully shoved Marie further into the ballroom. Her dress really is nice looking.
The dress has a sweetheart cut that is stretched across her shoulders in a ribbon of lace and satin, exposing Marie's slender, but slightly muscled shoulders. The sleeves of the dress hang beautifully on her arms in a big poof of satin covered with a layer of lace, but in way that doesn't make it look over the top. The middle of her chest is decorated with a nice bow that is tied to perfection. The dress has a corset with sharp angles and specific metal wiring that strive to complement her small-practically uncurvy-hips; it hugs her body nicely though, despite having no figure at all. The bottom of the dress has a classical cut that falls gracefully onto the ground. Her hair was done up too. Her bangs are parted and are loose and curly as they fall down nicely the length of her face. The rest of her hair was pulled back into a messy, yet a still very beautiful bun that was decorated with clear jewels. Taken as a whole-although I hate to admit it- she looks very beautiful. How on I managed to critique on her looks, I may never know.
It wasn't until I heard a whiny, "Hey, Lovi~! I helped make it too~!", that I came back to reality.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever you bastard!"
"So cold Lovi..."
"Don't call me that!"
I ignore the bickering of the quarrelsome couple. People who are in relationships really do have troublesome times, and to be honest, it's really annoying. But at least the little fight breaks up the silence in the room, and the party continues.
"Well, aren't you going to say 'hi' to her?" asks a voice from behind me. "After all, it is good manners to greet new arrivals- especially when she's your wife."
It's Roderich.
"…Do I have to?" I ask pathetically.
Maybe if I sound pitiful, then he won't make me. He gives me a stern look as he raises one eyebrow. I know that look. Sigh. Oh dear, here I go again.
"Greetings, Princess."
"Hello King Arthur."
She seems nervous and has a tint of pink on her cheeks; she must be still feeling a bit uncomfortable. I pretend I don't notice.
"How are you?"
"Good."
This is perfect, short talk with a hint of formality. This conversation will be over quickly then.
"Your dress is nice."
"Thank you. Lovino and Antonio made it for me."
"Oh, that's lovely. Pass it along that I find their craftsmanship to be top rate."
"I will. Thank you."
There's an awkward silence between us, as the people around us continue to chat cheerfully and loudly.
"S-say, Arth-"
Oh, no! Please don't ask that question.
"Well I guess I'll be seeing you around then? Jolly good. So long then!"
I rush out of there faster than you can say fish and chips and make my way to the bar. I knew what she was going to ask about-the first dance. As our custom, the first dance of the night is suppose to be between the King and Queen, but I rather not think about that now. I need a drink first.
"Hello, Arthur." says a sweet voice. I immediately know who it is.
"Hello Jacqueline."
"You look like you've just seen a ghost."
"Worse actually…"
Jacqueline turns in the direction of Marie and glares at her. "Oh, I see. The princess of Lapiz…Marie."
"It's just that stupid tradition about the first dance! I don't want to go threw with it, I tell you! Blast it all to bloody hell!" I ordered a shot and quickly gulp it down. It's rum…good.
"No need to get so angry about it Arthur." says Jacqueline as she gently rubs my shoulder, trying to comfort me. Well…at least one person understands what I have to go through.
"Listen, she's coming this way right now-"
"Oh, great! Jus-"
"Will you be quite for a second and listen to me!" she yells at me.
On a normal basis, I would have never allowed anyone to speak to me in that tone, but being that I was feeling pretty desperate and that it was Jacqueline who was talking…well, I made an exception.
I order another shot and take a sip. "Go on, I'm listening."
"How about…" she pauses and plays with her hair, twirling it between her thumb and forefinger. "… I make things interesting?"
She then smiles devilishly. Oh, no…I know that smile. What was she planning on doing?
"Jacqueline…what are you going to do?" I ask nervously.
This woman isn't going to murder Marie is she? I know she's the jealous type, but I would have never thought that she would take things that far. She giggles and runs her hand threw my hair seductively.
"Don't worry. I'll play nice." She then turns away and begins to walk in order to meet Marie half way, picking up a glass of wine from a server as she passes him by.
They stop and face each other. I can't really get a good view from my angle, because of the people walking around. But I do get to finally get a look at the girls before the unimaginable happens.
She tipped her cup of wine, and it splashes all over the chest area of Marie's gown and where, very quickly, drops trickled downward and spread out across the front of the dress, staining the fashionable masterpiece.
"Oh, pardonnez-moi princess" said Jacqueline, as she dramatically cupped her heart. She might have appeared to be sincere on first glance, but if you watched closely, you could tell she was clearly being sarcastic. "I…I didn't see you there," she giggled that last bit before falling into a fit of full-blown laughter.
What was once seen as a beautiful ensemble of satin and lace to the bystanders, quickly disappeared from their eyes, and before I knew it, the purple stain of wine had completely stigmatized Marie. Everyone, mostly people from my court I'm afraid, pointed and chortled their heads off-laughing, jeering at the victimized princess. The only people who were not laughing among the crowd were Francis, Lisa, and Roderich. I would have expected Lovino and Antonio rushing over to the princess's aide, but they had apparently dispersed beforehand, probably having some kiss and make-up time no doubt. Marie's cerulean eyes turned glassy and her expression was in dismay as she turned her head around, seeking for the proven message of comfort from an ally.
Please, somebody. Anybody. Anyone at all?
She only found harsh disappointment; however, after examining the crude responses of the laughing crowd. She gave up and sadly walked to the exit, downstairs out towards were the entrance to the garden was.
I was never really fond of the girl, but no one could ever deny that she was most certainly upset. Who wouldn't? If anybody would have done that to me, then it would have been all "off with their head", as the saying goes. But I couldn't concern myself with her feelings right now, not with the increasing amount of people who were increasing the sociality of the atmosphere with their outlandish drinks and merry-making.
Why does there always have to be so many people at things like this? This would be much more pleasant with just a few people, rather than having every court member and their second cousin from all four kingdoms gathering in single, enclosed ballroom. Remind whose splendid idea was this? Oh right, me. Curses! I really do hate these things. I wish I could just get away and go upstairs with the girls and get a good fuck on. But nooooo!
The world: Oh, King Arthur, I'm so sorry, but I'm afraid that you are going to have to endure these ridiculous foreigners and their madness for an entire fortnight. Well, good luck ol' chap-get out of here and have some fun!
Me: Bitch, please!
I laugh at the absurdity of the world and its ludicrous notion of having me standing in the same space as these barbarians. This whole thing would have been a lot more pleasant if there weren't so many people. If it there were just a few people, instead of such a large gathering, then I would able to actually enjoy myself. No one likes having to stand in a room full of watchful eyes. It's maddening! Rubbish, don't they understand that I find all of these foreigners completely irksome?
I need some air.
I begin to move away from the laughing, happy crowds and make my way to the staircase that led to a small garden outside. But my journey is soon cut off by a slender arm as it pulls me back into tight embrace.
"Oh wasn't that just simply hilarious, darling?" It's Jacqueline. She's must be talking about Marie.
"You know, you didn't have to go that far…"
"Are you joking?" she spun me around and forced me to look into her bright purple eyes "You should know better than I, Arthur, that the people of Lapiz cannot be trusted…She got what she deserved!" She pulled me into another embrace "Silly little Lapiz princess!"
If this conversation had taken place in a different time and place, then I would have probably agreed with Jacqueline. But my desperate effort to get out of this busy, loud and overcrowded ballroom outweighed my heartlessness toward the princess.
Not to mention, the hurt in Marie's eyes were enough to cause anyone-myself included- to feel sympathy for the poor girl. Well, maybe it's just me. After all, the room did explode with mirth. I shook my head as I tried to forget her saddening eyes.
"A-ah, right! I suppose…" I pull away as the image of Marie's eyes came back, and now I feel almost desperate to go and find her. How badly she must be hurting my now. Wait, what am I thinking? Push out those thoughts, Arthur, just push them out…
"S-say, there's something I forgot in my room!" I lie lamely.
What? I had to say something to get away from Jacqueline's clutches.
"Oh-hon-hon, Arthur you naughty boy!" she releases me from her embrace as she giggles. "Want me to come with you, darling?" She smiles seductively as she traces my lower lip.
No woman, that's not what I meant! Not now! God, this migraine I'm having is killing me.
"N-no, that's kind of you…but no." This is my cue to leave before this horny lady gets any more kinky ideas. "Umm, I'll be back later. So I guess I'll you around then, yeah? Alrighty then, bye!"
Bollocks, that was close. Honestly, how can I deal with all these girls throwing themselves at my feet? I guess I really am just too handsome for my own good. But I'm finally outside, which is a great relief. I breathe in the cold, fresh air as I look up, staring at the bright, shining moon.
Ruffle. Scuffle. Plop.
W-what was that?
I scan the garden and see Marie. D-did s-she just take off her gown? Why did she do that?
Rip. Rip. Rip. Slash.
What the bloody hell is that girl doing? I decide to investigate.
I take cover inside a few bushes a few feet away from where Marie is standing, and the whole scene becomes clear. It appears as though she's shredding the bottom layer of her dress in a mad fury, stomping the fabric, puncturing dotted holes in them. Using some of the leftover fabric, she attempts to soak up some of the wine on her neck, smearing it away gingerly and patted her bodice and throws the damp cloth down, littering the dewy grass with the purplish embarrassment. Befittingly, a few clouds overcastted the sky but left the moon untouched. She stops and stares at it sorrowfully. A light shower begins to fall, and it gradually wets the princess's entire body as she stands there, hypnotized by the silver moonlight. She suddenly began swaying, back and forth, back and forth. I stared at her in complete awe. Needless to say, I was mesmerized by her steps. She hummed a sad tune, which eventually manifested itself into melancholic rhythm of verses.
"Who will care if I'm not here?
If suddenly I disappeared?
No one's gonna notice it at all"
She twirled around, prancing around under the cloudy moonlit sky, dancing individually for no audience, not even to me. Her voice wasn't the squeaky, annoying one I usually hear, so I tricked myself into believing she had a hidden microphone attached to a radio somewhere, but no, this was her actual voice, a soft murmur of sounds belonging to a tenor.
"My face against the window pane
A tear for every drop of rain"
Step. Step. Side-step. Twirl. Step. Step. Jump. Step. Step. Twirl. Step. Starting Position. Bend. Spin and pirouette.
She continued this series of free dancing, most of which she must have learnt from Roderich after speculating the familiarity of movements. She finished her dance, bowing down to the moon.
It was truly a very beautiful dance that deserved praise, but I wasn't quite ready to present myself. It was then that I heard an unexpected clapping sound resonating itself within the garden.
Both Marie and I swished our heads toward the prodigious spectator while he continued to applaud monotonously. His gloves that was slapping each time made the sound more provocative than approving, but I may be bias for the man who was clapping was none other than Ivan Braginski himself, the leader (but really dictator) of the Ruby Federation.
"Добрый вечер (Good evening)!" he said excitedly.
I couldn't blame the skeptical look in Marie's eyes; I don't like Ivan either.
…Oh, goody, we've finally found some common ground.
Marie questioned fiercely, "Who are you?"
The princess was in a squalid appearance to the point where my dear mother-god bless her soul- would faint at the "nakedness" that my wife was currently displaying to Ivan. Being that she was in her corset with her long dress underwear below. Not to mention, that one could easily see that she wasn't wearing any stockings. (How vulgar!) All of which one could see due to the fact that she was wearing mostly white and…well, was currently soaking wet. Things become very see-through when you're wet and wearing white. Thank goodness that at least the material of the long dress underwear was thick, so no one could distinctly see her more…private areas. That would have just been completely awkward!
"Your dancing was beautiful."
"Who are you?" repeated Marie with a more hostile tone.
"Don't be afraid. I promise I won't harm you." Ivan smiled some more.
"You still haven't answered my question." retorted Marie, still undecided as to whether or not she should trust this very tall, large and intimidating strong, young man in front of her.
"Ha ha, what a feisty one you are!" Ivan said with a smile- it was one of those smiles. Very creepy bloke, he is. "I am Ivan Braginski, ruler of the Ruby Federation." He gave a low bow.
Going for the innocent look, are you now Ivan? Don't fall for it princess!
N-not that I'm caring or whatever you foolish girls think about.
"Hello Sir Braginski," Marie returned the bow. "Please forgive me for my words earlier. I must have sounded so cold and hostile. Please believe me when I say that that was not my intention."
Confound it all, why did you have to on and introduce yourself like that? And not only that, but sound nice about it too!
"Не беспокойтесь об этом (Do not worry about it)."
"I-I'm sorry?"
"Do not worry about it. I have been told worst things and have been talked to in a much harsher manner. No need to worry yourself, really-it's nothing."
Marie and Ivan began to talk a little more. Just what the hell is Ivan trying to pull by talking to Marie? Does he want information about me…or perhaps about our military? Maybe he wants to hurt Marie?
I turn my head away, quietly laugh to myself. Ha ha, why are you getting all riled up Arthur old boy? It's just some small talk, you know, nothing serious like how to kill Arthur in his sleep or how to drug him when he's not looking kind of stuff. So technically it was a pretty harmless conversation between a half naked married woman and a somewhat attractive tall madman from another country who could very well cause her great harm and distress…but hey, no one really thinks about these things, so this whole situation it just perfectly harmless, isn't it? Yeah, that's right…no need to worry yourself Arthur! I'm not a worrywart.
"You know, you are too pretty to be standing here alone by yourself. Would you like to dance with me, princess?"
What did that idiot just say? I turn back to see if what I just heard is true. Sure enough, Ivan was offering his hand to Marie, politely asking her to dance with him. W-wait a second! How did that creepy bastard get so close to Marie? He's practically riding up on her! Quick run away Marie, run away before he rapes you on the lawn!
She shakes her head and rejects his offer.
In his husky voice, he inquired, "And why is that, моя прелесть (my pretty)?"
"I cannot dance with anyone unless it's with King Arthur."
When she mentioned my name, my shallow breath ceased as my ears strain themselves in the direction of this ridiculous conversation, straining to listen to these hushed words.
"Ahh, you mean that stupid tradition?"
Ivan's impish smile irks me to no bounds; I mean this guy is a total creeper! If my senses are tingling, then I would say that Ivan would, without hesitation, gobble up anyone in his path if it was in the name of his glory. But oh no, my wife is an oblivious one, exchanging words with someone who could very possibly nuke her. Just get the hell out of there you bloody fool!
But instead, she has a genuine smile on her immaculate face, laughing at the demonic man.
"I'll agree; it is a stupid tradition. Besides, I'm already breaking their tradition by just standing out here in the rain instead of staying inside where King Arthur is."
"Nah…It's just a slight shower." Ivan looked up at the sky and cupped his hand, allowing the droplets to gather in a small pool in the palm of his hand.
Marie chuckled. "Even so, I will continue to wait."
Ivan raised his eyebrows.
"And wait for your husband who is dancing with those "Cinderellas" back there? If you want, I can steal you away and set you free."
I expected her to cling to Ivan's chest like those chick flicks- not that I watch them of course- and lustfully sigh, "Oh take me away from this dreadful trash heap!", but she ignored the belligerent man. She picked up her mangled dress and headed back to the entrance, ending their conversation.
"Thank you for the offer, sir, but it's not funny to joke about that. One has to honor their promises, even if it means that you will have to undergo hardship for a little while."
Promises? What promise is she talking about?
"It was nice talking with you though, Ivan. Maybe if I do get a chance to dance tonight, then I will definitely dance with you. Besides, I bet you need someone to talk to in a place like this."
She was about to walk back inside again when she stopped and turned back to Ivan.
"Oh, and Ivan?"
"Da?"
"You should turn the aggressive demeanor down a notch. Nobody's going to think you're friendly if you look like Francis with his rape face on."
Good one Marie. Wait, why am I thinking to myself?
Then she gave a playful wink and skipped back inside the castle, completely soaked from head to toe, carrying a tattered dress stained with purplish blotches of wine. However, despite being outside and in the middle of a rain shower, I could still very distinctly hear an angry, accented voice yelling, "OH FUCK IT ALL! DAMN IT ALL TO HELL!"
I could then see a very enraged looking Lovino, who was quickly followed by Antonio, staring angrily at Marie. Marie then said something, but I couldn't hear since she was too far way, but I did see her scratch the back of her head, laughing.
This caused Lovino to snap. "MAAAAARIIIIIE! YOU ARE SOOOOOO FUCKING DEAD! COME BACK HERE YOU DIPSHIT!"
And so, Marie began to run for her life as a certain ferocious man chased her, cursing her for all that she was worth. Luckily Antonio was there to slow down the enraged Lovino. He laughed sheepishly and smiled as he said something, but once again I couldn't hear what it was. However, this didn't help calm the blood-thirsty Lovino one bit.
"NO-STOP-LET GO OF ME YOU TOMATO-EATING BASTARD! LET ME AT 'EM! LET ME AT 'EM!"
"Ay, dios!"
What happened after that I do not know for Ivan stepped closer to the bush that I was ensconced in. He lowered his head right where his enormous nose reached the tip of the green, waxy leaves, and whispered, "Hello King Arthur. Nice night isn't it?"
I stumbled back to the grasses.
"Damn you," I said in a surprised trance, "how did you know I was there?"
"Are you kidding? You breathe like a dog."
"Piss off!"
"Your wife is exactly like the rumors said. A queer specimen indeed. Can I have her?" his eyes glinting at night.
What? Here is Ivan, euphorically smiling down at me, infatuated with my wife and asking for my permission to have her like it's an ordinary question to ask. What do I answer?
"Of course not! Why would I dispose my wife to a dodgy man like you?"
Ivan glowered at me now, his eyes narrowing as a result to my response, but unlike Francis and Yao, I won't back down cringing under his scrutiny. If I could, I would have spat in his face. But no one wants to die young.
"Перейти сосать мешок Дикс (Go suck a bag of dicks)."
Well, despite our "relations" to the Ruby Federation, I can never seem to get along with this man.
"Yeah, yeah. Fuck you, too."
Silence. Crickets chirp. Silence.
"Why do you want her anyways, she barely has a rack!"
Unlike the women at your country…
"She has a nice ass."
"…I guess."
Silence.
"This conversation is awkward. I go back inside now." says Ivan.
"Yeah! You do that!"
And before you say anything, no, of course I'm not flustered! And no, my cheeks are not red like a ripe tomato! That guy is just such a damn wanker because he really pisses me off is all!
Soon after our encounter, I return once again to the ball room. Dear God, I need a drink.
I quickly find Alice and ask her to dance and she, like a good girl, complies with my wishes. And so, I danced and danced, and I also got to do a few other lovely things with the girls (insert dirty stuff here please and thank you). After that, I danced and had drunk more than ever until I was finally was smashed with the spinning.
It's certainly nice to be king…that way no one will bother you if you break a few stupid traditions or rules. Like not dancing the first dance with your queen.
When only a few people remaining, I kiss Alice's hand prior to midnight and savored my last dance, striding the hall with her as my Cinderella, blatantly overlooking someone's steely blue eyes at the dark corner. Perhaps if I wasn't in so much in denial, then I would have freed her from her chains, letting her dance with Ivan as she pleased.
The packed bodies inside the grand room slowly diminished, and they waved their farewells and called it a night. Many shook my hand, congratulating me for another successful party, reeling in excitement for the next one in the future. Today was splendid.
But Marie never had her first dance.
THIRD PERSON POV
What Arthur did know, though, was that Alfred had waited for hours and hours, painstakingly agonizing his pinched feet, patiently waiting for the offer to dance that never came. He never had that chance to dance.
"Alfre-, I mean…Marie, it's time to go to bed." said a very worried looking Antonio. He had watched Alfred on and off throughout the ball, and he could tell that something was deeply upsetting him.
"Yeah…I know."
"Come on, I'll help you upstairs so you can go to sleep."
By this time, all the attendees had already left to bed or went somewhere else within the castle to perform other "extracurricular activities"; the only people left in the ballroom now were Alfred, Antonio and a hand-full of servants who were responsible for cleaning the mess.
When they finally reached the hallway where both Arthur and Alfred's rooms were located, Alfred abruptly stopped Antonio.
"What is it Alf- I mean, Marie?"
"Hey, Antonio?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you, by any chance, know how to play the guitar?"
Let the revenge begin, Alfred silently vowed to himself, let it all begin...