Sorry for the late update! Chapters would be slower in coming now, as I'm stumbling on writer's block, unfortunately, but rest assured, I'll do my best to complete this story. Thanks for Komakipureblood for her constant support! ~Audriel
Chapter 15
Misaki couldn't help to smile at the grand appearance of her great uncle, seeing those twinkling dark blue eyes and the dazzling smile that never failed to adorn his noble features. He was wearing his finest suit, along with the ornaments that emphasized his status and position of the highest pureblood in Europe.
He certainly made complete use of the nonexistence of dress code in the ball. Vivienne had her gloved arm linked with her husband; she looked absolutely stunning with her light brown hair in an intricate and elegant bun, wearing a beautiful dark emerald gown with the finest materials and design of the latest fashion in Europe. She was truly worthy as the wife of the Charlemagne.
The pureblood rarely made an appearance in Asia, as it was not his domain and he respected the ones who held rein over it. The centuries of conquest had long passed, he once mentioned, peace was more important. It was better for people to be reigned by those who understood them most, not some foreigners who simply wanted to fulfill their own selfish desires. So she could understand why Charlemagne and his followers took extra care in their appearance and they certainly got the reaction that they wanted.
Every eye in the hall followed the figure of the attractive figures with open interest and curiosity, which couldn't be helped considering that the Charlemagnes were the very embodiment of everything the true-born, immortal vampires represented. The crowd naturally spread apart to give way as they glided smoothly on the marble floor towards them, the host of the event of the night. The vampire guests bowed or curtsied to the presence of the centuries-old purebloods as they passed them, barely giving a glance to them.
Kuran Kaname who was the closest to Charlemagne's equal was the only one who dared to greet the blond-haired man and his wife first.
"Lord Charlemagne, Lady Charlemagne," Kaname bowed slightly towards the European monarch, although not as low as most others, followed a bit later by Yuuki who curtsied slightly. The female Kuran didn't hide her awe in the presence of the Charlemagnes. It might be her first time meeting the leading figure of European vampire society. Misaki figured that due to Kaname's protectiveness, he rarely brought out his wife to such functions unless her presence was demanded, which was pretty rare as she was the true heiress of the Kuran family.
"Ah. Lord Kuran… and his lovely wife, Lady Kuran, I presume?" Charlemagne returned the greetings kindly, especially when his sight fell on the dark-haired woman.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Lord Charlemagne, Lady Charlemagne," Yuuki managed to overcome her shyness and stood up to her full height to give the impression of a proper lady.
"My pleasure to you too, young lady. You truly remind me of your mother, Juuri. Both of you are such beauties."
"Thank you," at this compliment, another blush adorned her pale features. She was truly like an untouched maiden, Misaki thought; even the Charlemagne couldn't resist her natural charm. However, to her own surprise, Charlemagne didn't linger on the Kuran couple, instead he continued his stride to her and Zero with Vivienne by his side.
"President Kiryuu," Charlemagne gave a respectful nod towards the young president.
"Lord Charlemagne," Zero returned the nod with the same respect, and more, for those who knew them both, "Lady Charlemagne." He gave a slight bow to the beautiful brown-haired woman who returned the gentlemanly gesture gracefully. Without missing a beat, he gestured towards his wife beside him.
"I believe you've met my wife."
When Charlemagne's eyes fell on her, those darker blue eyes widened slightly as he drank the sight of her before him. She wondered whether she was that unrecognizable, or whether she resembled her ancestor that much. Those feature seemed to soften as he recognized her, those eyes shone with pride and warmth, his smile was gentle as he finally spoke to her.
"Of course," Charlemagne took her hand without any hesitation, "Ma belle dame…" He said this as he kissed her hand, those blue eyes held her gaze intensely; making her slightly uncomfortable with the attention he gave her. However, she couldn't deny the feeling of warmth and safety that came over her, ridding all of her fears and doubts just by his mere presence. The bond of blood was undeniable.
"It's my greatest pleasure to see you again after our parting. Hopefully your new husband treats you well?" Charlemagne asked this in the language he preferred to use with her whenever they conversed, which was one of his favorite languages.
"It's my pleasure too, milord," Misaki had no difficulty to switch to French, after using English or Japanese with most guests. It was rather a relief actually, after speaking the beautiful language for years during her life in France and then returning to Japan once again where foreign language was unwelcome. "My dear husband surely does, he was after all, the man who received your blessing."
At this Charlemagne turned to look at the younger man, a slight smile on his face, "Indeed he is. He's the man who makes all of this..." he gestured the hall and the guests around him, "...possible. You've made history, Président Kiryuu."
"History isn't made, Lord Charlemagne. History is truly made when we learn from those before us, and leave those after us a will to continue on this path, regardless of the challenges it might bring." Zero calmly countered the pureblood's words in his faultless French.
Misaki had to suppress the smile that was threatening to appear on her face to the answer Zero gave Charlemagne. It was rather unfortunate that not many of their guests who were listening to their conversation understood French, seeing how those who were familiar with the language were pulled aside to translate the exchange between the host and the European monarch.
"Our duty isn't over yet, but at least, the worst part is done," Charlemagne's eyes twinkled merrily at the daring answer of the silver-haired hunter. Charlemagne always enjoyed this kind of verbal arguments that challenged his mind to find the proper comeback. "Shall I introduce my family?" At this the blonde pureblood switched back to English, not wanting to cause more confusion by using unfamiliar language.
"My beautiful wife, Lady Vivienne," Charlemagne introduced his wife proudly.
"President Kiryuu," she smiled pleasantly, but smiled wider when she turned to look at Misaki, "Lady Kiryuu… You look wonderful tonight."
"Thanks to the wonderful gift," Misaki vaguely mentioned the sky blue gown that was a wedding gift from a certain Charlemagne lady.
"She's certainly good taste," Vivienne wasn't less vague. Both of the women exchanged knowing look while hiding their amusement at the words unsaid between them.
"My dearest cousin, Lord Ahmed of Constantinople and his wife, Lady Sevda."
Their appearance was a mixture of Eastern Europe and Middle-East, with slightly darker skin and dark hair and eyes, which was quite a contrast to their supposedly cousins. However, no one could deny the way their dark, mysterious persona easily pulled others to themselves.
Turkey was strategically positioned between Europe and Asia and was often considered as the bridge or the gate to one continent to the other. Thus, Lord Ahmed's position was crucial to maintain the relationship between Europe and Asia, also to inform the latest developments happening in the neighboring continent. The couple was calm and composed. Zero appeared to know the man well, seeing how the dark-haired man's mouth quirked slightly in challenge.
Misaki faintly remembered Zero mentioned someone in Constantinople who was able to handle scimitar with such skill that he was able to match the bullets from Bloody Rose. Seeing the way those two looked at each other as if they were judging an opponent in training grounds, she thought that this was the man.
Descendants of Charlemagne were really something, alright, she thought inwardly, then mentally shaking her head, men and fighting. Lady Sevda seemed to follow her train of thoughts when they found their gazes on their husbands. The beautiful Turkish merely shook her head in exasperation and amusement, which was mutually shared by the wives of fighters.
"My beloved daughter, Lady Yvette and her husband, Lord Philippe d'Orleans."
Usually the direct line to Charlemagne should be next in the introductions after the head of the family, but since this was not in Europe, Lord Ahmed and his wife took precedence as this was their domain. The only daughter of the Charlemagne stepped forward along with her husband who was also the closest confidant of her father.
The resemblance with her father was unmistakable although she inherited her mother's Scandinavian features; she had her father's eyes and smile. The same vibrant eyes and charming smile, it was no wonder why she was such an apple to his eyes. Lord d'Orleans himself was a charming, pleasant man who knew how to make others at ease, incredibly fluent in body language. He was one of the few who could keep up with his father-in-law jovial nature. Seeing the two of them together, Misaki couldn't help to always think every time she saw them together that they were a match made in heaven.
"Oh, Misaki!"
Misaki didn't quite manage to hide her surprise when the daughter of Charlemagne suddenly encircled her arms around her, blinking in surprise when the lovely lady released her.
"I miss you, ma chère!" Yvette spoke in rapid French, her face looked apologetic. "I didn't attend your wedding. I couldn't even escort you to the airport."
"Of course I understand, Yvette…" Misaki shook her head lightly, dismissing the apology. At the corner of her eyes he could see Zero and Charlemagne's shared looks of amusement at their interaction.
If she was to compare Yvette with her human friends, she was more like Sonia with her graceful and reserved nature, but at certain times, she could be truly open with her feelings like Tanya whenever she was around the people she liked. It appeared that she was among those people, especially after the only daughter among sons of the Charlemagne found out that she had a relative from her long lost aunt.
They immediately got along when they were introduced even before they knew they were related, being one of the few women who received her father's patronage. She was also invited to the wedding, thinking that her cousin would manage to come although in her condition. However, it seemed that the baby was taking a lot out of her. Pregnancy and childbirth had always been a rather arduous and difficult time for vampires compared to humans due to the nature of the child. The mother must have a good, peaceful rest before and after the birth.
"How is Peter?" Misaki recalled the name the d'Orleans prepared for their son. The new mother's eyes brightened up at the mention of her child.
"He's so adorable!" Yvette gushed excitedly, barely managing to keep her composure.
"She pretty much dotes on him," d'Orleans joined the conversation. From the slight glance the man gave her way, she realized that this happened quite often whenever their son was mentioned and he was trying to make sure that his wife didn't go on for hours about their baby boy.
"Oh as if you don't," Yvette pouted slightly at her husband.
"Forgive me for my wife's behavior, Lady Kiryuu."
"You can never stop parents from talking about their children…" Misaki gave a meaningful glance towards the man who often acted as the liaison between her and Charlemagne in Paris. D'Orleans coughed slightly to cover his embarrassment. There was a glimpse of a triumphant look on his wife seeing his reaction.
"Oh that's so true," Charlemagne butted in smoothly.
"Lord Charlemagne," d'Orleans protested weakly and gave dark glare to Zero who gave him skeptical look.
"It's different without you, ma chère…"
Then before they realized it, the new arrivals managed to get their host busy without them needing to initiate the conversation. Both she and Zero unconsciously picked up the conversation in French instead of in English, feeling much at ease using the language they were most fluent in. The tension that previously was there due to their interactions with Esterházy and Kuran was slowly diminishing in the familiar, friendly presence of their friends from Paris.
Slowly there were more people joining the conversations, but in the end, no one could really follow the conversations they had with the Charlemagnes. Both sides were well-versed in one another's habits and interests that they didn't really need to confirm anything else, letting the conversation take its own course.
Zero was truly grateful for the presence of the Charlemagne and he let the man know this, which was merely returned with a knowing smile on his face. He wasn't sure since when he felt that the Charlemagnes as few people whom he felt comfortable around. All the people he brought with him were the people who could see pass through his vampire-hunter nature and treated him with proper respect without being the slightest bit intimidated with his cold and indifferent attitude.
Lord d'Orleans rather reminded him of Ichijou, but with sharper mind and more experience under his belt. He had impressed him the first time they met, and impressing him was not an easy feat. Zero could understand why Charlemagne chose him as his right hand man, not merely because he happened to be married to his favorite child.
Lord Ahmed was a man he could easily relate with; both of them were skilled fighters who preferred action to words. Meanwhile their wives were also not the types of women who merely fit into the molds of society. They weren't just trophy wives with good looks, but they were their own person with their own mind and personality. Just like Misaki.
Charlemagne could have brought someone else, such as Lord Brandenburg or Lord Habsburg who was more of traditional nobility which became one of the reasons why he didn't get along with them. The man had yet to reveal his relationship with Misaki as her patron, but he had earned enough reaction from the observers of the display of closeness between the hosts and Charlemagne's entourage. Eventually the introductions session must end, signaled by the announcement made by Cross who also acted as the master of the ceremony besides being the head of the committee of the ball. The guests that previously scattered in various places in the spacious hall gathered to the front of the hall where the stage was to listen to the speeches given by the representatives of every party involved in the success of the event.
Zero was required to give the speech as he was the host of the whole event and the representative of the hunters who acted as the mediator in the conference. He was never a fan of speeches so he kept his speech short and succinct, not bothering to check the people's reaction towards his words. He just stepped down from the stage and resumed his place beside his wife with a rather bored look on his face.
Then the representatives from vampire and human society took their turns on the stage to deliver their speeches, both of them were true politicians, seen from their choice of words and their manner of speech. Zero thought that his speech was less memorable than theirs, but didn't really bring himself to care, listening to them with half an ear. He could feel her poking his side with her clutch bag, noticing his lack of attention and respect to those people. He had to restrain himself from grinning widely, knowing that his attitude was annoying her as much as it amused her.
However, that brief casual moment was broken when Cross took the stage once again and announced that it was time for the dance session.
"…To start the ball, I'd like to ask our host and his lovely hostess to do the first dance of the night," Cross gestured respectfully to both him and Misaki. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you would, please clear the dance floor."
And thus with that request, the crowds slowly parted to make a circle around the dance floor while they remained on the side of the dance floor with other guests. Zero suddenly felt nervous with all the attention on him, which was rather unusual, because he usually could ignore it. Then he realized it was the first time that he did the first dance, and not simply the first dance, but whole dance that he usually missed out whenever he wasn't required to. However, he had agreed to it, and he couldn't hesitate for the slightest moment. He held out his hand to his wife who gracefully laid her hand on his, having given away her clutch for safekeeping. Slowly but surely they strode to the middle of the cleared dance floor.
They took their positions opposing each other, giving proper greetings before they started the dance. They stepped forward simultaneously, positioning themselves for the waltz. He laid a firm hand on her back and intertwined his fingers with one of her hands while her other hand rested on his shoulder. The moment they closed the gap between them, he became aware how close they were.
Since the beginning of the ball, they had kept their distance from each other, barely giving any glance towards one another. He hadn't given himself the chance to look at her, to really look at her. He could see the gentle outline of her face, the lashes of her eyes, the golden curls of her hair, the glow of her honey-colored skin, the lushness of her rosy lips … and those enticing blue depths. She was even more beautiful this close. When the music started, all of his previous thoughts didn't seem to matter anymore, what mattered was this golden-haired beauty in front of him.
The hall was surprisingly quiet with occasional whispers among the guests who were crowding around the dance floor where their host was currently dancing to the music played by the orchestra. It was quite a sight to see the ruthless hunter, Kiryuu Zero dancing with such grace and poise that were expected of seasoned dancers. None of them had seen the man danced before, not even those who were the closest to him. The dance was smooth and faultless, the steps were sure and light as they made their turn around the dance floor, and their moves were at sync with each other. They were a sight to see.
"They make a wonderful couple," Vivienne commented softly, her brown-gold eyes following every move of the dancing couple.
"They do," Charlemagne agreed, his features gentle as he watched the figure of the young president and his wife. They never had the chance to have a proper dance after the wedding, he absently thought. This might be their first dance together as man and wife. He thought of royalties for a brief moment, then he realized that the two were indeed prince and princess, or at least, they could be considered as such.
The son of the infamous hunter family whose strength and ability made them some sort of royalty in the hunter society. The daughter of the influential family who was descended from the line of kings and queens. They were indeed prince and princess, although not the kind who lived in fairy tales who easily found their true love and lived happily ever after. They might not even realize the depth of their feelings to each other and they might not have their happy ending.
The thought brought dark clouds over his features, which didn't go unnoticed by Vivienne. However, before she could say anything, Charlemagne held out his hand to her. The first piece was about to end, and by the start of new piece, the guests with their respective escorts were supposed to join their host on the dance floor. The sharp woman wisely held her tongue and laid her hand in his husband's open hand.
At the start of the second piece, the guests who brought escorts to the ball were also dancing to the music. The Charlemagne couple was among the first to step to the dance floor and the closest pair to the Kiryuu couple and remained to be until the end of the second piece. Thus when the third piece started, the first exchange was done between the two couples. Zero was partnered with Lady Charlemagne, while Misaki was partnered with Lord Charlemagne.
Zero gave a slight smile to the wife of the pureblood as they started the dance with new partners. It was a good start to dance with someone he could tolerate, or comfortable enough, especially knowing that his wife was in good hands.
Ballroom dancing; it was the essence of the ball itself, which originated from the balls held in the courts of kings and queens of old. In the Victorian era, the ladies and gentlemen shouldn't dance exclusively with the same partners, in order not to exclude anyone from others' company, which was the basis for social dances.
That was why the choice of escort became important in such balls, because it would represent the status and position of the guest who brought the escort. It was also the reason why the term of trophy wife came to be known of. A wife that the husband could be proud of, that he could flaunt proudly to other men, as long as she was a feast to the eyes and better if she were able to engage in pleasant conversation with, but there was nothing else asked of her. Those wives were nothing different than the expensive, tailored suits they wore, they were simply ornaments.
Misaki was nothing of sorts to him, but it was the impression that he was looking for, especially in front of Kuran Kaname who would be one of the partners of his wife along with Nikolaus Esterházy. He knew he should have more faith in his wife, but he couldn't really help to check on his wife every time a new piece was started and a new partner was introduced to the dance. Fortunately he was getting attuned to his wife's signature presence that he didn't need to seek her out with his sight, although she always managed to get into his line of sight. Just like she promised to.
While keeping track of his wife with his senses, his silver eyes followed the movements of two purebloods cautiously, in order not to attract their attention. He couldn't help to tense up when he noticed that Esterházy was getting to Misaki. He was so focused in watching the pureblood and his interaction with Misaki that he failed to notice his new partner.
"Zero?" Familiar wine-colored eyes and sweet voice brought him back to the woman standing before him.
Yuuki.
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Misaki tried to get a glimpse of her husband throughout the dances, which wasn't difficult due to his unusual appearance that made him stand out among their guests, and she was so used to with his figure and his mannerisms that she could easily pick him apart from the crowd, even if he were to alter his looks. She couldn't help but to feel curious and worried if he were to be partnered with Yuuki. She never truly had the chance to observe the interaction between the two in such private, intimate setting. The dance would be the perfect opportunity to do so.
She had caught a glimpse of Yuuki somewhere to her nearby, while Zero was slight across herself. It would take a short while until the two met. However, it appeared that she could no longer ease up her guard in the dances, now the difficult partners were getting to her. Misaki graciously thanked the polite and friendly man, a diplomat from Southeast Asia whom she helped with the steps of the dance for the dance, which was returned with a heartfelt gratitude. She steeled herself the moment brown-haired pureblood stepped into her sight, bowing gracefully to her.
"Lady Kiryuu…"
"Lord Esterházy…"
When he placed his hands on her, she refrained herself from showing any signs of agitation. She had managed to keep up a strong front before her husband, but in actuality, she was afraid of the man. This man nearly killed her and her unborn children. She nearly lost her children, period.
Thinking of her children, of her beloved children, she was seized with sudden pain and sadness at the thought of losing them by the hands of Belmont, or indirectly, Esterházy. It was only by fate that her children were unharmed. The thought of losing her children was worse than losing her own life. And the fact that the man dared to use such underhanded trick shook her to the core, wondering how many innocent, defenceless people became his sacrifice for the sake of his ambition.
The monarch of Eastern Europe was certainly a good dancer, which was quite a relief for her after dancing with various partners with average dancing skills. She had to be very careful so her small feet wouldn't get stepped on by those heavy leather shoes. It was never a pleasant experience, getting stepped on; especially when she was wearing open heels. With good dancers such as the Esterházy, she didn't have to pay attention to her steps while she had to maintain a conversation. She just let herself be guided by the man, easily following his steps.
"You're a great dancer, milady," Esterházy complimented, initiating the conversation.
"Thank you. And so are you, milord," Misaki said this easily, because this was the truth.
"President Kiryuu is such a fortunate man to have such a wife like you."
Misaki only smiled at this, not wanting to give away too much and knowing that this was just the beginning before the man started to speak of whatever he wanted to ask. They made a series of turns, before her momentum was stopped by his firm hand on her back.
"You're handling the guests very well. Is this your first time as a hostess?"
"Yes, it is."
"That's impressive. I have been rather nervous when I must host for the first time. Fortunately my wife was used to with it, she managed to keep me calm."
"She sounds like an amazing woman," Misaki was truly sincere. This kind of casual conversation didn't really require much acting from her part. It was rather easy to find the silver lining.
"She is," Esterházy smiled warmly.
At the moment it was hard to believe that this was the same man who would readily lift a finger to order a bloody massacre as he saw fit. He barely blinked at the casualties he caused, thinking that it was inevitable to do what necessary. He might be ruthless to others, but he was anything but such thing to his own family. His family was his everything; they were his reason to live and to justify every action he did. His world only revolved around his family, he would do everything to make sure that his family would rule over everything. She could sympathize with the man with the loss of his family members caused indirectly by Zero and her own lack of interference, but she couldn't forgive the man's shortsightedness.
"How many languages could you speak? Aside from your native language and the language we're speaking."
"Only one actually, that I'm quite fluent in." It was true.
"Is that French?" Misaki was aware where the man was heading to, but pretended not to see it.
"Yes. I've lived in France for several years. It's rather difficult not to be fluent of the language."
"Is that so? You've lived in France?" Esterházy was good in appearing surprised with the fact that shouldn't be new for him.
"Yes. I continued my studies there."
"It appeared you were pretty close with Lord Charlemagne. He kept speaking in French around both of you."
"It's natural. He's my patron," Misaki told him as if she was simply informing something of little importance.
"Your patron?" Misaki managed to see a change of his demeanor as the mention of Charlemagne being her patron. The way his eyes slightly narrowed and glinted darkly, and the way his teeth seemed to grind at the revelation.
"You might be aware that Lord Charlemagne often offers his patronage to those with great promise in their fields. I happen to be among of those fortunate people."
"That's amazing," his smile was tight as he said this; she could even see how the corners of his eyes twitched while trying to hide whatever feelings that arose with this new-found information. "You must be very good in your studies."
"Thank you," Misaki was careful not to show a glimpse of triumph at the reaction she garnered from the man, especially when she saw the confident façade slightly crumble.
The feeling didn't last long though, because she realized that the man must be planning to get back to Zero, and might be trying to use her again. But now that she had the influential pureblood's patronage and Charlemagne had shown a liking towards her and her husband, it would be very foolish of the man to do so without getting the brunt of the blond-haired pureblood anger.
The realization made her feel as if cold water thrown over her, she was truly glad that they got Charlemagne's protection, or she didn't dare to imagine what might happen if this man knew of the twins. There were limitations on how much she could do with her foresight ability, even with Zero's ability.
They reached the end of their dance, finally stepping away from each other to show appreciation of the dance. She let out a relieved sigh as she moved to the next partner. The places where the man previously touched her during the dance still tingled with apprehension, she briefly thanked the heavens for small favors that Esterházy remained a true gentleman to the end, not straying from the supposed position.
She was afraid that if he did, she would bolt out from the dance floor without an afterthought, as pathetic as it might seem, because as the hostess she was expected to be perfect. She was supposed not to bat an eyelash, to turn a blind eye to everything that happened, to remain unfazed throughout the ball. She enjoyed dancing, but this kind of social dance was the worst, because the political weight tarnished the beauty of the dance.
Her insecure part of her wanted to crawl and hide through the rest of the dance, but her conscience nagged her, reminding herself that her mother, her weak-bodied mother used to go through this kind of social functions without complaining and her sister, her dearest sister who had to step into their deceased mother's role had to act as the hostess in grand banquets when she was much younger than she was now. She didn't want them to be disappointed of her.
Even as the ball progressed, her insecurities were threatening to come to the surface once again. Dealing with ordinary clients she could do, but dealing with this kind of high-profiled people while being surrounded and watched by them? She knew she might not last if she didn't take some breaks once in a while, escaping from their sights for a brief moment. And that break would eventually come when the dance session was over, during the banquet. She needed only to hold on until then.
With such determination, she managed to regain her composure once again and managed to find something to enjoy, whether it was the dance or the conversation. She nearly forgot of Yuuki when she caught a glimpse of orchid-decorated dark hair from the corner of her eye. Her regret at the missing opportunity to observe them didn't last long, as her foresight had warned her who would be her next partner.
"Lady Kiryuu," a tall, elegant dark-haired pureblood bowed gracefully to her.
"Lord Kuran," she curtsied with the same grace he showed her.
Unlike with Esterházy, she didn't feel uncomfortable with the young Kuran leader. The man had done nothing to harm her and her children, at least, not yet. He was also much more likable compared to the older pureblood. Kaname was kind and gentle by nature, which was a trait that he and her husband shared other than their willingness to give everything for the happiness to Yuuki. It was quite ironic, considering the way they stood against each other and their contrasting appearance. He was also aware of her identity as an Aruda that made dancing with him no different than dancing with Zero.
With other partners, she maintained her charade as a shy and reserved hostess, but with Kaname, she dropped the charade, daring to stand in her full height and look at him in the eye confidently. The man followed her example, dropping his charade that he used as he didn't bother to keep the perfect smile on his face and kept a neutral, almost thoughtful look. It was rather tiring to keep a pleasant smile on her face; she was rather envious of her husband who was already so well-known of his cold and indifferent attitude that his lack of warmth was excused.
The Japanese pureblood was also a good dancer, as expected from the well-accomplished man. She expected nothing but the best from him. They swayed smoothly with the music, earning some admiring glances given towards their direction.
"This certainly comes as easy as breathing to you, milady."
"Not always, milord."
"Is that so?" Kaname raised an elegantly-shaped dark eye brow at this.
"I'm the youngest, if you recall," she mentioned offhandedly. Being the youngest of five whose four siblings were well-accomplished was never easy. There was nothing that she achieved -or would achieve, if they were alive, she thought sadly at this- wasn't already achieved by her older siblings or could surpass.
Her oldest sister was much better at being a mother, a sister, a friend, and an Aruda. Her oldest brother was much better at being the rock and shelter of the family. Her second brother was much better at breaking the ice, being optimistic. Her second sister was much better at creating and capturing beauty. Her current achievements were nothing compared to theirs, either as an Aruda, as a mother, as a friend, as an architect or as a dancer.
"Ah yes," there was slightly apologetic look on his face at the implication of her words. "But it does appear that way to you."
"It's very nice of you," she vaguely mentioned his kind consideration of her family.
"I didn't expect that I would see you again."
"Nor did I." At this Kaname let her twirl on her feet, the end of her dress followed her movement smoothly and caught her once again in his hold. "I didn't intend to see you again."
"Oh? Then what changed?"
"Some twist of fate that I failed to heed," Misaki mentioned vaguely of the rainy day and of his proposal.
"Is that how you found yourself with Kiryuu?"
"He's the best choice."
"Quite an unusual choice. Especially for someone like you." Misaki knew the meaning of those words. For someone who was supposed to be completely rational about everything, choosing Zero had lesser merit for her.
"There's no need for you to worry. He still belongs to her," she said this with surprising calmness that didn't reflect her own feelings.
"Knowing that, you still chose him?" His tone was openly curious now.
"It was the main reason why I did," her voice was bitingly cold; the warmth that was usually there was suddenly gone.
"You're unexpectedly capable of such cruelty, Lady Kiryuu." Those maroon eyes widened slightly in surprise, then interest at the calm revelation, "You just want him to be bound to you?"
Misaki didn't bother to respond to that query, knowing the man already figure it on his own.
"He makes a good guardian, doesn't he?" He whispered close to her ear with such knowledge of her deepest and darkest desires. There was a low chuckle, dark and amused, sending shivers down her spine. She kept a straight face when her heart felt like it was torn into pieces by her confession. She just revealed the real reason why she approached the remaining Kiryuu and tried to keep him close to her.
"It's fine by me. Have him all you want. Just don't forget to whom he truly belongs."
"How could I?" Her voice was cool and smooth as her icy-cold eyes met those red-wine eyes. "It's very gracious of you, Lord Kuran. I shall not forget."
"Good," The Kuran's eyes glinted with the same icy quality. "Then I wish you well with your marriage…"
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I
It felt like forever before finally the dance session was over, greeted with simultaneous clapping from the participants and the observers of the ballroom dance. Slowly the crowds parted, each to their own engagements. Some people remained on the dance floor; some people went for a search of refreshments after the endless dance, and some others started to gather around and made their own gatherings. The business conversations were starting. She briefly caught up to Zero when he was taking a drink a bit farther from the crowd.
"Red wine?" Misaki smiled at the choice of beverage as she casually stood by his side. She didn't fail to notice the look of relief he shot at her direction, the gesture made her heart clench painfully. Her first reaction was to avoid looking into his eyes, but it would make him worry, so she braved herself to look at him and act as normally as possible.
"The worst has yet to come," Zero sipped his drink while examining his wife.
"At least for me, the worst part is done," Misaki admitted, letting herself to breathe easier that they managed to slip away from the spotlight for a brief moment.
"Did anything happen?" She could sense the protectiveness in his tone, and it only fueled more of her shame and guilt.
"Nothing happened. All of them were perfect gentlemen, even Esterházy."
Misaki realized it a little too late that it was a mistake to mention the certain pureblood when she heard the sound of glass broken. Turning in surprise at the sound, she found the previously perfect wine glass was broken on the top, which should be impossible when Zero was holding the glass by the handle. Swiftly she slapped his hand that was holding the broken glass, then pretended that she was the cause of it.
"Oh dear!" Misaki caught the eye of the closest servant and summoned him. "Could you please clean this up?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Thank you," she smiled sweetly at the young man, making him blush slightly. She discretely pulled her husband aside as the man did his job in a safe distance from prying eyes in the hall.
"He knows Charlemagne is my patron now. He won't dare to do anything foolish," Misaki whispered as gently as she could without reprimanding him, while cleaning the remains of glass and wine on him. Biting slightly the inside of her mouth to keep her thoughts from straying, she knew that this was the tension getting to him. Inwardly she was relieved that his control slipped not in front of many people.
"Kuran?" She stopped for the briefest moments, but resumed as if nothing happened.
"He's smart. I believe he's already figured it out. It's left to you now," Misaki gave an assuring smile to him but not quite returned by the silver-haired man. He caught her wrist that was holding a handkerchief to clean up the mess on his suit, indirectly forcing her to look at him.
"Did he… Did nothing really happen?" Those silvery depths bored through her, trying to see whether the man truly didn't do anything to her. Zero could be very perceptive if he wanted to, but for this once, she just hoped that he wasn't.
"Nothing happened." It took every ounce of her ability to lie to him, to look at him in the eye and pretend that nothing truly happened between them. It was among of the few, rare lies she had ever given him.
"Alright…" Zero seemed to accept this, although the nervous gesture of running his hand through his hair gave away his feelings. Inwardly she felt truly guilty for lying to him, because they had made it sure to have no lies and pretenses around each other, but she had broken it with this.
Zero gave a shaky smile to her, "I'll go then."
"I'll be in your sight," Misaki smiled gently to him. Her husband nodded, having regained his composure again and strode deliberately towards the largest gathering in the hall.
Looking at the broad back of her husband never failed to bring some sense of comfort and security made her realize how much she relied on him. She hated to lie or to withhold the truth from him, when their relationship was defined by the comfort of being themselves, the little need of lies and pretenses around each other. However, this wasn't something she was ready to share with him, because she was afraid of the consequences. As much as she wanted to disagree with the Kuran, she knew that she was being cruel and unfair to Zero.
"I'm sorry…"
Her clear blue eyes were filled with unspoken pain and sadness, her whispers were soft and pleading, silently willing to reach the man she dearly loved.
Uh-oh...?