Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or any of the characters
Red stared at the girl and laughed shakily and deliberately avoided the question of her paintings. He knew who she was by the mask she wore, the same mask he wore when he stole back the painting. He had thought that the mask had fallen off at his way home but here she was wearing it. She had taken it from him when he kissed her!
"My lady why are you out in the cold, let me escort you back into the ballroom before you catch a cold," He came forward carefully, and tried to lead her away while he kept his face turned away from her so that she couldn't looked at him too closely. How well was she able to see him last night?
He took her arm but she didn't move when he pulled at her gently. He was head and shoulders taller than her but he couldn't hurt her, he wasn't an abuser of women just a… he couldn't see himself as a thief either. But he knew that this little woman could very well send him to jail for stealing the painting. Even his high station couldn't save him then.
Yellow knew that if he led her into the ballroom, society would take away her voice so pulled back. She had to draw him away from it so she could confront him without the fear of him avoiding her question. She snatched his pocket watch rather clumsily so that the chain broke and ran. She knew the layout of the garden well enough from years of staring at it from her bed and found the maze easily.
"Little thief!" Yellow didn't hesitate to enter when she heard his growl. She knew he would follow her and he wouldn't be able to navigate his way out of this maze easily. She made several turns before her illness caught up with her and she crumpled to the ground coughing. Tears gathered in her eyes, more from frustration at her helplessness.
She heard his footsteps coming closer and didn't want him to see her like this and believed that he had an advantage over her. She crawled into the safety of the bushes, her small frame enabling her to hide easily among the leaves. She counted to ten, trying to keep her breathing even but at the same time not draw any attention to herself.
She saw him past and when the pain dulled, she followed him until he was thoroughly lost. She took out the pocket watch and threw it as his feet to catch his attention. He turned a glare at her but his attention was focused on the watch, turning it over to make sure that it wasn't damaged. He looked up at her, his eyes daring her to anger him further.
"I shall ask again to return my painting," Her voice was surprisingly steady despite how desperate she felt. She couldn't think of any other way to raise money for Ruby. And a little voice in her head knew that there was a purely selfish need to prove herself to her family. "I shall not press any charges on you. But know this, if you do not promise to return my painting, I shall leave you in this maze, where you will not find your way out. You won't be able to find your way out of this maze without me."
"I shall not return what is clearly mine," Red bit back the words. If she knew his motivation then she could easily connect him to the other robberies he committed. To think that after a year, it was this tiny woman to bring him to his knees.
Yellow held back her anger knowing that it would only make her heart contract more. "Yes, you had to break into my home to steal it. What you stole was my painting."
Yellow could almost see the thoughts running through his head. She knew what a woman's art was seen as by the ton, mere dabbling. Women couldn't excel at anything and their works were seen as cute. If she tried to claim it at her, they would most likely scoff at the thought that she was the one to create the paintings. She didn't even have a chance to sign it before he stole it from her!
"That can't be," Red's mind raced, going over the list in his mind. He was sure that they Berlitz were the one to purchase his mother's paintings. He knew that it was of his fields so took the first he could find among the many. "Your family is the one that brought the painting from a man several years ago?"
Yellow knew that they didn't have the money to buy any paintings and that they never bought many paintings. The Lady Berlitz had been a painter and passed on her passion to Yellow since she was too sickly to leave the bed and didn't want to watch her willow away in her bed. The moment she placed the brush in her hand, Yellow smiled for the first time. It was something she could do despite her illness.
"We have not purchased any paintings as of late and you may look at our books if you do not believe me," Yellow saw the regret in his eyes but then they washed over with cold doubt. She knew he didn't believe her so tried to convince him. "I was the one to paint the painting you stole. I can describe any aspect you ask of me."
"We shall see about that," Red scoffed and pulled out a calling card, handing it to her. "Come to my townhouse- if you dare- to retrieve you painting. But I remind you, angels do not walk where the light do not shine. They die without it."
"It isn't proper for me to visit a man's home," She called after him but he was already walking away. It seemed that he could easily navigate himself through the darkness of the maze. He didn't answer and she looked down at the card, Red Vernwood, Earl of Kanto.
Platina dances absentmindedly with a gentleman she didn't bother to memorize his name. She was already engaged to Pearl and never felt the need for a coming out ball, which made her feel as if she were merely a horse to be bided on. But she counted herself lucky, to know and love the man that she was going to marry, a rare occurrence in the day and age.
Even if she wasn't engaged, she didn't feel the need to bother with the man. He was of title and wealth, even a little handsome if not old enough to be her brother. But when she tried to engage him in conversation, he merely stated that a woman shouldn't speak about such things as history. He didn't say it outright but knew that was what he was meant to say.
Her knight understood her passion, he even championed her efforts! He was a man of the ton and was raised as so. So why weren't these gentlemen as big as Pearl was? She closed her eyes but didn't dare to imagine what he looked like; not wanting to disappoint herself since she knew no man can live to an illusion. She already loved him from his words.
The music slowed and she stepped away from the man, curtsying to him in politeness.
She walked away and looked down at her dance card and was relieved that she didn't have a partner for the next dance. She didn't know why Crystal enjoyed it so much since her feet ached so much now after waltzing so much. But she had to think about her father now, not herself. How could she save her family?
She loved history but unless she found employment as a tutor or professor, her knowledge wouldn't help them raise money. Then again, she had a large inheritance that they planned to use for her dowry to Pearl but he would understand that Ruby was important to her.
But then again she knew that Ruby wouldn't take money from her. She sighed, never so much had she wished she knew more about the world than what her books told her. Maybe then she would know what to do. She wished that Sinnoh was closer so that she could speak with her knight personally. He would know what to do, or at least make her smile despite her current frustration.
She went to pour herself some wine, knowing full well that it wasn't for women but she needed something to calm her nerves. She moved into the hallway as discretely as possible for privacy and found her way into a sitting room. She slumped immediately into a chair and took a generous slip, feeling the liquid burned her throat.
"You should not be drinking so, Missy." A hand gently took her glass from him and she looked up at him, half expecting it to be her knight. Only he knew to call her that. She held her breath as she stared into concerned blue eyes. He was call and lean, his dark hair was neat but she knew that he wasn't in her station from his simple cotton clothes.
Dia saw her liquid gold eyes turn away from him, but not before disappointed flashed in them. He too, was disappointed because for a moment he thought she recognized him. He knew it was a silly thought for she couldn't possibly know. But when he saw her walk out of the ballroom, he knew that he had to follow her. He knew from her letters that she liked to stay in quiet room when too many thought filled her mind.
"I do not want to be forward but you shouldn't be drinking spirit since it's far too powerful for you," He tried to amend, knowing that he couldn't speak to someone above like this. But he was worried about her and didn't want to see her fall into the siren call of spirits.
"Thank you sir but you needn't worry about me," She said in an even voice. Feeling her peace slipped away from her, she left the room. Dia watched her, sad that he couldn't give her more comfort. He quickly went through the room for paper and a quill to quickly pen a note.
Lyra pulled her cloak tighter around her as she slipped down the stairs as quietly as possible. Her manuscript was pressed to her chest as she made her way to the door. It was well past midnight and the guests had already returned home. She waited until her sisters retired as well before sneaking into the night.
"Pray tell, where are going at this hour?" Lyra jumped and turned to Crystal sitting on the settee, and from the half burnt candle she could tell that her sister had been waiting for her. Lyra flinched and tried to hide her manuscript from her sight. Crystal was her twin though and would likely already know what she was thinking.
"Yellow told me about this publisher you met," Crystal merely said and Lyra refused to step back from her sister. After an engulfing silence, Crystal sighed. "I'll fetch the coach."
"Really?" Lyra's face beamed. She had thought that her sister would've told her to go back to bed.
Crystal seemed to have read her thoughts as well for she said, "We both want to help Ruby. With the salary I'll earn from Johto's employment and your book, you might raise enough money to pay off his debts. And publishing your book won't bring scandal if we're careful."
"Thank you Crystal!" Lyra hugged her sister and went out the front door excitedly. She had asked Blue, who went into the city, for the direction to the publisher and was going through the directions in her mind as Crystal went into the stable to bring out to horses. It would be easier to ride than to ready the coach. As Lyra placed her manuscript into her saddlebag, Crystal was more practical, taking Ruby's pistol.
The two sisters mounted and Lyra excited told her about her latest novel. It filled most of the silence as they made their way to town but Crystal was only half listening as she watched the surroundings for scoundrels. But by the time they reached the city, Crystal was confident that she could write the novel herself.
"This should be it!" Lyra excitedly slid from her mount and ran up the stairs to the townhouse turned store and knocked eagerly. No one answered immediately so she repeatedly knocked until Silver pulled it open, cursing enough to make her ears burn. It took him a moment to gather his thought as he looked down at the fawn brown eyes and he groaned when he saw tiny pink slippers peak out from under her skirt.
"Mister Silver," She whispered his name from exhaustion but it held all the excitement she felt. She held out her manuscript to him and her smile rivaled the sun. "You told you were a publisher and I wish to have my book published."
It was late at night and he only wanted to return to his bed but knew that she wouldn't let him do so until he gave her an answer. Muttering curses beneath his breath, he took the damn manuscript and went back into his workroom. She followed him, looking around the dark room, filled with only a desk and a printing press. She went to the fireplace and stroked it to life as silver flipped through the pages.
"Tell me about your story," He asked as he went through the first chapter, recognizing it as the same manuscript he took from her the day before. Lyra was only happy to tell him but he interrupted her by holding up a hand when he reached a certain verse.
"This Mr. Moreland is eerily similar to Sir Morris." He observed and she grinned at that.
"A fine bit of commentary, I met the man at a garden party that one time and he is nothing but a scoundrel. Fits the character I had in mind quite perfectly and wanted him to get his dues." She explained. But she could read Silver's eyes and knew that he wasn't happy with her administrative.
"MacAlister's Publishing doesn't seek to cause scandal, we wish to bring the world great literature. Your novel should be able to stand alone without that and if you feel the need to bring attention to your book with a scandal, I don't think you have the confidence in your book. Why should I publish this if not even the writer believes in it?"
"I don't want to cause a scandal! Everything concerning Sir Morris in this novel is true, Blue told herself. That man is vile and should be known for how he treats women. And that is not the entirety of my novel, I want to tell the tale of two lovers-"
Silver merely handed the manuscript back to her. How could he dismiss her so easily without reading it? She couldn't stop herself before she slapped him across the face. He didn't even flinch at that but his eyes burned with annoyance that she mistook for anger. Her sister had warned her about the violence of men so she screamed and ran out to her mount.
Silver rubbed his temple, knowing that he couldn't simply let her leave screaming and crying. He went to after her and took her arm to stop her. Her eyes were clouded with tears as she wrenched her arm from him. He knew that she could very well fall in her rush.
When he took her arm again, she pushed at his chest with more power than she thought she had. He stepped back but his foot couldn't find any holding and felt himself go tumbling backwards until darkness came upon him.
Lyra was curled into a ball in her hiding place, rocking back and forth thinking in dread that she had killed a man! They had immediately called for a doctor who took care of his wounds. She wanted to stay but he had ordered her to leave and now, two week later she was still wondering about the man. She couldn't be a murderer!
"Come down Lyra," a voice from below called and she looked down to see blue smiling up at her. How could she smile like that? Lyra wanted to throw up thinking of how Silver was when the doctor arrived. She climbed down though, stumbling a little at how weak her legs felt.
"I have new for you," Blue patted her hand reassuringly. "This Silver of yours is not dead! You needn't worry and I have something else to tell you. He is looking for someone to read to him and it might help to collect some money for Ruby."
"Why is he looking for someone to read to him?"
Blue hesitated before answering, "The doctor said that he fell, his head hit the ground such that his sight was taken away. But that should be better than him being dead."
"Oh God, I've blinded the man!" Lyra groaned. "I can't go to read to him. He'll never hire me and he'll most likely hate me because of what I've done to him."
"Do not worry so," Blue said with a mischievous smile. "I'll make sure that he'll hire you. This is your chance at happiness."
Gold let himself into the estate, a little discouraged at the silence of the estate. He thought with the amount of sisters Crystal had and that he was used to the constant sound of his pub. He wondered where they were at this moment. The footman lead him to the dining room but Crystal wasn't there, which he found unusual since it didn't seem like her to be late.
He waited for the foot man to leave before leaning himself to search for her.
He walked down the hall until he heard soft footsteps and opened the door slightly to look inside. He smiled when he saw Crystal with her back to him. She was in the ballroom, facing the mirror as she went into first position. Gold leaned against the doorframe and her eyes caught his in the mirror. She flushed at his grin, knowing that he was undressing her with his eyes.
"I would like to see you dance, I only got to see it so briefly." He walked to the piano set in the corner of the room and rubbed his hands together before he played several notes. She stared at him as he played the soft tunes of The Seasons. "You must know this ballet."
Crystal took a stance, hoping that he wouldn't ask anymore of her after she took this one request. She closed her eyes, losing herself to the music as she moved to the music, her body following the familiar steps. Behind her closed eyes, she could see the summer scene around her as she danced.
She was jarred out of her sacred summer when the song suddenly changed into a song she never heard before. She stumbled and fell to the ground knowing that if she finished the turn, she could twist her ankle and turned up a glare at him but he continued to grin and play. She placed her hand on her hips, "Why did you change the music?"
"You were supposed to dance with the music," He smiled up at her. "A dancer should know more than footwork to truly dance. Had you ever just danced without knowing what the next five steps are? Have you never been free to dance as you wish Crystal?"
"Lady Berlitz," Crystal corrected. "It's not proper to speak so formally to a person using their Christian name. You must address them with their surname or title."
"That seems cold," Gold sighed seeing that she was rigid again. It had been fun watching her relax, even if it was little, while she danced. Even then he could see that she kept a little of herself back when she danced. "How are you to know if I am speaking with you or your sister? Or would you like me to call you: my dancing water nymph."
"Must you remind me of that time?" Crystal blushed and Gold smiled to himself. He would speak of it to the devil if he could see that warmth in her cheeks. "Now we must go. I am to teach you your table manners. Now when are escorting a woman, you must hold out your arm to her, it is only polite to do so."
Gold did so gladly and she gently placed her hand on his arms, shivering at the warmth that shot up her spine. They went into the dining room where a mock dinner was already set up, "Pull out the chair for the lady and push it towards her as she is sitting, not after."
Gold did so with a grand gesture that made her think that he was mocking her. She didn't say a word though and sat before nodding for him to sit across from her. He looked down at the many utensils set beside the plate before sending her a sheepish smile.
"Start with the largest spoon and move out as the maid bring in the other courses. Now there are to be questions about your past that we must discuss how you are to answer. You are never to say anything too… shocking."
"Nothing is shocking about what happened," Gold muttered as he stabbed the steak set in front of him. She winced at the sound of the china but he didn't seem to notice as he went on. "I have no memory of my time as this Marquis of Johto. The earliest memory I have was becoming hungry in the gallows of London and the rats biting at me, tis no place for a lad to live."
Crystal was surprised at the bitterness in his voice, "It was well known that you father searched far for you."
"Yes," Gold almost laughed. "As I know, my father passed away three months ago. In that time my cousin started to look for me and was able to find me in that time. My father had twenty years to find me. It's obvious that he didn't want me found for whatever reason.
"I can't think of him as my father. I've made a content life for myself before this and had to leave it behind, I would rather my cousin had not found me. I was saved from the streets from a kind earl and set to work in the stables where I learned about horse breeding. I owned a pub with my friend and now I can't go back without me friends staring at me. I don't fit in either world now."
"So it's not true that you were raised by gypsies," Crystal mused as she brought a teacup to her lips. Her words seemed to bring his grin back as his eyes challenged her.
"Some rumours have truth about them. Would it scare you if I told you that it was true?"
"It's of no conscious of mine how you spent your childhood," Crystal answered though she was a little curious about his life. He had played a French ballet on the piano so it might've been true that he travelled with gypsies. That might explain his rakish tendencies.
"What was my father like?" He asked suddenly.
"I honestly don't know beside what I've heard. If I remember correctly, it was said that your mother was mad and disappeared the same night you did. They said that she took you her and… they never found her body but they say she threw herself into the river, taking her own life while she carried you in her arms. Neither of bodies was found though so your father went looking for you but the butler said that she left a note, detailing her plans to do so."
Gold couldn't stomach the story and wondered at the implication. What could've driven his mother to madness? What could drive a father to not look for his son? Gold didn't fully believe that his father had truly looked for him as Crystal told him.
Crystal tried to bring back the conversation to teaching him how to converse in polite company but could tell that he was distracted and knew what plagued him mind. Even though she only knew him a fortnight, the frown seemed displaced so offered, "Our lesson shall be next week, I am willing for it to take place in Jhoto. We can ask the butler about you mother and her letter to give you peace of mind."
He smiled at her in understanding, "Thank you. There's a find field that you can dance in, pity that there's no pond for my little water nymph to dance on."
Still need to develop the Franticshipping and Commonershipping more (finish setting up their stories) I am writing much more than I planned to and have to move things to later chapters so I don't go over my 6k limit because I don't want the chapters to get too long. Next chapter should be enough for them since one causes the other into motion.
Taking a big risk with making Silver blind but I hope that I can pull it off. Also, I feel very badly for not explaining Ruby's conflict well enough. He need to pay off his father's debt of go to prison. So he decide that he needs to get married, he's not married to anyone yet, and use the heiress's dowry to pay off the debt.
Review if you liked.