Echoes in My Mind
Chapter 9: The Ball
As I paused for a moment at the top of the stairway, I took a deep breath to try to steady my nerves. The ball had just begun, and I was seconds away from being introduced as Ratigan's future queen. I could hear his voice as he made a small speech, but I didn't focus on the words as the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on my shoulders. This was supposed to be a fun night, but instead of excitement, all I could feel was dread. I had long since abandoned any hope of escape; I had considered trying to slip away during the ball, but it would be a difficult task with so many people around, most of which were vampires. It would be impossible to sneak past just one vampire, let alone a big room full of them.
As to Basil coming to my rescue; I sincerely doubted that that would be possible either. Even if he could have found his way to the castle, how would he infiltrate a vampire ball and get us both out safely? I knew he would stop at nothing to do so, but at the moment I wanted him as far away from Ratigan as possible. No, this was something I would have to face myself.
This is my life now, I reminded myself grimly, recalling what Ratigan had said earlier. I'll just have to get used to it.
Lost in my thoughts, I had barely registered that Ratigan had already spoken the words to introduce me and I realized that that was my cue. Picking up the skirts of my charcoal gray ball gown lined with black lace, I slowly and cautiously made my way down the steps amidst the applause of the guests. About halfway I met Ratigan, who smiled as he took my hand and looped it through his arm as he guided me the rest of the way down. I was actually a bit thankful for the support, as I was wearing some very high heels that should never be worn by a klutz such as myself. Yet I squared my shoulders determinedly and forced a smile on my face as we descended the stairs to begin greeting the guests.
To think that this many vampires existed in Mousedom, remaining hidden for eons, yet living right alongside the rest of the world… I knew that this most certainly was not the entire vampire population of the world, but the sheer number of this crowd was still overwhelming. I honestly hadn't expected this many people to be here.
Yet I didn't see anyone I knew such as Miss Kitty or Fidget. When I asked about this, Ratigan explained that only vampires were invited to attend the ball. No mortals allowed. Except for myself, that is, as well as a few compelled servants who served drinks of whose contents I was sure was appealing to the vampire's sinister appetites. I grew a bit anxious as the guests gazes lingered on me. It didn't help that this stupid dress accentuated my neck the way it hung partially off my shoulders. But I suppose it was strange to see a mortal who still had her free will and was treated as an equal rather than a blood source.
Just as I was wondering where he was, I spotted Count Fane cel Raul make his entrance, surrounded by three of the most beautiful ladies I had ever seen. He was dressed in his normal black attire, in addition to a gold medallion hanging on a red ribbon about his neck; probably something that indicating his title of "Count." I briefly made eye contact with him, and he smiled at me pleasantly. Yet instead of going over to meet him, Ratigan suddenly steered me in the opposite direction. I looked up at him in confusion and was surprised to see a scowl on his face. Although he had allied himself with Fane, it was clear from his actions during the past two days that he wasn't too thrilled with the Count's presence in his domain. I also believed that he might be jealous of Fane's attention to me. Either way, I knew that the two criminal masterminds were likely to clash sometime in the future. There could only be one Napoleon of Crime, and Ratigan wasn't willing to share the spotlight. As we began greeting the guests, Ratigan steered clear of Fane and his ladies, though it seemed he always kept an eye on him.
I had attended one ball with Basil before; granted it was while he was on a case. But I had never been to one as elaborate as this. Sequins sparkled on the ladies' ball gowns as they glided gracefully across the floor; the men wore the nicest and most expensively tailored suits, some with medals or ribbons similar to Fane's indicating their high rank in society; ladies and gentlemen alike were adorned with jewels and precious gems. I felt as if I were in the company of royalty.
"Wow… someone's been making friends," I remarked to Ratigan with a laugh as we made our way through the throng.
"Actually, I have no idea who most of these people are," Ratigan chuckled. "I organized this little get-together mainly to introduce you, but also so that I might become more acquainted with the powerful vampires like Fane; but as yet I haven't really mingled with them. Ah, but this lovely lady I'm sure I've heard of," he added, referring to a lady bat who was approaching us. "You must be Lady Victoria Rose."
"A pleasure to meet you both," Victoria said with a beautiful but dangerous smile. She had long raven black hair and wore a long, flowing black dress that hugged the curves of her body.
"The pleasure is all mine," I replied, shaking her outstretched hand politely, taking notice of her long sharp claws.
"Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you a descendant from the first vampire?" Ratigan asked his guest.
"Of course! Bats were the first vampires, you know." Victoria laughed, but a moment later, her face grew deadly serious. "The legend is that an evil tyrant, a bat like myself, sold his soul to exact revenge on his enemies, and he became a monster who drank the blood of his victims. He was cursed for his crimes, doomed to be a slave to his thirst for all eternity. Each time someone is changed, they are cursed just as he was, no matter what their species; bat, mouse, dog, or even human. We are all cursed."
I felt a chill run up my spine as she grinned, showing razor sharp fangs. Then she laughed merrily. "But enough of the scary ghost stories. Save a dance for me later?" she added to Ratigan with a flirtatious wink.
"Of course," Ratigan replied with a smile as we parted ways.
We spent some time getting acquainted with several other guests like this. I didn't talk much, as I am generally a quiet person. I wasn't used to being in such a social setting. Ratigan, on the other hand, was in his element, the perfect host, the center of attention. As he stood speaking to a group of males, I felt a bit out of place and stood off to the side, watching the couples that danced to the music of a small band. I jumped slightly as someone beside me cleared their throat.
"Excuse me, Miss?"
I turned to see a gray furred mouse with black hair and dark eyes and wearing a nice dark gray suit and green tie gazing down at me with a handsome smile.
"Hello; my name is Damien Talbot," said the mouse with a graceful bow. "May I have this dance?"
I glanced over to Ratigan, who laughed with the small group gathered around him. I shrugged. What could it hurt? "Sure," I replied with a shy smile, and soon we were hand in hand and dancing in the midst of the other couples.
I wasn't very experienced when it came to dancing, so I kept glancing down at my feet, trying to remember the steps. "Don't be so nervous, sweetheart," Damien remarked with a smile. "You're doing just fine."
"Thanks," I replied, blushing embarrassedly. "So, Mr. Talbot…"
"Oh, no need to be so formal," Damien replied with a handsome smile. "Please, call me Damien."
"Damien… are you a friend of the Professor's?"
"Not exactly," he replied with a shrug. "I haven't had the chance to meet him yet. Seems nice enough; and certainly knows how to throw a party," he added with a grin, causing me to laugh. His dark eyes twinkled mischievously. "But you never know with us vampires. My advice?" I was shocked to suddenly find him so close to my face as he leaned down and whispered in my ear. "Don't trust 'em."
I shuddered as he withdrew, and was actually relieved to see Fane appear behind him. "Pardon me," the Count interjected. "May I cut in?"
As Damien turned around he froze, as if recognizing the Count. "Not at all," he replied at last, coming to his senses. "Thank you for the lovely dance, Miss," Damien said, turning back to me and bowing graciously. "I hope we meet again soon."
"You're welcome, Damien," I replied, though I couldn't say I felt the same towards him.
Once Damien had taken his leave, Fane smiled and held a gloved hand out to me. "Shall we?"
I hesitated, knowing how Ratigan felt about Fane. But as his red eyes gazed down into mine, I found myself nodding and placing my hand in his, and soon we were twirling about on the dance floor among the other couples. I recognized the three ladies that had arrived with him dancing with other males; yet as we would pass close by, I was very conscious of their icy glares in my direction.
"What's wrong, Miss Amber?" Fane asked concernedly.
"I don't think they're too thrilled about me dancing with you," I replied nervously, indicating the three ladies, who quickly averted their eyes in embarrassment the moment Fane looked at them.
The Count chuckled in amusement. "I'm afraid they can become quite jealous," he remarked. "They're always competing even amongst themselves, vying for my attention. But they've each had their turn already."
"Who are they?" I asked curiously. "Did they come with you from Romania?"
"Yes," Fane replied. "You see, like Ratigan, I have many servants and minions at my command; though I admit I have a small group of favorites. That young lady is Nadya," he said, indicating a girl with long flowing brown hair that cascaded in curls down her back and wearing a deep burgundy ball gown that was embroidered with gold thread and gems that reflected brilliant colors in the light as she twirled around with her dancing partner.
"That one is Acenith… my jewel of the Nile." The mouse in question had darker brown fur and straight, raven black hair, and was wearing a simple white dress that came down to the floor. But the gold jewelry that adorned her wrists and neck were anything but ordinary.
"And she is Lulu; perhaps my greatest admirer," Fane chuckled, indicating a girl with brown hair and brown eyes, wearing a gorgeous midnight blue gown with golden sequins that shimmered with her every movement. As she passed by close to us, she smiled wistfully at Fane, the look in her eyes showing that longed to be in his arms.
"Of course, there are many more under my command," Fane continued, "but I chose these three to accompany me. I wish I could have brought Ali as well. She is my second in command, my most trusted assistant; which is why I left her in charge of my affairs at home in Romania while I am in London. Also, she has only been with me for a few years, and is only a fledgling, so she is still learning how to control her urges to feed. She has been a terror to the villages in my country for years, earning her the name 'Bloody Ali.' So you understand why I couldn't risk bringing her here to London. It's a shame though; she would have loved this. She is quite a talented dancer. As you are, I might add," he remarked with a smile.
"Thank you," I replied with a laugh, my cheeks blushing in embarrassment, though I was happy to change the subject to something less disturbing. "I'm not very experienced though. Basil taught me the basic steps, but..." I trailed off, feeling a pang of homesickness as I recalled our first dance.
"You must miss him terribly," Fane remarked with a sympathetic gaze.
"I do," I replied sadly, nodding my head. "But if it means he'll be safe, I'll do anything to protect him."
"Even if it means you must spend the rest of your life with the enemy?"
That thought always filled me with fear, but I nodded determinedly.
"That is very noble of you," Fane remarked thoughtfully, seeming a bit impressed. He seemed to hesitate, but decided to go on. "I haven't known you for very long, Miss Amber; but it is clear that you are a compassionate, strong, very brave young woman." His voice had grown quieter, and to my surprise, I detected a bit of longing and sorrow in his tone. "The one who holds your heart is a very fortunate mouse indeed."
As I gazed into Fane's dark eyes, I wondered just what his story was. His past was as mysterious if not more so than Ratigan's. As a Count, he must be rich and famous, and so he could have anyone he wanted. He certainly had no shortage of admirers. But maybe he was like Ratigan in more ways than one. Maybe he wanted something more. From the way he had been acting since we met… maybe he wanted me.
My thoughts were interrupted when someone behind Fane cleared their throat and tapped him on the shoulder. I was shocked and a bit nervous to find that it was Ratigan.
"My turn," Ratigan said with a tight smile.
"Of course, Professor," Fane replied, remaining just as polite as ever. "Thank you, milady," he said to me, bowing slightly and pulling my hand up to his lips for a gentlemen's kiss.
"You're welcome," I barely had time to reply as Ratigna looped my hand through his arm and led me away. My heart beat nervously as I wondered how much of our conversation he had heard, and I was afraid that if Fane continued his advances towards me, then Ratigan might lose control of himself. But thankfully, Ratigan didn't dwell on the subject.
"Having fun?" he asked lightly, smiling down at me.
I nodded, returning the smile. But I grew a little nervous as I noticed all the attention that was drawn to us when we were together.
"What's wrong?" Ratigan asked with concern.
"They're all staring…" I murmured anxiously.
"Don't worry about them," Ratigan replied, patting my hand on his arm soothingly. "They're just admiring your beauty."
"Yeah, right," I said with a laugh, but thankful to him for trying to make me more comfortable.
As we walked, it seemed that all the guests began to move aside, clearing a large space in the middle of the floor, and to my surprise Ratigan led me to the center. Taking my hand in his, Ratigan bowed slightly, and I did a small curtsy in response. He nodded in the direction of the band, but only the pianist began to play; a slower, more somber song this time. And then we began to dance once more. I was surprised to see that we were the only couple on the floor, all eyes focused on us.
I gasped as I stepped on the hem of my dress and stumbled, falling against Ratigan's broad chest. "S-Sorry," I whispered, feeling myself blushing deeply in embarrassment to have made a mistake in front of all these people.
"Relax, my dear," he replied with a smile. "Don't worry about the others."
With my heart pounding nervously, I glanced down at my feet to make sure that I wouldn't trip again, but Ratigan squeezed my hand, smiling in reassurance. "It's alright, Amber," he said softly. "Trust me."
And for a moment… I did trust him. Maybe it was just the compulsion talking, though by this point I really couldn't tell if he was using his powers on me or not; or perhaps it was the genuine, almost tender smile he gave me, the feel of his strong but gentle hands supporting and guiding me, the dark eyes that gazed down at me… almost lovingly. I paid no more heed to the audience as I became lost in those eyes, sinking deeper into their murky depths as a familiar feeling stirred in my chest. Yet in the back of my mind I knew that these feelings should have been reserved for… someone else...
As a violin joined in to accompany the piano player, I was reminded of who that someone was. The mournful, plaintive notes of the instrument conjured up the image of Basil in my mind's eye. How devastated, how betrayed he would be had he known that I was feeling such things for his enemy… I wished that it was he that I was dancing with now. I closed my eyes, picturing his face near mine, his sparkling emerald eyes. Suddenly his name sprung forth unbidden from my lips.
"Basil…"
I spoke the word in the softest of whispers; but unfortunately, it was loud enough for my dancing partner to hear. He stiffened and froze in place. "What did you say?" he asked, his own voice low and dangerous.
"N-Nothing," I stammered, realizing my awful mistake too late. Ratigan fairly exploded in anger. "You dare to utter his name?!" he growled.
"I'm sorry, Padraic-"
"No!" he interrupted. "If you were, you would have no feelings for that wretched detective. Instead you would love me. I promised you a life such as you never dreamed of, everything you could ever hope for… And yet you still refuse me!" His voice had risen steadily, and for a moment I was afraid that that monster inside him would take over; but thankfully he came to his senses as he glanced around, perhaps embarrassed to have lost his temper in front of all these people. He cleared his throat and straightened his tie, then continued in a calmer, though still threatening voice.
"I've been very patient with you, my dear," he said, stepping towards me. "I gave you the choice to make your own decision when I could just as easily compel you to do whatever I please. But I admit I'm growing very tired of these games." He stopped then and looked off to the side, and to my surprise began to address someone in that direction.
"Perhaps it would be easier for her to make her decision if you would give up this little charade and come out of hiding… Basil."
Author's Note: Here it is, the chapter you've been waiting for! Hope I didn't disappoint
Wow, Amber just cannot stay out of trouble, can she?
A couple of OC's introduced, as well as a few brief appearances by some friend's OCs. I'm afraid I can't use anymore though. Please don't be offended if I haven't used yours, but I don't think I can add anymore and still have the story make sense.
Basil's side of the story will be in the next chapter so we know what he's been up to
The Great Mouse Detective and characters (c) Eve Titus and Disney
Amber, Fane, Nadya, Acenith, and Damien (c) me
Victoria (c) Devilgirl007 on deviantART
Lulu (c) LuluCalliope on deviantART
Ali (c) Cellenia on deviantART
*All OC's are used with the creator's permission*
(By the way, there's another reason why Fane left Ali back in Romania... but you'll have to stay tuned to find out why. Just keep that in mind for future chapters though)
And here's the song that Amber and Ratigan dance to: watch?v=vu0POjuX2fQ