(AN) AUTHOR'S NOTES: Helloes again everyone ^^. I apologize for such a long and delayed update in chapter 10, allot of things have been happening or have happened with my editor dragonwriter24cmf whom just back from last weekend from a sci-fi writers convention. The delay for chapter ten's production was on a semi halt while she was away while still miraculously working on the chapter somewhat complicated rather not go into discussion on it.
Anyways now after finally receiving this chapter from her last night which was spelled checked over many a few times by her and read slowly by me until there wee hours of this morning. I have to worn you this chapter is over four hundred words long so it will be split into to parts to make ti nice and even. I rather not have readers eyes and tongues popping and rolling out their sockets sand mouths. Also this chapter in particular is one of few chapter within TBWC that will have a song inserted into it but not entirely all the lyrics so it's not counted an song fiction this story just to make things clear.
Also be warned more obvious romance and lots of drama some disappointment on the way just to warn you so girls get the tissues out, now onward with chapter 10. Enjoy ^.^
DISCLAIMER:All rights to Trinity Blood was created and © by late Yoshida Sunao, the anime directed by Tomohiro Hirata and produced by the studio GONZO, as well as a manga drawn by Yoshida Sunao's friend Kiyo Kyoujou. All © rights revered by their respective owners. I own nothing except © to this story, it's plot and it's OC's that will eventually show within later chapters.
Special thanks to my editor and co-partner in helping finally get this story off the ground and back burner dragonwriter24cmf check her own TB stories on which are awesome. Currently right now dragonwriter24cmf is helping with the current chapters and drafts for the stories plot and outline.
Warning:This fan fiction is rated (M) AKA Lemon. This story is ABSOULTLY NOT suitable for children or teens below the age of 16 [So if you're under the age limit turn back now, come back when you old enough to read this. I'd rather not get flamed nor sued by parents whom are just looking for trouble in places their underage children should not be looking nor reading for that matter. This story contains strong explicit adult themes and sexual ones such slight foreplay - as in hand sex, one-sided yuri, bisexuality, Attempted Rape, Explicit Sex or anything else mild to hard core kinky for that matter!, references to violence, and strong coarse language. If this disturbs you, do not read any further.
Notice:Trinity Blood War Continuum takes place one month after the events from the anime's finale episode 24 along with some elements, characters and things that will be used and taken from both manga's Rage Against the Moons (RAM), Reborn on the Mars (ROM). In addition to some spoilers from stories untold notes left by Yoshida Sunao which he intended to finish off the manga series supposedly. Basically 50/50 will be used on both the anime and manga to those whom are more familiar with manga then others will see this implants as the story develops. Trinity Blood is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the Roman Catholic Church/the Vatican is portrayed as a military and spiritual power. The series also strongly implies major and controversial changes in the Church of present reality, such as women being bishops, cardinals as well as romantic relationships and marriages between members of the clergy. If this disturbs you of form or shape of or on imagination then do not read this story.
Trinity Blood: War Continuum - Chapter Ten - Part 01: Celebrations and Confessions
The next evening was the formal signing of the treaty. Technically, it wasn't a big ceremony, but still, Esther couldn't help the butterflies in her stomach. She went through morning Council, and did her work as usual, but her mind was only half on the task. The other half was focused on the events of the upcoming evening.
Around mid-afternoon, Virgil appeared in the doorway. "Your Majesty. It's time for you to begin preparations for this evening."
"Of course." Esther laid her pen aside and stood, brushing her hair away from her face with a nervous gesture. She looked at Virgil, still attired in his plain working suit. "You should probably be getting ready as well."
"Indeed." Virgil held the door open. "I intend to finish with my own preparations while you complete yours, Majesty. If you have no objections, Father Nightroad will be your guard for this time."
"Of course." Esther ducked her head, hoping Virgil wouldn't see the faint blush across her face. For some reason, the thought of Abel guarding her while she got dressed was… somewhat embarrassing. She sighed, and tried to shove the thought from her mind. Abel was a gentleman, and always had been. Though he'd occasionally commented on her physical appearance, he'd never taken any sort of liberty with her. So there was no reason to be embarrassed.
Virgil left her with her maids. Esther took a moment to stretch the knots from her shoulders, before she went to review the gown that had been chosen for her. Her maids had excellent taste. This was a white and gold creation, with full sleeves and a high collar. Dark red and black embroidery, with some gold, emphasized and highlighted the colors of the outfit, and brought out her red hair and eyes. Like all formal gowns, it looked rather stiff and uncomfortable, but there was no doubt it was beautiful, and would look good on her. Esther approved it, then went to the other room, where her maids were finishing filling the bath tub. One young woman helped her out of her outfit, and brushed her hair out, while another laid out towels and soap.
The water was the perfect temperature. Aware of the importance of the evening, Esther permitted her maids to help her wash. She usually preferred washing alone, but this evening called for special treatment. So she let one maid wash out her hair with the floral smelling shampoo, then pin it up. Another maid took over to help wash her back. She soaped and rinsed Esther's back, and then strong fingers went to work, gently massaging the knots out of her shoulders. Esther nearly fainted at the relief, it felt so good.
Once she was clean, her maids helped her out and let her dry off. Esther relaxed on a low couch, while the same maid carefully worked the knots out of her lower back. Another trimmed her nails to an even length, and filed them smooth. Though she could have had them painted, it wasn't the sort of thing Esther was used to, so she left them plain. Finally, the maids let her up, and offered her a soft robe, and she returned to the other room to dress.
Abel was standing in her room when she emerged. He was standing by the window, where his keen hearing would detect anything amiss. He looked up when she entered, then abruptly blushed and turned to face the window. "My apologies, Miss Esther. I…"
"It's all right Father. You were doing your job. I understand." Esther was glad he couldn't see the blush turning her own cheeks crimson. She was very glad for the thick robe she wore. It was big enough that she wasn't really indecent. She flushed harder, remembering that he had, on occasion, seen her in far less. The dress she'd worn for her first operation in Carthage, for one. That dress had been…well, she'd bought it off a local bordello, and it had been made for girls with a specific kind of life in mind. "It's really all right."
"Yes, well, I didn't intend to be here when you…Perhaps I should wait outside." The back of his neck and ears almost matched her hair. It was easy to see, against his silver ponytail. Despite his words, he made no move to leave. After a moment, Esther realized why. He'd have to turn around and she was still standing in the doorway.
"It's all right Father. I'll only be a minute." One of her maids moved forward to pick up her clothing, and then all of them moved her into the bathroom again. She was still blushing as she stepped into her undergarments, and allowed the maids to help her into her dress. As one woman fastened the back of it, another held out her shoes, and the third smoothed the creases and adjusted the fit. Esther let them, her mind still on Abel. She was very embarrassed that he'd seen her, but she couldn't help wondering what he thought of her. Whether he thought she was pretty. She knew he thought Lady Caterina was beautiful, and he'd once called the Cardinal cute. But Esther couldn't remember if he'd ever mentioned her appearance.
Finally she was dressed. All that remained was to put her coronet on, her jewelry, and perhaps a little bit of makeup. She let the maids adjust her dress one final time, then stepped back through to the main room.
Abel was still facing the window, his back turned towards the door. She saw him shift as she opened the door, though he made no move to turn. "Miss Esther?"
"It's all right now Father."
Abel turned. The blue eyes behind the glasses widened with surprise, and what she thought might be appreciation. "Miss Esther…" His eyes drifted over her, and he smiled, the wonderful bright smile she remembered. "You look absolutely stunning."
A faint blush rose to her cheeks, and she looked down. "Thank you." The dress was still stiff and somewhat uncomfortable, but it was suddenly well worth it, to see that look of admiration in his eyes. "I still need to put my jewelry and make-up on but…I'm glad you like it."
"Hmmm. Well personally, I don't think you need any make-up at all, though as I recall, you do look very cute in lipstick." His smile was bright, friendly. He took a few steps forward toward the small dressing table. "If your maids don't mind, I'd be honored…" He bowed slightly, holding out one hand.
"Thank you." Esther moved forward and settled at the dressing table. From the corner of her eye, she spotted her maids moving backward, out of the way. She sat down before the mirror, and Abel carefully picked up her brush. Light gentle strokes combed the damp hair back from her face.
He left her bangs simply brushed back and to the sides, then carefully pinned the rest of her shoulder-length hair up. "There. What do you think?"
Esther looked at it "It looks very nice. Where did you learn to do that, Father?"
"Well, I do have to manage my hair. But besides that…I sometimes…well let's just say it's not the first time." There was a flash of sadness in his eyes, deep and painful, but he covered it with a smile a second later. "Do you know what jewelry you wanted to wear? I'm afraid I don't know much about makeup, but I do know how to do that."
"Oh, yes." Esther leaned forward and selected a pair of ruby and gold earrings, and a necklace with her seal on it. She also drew out her state ring. The crown she was to wear had been laid out well in advance. "I was thinking of wearing these."
"All right." She slipped the ring on her own finger, as Abel gently lifted the earrings and slipped them into her ears. For a man who was frequently called a klutz by his colleagues, he had very deft hands. His fingers, as they brushed her ears and across her neckline, were warm and rough with faint calluses, but oddly soft and gentle.
Esther watched his face in the mirror as he picked up the necklace and moved behind her to slip it over her head and around her neck. Standing as close as he was, she could feel the warmth of him, his physical warmth every bit as soothing as the warmth of his gentle spirit. She watched the expression of absent-minded concentration on his face as he slipped the necklace into place and fastened the catch. "Father Nightroad?"
"Hmmm?" He blinked, looking up so their reflected gazes met. "Did I not get it quite right?"
"No, it's not that." Esther considered his reflection, unsure what to say. She settled for something neutral. "I was wondering…will you be at the ceremony tonight?"
"Ah, no. I'm afraid not." Abel smiled, a touch of wryness in his face. "Lord Walsh and Colonel Spencer will escort you this evening. I had actually planned to take a shift watching the Underground, so Lord Walsh and his sister could both attend."
"I see." She looked down. "But this…it's your accomplishment too, Father. Isn't this…isn't this something you worked for, that you wanted? I mean…you were the one who made this possible. It really feels like you ought to be there."
Abel went still behind her, and his hands dropped to his sides. She turned her head, to see the strange, wistful smile on his face. He looked into her eyes, and the smile brightened, just a little. "It's very kind of you to say, Miss Esther, but…" He sighed, then looked away. "Really, this is something you and Seth and Lady Caterina did on your own. Even though I was an envoy to the Empire…I really didn't do that much at all. You three did all the work."
"That's not true." Esther looked away from the blue eyes, the complex tangle of emotions in his gaze. "Father, you were the one who taught us that peace might be possible. If it weren't for you…none of this could have happened. You deserve some sort of recognition for that, for everything you've done. For all of us."
One hand came up to touch her shoulder. She looked up to find him smiling, affection in the blue eyes. "Thank you, Miss Esther. Truly. But…" His hand clasped her shoulder gently. "Tonight is to honor you, and Seth and Caterina. And the fact that this is happening, that you have done this…is all I could have ever asked. To know that this peace treaty will be formally signed tonight…that's really all I want." An honest grin quirked the corner of his mouth. "Besides, if I were there to be recognized, Cardinal di Medici would hear about it. And then I would get in trouble, wouldn't I? So it's really best this way."
Esther stared at him. "Father Nightroad…"
"It's all right Esther." He smiled into her eyes one more time, then reached past her to lift the golden coronet from the table. "It's almost time. Here, let me just put this on for you." He lifted the circlet carefully, and set it gently on her head, with an expression of seriousness that would have looked perfect at a coronation. There was reverence in his eyes as he gently set the crown upon her brow and straightened it, then brushed her hair back slightly out of her face. "There."
Esther blinked, taken aback by the sudden solemnity of his gaze. She was even more surprised when he knelt before her, bending his knee as if he were a knight. "Your Majesty."
"Father." She reached out. "That's really not necessary…please, you shouldn't bow your head like that."
"I'm sorry." Abel rose again, looking her in the face. "It's just that I'm supposed to be serving with you, and I've never really acknowledged your new status. It seemed, well, rather disrespectful. But I am sorry if I made you uncomfortable."
"I…well, I'm afraid I'm just not used to it. That's all." Esther blushed. "It's all right Father. Thank you for the courtesy, but you really don't have to do things like that. After all, we've worked together a long time."
"As you wish." He smiled, and the warmth of it cleared away the solemn stillness. "I think it's about time. Lord Walsh and Colonel Spencer should be waiting near the hall." He held out a hand, bowing slightly, like a man offering his hand to a lady. "Miss Esther, I'd be honored if you'd allow me to escort you."
"Of course Father." She gave him her hand and he took it with a grace that would have made any courtier proud. It struck her, rather suddenly, that she couldn't recall ever having seen or heard anyone telling Abel about court protocol. And yet, his manners were excellent. And he spoke the language flawlessly, with no trace of Italian accent. She also remembered that he seemed to know his way around Londinium and Albion very well. It was odd, the way he simply seemed to fit in. Perhaps the Professor had taught him something.
She shook the thoughts away. She could ask Abel about it later, but right now she had a treaty signing to attend to. She needed to focus on that, not the possible identity and past of the man at her side. Abel looked at her, a puzzled expression in his eyes, and she smiled at him and let him lead her down the hallway, towards the formal Banquet room.
Virgil and Mary met them at the entrance to the Hall. Both of them were in formal outfits. Behind them, Vanessa stood, wearing her uniform as the Captain of the Underground Royal Guards, with her family crest pinned to one shoulder, opposite her rank. As Esther approached, all three bowed. "Your Majesty."
"Good evening." Esther gave a nod of her head. "Is everything ready?"
"Yes. Everything is prepared. I was informed moments ago that the other two parties will arrive soon." Virgil smoothed his uniform.
"Well them, I suppose I should get to my post." Abel sighed, then bowed to Esther. "Your Majesty, with your permission, I shall take my leave of you now. Lord Walsh will escort you from here."
"I understand Father Nightroad. I wish you a good evening." She wanted to command him to stay, but she couldn't quite bring herself to do so. For one thing, she knew there would be questions that neither of them could answer. For another, he'd been right about Cardinal di Medici.
"I wish you a good evening as well." He bowed to her once more, inclined his head to each of the waiting nobles, then turned and strode down the hall, his cassock flowing around him.
Virgil sighed, watching him walk away. "That man…" He shook his head, but didn't finish the thought. Instead, he turned to Esther. "Your Majesty." He bowed his head, and held out his arm, much as Abel had done. "May I?"
Esther nodded, and put her hand on his arm, while Mary and Vanessa settled in behind them as an honor guard. As soon as they were situated, Virgil nodded to the servants on either side, and the doors to the Banquet Hall were opened.
It was an enormous room, yards wide with a high arched ceiling. It was designed to be used for grand Court feasts, accommodating hundreds of people. It wasn't full, but there were plenty of onlookers tonight. Esther felt a twinge of nervousness as she stared at all the faces of the nobility, gathered around. She swallowed back her fear and stepped forward. She wasn't about to let her nerves get the better of her now. She stepped onto the carpet, aware of Virgil at her side. His solid, comforting presence was very reassuring.
The Banquet Hall had actually been designed with multiple entrances, so no one door would get too jammed with people. To avoid questions of precedence and protocol, the three women had agreed to enter simultaneously, through different doors. The large dais near the front of the room was set with a table and three chairs. Esther moved toward it, watching from the corner of her eyes as Seth and Caterina came down two aisles from the side doors. Caterina was wearing the brilliant red robes of her Cardinal's office, over a formal dress with her family insignia embroidered on it. Seth, of course, was wearing emerald green and gold, with a pale golden veil covering her face. Esther couldn't help but wonder how the Empress felt, in the midst of all these people who, at one time, had been her sworn enemies. But however she felt, her steps toward the dais were quick and confident.
Esther arrived at the foot of the dais, and Virgil carefully handed her up the steps. The entourage for the other two stayed at the foot of the steps. Ion and Astha looked the very picture of nobility in their blue and purple outfits. On the other side, both the Professor and Brother Petros stood side by side, in their formal uniforms. Esther noted that, while he did have on the Inquisition robes, they were open, exposing the simple formal uniform of a minor noble of Italy. The Professor wore his AX uniform, of course, but he'd embellished it with an Albion crest. Then they were at the top of the dais, and Esther turned her attention to the ceremony.
All three women faced each other, each standing beside an ornate chair. They bowed to each other, and then settled into the chairs, around the table. Virgil, standing just behind Esther, moved around to the open side of the table and bowed to all three of them. "Your Majesties. Lady Cardinal."
From there the ceremony was fairly simple. There were four sets of the treaty, bound and lying on the table. Virgil took the topmost one, and began to read the terms of the treaty aloud. There wasn't a sound in the room as he spoke, his clear firm tones ringing through the hall. Esther sat and listened, paying attention to the wording. Though she didn't think there was anything she wanted to change, she knew better than to let her attention waver.
The reading took over an hour, but finally, Virgil lowered the volume in his hands. "Your Majesties have heard the terms of the treaty, as written by our royal scribes. Do any of you have any alterations you wish to make?"
All three shook their heads. Virgil bowed. At his bow, one noble from each entourage ascended the platform, to take one copy of the treaty and lay it before the respective rulers. Astha stepped forward for the Empire, as the senior envoy. Professor Wordsworth stepped forward for Caterina. And from behind Esther, Colonel Spencer came forward to represent Albion. Each one received a copy of the transcribed document, and laid it before their rulers with a bow. Esther swallowed as Mary bowed before her, opening the document to the last page. She took a deep breath, then wrote her formal address over the first line of the page. Mary held a stick of sealing wax, softened by a small lighter for her, and Esther pressed the imprint of her royal seal into the paper just beside her name.
All three of the nobles bowed again, and then the copies of the treaty were lifted in reverent hands and carried around the table. The second time, Esther smiled as Astha held out a stick of emerald sealing wax for her, stamping her signet ring into it. The third, the Professor gave her another crimson seal. As she removed her ring for the third time, he leaned down and whispered in her ear. "Well done, Your Majesty."
Esther flushed, the last of her unease disappearing in the warmth of his compliment. She watched as all three copies were returned to Virgil, who took them with a bow and laid them carefully to the side. Then he opened the fourth volume again, and carefully scrawled his own signature, signing himself as a noble witness to the whole thing. Colonel Spencer, Astha, and Professor Wordsworth did the same, and then descended the dais. From there, the remaining three moved forward and also signed as witnesses. Esther thought Petros might be scowling a little more than usual, but he still wrote his name down. And then it was done. Esther was glad she was sitting, because she could feel her knees going weak with relief.
Virgil took all four copies, then stepped carefully to the side of the dais, looking out over the crowd. The room was dead silent, and Esther wasn't even sure the assembled nobles were breathing. "My Lords and Ladies…it is done. We have peace."
The room erupted in uproar. The shouting was so loud, Esther could barely take the noise. She couldn't tell what anyone was saying but it certainly sounded enthusiastic. That was good.
Seth sat back in her chair with a sigh. "Finally, that's over with." Esther couldn't see her face, but she sensed the other ruler turning in her direction. "Well Esther, I bet you're relieved too."
"I am." Esther smiled.
"Hmmm…I am too." Seth stretched carefully. "Say, when all the ruckus dies down, shall we get some drinks and talk a bit? There's some night left."
"That sounds like a fine idea." Caterina smiled. "I could certainly use a drink. I wasn't sure this was going to go through."
Just over an hour later, the three of them met in one of the informal parlor rooms. All three had changed into loose, relaxing robes, though Seth went veiled as always. She was leaning into a chair when Esther arrived. "That was certainly impressive, Esther."
"Thank you." Esther smiled, as the three of them collected their drinks. "I trust you are all staying for the celebrations, in three days time?"
"Well I certainly intend to." Seth brushed her veil back so Esther could see the grin on her face. "I haven't had a party in a while. Besides, you said it was going to be a masquerade?"
"Yes. They're very popular among the court this year. Lord Walsh and Colonel Spencer are a little concerned about security, but we'll have plenty of protections in place. And all of us will be unmasked when not on the floor."
"That sounds good. Although…" Seth touched a finger to her lips. "If you don't mind terribly, I'd like to bring Mirka in as my stand in. She looks so much more regal than I do, and she's really good at that sort of thing."
"I see. And where will you be?" Esther blinked.
"On the floor of course. My maids are both nobility, but if I send one back to the Empire when Mirka comes, then no one will notice. I'll just be another pretty girl in the crowd, you know?" Seth grinned. "It really would work out."
Esther nodded. "I have no objections. Lady Caterina?"
"I see no problems." Caterina considered. "I suspect, given the quiet around here and the fact that we've successfully repulsed the Orders attack, my two Inquisitors will want to return to the Vatican as well. Petros spoke of it earlier today. He wishes to return to protect His Holiness."
"Is that all right?" Esther blinked.
"Of course. I'll still have Father Wordsworth and Father Garcias. And Gunslinger will still be on patrol. So it should be fairly safe. And of course, Abel is here as well."
"That's true." Seth smiled. "Speaking of which, I didn't see my dear brother this evening."
"No. Father Nightroad…he took guard duty for Lord Walsh and Lady Vanessa." Esther smiled softly.
Seth sighed. "He really should have been there. This whole thing is really his idea, even if he won't take credit for it."
"I did try to tell him that, but he said he couldn't risk word of it getting back to the Cardinal di Medici. Besides, he…he said that the treaty itself was reward enough for him, and that tonight was for us to celebrate, not him."
"Well, he has a point about my brother, however…" Caterina sighed. "He always was one to avoid notice where he could."
"No kidding. Well, I hope he at least shows up to the party. Abel needs a little fun in his life. He's way too serious, really." Seth scowled at her cup.
"I…I don't know if he was planning to attend. I forgot to ask him." Esther blushed.
"Hmmm. Well we'll just have to make sure he does come." Seth grinned. "After all, if nothing else, he should be there to look after you and Caterina."
"There is that." Caterina smiled as well. The three of them talked of minor things for a while, and then they retired for the evening.
The next few days passed in a blur. It was mostly routine work, but the excitement of the upcoming masquerade filled the palace. Even the servants were enjoying the prospect of celebration. Esther had decreed that food and drink would be set aside for them as well. They'd have to work that night, but Esther knew they were planning to take shifts so everyone could have fun.
Even more excitement was generated by the news that there would be music from the Empire, as well as traditional songs from Albion. That had been Seth's idea. The request to introduce celebration music from the Empire, as a symbol of peace, had been the perfect cover for bringing Mirka to Albion. One of Seth's chosen hand-maids had returned to the Empire with the message, and Mirka had come back, bearing a huge selection of musical scores. The following day, Esther had seen Seth, wearing informal servant's attire and walking with the veiled 'Empress'. She looked happy, and Esther rather envied her the freedom to step away from her crown so easily.
The day of the masquerade, Esther found herself setting her work aside early. She knew she should try to finish everything, but she couldn't keep her mind on business. She was too tense with excitement and nerves. She'd never been to a ball before, and the prospect was both wonderful and slightly nerve-wracking. She was looking forward to the music, the excitement, and the colors, but…. She sighed, looking at her hands on the desk. She'd never danced before in her life. Being able to dance gracefully was something a noble, especially a Queen, was expected to know, and she'd been receiving lessons for some time. Her instructor was a good one, and she'd had a chance to have Virgil as her partner once or twice. However, her duties had made the lessons fairly infrequent, and she'd certainly never danced in a crowd, or with anyone other than her instructor or Virgil. Despite her teacher's assurances that she learned well and had graceful steps, she wasn't at all sure of her ability.
Esther sighed again, the realized she'd been sitting, staring at the desk doing nothing, for almost ten minutes. She looked at the papers for a moment more, then set them aside in a neat pile. There was no point in sitting and brooding.
Virgil was working by the window, but he looked up as she set her papers aside. "Your Majesty?"
Esther smiled ruefully. "It seems I'm not getting much done this afternoon. I was thinking of taking a walk or something."
Virgil nodded and rose from his seat. "That is understandable." He considered the wall clock across from her desk. "If I may be so bold, you may wish to rest before this evening. After all, the masquerade will continue till midnight, and I suspect the celebration shall last until dawn. A rest might be beneficial for Your Majesty."
"I hadn't thought of that." Esther blinked. "Do you think it's really all right?"
"Of course, Your Majesty." Virgil smiled. "Actually, your grandmother would also take a day off, sometimes, for a court function. It was not often, however there is no harm in a ruler taking a holiday."
"Thank you." Esther rose. "I think I'll do that then."
"As you wish. Shall I escort you to your rooms?"
"Yes. Thank you." Esther smiled at him. Virgil bowed, and held the door open, the faint smile still on his lips. "It is my honor."
As they approached her room, Esther found her eyes sliding to the door across the hall from hers. Abel's room. The door was shut, and she couldn't hear any sounds to indicate whether or not the room was occupied. She considered knocking on the door, but she couldn't quite bring herself to. She wasn't at all sure what she would say if he did answer. She sighed, then entered her own room and shut the door behind her. She thought a moment, then unlaced the working dress she wore, shrugged into a robe, and flopped onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. Her thoughts, though, weren't on rest.
She hadn't seen much of Abel since the signing of the treaties. Not that he was avoiding her, really. She'd seen him on the night he'd had guard duty for her, and he'd been cheerful, and friendly. There was a hint of reserve in his actions, and in his tone, but overall he'd been the same Father Nightroad she remembered. And last night, she'd run across him in the hall and been greeted with a friendly, "Good evening, Miss Esther!" and a quick smile.
Despite the fact that he worked with her, she found she missed him. She missed the days when they'd been partners, when she'd woken to see him nearby, and stood side by side with him. Days when she'd fallen asleep, with him nearby. Not just across the hall, but just across a campfire, or sprawled on the floor of a room while she took the bed. She was aware, too, of the distance caused by her new rank. He wasn't one to worry about it much, but in public, he had to be cautious, as did she. There was that faint reserve in his eyes and voice, when there were others present, besides those who knew him.
Esther blinked at the ceiling. When did I start thinking about Father Nightroad so much? He'd been by her side for over a year before her ascension. But there was no getting around it. Since his death, she'd been thinking about him a great deal. And since his return…she couldn't shake the feeling that her emotions towards him had changed. She cared for him, but she was no longer sure it was the simple affection for a mentor. Affection, yes, but she wasn't sure it was as simple as that anymore. She hadn't been sure of that since his death.
His death. Esther thought about it. She hadn't considered it much, but when he'd died, the light had dropped out of her world. It had only been her memories of his gentle words… 'I am your friend'…that had gotten her moving again. The thought of losing him hurt, even now. She knew he was alive and well, but the thought of him leaving, the thought of him being hurt or possibly killed again…it made her feel almost ill.
Esther threw one arm over her eyes. I can't…I love Father Nightroad, but I can't…it can't be like that, can it? The Father…he's been with me through so much. And I've seen things, things he didn't want me to see, things I never thought I'd see from him. I wanted…when I came to the Vatican I wanted to know who he was. I still don't know very much, but I'm beginning to understand. He hides a lot, but…the Crusnik, his powers, his sister…all those things are a part of something very complex for him. I still don't understand him much at all, but…I feel like I'm beginning to. And I want…I want to understand. I want to know what causes him pain, so I can ease it. I want to know how to make him smile. But still…it can't be….
Esther bit her lip, then rolled over onto her side and tried to think of something else. She did care for Abel, and she knew it, but still….She sighed and closed her eyes. She'd think about it later. She was still thinking that when she dropped into a doze.
Her maids came and woke her about an hour before sunset. Two of them helped her through her bath, while the third laid out her gown for the evening. After she'd had a nice long soak, the maids helped her into her outfit, carefully adjusting the folds of the fabric. One maid slipped her dancing slippers, new and made to match, onto her feet. The other brushed her hair and slipped a small golden circlet in place. As Esther rose, the third maid handed her the mask she would wear for the evening. Esther smiled, and thanked all of them. Then she turned, moving towards the large mirror set in the bathroom.
Her dress for this evening wasn't one of the stiff court dresses that she wore for formal occasions. The fabric was loose, flowing, designed to move freely in a spirited dance, and flow elegantly in a slow one. For color, Esther had chosen a deep blue, a shade between royal blue and cornflower blue. The dress was sleeveless, to give her arms more room, the shoulders were short golden straps, formed like brooches to match the gold that accented the hem. In addition to the gown, a long light-weight cloak had been attached at the shoulders, in a lighter sky blue. It fell down from her shoulders and across her back, before stopping at mid-calf. The hem of the cloak was also decorated with gold. For jewelry, she wore a broad bracelet on one wrist, and a golden tiara, set with a few small sapphires. The headband arched gently over her hair, curving softly over her head above the ears, rather than around her head like a crown. One maid offered her a golden necklace, with a teardrop diamond about the size of her thumb. After a moment, Esther nodded, and the maid fastened it around her neck. That was all. No identifying rank markings. No royal emblems. With her mask in place, in the middle of the dance floor, she'd be almost indistinguishable from most of the ladies there.
Esther looked down at the mask she was holding. It was deep blue, to match her dress, and decorated with a delicate tracing of golden vines and flowers done in needlepoint. She ran a hand over the smooth silken front, then turned towards the door. The sun was setting, and the masquerade would be due to start soon.
Virgil met her outside her door. He was wearing mostly black, as usual, but his typical suit shirt had been exchanged for a satin one, a light gold that came close to matching his long blond hair. The dark pants were lightly embroidered with grey, and the jacket was marked with silver and pale gold embroidery as well. Like Esther, he wore nothing that might have hinted at his rank, or his family identity. He had a mask, which matched his outfit, dangling by it's strap behind him. As Esther emerged, his eyes widened, and then he bowed. "Your Majesty."
"Lord Walsh. You look very nice this evening."
He straightened, and held out an arm with a hint of a smile. "Thank you, your Majesty." His eyes trailed over her outfit. "If it's not too forward of me…" He inclined his head. "You look lovely."
"Thank you." She smiled, and took his arm. She couldn't help glancing at Abel's door as they passed it, but it was still shut. She sighed. Knowing Abel, he probably wouldn't be at the masquerade, but he might come. He sometimes appeared at celebrations to pick up a good meal. Or maybe Seth could convince him to come.
When she arrived at the door, Mary was already waiting, with Caterina and Mirka, who was posing as the Empress. Both the visiting women were dressed in their own ball attire. Mirka had chosen a flowing, well-embroidered gown of lavender and white and silver, while Caterina wore a dress of scarlet, gold and white. Caterina was bare-headed, for once, allowing her golden hair to flow freely around her shoulders and down her back. Mirka was wearing a hat, to support the veil, but it was a much smaller one than she would have worn for court. Both women held masks. Mirka's was a silver half-mask, to cover the upper half of her face, decorated with glittering pink flowers at the eyeholes and golden vines across the rest of it. Caterina, on the other hand, had a filigree mask, gold shading to red, that would rest across her eyes and nose.
Caterina looked over Esther's dress and nodded appreciatively. "That dress becomes you, Lady Esther."
"Thank you." Esther blushed. "You look gorgeous, as always. Both of you."
Mirka laughed behind her veil. "You needn't be so modest. You're quite lovely. And you have a very graceful carriage." One hand reached out and took Esther's. "I've had a lot of experience in court. I can assure you, with absolute certainty, that if you walked unannounced into a court anywhere, no one would question you belonged." There was a hint of a giggle in her voice. "And of course, they never toss out the cute ones. And you are adorable. Just like Ion." There was no hiding the laughter in her voice as Esther flushed darker. "Speaking of Ion…" Her head turned slightly.
Esther turned. Ion and the Professor were coming up the hall toward them. The Professor had removed his priests garb in favor of a stylish costume, also in black, and a plain black mask with a tracing of gold on it. Though it was plainer than most costumes, it suited him and lent him dignity, in contrast to the mischief in his eyes.
Ion on the other hand….the young Earl of Memphis had opted for a costume of black and gold and red, with just a hint of white at the collar. His shirt was white, covered by a wine red jacket that went well with the dark pants and polished boots. Golden thread lined the seams and curled red and gold flames across his cuffs. At his throat hung a thin black half-mask, the top of which was decorated with red-gold flames like a wild sort of crown. The colors of his outfit highlighted his golden hair and caught the light in his golden-amber eyes.
Esther tried hard to keep her jaw from dropping. She'd seen Ion in formal wear before, but that had been Imperial garments. This was…impressive. She was saved from saying something utterly inane by Mirka, who stepped across the hall in two quick strides and threw her arms around his shoulders. "My, Ion! You look absolutely dashing! And to think you pouted at me when I told you those colors were just your thing!" She turned to Virgil, standing by the door. "Don't you think he looks the very picture of stylish nobility, Lord Walsh?"
"Grandmother…" Ion flushed almost as red as his jacket. But he fell silent after that. Esther didn't blame him. She knew very well that the best way to encourage Mirka's teasing was to raise a protest. Virgil shifted. Like Mary, he was well aware that Mirka was the double for the Empress, so he didn't raise an eyebrow at Ion's words. He was, however, definitely trying to choose his words. "His Excellency is very well attired. And the colors do suit you quite well, my lord."
Caterina chuckled. "Ever the diplomat, Lord Walsh." She turned to the Earl of Memphis. "But you do look excellent."
"Thank you, Lady Caterina." Ion bowed slightly.
There was sound from the other side of the door, and Mary straightened to attention. She wasn't in costume, just her formal dress uniform, with a little extra frills. She was, after all, technically on guard duty. While she intended to mingle with the guests this evening, her main focus was to keep an eye on the party. But now she bowed to the six of them. "I believe it is time for your entrance."
"Thank you." Esther swallowed. By rules of protocol, she went first, as the hostess. Then Mirka, in Seth's place, then Caterina. She swallowed again, as Virgil held out his arm, in formal court fashion. Behind her, Ion stood beside his grandmother, holding her forearm in a practiced grip, and the Professor smiled and bowed to Lady Caterina. She hesitantly laid her hand on Virgil's arm, and took a deep breath, steeling herself as Mary opened the doors.
The room was filled with people, in all manner of costumes. Light glittered on jewelry, on beadwork and metallic threads. Seeing the magnificent crowd, Esther almost hesitated. But Virgil was beside her, his grip relaxed and reassuring, and as he bowed his head to her and stepped forward, she did as well. The two of them moved out into the room, across the red carpet that had been especially set out for this occasion. Courtiers moved out of her way as she passed, bowing or curtseying. She heard Caterina and Mirka behind her, but it didn't do much for her nerves as she passed among the silent throng.
She was almost to the Royal Dais when a loud wolf whistle split the air. Her head turned involuntarily, startled at the sound. To the right of the aisle, a tall man with broad shoulders and dark hair was wearing a matador costume from Hispania, complete with a black, beaded mask. His shirt was open lower than was normal though, exposing just a hint of a well-muscled chest. As was tradition, the white shirt was loose and flowing, the broad red sash at the waist pulled tight, and the dark pants so well fitted they were just short of too tight. The black boots were polished, but still looked to have seen some serious wear. Esther looked up, and the dark-haired matador grinned under the frame of his mask and gave her a thumbs up.
His companion was a tall woman in a black and red affair to match the matador. The top of her dress was…form-fitting, to say the least, but the skirt swirled about her ankles in a way that suggested it would flow very nicely with music. She was wearing a more delicate mask, black with red embroidery and a single rose on one side. Esther's heart jumped as she recognized the distinctive hair of the young woman. Blond with a single streak of red at the center, brushed to the right. That's Lady Astharoshe. Her eyes shifted to the matador again as she walked past him. And is that…is that Father Leon?
The woman caught her gaze and nodded slightly as she passed. Esther smiled, heartened by the sight of her two friends and companions in the crowd. Then she was at the dais. Virgil handed her courteously up, then stood beside her throne, as Caterina and Mirka joined her. Both women settled into their chairs, their escorts by their sides. Esther looked out over the crowd. She was glad, looking at the masked faces, that she didn't have to give a speech to the assembled nobles. This was a party after all. And if she gave any speech at all, it would be after the unmasking at midnight. She turned her head to nod to the man at her side. "If you would be so kind, Lord Walsh."
He bowed his head once, then strode to the front of the dais. "My Lords and Ladies, it is my pleasure to officially open this ball, held in honor of Her Majesty Esther, Her Majesty Augusta Veradica, and Her Grace Cardinal Sforza. If you would care to assemble on the floor, the musicians will begin the first song in a moment." He bowed as a cheer rose from the crowd, then turned back to Esther. "Would my lady care to dance?" He smiled. "It is not required, but it is tradition that the hostess opens the ball, and dances the first dance of the evening."
"Oh." Esther considered. She felt nervous just thinking about it. Then she set the mask on her face, tied in back, and laid her hand in his. "If you'll be so good as to partner me, my lord."
"As you wish." She rose, and he led her to the floor amidst the dancers. As she descended, she saw the band and singers making final adjustments to instruments and positions, and quietly holding a last minute conference over music. Somehow, as she took a place on the floor, she wasn't surprised to find Ion and Mirka beside them, their masks also in place.
Lord Walsh had his mask attached to his forehead, though she understood he wasn't planning to wear it while he was her escort. It was part of the security they had both agreed to. He bowed, from the waist, and held out his hands. "My lady."
Esther stepped forward, and took his hands carefully. She'd never done this before in an actual ball-gown, and it felt slightly different. But Virgil only took her left hand in his right, and laid his left gracefully on her waist, poised for the first movement. There was a sudden flair of violins and horns from the musicians, and powerful melody that seemed to compel everyone in the room to move at once. Esther recognized the song as a very old one, though she couldn't remember the name. It was still one Virgil had taught her to dance to. She stepped with him as he swept her smoothly into the long line of dancers, whirling her around in a waltzing circle step.
Masquerade! Paper faces on Parade!
Masquerade, hide your face so the world will never find you!
Singers, united in tune, abruptly burst into a full volume chorus, melding with the tone of the instruments, and yet, just enough different to be heard clearly. Esther was amazed that she could even hear them as they began, but she had to admit, the song was definitely suited to this event.
Masquerade, every face and every shade
Masquerade, look around there's another mask behind you.
Virgil spun her around again, in the circling waltz step. She looked past his arm, spotted golden masks, green masks, blue masks, white masks…every color she could think of. She saw the flash of Ion's flame mask, and someone to her other side was wearing what she thought was a white clown, but there was no time to look properly as her partner swept her through the dance steps. Even trying made her feel slightly dizzy.
With Virgil as her partner, they whirled into a smaller set of dancers. The waltzing step spun them in a complicated circle. Then the music broke. Esther, with the rest if the women in her set, stopped. Virgil bowed courteously, as did the rest of the men, and handed Esther off smoothly to her next partner for another round.
Masquerade! Green and yellow, spinning reds
Masquerade, take your fill and let the spectacle astound you!
To Esther's surprise, her next partner was Ion. The Earl of Memphis took her hand firmly in his as they stepped into the motions of the dance. Beneath the glittering half-mask, Ion was smiling. They stepped into the pattern with the rest of the dancers. Ion's style was different from Virgil's but, as they stepped through the circle, Esther could tell he was an excellent dancer. He was also almost exactly her height and size, and the stances to match him felt natural. As Ion led her through the complicated pattern of movements, she found herself relaxing.
The pace slowed a little as they spun through the set. Esther was feeling a little flushed, but Ion seemed perfectly comfortable. Then the pace picked up again. Esther found herself handed to another partner. A man in a matador's costume who smiled and whispered roguishly. "May I, senorita?"
Leon didn't give her a chance to respond, and neither did the music. Both swept her off her feet into the crowd of elegant dancers. But despite being twice her size, Leon evidently knew how to dance well, because he matched her steps almost perfectly. And his grin was infectious. Then they reached the exchange point, and Virgil swept back to claim her again.
Masquerade! Burning glances, turning heads
Masquerade, stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you!
The music was winding down now. Esther felt Virgil's steps slowing, the pace of the dance decreasing. The dancers sang out one last chorus.
Masquerade! Grinning yellows, spinning reds
Masquerade, let the spectacle astound you!
There was one last burst of triumphant music, and then the song cut off. Right on cue, Virgil stopped, facing her directly, and bowed, just as the last note faded into the air.
There was silence for a moment, and then a cheer of delight from the crowd of dancers. Esther discovered, rather abruptly, that her group was in the center of the floor, surrounded by the nobles of her court, who were all clapping and smiling. She flushed, glad the mask hid her embarrassment. She looked, to see Leon grinning and giving her a thumbs up gesture, and Ion applauding with everyone else. Mirka was also applauding, with a smile on her face that indicated she had mischief on her mind.
Finally, the applause quieted. There were two sharp raps on the floor, and a voice called out, announcing another dance. Virgil stepped forward. "Will you dance, my lady?"
Esther flushed again. "No. I think…I think I'd like a rest, and perhaps…a drink?"
Virgil bowed his head. "As you wish." He held out his arm for her, and led her back to the thrones. As they went, Esther reached up and pulled her mask away, grateful for the cooler air on her heated face. Caterina was settled still on her seat, smiling with cool amusement. As Virgil settled Esther into her chair and went to get her drink, Caterina spoke. "You dance well."
'Thank you." Esther's blush deepened again. "It was my first dance. I wasn't sure how I would do, since I haven't been raised to this sort of thing, but…"
Caterina smiled. "Well, I was raised in this sort of environment, and I can assure you, you dance very well."
"Will you be dancing, lady Caterina?" Esther looked at the woman at her side. She really couldn't picture Caterina as a dancer, but she was a Duchess as well as a Cardinal.
"Perhaps later." Caterina shifted, arranged her dress so it hung in it's usual elegant folds. "I prefer the slow dances, myself."
"I see." Esther was distracted by Virgil's return, bearing a glass of fruit juice for her. She looked up at the tall figure by her side. "Lord Walsh, you needn't wait on me all night. Please, feel free to enjoy yourself."
He hesitated. "As your escort…and your guard, I should remain beside you."
Esther smiled. "It's all right." She indicated Mary, standing behind her and off to the side. "Colonel Spencer is watching me. Besides, this is a good chance for you to relax as well. I want you to have some fun. Please, feel free to dance. If I need you, I can ask someone to find you for me, or I can seek you on the floor."
He considered a moment longer, then bowed. "Thank you, my lady."
Esther settled back and watched the crowd on the floor, moving in a complicated pattern. She recognized the dance, a dance meant to include the whole floor, but she was just as glad to be sitting out. She spotted a flash of flame, and a delicate lavender and silver sparkle. This time however, they appeared to be nowhere near each other. A few more moments allowed her to spot Leon. He was one of the bigger people here. She thought she saw Astha as well, but wasn't sure. From there, she moved on to looking at random faces, trying to guess the identities. She would have looked for Vanessa, but she knew Virgil's sister wasn't on the floor. The younger of the Walsh siblings had declared that she didn't really care for dancing. She'd rather be in the Ghetto. Virgil and Esther had both authorized a quiet informal celebration more to her liking down there, and given enough funds for it to include any of the inhabitants who cared to come.
Esther scanned the crowd again. She felt restless, and after a moment, she realized why. Of all the people she could see, there were two missing. None of the figures had Seth's slender, child-like build and black hair. And there was no tall silver-haired man in the crowd either, not even lurking around the buffet tables at both sides of the hall. Esther sighed. She hadn't really expected Abel to show up, be she had hoped he might. She settled back into her chair to get her breath back. But as she watched the dancers under the lights, she couldn't help wondering where the Empress and her brother were.
Abel was sitting in his room, relaxing. He'd borrowed a book out of the Palace library, and was slouched loosely in a chair, the book open in front of him. He wasn't really focused on it though, because his mind kept wandering. To the masquerade, which he'd been invited to, and to the Underground. And of course, to Esther, and Cain, and everything else.
A knock at the door startled him from his thoughts. He blinked, then set the book aside. It was probably just a maid but still, courtesy never hurt. "Enter."
Seth flounced in, wearing an emerald green and gold costume, and a frown on her face. "So, this is where you were hiding."
"Seth?" Abel blinked again. "I thought you were attending the masquerade this evening." He glanced a clock on his wall. "You know, I think it's started already."
"Of course it has. But I didn't see you anywhere nearby, and I thought you might be avoiding it. So I came to look for you." Seth sighed. "Honestly Abel…"
Abel made a face. "I'm really not all that fond of crowds, you know. Besides…" He didn't get any further, because Seth turned and laid a finger across his lips.
"Hush. I already know all your excuses. But really, you need to get out more, and it wouldn't hurt you to relax a bit."
Abel sighed and looked away. "I know. But…while he's out there…"
"Abel!" There was genuine distress in Seth's tone. He turned to see her standing there, her face tense with unhappiness. "Can you not lay it aside even for one night?" She looked away, but her voice was no less tense when she spoke a moment later. "I understand you Abel. But…" She turned back to him, laid a hand gently on his face. "If you keep on like this, you'll only wear yourself out. Even you have to take a break sometimes."
"Ah…" Abel attempted a smile. "Well I was sitting and reading when you came in."
Seth made a sound suspiciously like a snort. "That might be what you call relaxing, but still…there's a perfectly good party going on, and you're not there. Even though I know there's a lot of people who'd like to see you there. And anyway…aren't you supposed to be a guard for Esther and Caterina?"
Abel swallowed. "Well, yes…but they both have their own guards already, and in a crowd like that…"
Seth poked him in the chest. "That doesn't change the fact that you, brother dear, are being lazy and shirking your duty. You know, Esther's not any more comfortable with crowds and dancing than you are, and you've had lots more time to learn."
Abel flushed, and made a face. "Well, be that as it may…there are still a few problems.
Seth sighed. "Like what?"
"Well, I don't exactly have anyone to attend with. And it's not proper to show up without an escort to something like this." Abel sighed. "I suppose I could, but…then every woman in the place would be…well, it's just not a good idea. And I…well, being out there…if someone sees me and realizes…"
"Abel." She poked him again. "The whole point of a masquerade is to not recognize people. That's why everyone wears masks, and you know it. Honestly, you're just being silly. If that's the best you can do…" She sighed and turned her back on him. "You know…I don't exactly have an escort either. Ion's taking Mirka, which is only proper, and Astha accepted an invitation from that tall, muscular guy. The one built like Baibars."
Abel blinked. "Astha and Leon? Good Lord. I hope they don't kill each other. Astha is…very proper and Leon isn't at all."
Seth laughed. "I know what you mean. But that isn't the point." She turned, looking him in the face with the barest hint of a pout. "The point is, I don't exactly have anyone to take me to the dance, and I was rather hoping my older brother would be a gentleman and come with me."
Abel made a face. "Now really…." Then he sighed. "You know…when you put it like that…" He looked down at his cassock. "Unfortunately, unless you intended for me to go as a priest of some kind, I haven't really got anything to wear. I can't afford fancy dress clothes at the moment."
Seth stared at him. "So…if you had a costume, you'd go with me?"
"Well, I suppose…." He looked into her eyes. A small rueful smile touched his mouth. "If I had a costume, then yes, I might consider taking you." He rose from the bed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"If that's the case…" Seth grinned up at him suddenly. One hand latched onto his arm and she started pulling him to the door. "Come with me, Abel."
"Seth…what on earth…" Abel was too startled to resist as she dragged him down the hall. Out of courtesy, all the guests had been housed in the Royal wing, with women on one side of the hall and men on the other. Seth marched straight to her room, and dragged Abel inside. "Seth, what's going on?"
She grinned and rocked back on her heels, then moved to a large wardrobe. "I thought you might be a bit stubborn, and I figured you wouldn't have anything, so I asked Mirka to get a few things for me." She opened the door and waved at a set of hangars. "So, what do you think?"
Abel blinked. Then he turned red. "Seth…you can't possibly…" He stared at it. "Honestly, how can you even know if that fits?"
"Well, your build hasn't changed at all in 900 years, any more than mine has." Seth grinned. "But it was a little simpler than that. After all, when you came to the Empire, you had to buy garments to wear, and Astha lent you some at one point. I just got her to tell me what you wore, and double checked the size."
"You…Seth, that really is unfair of you." He sighed. "I'll admit that it does look…appropriate. But honestly…" He flushed again. "I'll look completely ridiculous in something like that."
"Not really. You'll look quite fashionable." Seth sighed. "Honestly Abel, if you'd just make a few adjustments, you could probably have every lady of the court throwing themselves at you."
"I'd rather not, thank you." Abel stared at her, then back at the garments.
"Will you at least try it on?" Seth sighed. "I did have it brought all the way from the Empire for you, and that's not exactly easy."
"Well…" Abel eyed the garments a few moments more, then sighed. A small smile touched his face. "You are right. I suppose I should at least try them on, since you went to all the effort. And…" He moved over to stand beside her, and gave her a gentle hug. "I did promise, didn't I? That if I had something, I would take you to the dance." He eyed the outfit and sighed one more time. "Although…does it have to have…the ruffles?"
"It's fine. Besides…it doesn't really look that bad." Seth grinned. "Trust me brother, once we get you all dressed up, you'll be surprised." She gave him another smile, then tweaked the glasses from the end of his nose. "You should hurry and change, you know."
"Fine. I'm stealing your bathroom for a moment then." Abel gathered the outfit into his arms, made one more face at it, and then closed the doors and began to undo his cassock. He was half tempted to get 'stuck' in the blasted robes, but he had promised.
(AN) dragonwriter24cmf: The song used in this chapter 'Masquerade (song)' © of Andrew Lloyd Webber from the 2004 version film Phantom of the Opera.
(AN) smcandy: The masquerade ball down Esther is wear within this part can be shown in full view from my deviantart Trinity Blood gallery. dragonwriter24cmfbased the gown from my digital doll art located at this link to view.
[*] - http:/ smcandy [dot] deviantart [dot] com / art / Queen - Esther - Doll - Ball -Gown - 138271111
TAKE OUT THE BRAKETS AND SPACES AND YOU'LL SEE HOW THE LINK WORKS ORGINALLY. IF NOT THEN MESSAGE ME AND I WILL SEND YOU THE LINK BY VIA EMAIL OR MESSAGE.
Also again be aware all TBWC readers and fans out there before asking "Huh where the rest?" that chapter 10 chapter is four hundred words long so it will be split into to two parts this is part one to make the parts nice and even. Also to avoid of not having your eyes and tongues popping and rolling out their socket and mouths.
Let me know what you think so far. Part 2 will be posted either later on today or sometime when I can I wanna see how you like what has been given to you thus far before I post the past of it.