Aww, it's so sad that this is over. I hope you all enjoyed this fic a lot, I know I had a blast writing it. I already mentioned this, but if anyone has any requests send me a message. And stayed tuned because I'll hopefully have another fic up and running soon!
Viewing the ball from the top of the stairs created a completely different image than before, when Will had been suffocated by it. From far away it now looked much like a painting, the artist in the midst of blending the shades together to create a picture. Will wondered what it might look like once the dancers stopped.
"It's very different to see a ball from above," said Hannibal.
"To feel like a god?" asked Will.
"It inspires one to join humanity, if only briefly, to taste of their splendor," said Hannibal. He smiled up at Will, who was standing to the left of the throne. "Would you join me for a dance?"
"Perhaps later," Will said, but returned his smile.
"If you are not ready for dancing, at least let us grace the floor with our presence," said Hannibal. Will caved in with a sigh. Hannibal stood with a flourish, and elegantly made his way down the stairs. Will followed behind him, keeping a bored expression. His combed-back hair stayed in place for once.
When they reached the floor, they were rushed by nobles, which is to be expected of the king. They gushed about the extravagant party to celebrate the completion of the first stage of the beautification initiative, and how it truly was a success, and how excited they were to see it expanded, and they also couldn't believe how stunningly gorgeous the new chandelier was, even better than the last, although what happened to the last one was such a shame.
Will smirked to himself and glanced at the two ropes on opposite sides of the room that held up the current chandelier.
"I must say I was rather surprised to hear you didn't wish to have a masquerade ball," Will said. Hannibal looked at him, his eyes glimmering.
"I felt we had worn masks for long enough," he said. "I wanted to see your face."
The nobles continued to balk at the king. Then he felt a hand firmly squeeze his shoulder. He turned to find Jack with an impatient look in his eyes. Will lightly tapped Hannibal's shoulder before he left. He followed Jack out of the ballroom, down the hallway, and into one of the unoccupied rooms.
"Is everything alright, Jack?" Will asked smoothly, which seemed to irritate Jack more.
"Will, I thought you'd be pleased to know that I've recently met a nice, young Baroness who has a lovely estate in the countryside. Baroness Chiyoh is a bachelorette, and she's far from homely and very rich. She'd be more than happy to invite you to her estate for a visit-"
"What is this really about?" Will asked. His eyes narrowed. "Hannibal?"
Jack froze. He seemed to deliberate for a moment whether or not to continue the charade. Apparently, he decided against it.
"I don't like what's happened to you," Jack said, as if forcefully trying to turn back time. "You've become...darker, colder. Your relationship with Hannibal is unhealthy. And what you said about him, about him being the Ripper...It's gotten worse. The people are happier because they're blinded by these new parks, but the missing person rate has increased."
Jack could see he had caught Will's attention.
"The few prostitutes and drunkards we found the bodies of had their organs missing, just like the Ripper," Jack said. "And there are still the two nobles, Tobias and Franklyn, that are unaccounted for."
"Are you planning to do something about it?" asked Will. Jack took a breath, feeling encouraged by Will's interest.
"I think I've found someone," Jack said. "A noble who lives in the country. He's on the young side, but from what I've seen he'd make a fine ruler and he certainly has the title and heritage to push him towards inheriting the throne. Hannibal doesn't have an heir, he doesn't even have a queen or seem interested in one. If we can just influence Hannibal towards choosing him as an heir, then we can-"
"Jack," Will said, glancing towards the floor. He rested his hand on his sword, and Jack noticed his lips were pursed. Then he looked straight towards Jack. "I'm afraid you've been working yourself too hard."
Jack paused, about to argue. Will raised his hand and tilted his head.
"You need to go back to the party and enjoy yourself," he said. Jack frowned, not satisfied with this answer. Will turned to leave, but Jack took a step forward.
"I've tracked them down," he said. "Beverly, Price and Zeller. I've booked passage for two on a boat to France. Leaves tomorrow afternoon."
Will didn't move for a solid second. His hand remained perched on his sword. Jack tried desperately to decipher Will's thoughts. His heart sunk when Will turned with a raised, amused eyebrow.
"I regret to say you'll have to go alone. I made an oath to protect this city and its ruler," he said, then smiled. It may have been intended to comfort Jack, but it sent a shiver down his spine. "Jack, go back to the party. Relax, enjoy yourself. I am your boss, so that's an order."
He turned to leave, but paused when he reached the door.
"But if you decide to stay," he said, glancing back at Jack. "Hannibal and I would simply love to have you for dinner sometime."
He returned to the party, and scanned the crowded floor for Hannibal. It was easy to spot him by the group of nobles around him. Hannibal's smile widened when he saw Will approaching. Will joined him at his side. He kept an eye open for Jack, but didn't see him for the rest of the party.
After the ball was over and the guests had left, Will and Hannibal remained in the empty ballroom. It's floor was still littered with trampled flowers, bits of confetti, and a few splotches of spilled wine. Both men stood on the edge of the dance floor as if still watching a dance. It was the only spot cleaned by the sweep of the gowns. Will noted that the ballroom floored had been refurbished so well that he couldn't see the indents where the chandelier had crashed.
"What did Jack want?" Hannibal asked. Will raised his eyebrow and leaned towards Hannibal.
"It seems he's been obsessing over staging your overthrow," he said, taking a sip of wine. Hannibal's smile turned into a feigned disappointed pout.
"We can't allow that to come to fruition," he said.
"He's also become convinced that the Ripper is still at large and may even be ruling the country," Will added. He expected Hannibal to frown or at least look startled. Instead he smiled with the twinkle of an idea behind his eyes.
"A shame for Jack, if he had simply listened to you a little sooner he may have found more sympathetic ears. It is true that the Ripper was never caught and it still causes anxiety upon the lower classes," he said. "I'm sure their fears will finally be assuaged once he is apprehended. Yet they may be equally shocked to learn that the Commander of the Royal Guard had been the Ripper."
Hannibal joined Will in his wine tasting. Will laughed as he realized what Hannibal was implying.
"Even Jack will be surprised," he joked. Hannibal sipped his wine proudly.
"Quite a delectable dish tonight," he commented.
"Yes," Will said. "She was tasty. And very fit. Must've been all that exercise."
Hannibal chuckled at the thought. Then he moved closer to Will, till they were only a few inches away. Will flicked his eyes at him.
"Is there something you want?" he asked bluntly. Hannibal looked down in exaggerated sadness.
"I only thought that it was rather unfair to you that you stayed beside me all night without partaking in the festivities," Hannibal pointed out. A smile teased at Will's lips. His eyelids lowered.
"What festivities are you referring to?" he asked.
"Well, would you care to join me for that dance now?" Hannibal asked. Will took his time deciding, waiting till Hannibal was nearly drooling. Then he carefully placed down his wine glass. Hannibal smiled, took a deep bow, and offered his hand. Will returned the smile, and took Hannibal's hand.