Chapter Twenty-Six: The Art of the Dance

Iolene sat excitedly as she watched everyone below her. As the throne platform is high above everyone in the room. King Gauthier ends his speech with a toast of prosperity to his country.

Mali begins to perform as a jester. Beginning by juggling and doing funny tricks like balancing on a stack of twenty chairs. People and dragons cheered excitedly as Mali balanced himself with ease.

King Gauthier with a large grin holds his hand out to Iolene. The girl glanced at the queen for a moment. Avery looked melancholy but gave a light nod. Iolene takes the king's hand as he leads her to the middle of the dance floor.

Her feet aching from all the practice, now wearing bandages from the blisters she popped. Her feet look healed enough as she used her own healing magic. She just hopes no one has to look at them tonight…

This is it! I must impress everyone! She can hear the tapping of the composer's baton. The music begins to play as she and the King dance the waltz. Her heart fluttered as she is now living a dream. I am at a ball! I am dancing! Wearing makeup and a beautiful dress! Holding her tears. Iolene dreamt of a moment like this her entire life. She let her natural instincts take over, never fretting over her steps. But there was a drop in her heart as she looked at the king. It was not the king she is imagining… Aaron… It is you who I want to dance with…

Everyone is watching me! As she twirled she caught a glimpse of Erena Morningstar. Wearing a dark gothic dress, Iolene swore she saw a smile on Erena's face. But now the internal butterflies felt stronger and feeling nervous as she started to tremble a little. It wasn't just Stein and the Queen watching her… Erena is important because she can help to assist her future war effort.

The music cue ends with Iolene curtseying to the king as he bows in return. Finished with the crowd clapping excitedly. I did it! Iolene sighs with relief.

"Very graceful!" The king compliments. "Well done!" He then leaves to sit on his throne.

"Thank you, my king!" She says softly in return. As many men and women begin to circle around her all asking for a dance. Iolene feeling overwhelmed with such attention, she truly felt like a princess at the ball.

Stein finally spots Prince Elias Fuegonacido, and his cousin Duke Azar. Haven't seen Prince Elias since he was a young child. To the old priests' disappointment, Elias did not seem enamoured, with Iolene like everyone else is. After such a beautiful dance… Stein hoped for Iolene to wed this prince, the best match for a Red alliance. Murray agreed as they discussed it previously.

Iolene takes Lei's hand as they begin to dance and everyone follows. Lexi watches on as her dress is far too restrictive to dance. She chose it deliberately so she can avoid the activity.

"Wow… Look at you! Absolutely stunning. I thought priests wore their fancy uniforms." As a person moves behind Lexi.

Lexi's smile widens as she knew who the woman was. Breaking her tough façade sheds a small tear.

"Nuria Fiametta…" Lexi turns around and hugs her by kissing her on the cheek. Looking at her deep red and maroon sari, while wearing thick gold necklaces and bangles. Lexi shrugged off her regret of not wearing her Sari. Her mother gifted Lexi a Sari on her tenth birthday, it is still at home with her. Lexi choked up tears as she missed her mother greatly. As she communicates to her by letters. Lei's personal crowdrag to help send them faster.

"It has been so long my old friend!" Lexi says so cheerily. "How has life been for you?" Lexi hasn't seen Nuria since Lexi's quick visit when she was passing the country's border.

"Difficult, Fiamme has a long way to go in repairs. While also dealing with rebellions of green citizens, as they attack our soldiers still, We still have deceased soldiers being found on the border. My city has the task of burning the bodies and sending their belongings to their family. I saw the invitation to the gala and accepted. It is nice being away from there… Mille-Voix loves to pretend everything is perfect. But at least it is their problems are not mine… I do have happy news though. I have chosen my betrothal!"

Lexi congratulates her by looking at her left hand. A simple silver band on her ring finger.

"Brenton, We sent letters to each other, for the past five years. He is a good man and we fell in love. Mother did not approve of the match but I did not care. He is still as sweet and playful as you last saw him, Lexi."

Lexi's heart sank. She fancied him… The first time they met in the soldier barracks. One day she thought could even have loved him. I made my choice… I chose power and to become a priest instead. It has been so long since I have seen either of them. We were at war then… Lexi put on a smile for her friend, and she said congratulations again.

Iolene and Lei stop dancing and approach Lexi. As she introduces the two to Nuria Fiammetta. Their conversations are short-lived as the three are interrupted. Prince Elias and Duke Araz enter from the crowd to the dancefloor. As Stein finally manages to sneak behind Iolene. She jumps as she murmured hello to her. "Stein!" Iolene says with surprise then filled with relief. Placing her hand on her chest to be ladylike. She wondered where the old man was, with the armour he is unrecognizable.

Stein leans in close to Iolenes's ear. "That man over there is Prince Elias. The second child of Empress Vatra, he is twenty-three. He loves painting, dragon riding, and reading. I have heard nothing controversial of him, as you can see he is handsome, presentable, and clearly charming." Iolene looks forward as Elias smiles and compliments everyone around him. His laugh is unique and infectious.

Iolene felt fluttered and smiled as she watched him. A prince… A handsome prince… As Iolene thought of him Aaron's face flashed in her mind. He is back at Mercer Mansion… But I need to marry… He didn't kiss me in the meadow. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in. Walking forward she braced herself to meet a prince she did not know. She felt so nervous as many women and men are in her way.

Lei, Murray, and Marina, being royal themselves easily made a path for Iolene to meet him. Stein watched excitedly as he hoped Iolene will give a great first impression.

"The Kings beauty approaches!" The Duke says as Iolene approached. "Make way!" Azar shouts. "Hello, my dear!" Azar says kissing her hand. Prince Elias smiles and nods as Iolene curtsies, nothing more followed. Iolene felt surprised as Elias didn't admire her as others did. Her nervousness hit her even worse as the butterflies hit her harder. Trembling again as she glanced at the Prince. The duke broke her concentration as he clears his throat.

"Beautiful maiden would you like to dance with me?" The Duke asks. Iolene in politeness accepts as it is extremely rude to say no. They both dance the tango as Iolene tried her hardest to keep up with him. Her dress is not suited for the tango as the fabric has many thick layers, which made her dress heavy for such a fast dance. Iolene breathed heavily by the dance end, taking out her handkerchief from her sleeve, to gently tap the sweat off her face. Trying not to wipe off the make-up Eidith loved to apply.

The Duke laughs at her playfully. "You did well! Tango is a hard dance and you did it in a thick dress like that."

Iolene took her fan out of her other sleeve to help regulate her breathing. Her feet ache again as she can feel her old blisters rub on her bandages. The red prince claps at Iolene saying that he is also impressed. Iolene looks and sees Lei finishing dancing with him. Prince Elias and Lei have a look that Iolene notices with Aaron looking at her… It clicked in her head… There is a reason why the Prince is not married… In a strange feeling of relief, Iolene felt better. Weight being lifted… But she feared it will not be enough. She will still need to marry… Prince Elias can still marry her… An awkward arrangement to be sure. But then there is the idea of having children. Iolene tries her hardest to not think of it. Placing her hand on her lower belly knowing one day a child will grow there. Her exhaustion ends trying to break her thought of pregnancy.

"You alright beautiful maiden?" The Duke asks. Quickly asking if she would like some wine. Offering it to her as she gently grabs it.

"I am fine, thank you, my lord." She says happily as she takes the wine and sips politely as a lady. Trying her hardest not to gulp all the wine in the glass.

Lei and Prince Elias drink wine as they hold a pleasant chat. Soon after they dance again. With the duke being asked to dance by another woman. He gladly does leave Iolene to rest for a moment. Stein standing behind her.

"You are doing great Iolene." Murray says encouragingly as his sister Marina could not be anymore bored. Marina plainly refused all requests to dance, even telling a few men and women to piss off. Many of the other guests begin to ignore her much to her pleasure.

A young man from the purple Empire. Eric Woodland is well-dressed compared to the others. By wearing an actual suit that is not furs or skins. He is not a good dancer as Iolene watched. Many other nobles laugh and mock his attempt but Iolene publicly claps and cheers him on. Commending his efforts and dances with him afterward. Leaving mixed opinions from other Mille Voix citizens.

Iolene dances with many suitors, but none of them is the red prince. Much to Stein's disappointment, but he was happy to see Iolene enjoy herself. Like Iolene he noticed that Elias has been dancing with only men. Mainly Lei… The two have been getting along well, a little to well. Sighing as his plan is going to fail… The Red Empire is not shy about same-sex lovers. For the royal family, however, continuing the bloodline is of high importance… They prefer not to mention it as Stein noticed. Elias not being shy of always choosing male dance partners. Marriage can work… But it won't be a happy marriage and Iolene will need to have children. A burden she must face eventually. The man needs to be capable and fertile… Stein needed to think of someone else.

Iolene decided to have another break from dancing and eat at the seemingly endless buffet tables. Roast beef, cheese tarts, and a slice of chocolate cake. Iolene thinking to take a slice to Aaron after tonight is over. He would appreciate that I think… He loves cake…

"Lady Iolene!" A high-pitched voice cries out.

Iolene turns around as she is in the middle of chewing. The lady is one of the Queen's handmaidens. Wearing a simple peach-pink ball gown with a hat that covers her face. A protocol Iolene notices with all of them. They all hide their faces obscuring their identities.

"The Queen orders you to play the harp!" She says.

Iolene immediately follows the order as a small area in front of the throne is clear. Iolene's heart beat fast as she wanted to throw up the cake she just ate. Walking behind the handmaiden everyone moves as Iolene can see a golden harp.

Iolene swallows deeply as she takes her seat. Everyone's eyes are on her once again.

"You can do this Iolene!" Lei whispers as Lexi stands next to him.

Iolene takes off her gloves revealing her scratched hands and begins to play.