GLADIUS // Eret X Reader

10

You placed your hand in Eret's, letting him lead you towards the center of the floor. People parted as he cut through the crowd until you were in the center of the room, and the rest of the guests were clearing to the sides of the room.

"Do you know how to waltz?" Eret asked.

"Of course." You said.

"Perfect." Eret said. "All you have to is follow along then."

The orchestra started up a song, and Eret pulled you as close as his dress would allow, his other hand finding the small of your back. You instinctively placed your free hand on his shoulder as he began to move, waltzing you around in a circle across the floor. You could feel the eyes of the crowd on you, but you didn't mind too much - you were more focused on keeping up with Eret.

"You're quite the dancer." You noted as he spun you away only to pull you back in.

"Thank you." Eret said, his hand landing softly on your back again. "It's always been one of my favorite pastimes, and it's the best part of balls and parties in my opinion."

"Understandable." You said. "I myself am more of a fan of all the fine foods, but dancing is a close second."

"Ah." Eret said. "Hopefully you find the delicacies tonight up to your standards then."

"I'm sure I will." You smiled. "Everything else here has been wonderful so far, I can't see why that would be any different."

As you spun along, you noticed a familiar flash of white in the corner of your vision. Maven was waiting on the edge of the dance floor, hand in hand with Simon, who looked somewhere between nervous and ecstatic. When the music allowed, they stepped into the circle, spinning alongside you and Eret. Simon's steps were clumsy, but Maven adapted to him, and soon enough, they were smoothly waltzing along to the song.

"Your Simon was looking at me strangely." Eret noted, following your gaze.

Your attention was drawn back to him as he spoke, and you hummed. "Well, it's not common for men to wear dresses back home." You said. "It's a little bit... taboo, actually."

Eret wrinkled his nose at that. "But pants are so suffocating when you're dancing, you can't move your legs nearly as much as you can when you're in a dress."

You couldn't help but chuckle at that. "I suppose it is more practical for dancing, yes."

"And you can do so much more with a dress than you can with a pair of trousers." Eret prattled on. "Not that there isn't a time for pants - they're much better for battle, as you wont trip over yourself, and sometimes you just want a slimmer silhouette, you know?" He trailed off then, a little sheepish suddenly. "You probably don't want to hear about my opinions on skirts versus trousers."

"No, I'm intrigued." You said honestly. "You're the most interesting king I've met."

Eret raised an eyebrow, the hand that was still holding yours shifting so that he could lace your fingers together. "Have you met many other kings?"

"No," You said. "But I was under the impression that they were all crotchety old men."

Eret laughed at that, pulling you tighter to spin you around again. The fabric of his ballgown brushed across your legs as he spun, and you watched the colors swirl. He was a vision in this gown, and even though it was a bit unconventional, you found yourself enjoying it. How many people could say that they danced with a foreign king while he was dressed in one of the finest gowns you had ever seen?

You danced with Eret until the song came to a close, and then he was stepping away to take a bow. You returned the favor as the crowd around you applauded. When you stood back up, the orchestra was starting up again and more people were coming onto the dance floor now that the customary first dance had ended. You couldn't spot Simon anymore, but you were sure Maven would keep an eye on him.

"If you'd like, I can show you where they've set up the food." Eret offered.

"Oh, you don't have to." You said, starting over to the edge of the room so that you weren't blocking the center of the dance floor. Eret followed along beside you. "I'm sure you have other social responsibilities tonight."

"Nonsense." Eret said. "This is a welcoming for you, you are my priority. At least for the extent of tonight, I have a wonderful excuse to get to know you."

Again, you were struck by how oddly nice Eret was. In every other instance you had seen a situation like this, it was all formality - there was no genuine friendship formed within the court because nearly everyone was out for each other's throats. If it was anyone else, the offer would have made you suspicious, but here Eret was, in a rainbow colored ball gown, offering to show you to the food.

"So you're a flatterer, hm?" You teased.

Eret smiled, extending an arm. "Only if it pleases you."

You took his arm and let him guide you through the throne room past the orchestra and to the other side of the room to a spot underneath the balcony where a long table was piled high with all sorts of fancy dishes. You surveyed the food - you recognized some of the options, while others were new to you.

"You're welcome to anything you like." Eret said. "If I may suggest though, there's this delectable chocolate cake that my chefs make - they call it molten lava, since the center is just hot melted chocolate. It's my favorite dish on special occasions - and I'm not proud to admit that I'd eat a whole cake if I could."

"Sounds delectable." You said. "Perhaps you'll share a slice with me?"

Eret smiled, picking up a plate with his free hand and walking you down towards the other end of the table. You couldn't help but grin as well - with Eret as your company, it was shaping up to be a great night.