Lumiere's Bane (Original) [Complete]

•Chapter V•

V. Duke and Duchess

Alas, it is finally the ball. I do not like socializing that much. My father never held any balls or celebrations, no matter how big the event is. Since the day my mother died, my father stopped throwing them for it reminds him of her.

In a long red dress, I stand behind the grand hall's huge doors, I can hear the orchestra's music as the nobles speak. Stella would have comforted me right now because I have the fear of crowds. I feel like they are judging me thanks to Caesar's critisism.

Mother once told me... "Though all you see is the crowd staring into your eyes, focus on the head of your very love." I normally would focus to Alexander's, but he is not here. My new plan is: Stare at Bane's beautiful countenance. I bet Caesar will be drinking wine to hydrate himself.

As the fanfare plays, I hear the butler announcing my current position and name.

The doors open as I see the crowd. I move my eyes left and right to find the right man. I hear the high class shoes tap against the tiles. He came forward, away from the crowd of nobles. He tilts his head to my right. I took a step down as he went up to get me. He offered his hand.

"I love you." I whispered.

His dimples released from the smile.

"I love you too." He whispered back.

I put my hand on top of his. I smile as he leads me down the stairs.

The orchestra startes playing the waltz between Lumiere and Vronti as a sign for peace back two hundred years ago.

I can hear the violin and viola's tremolo... It helps me get with the mood. Everybody formed a long and wide circle around as we danced.

Throughout the dance, I can feel his soft hands touching my waist with elegance. Leading me around the ballroom as we sway. I can see my father's joyful expression as he watch. I can also see Caesar casually drinking his wine with a furious face full of jealousy.

This dance is almost six minutes. Kind of tiring. But if I can see Bane's face, I'll be entertained no matter how long a thing is.

The time passes and the dance ended. We had fun. I wish Alexander was there but he wasn't. Sad.

I was drinking orange juice because I love it. I was standing as I talk to Bane. Sipping the fresh orange juice, it was... Juicy? I guess that's how you describe it?

Bane noticed someone is walking towards me.

"Hey. Arabella, look."

I turned my head around and I saw my cousin and his wife. Solomon and Camilla.

"Solomon!" I said with a smile. He opened his arms and I went in for a hug.

"How are my little cousins?" He questioned as we depart from the embrace.

"Alexander is uhm... In his room. Not allowed to go outside. But I am sure he is fine."

"Why, what happened?" He is always concerned with everything, especially to his family.

"Long story short, my father found out that he was in a relationship with one of the servants."