A gust of wind slowly drifts inside the open window, flowing through the room as a tall woman in her late forties stands in the corner of the room near a table with a music box on top, singing out a classical piece of music.
She claps along with the rhythm in response to the two people dancing in the room.
"One, two, three… One, two, three…" She hums happily along the rhythm, closing her eyes before clapping for the final time. "Close your eyes and feel the rhythm flowing through you. Feel that each step you take follows the single note of the music, each breath you take resonates with a single beat. As you open your eyes to see your partner in front of you, feel their current emotion, know which step they will take."
Seraphina's white hair flickers beautifully through the air as she gently holds Summer's hand. She twirls the chestnut-haired girl beautifully and elegantly before stopping, ending the rhythmic dance alongside the classical music before they both bow to each other.
The woman who was in the corner walks up to them with a smile before clapping her hands one more time.
"That was excellent! Both Lady Seraphina and Princess Summer have quite a good understanding of dance rhythms. Perhaps we'll manage to cover more advanced techniques!"
As the dance instructor continued to talk to the two girls, a white-haired boy sat on the wide couch nearby, gazing at them with a smile intact. The more he saw Seraphina smile, the more he felt happy before he closed his eyes, leaning back as he rested his head on the couch.
"The ball is taking place ten days from now. Preparations are near completion thanks to the help of all the Ducal Families involved. So everything is going well, but…"
He slowly opens his eyes, staring at the ceiling in front of him before smiling bitterly to himself.
"I haven't been able to see August… He's busy with taking care of the empress while fulfilling his responsibilities as the Imperial prince. I don't want to bother him, but, for some reason… I feel lonely…"
The white-haired boy let out a bitter sigh as his smile slowly faded, whispering to himself the following words... "... Do I miss him...?"
I guess I do...
I got so used to his presence that it feels weird not being by his side.
But… I can't be greedy. He has other important matters to attend to. I can't waste his precious time just because I miss him.
I looked back towards Sera and Summer.
Though prematurely, they began their dance lessons for the ball. Normally they should've begun later in the year as per the original schedule of the imperial ball. But since the schedule was brought forward, they're focusing most of their time on at least learning the basics of ballroom dancing.
But they're learning at quite a rapid speed despite the setbacks. Just like the dance instructor said, at this rate, they could very well learn at a more advanced level.
Just like how there is no gender inequality in this world, the concept of dancing etiquette is unique. There are no "male" or "female" roles. Instead, the roles in which people dance are determined by social ranks.
The person leading the dance, or the male role, is usually by someone of higher rank while the following role is by someone of lesser rank. Though gender isn't a strict concept, the reality is befallen by social hierarchy.
Because of this, learning becomes quite hectic. You're not forced to learn both roles, rather than just one.
Fortunately, I have already finished my dancing lessons, so I am almost prepared for the ball. The only thing missing is my dance partner…
Although it is true that I will be Sera's dance partner for the first set, the following sets are meant to be with the partner you brought alongside with you.
Partners can be decided far ahead of time, or during the ball if needed.
But...
I don't have many social connections with people my age...
I'm fairly certain that Sera and Summer will be each other's dance partners since they're well familiar with each other's movement, especially since they've been dancing together all this time.
As for August...
Despite being a reserved person, he has surprisingly received an entourage of letters asking to be his partner. When I visited his room, I saw the flustered look on his face as he tried to hide the invitations away from me, saying that he will reject them all and that I shouldn't misunderstand.
Well… If worse comes to be, I'll just do a single dance with somebody random before stepping down from the ball. My reputation might suffer but it's the most probable way to deal with the situation.
"... Hello? Lysander?"
As I heard my name being called, I slowly looked up from the floor before seeing Summer standing right in front of me with a warm smile.
Seeing her smile… I can clearly see the sibling resemblance.
Her wavy, chestnut hair shimmers down as she leans in forward to meet my eye. After a few seconds of staring, she let out a chuckle before straightening her posture. "My eyes didn't deceive me after all. You're so beautiful."
"Of course he is! Brother is the most beautiful person in the world!"
Slowly following behind her was Sera. I tilted my head with confusion, trying to understand their compliments before subtly smiling. "Thank you… But I doubt I'm worthy of such compliments."
She lets out a chuckle once again before displaying the same warm smile. "I truly admire your beauty. People will surely line up to take your hand to the ball."
Sera pouts at that remark before crossing her arm with a small hump. "They'll have to go through me first!"
A laughter escaped from Summer as she heard those words. "Surely you jest, Lady Seraphina."
"... Who knows. Your brother is a prime example."
Summer bitterly nods with agreement. "I guess that's true. He already has a line of people from different families asking to be his partner. But as you know..." She glances at me before looking back at Sera with a playful smile. "... He already has chosen his partner."
She claps her hand together, looking pitifully at Sera. "Still! You should let him do as he pleases. For my sake, Lady Seraphina."
Sera sighs at those words. "I already decided to let him do as he wishes... Initially, I believed that his feelings were potent, yet..." She stops momentarily before looking down at the floor solemnly. "... I believe that those feelings will help protect, rather than do harm. Either way, I have no right to change his feelings."
Summer happily holds both of Sera's hands as she smiles warmly once again. "Thank you! I know August can be too much at times, but his feelings are truly genuine!"
Seeing such a precious smile from Summer, Sera couldn't help but let out a defeated sigh. "... I hope your words are true..."
I continued to sit there in silence without knowing what was going on. But one thing I did understand was that August has already decided on his partner.
Repeating those words, I felt a sudden sting in my heart. I slowly grabbed the cloth around it, squeezing it deep into my hand before looking bitterly at the floor.
Why… Why am I feeling like this? I don't like this feeling at all… It feels like there's a knot stuck in my chest that I can't unwrap...
Hearing that August has already chosen a partner... it makes me feel so nauseous...
But why?
"... Is something wrong...?"
I raised my head, both of them looking at me with worry.
As I continued to gaze at their worried expression, I instinctively looked away from them with embarrassment. "... I don't know... but hearing you both talk about August already having a dance partner… is making me feel... "
I didn't know what to say next. I'm not well aware of the current feeling, or emotion, that is coursing through my heart.
But… I know it's bad…
Sere's whole body tenses as she hears those words while Summer covers her mouth with excitement. After a few moments, she smiles warmly once again while slowly leaning forward. "I see..."
She sits on the open seat next to me, humming for a bit before looking back. "Lysander... What feelings do you hold for August?"
"Feelings...?"
She shifts her sight up into the ceiling, staring at the golden chandelier in the middle of the room before closing her eyes. "Yes. What are your current thoughts about August?"
That question... Seems more complicated than it's supposed to be...
"... He's a dear friend, that's for sure, but..."
She playfully smiles as she hears that last word. "But...?"
I looked down at the floor once more, thinking deeply to myself as I fiddle my hand together. "I'm not sure… Whenever I'm around him… There's a warm feeling deep in my heart…" I slowly looked up at the ceiling before stretching my hand to the golden chandelier. "That feeling... I wish to know what it is..."
Strangely enough, I couldn't help but smile as I said that out loud.
Summer eyes sparkled at my response while Sera crossed her arms with a defeated sigh.
She quickly leans closer to me, eagerly trying to respond to my question. "... What if that feeling is–"
Just before she was about to finish her words, a knock echoed through the door before it slowly opened. As I looked towards the door, my eyes slowly widened as I saw the familiar midnight hair person that entered the room.
Summer smiles brightly before running up to him for a hug. "August! What brings you here?"
Surprised for a moment, August gently strokes Summer's hair with a warm smile. "I'm currently free at the moment, so I decided to see your dance progress for the ball." His gaze slowly shifted towards me. Once he saw me, he stood there motionless, yet gazing at me with his familiar warm smile. "Lys… I'm glad that I can see you too."
Hearing his voice… I couldn't help but smile warmly in response. "August… I'm also glad to see you. I also came here to see their progress. Thankfully, it seems that they are progressing well."
"Is that so?" He then looks back at Summer, patting her head. "I'm glad to hear that."
Summer's smile brightened as she heard that complement, slightly twirling around with excitement.
A clap echoed through the room.
As I looked to see the direction it came from, the dance instructor stood nearby with her hands clasped together. She smiles as she catches our attention before looking at August. "Greetings, your highness. Forgive me for interrupting, but it is time for Princess Summer and Lady Seraphina to continue their dance practices."
"Ah, no worries. I can just stand by and see them practice."
Seraphina and Summer quickly rushed towards the middle of the room before taking their dance positions. Once the classical music began, their graceful dance commenced once again.
August sat on the empty seat next to me, smiling warmly as he watched the two of them dancing.
Even though we were sitting next to each other, we didn't speak. In the utter silence of the room with only the music filling the space, did August awkwardly scratch his head before initiating the conversation. "... Lys?"
Hearing his voice, I instinctively looked at him. "... Yes?"
Still scratching his head awkwardly, his mouth quivered as he tried to speak. He slowly breathes in, calming himself down before looking at me seriously, yet his eyes carry a hint of anxiety. "About the dance partner... Have you decided...?"
"Ah..." I looked away embarrassedly, not responding immediately. "... No... Not yet." I slowly looked up before gazing back at Sera and Summer dancing happily in the open space.
If I were to dance with August… Would we both smile happily just as them…?
But even then… August already has a dance partner. I slowly looked back at him, smiling bitterly. "I might just pair with someone during the ball–"
"Huh? Why?!" The sound of his anxious voice made me flinch. He quickly leaned forward, placing his hand on my sides, all while intently looking at me for an answer. The sudden lack of distance made me lean back with surprise.
But even then, his anxious eyes continued to lock with mine as he waited impatiently for an answer.
I tried to respond back, but I could only focus on his face for some reason. "I-I have no acquaintances to go with–"
"But what about me?" He leans even closer to me. From this distance, I could feel my heart beating even faster… "Am I not worthy to be your dance partner…?"
I immediately shook my head. "I-It's not that, I just…" I looked away from him, feeling embarrassed about the reason.
August slowly held both my hands before bringing me closer to his face. From this distance, I could finally deep into his sapphire eyes… I don't know why but I could feel my face turning red…
I slowly looked down at his mouth, slowly opening as his whispering words reached my ear. His voice filled with slight desperation, alongside uncertainty and anxiety. "... Do you not want to go with me...?"
I quickly shook my head in denial. "That's not it! I… I thought you had already chosen your dance partner... I thought it was too late to ask you to be my partner..."
August froze, his eyes turning timid. He gently let go of his hand before looking away, covering his mouth as a deep-red hue began to fill his face. After a silent moment of the music filling the space between us, he slowly faced me again, but still covering his mouth as his reddened face continued. "I-I see... Sorry, I overreacted..."
The same anxiety and desperation that filled his eyes slowly changed into pure warmth as he gently reached his hand to me. "... I was considering asking you to be my dance partner…"
Once he placed his hand on my cheek, I could feel the comforting warmth of his skin cursing through my face. "Of course… you don't have to accept… but I just feel more comfortable with you..."
Letting those words sink into my mind, I slowly placed my hand on top of his, slowly smiling warmly before nodding with acceptance. "Yes… I would like to, August…"
His face brightened once again as he heard those words. "Thank you, Lys..."
He interlocked our fingers together, letting the warmth of our skin become one before he slowly smiled with joy. He stood up from the seat, leading me out of the door as he continued his endearing smile. "Will you practice with me, Lys…?
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ .
We continued to walk towards the hallway corridor, our hands locked with one another. Even though it seemed like we walked for an eternity, it just felt like a few fleeting moments.
Slowly tightening our hands closer to each other, August slowly turned to me, still smiling endearingly. "We're here."
He opened the grand doors, exposing the interior of the grand room.
As we took our steps inside, I couldn't help but look at the beautiful spectacle.
The ballroom felt so immense... The subtle silence echoed everywhere. The majestic golden chandelier in the ceiling continued to disperse the warm light of the sun, making small rainbows that amplified the beautiful space.
I gaze at the walls, filled with countless opulent decorations gilded in gold and other expensive materials. The subtle aroma of the vanilla candle in the walls made the atmosphere even more peaceful and tranquil…
Walking down the floor polished enough to see your reflection, I slowly hummed in the space, closing my eyes as I continued to trance myself in the grand stature of what this place will become once the ball finally commences.
Even during my deep trance, I felt the slight hold of August's warm hand. "It's beautiful, right?"
I nodded. "Yes… It's so beautiful..."
Still holding my hand, he slowly brought me closer to him, slightly chuckling. "Right? Maybe if given more time, it would've looked grander."
True... The Izora Empire always holds an Imperial Ball every four years, and only those of aged eight or above can hope to attend, with the requirement of invitation and dance etiquette.
The soft whisper of our voices continued to echo throughout the grand ballroom.
The room continues to shimmer under the golden light of the chandelier above us, making this moment so special. August slowly let go of his hand, slowly walking around me before extending his hand in invitation. As I slowly gaze at his calm, yet inviting, the warm sound of his voice echoed once more. "... Shall we dance?"
I gazed at his open hands, hesitating for a bit before smiling back and slowly placing my hand on top of his. Once he received confirmation, did he slowly bring my hand closer to his mouth before placing a small kiss on top of it.
Feeling this intimate touch did I flinch, causing him to also flinch before shaking his hand with a reddened expression. "Sorry! It's just the etiquette I was taught to do…"
"I-I know… It was just unexpected." Slowly calming myself down, did I finally respond to his request with a warm smile. "Do you mind if I lead the dance…?"
Slowly bringing me close to his body as we positioned ourselves to our dance, did I hear a small chuckle emerge from his mouth. "Maybe..." He slowly tightens his grasp around my waist. "Let's have a small competition." As he slowly brought his face closer to mine, I saw the playful smirk emerge from his face. "Try and take away the lead if you can."
The music began, and so did our dance. One small step to the side, gazing into each other's eyes, holding into each other's body as if we are one. I don't know why… but I like the warmth of his body… I like how it makes me feel calm… Is that weird…?
As our dance continued, I matched his delicate movements. Each and every step is deliberate, trying my best to take away the lead while not messing up the beautiful movements of the dance. The more I tried, the easier he went on to block my attempts.
As the music slowly subsided, he brought his face closer to me, smiling playfully once again. "Impressive… but I won't give in." Saying those words, he gently twirled me into the next sequence of the dance, slightly whispering into my ear. The more I continued to hear him, the more I found the tone of his soft voice resonated amidst the music.
I locked into his sapphire eyes, gently tightening my hold around his shoulder before closing my eyes before determined to take his spot. "Let's see..."
Letting the music shape my steps as I attempted to follow his lead, I carefully shifted the weight of my body to try and throw him off. But he anticipates my every move with grace. His hand remains at my back, his steps flowing like a calm river, carrying me along as he continues to lead me into the beautiful dance.
The more we danced alongside the music, the more I felt like I saw a new side of August… and a new side of myself…
As the notes rise, the world outside the ballroom slowly fades, leaving just the two of us suspended in this space. I draw a breath as the music's pace quickens, feeling so safe as he continues to lead me in the dance.
Once again, I attempted to guide us through the rhythm, but he resists subtly, his movements fluid and calculated. He pivots me into a sweeping turn, letting the breeze of the room caress me around.
August's hand remains firm yet gentle at my waist, providing a steady anchor as I continue to try to take away the lead.
Noticing my attempt once again, he then spins me out before bringing me again. When I return to his embrace, the warmth of his touch grounds me... The more I feel this warmth, the more I slowly give up on taking the lead…
I can trust August… I can trust him to guide me through this dance… I can trust him to take me into a beautiful world of music…
The chandelier's golden light continues to scatter across us, bathing our steps in a soft glow. I find myself drawn deeper into the depth of the moment. The smell of the vanilla candle once again enters my senses.
Slowly… did I open my eyes to see such an endearing expression from August as he continued to lead me into the dance. His keen sapphire eyes… his midnight hair…
As I slowly brought myself closer to him, I saw a trickle of warmth spread across his eyes as he smiled warmly at me, still trying his best to guide me into this dance while holding my hand and waist as carefully as possible.
The final crescendo of the music approaches, and he twirls me once again.
As the music fades, we come to a soft stop at the center of the ballroom, the last note echoing through the air. August gently releases his hold of my hand and waist, slowly walking in front of me.
As we finally caught our breath, we both bowed down slightly as the final note continued to echo through the room before finally going silent.
His warm voice emerged after we both stood straight up. "You did wonderful, Lys."
I let out a bright smile, still feeling the lingering flutter in my chest from the dance. "You too, August…"
He lets out a small chuckle. "I guess you gave up on taking the lead?"
I let out a chuckle before warmly smiling back. "Yeah… I felt like I could trust you in guiding my body through the dance."
Hearing those words, August's face slowly turned red before smiling back. "I see… I'm grateful that you placed your trust in me… did you enjoy the dance?"
I gently nodded. "You're an amazing dancer, August. The way you continued to lead me without making me feel uncomfortable was truly–"
But before I could finish my sentence, a sudden emergence of claps was heard.
Both of our gaze soon shifted to where the noise was coming from. Near one of the stands stood the Empress.
Her complexion is much better than before. She seems to have regained most of the lost weight in such a short spam, that I am tempted to say it's unhealthy on its own...
"Mother! You should still be in bed, why are you walking around?"
The empress let out a chuckle before slowly walking up to us. As she stood in front of us, she slowly let out a smile. "If I remained in bed, I wouldn't have seen such an amazing spectacle. Both of you dance beautifully."
Her gaze lingered on me. "Especially you. You continued to take away the lead in the first half." She then smiles brightly. "But you decided to let him lead in the end. What a shame! You need to keep August in check." She then looks at August playfully. "At least take advantage of his feelings–"
"Mother!"
"I'm joking, Ha Ha." She then looks back at me, smiling gently. "But in any case, you dance so beautifully."
I slightly bowed my head. "Thank you... Your majesty."
She let out a small chuckle. "No need to be so formal~" Her gaze shifted back to August. "I can see who you decided to dance with, so I'll be rejecting the rest of the invitations then."
"Yes... Thank you."
August and the empress continued to chat with a smile across both their faces. Amidst this warm atmosphere of a mother and son, I couldn't help but feel a longing to be with mother right now…
As the people remained in the ballroom, the echo of someone running spread across the hallway corridor before reaching the ballroom entrance. The doors were then flung open, exposing the young Seraphina as he panted for a moment before gazing at the white-haired boy. "Lys!"
Hearing the voice of Sera, I quickly looked at her before worriedly walking towards her. "Sera, what's wrong?"
She took some moments to catch her breath before looking back up at me. "Lys! Something happened!"
"W-What happened?"
She clenched her hands together, nervous to say the news to me before resolving herself to speak. "Everett! He's missing!"