It was too loud. All of it. The voices. The laughter. The light airy notes of stringed instruments. The clinking of glasses. The popping corks of champagne. It echoed. Bounced off all the walls of the hall. Every sound was not only bombarding his eardrums, but all his senses. It was causing compounding stress and irritation. As if he were a child again, experiencing Reginald's endless pestering. Already he wanted to turn back, but they hadn't even entered the grand ballroom.
Rolling his shoulders, he kept pace as he walked behind his parents, Thad and his wife, and Reginald at his side. He could see their smiling over their shoulders. There was no need to look at Reginald. He already knew he had his charming smile on. The fact just worked his nerve further. He didn't want to smile. He wasn't going to smile. He wasn't going to enjoy himself.
Butlers brightly welcomed them. Their low bows ushered them in. Already they were being guided to their designated table. He hoped to remain unnoticed as they delved deeper into the room. The idea of talking to any being filled him with disdain. His sudden responsibility to those around him made him feel disconnected. Alienated. To have to pretend like he felt honored and privileged didn't sit well with him. He hated having to lie through his teeth. It made him feel disgusting and lowly.
He became aware that his jaw was hurting. The muscles had clamped it tight. As he attempted to loosen the joint, a sudden realization hit him. He became acutely aware of all the females he passed by. Human, dwarf, elf, satyr, and Nissé alike. His brain was swirling in flustered frustration. He'd never cared before, but now he couldn't ignore it. Thoughts were flying as he looked over elegant dresses, pretty smiles, and glittering jewelry.
He could court any female he wanted. Visions didn't need to limit him. There were so many options to choose from. Endless opportunities in his grasp. He could easily have any female at his fingertips. It'd barely take any effort. He was as desirable of a bachelor as Reginald was. Even more so now that his appearance in a vision was well known.
The tightness in his jaw was being stubborn.
Reginald's suave conniving chuckle tickled his ear. He quickly broke off from their group. Just a glimpse of him disappearing into the crowd. He didn't need to guess the reason for his diversion. A female had caught his eye. Now with no one to socialize with or hide behind, the sense of being alone in a crowded room made his heart sink in despair. He didn't want to weather this alone.
Finding himself increasingly irritated, he made a diversion as well. It wasn't the best solution for a distraction, but alcohol all he could think of. As he made his way through to a bar, he was given nods of esteemed acknowledgement. He tried his best to keep it that way. Best to avoid any conversation at all costs. Thankfully, the bartender was a quiet type of fellow. He only offered a smile as he held out his glass of ice and strong whiskey. He took it with a quick, grateful smile.
Drink in hand he decided to locate his original destination. The royal table was crowded. The only seats open were his and what he supposed was Reginald's. Even being as subtle as possible didn't hide his appearance. He was instantly acknowledged by everyone at the table. It twisted his gut. He forced a smile. Muttered a ‘Thank you’.
One of his Father's advisers engaged with him. With as much effort as it took to not come across as rude, he begrudgingly made small talk. The adviser seemed to give him an air of respect he hadn't had before. As if his his responses and opinions were truly valid. It irked him.
Why hadn't he worthy of respect before? He'd always put his best efforts into everything his role required. Went above and beyond. A vision shouldn't suddenly make him more worthy.
At last the adviser lost interest. It didn't relieve the heaviness that settled on his shoulders. Tuning out the world, he swirled the the last of the strong spirits in his glass. He put it to his lips to add it to the rest that lined his stomach.
Pastel pink rippled through his glass. He nearly choked. The glass was quickly set down.
Reginald had L'Lea dancing across the ballroom floor. The orchestra's number seemed to make them glide. She was in a shoulderless and backless evening dress. It was a deep rose red, the bodice and arms were velvet, the rest a shining silk. The fabric rippled around her hips and legs. It hinted at a beautiful curved figure. Bouncing curled hair was pristinely pulled over one shoulder. He was entranced.
But why?
His brain fumbled. She hadn't caught his attention like that before. He couldn't remember what she wore to the welcome banquet. Couldn't remember taking note of her figure. Had it been as flattering as it was now? How could he not recall the facial expressions she gave him? All he could recollect was the lightening in her eyes and that she curiously wasn't adorned with any jewelry.
His eyes locked on. Focused through the moving bodies. Reginald had his charming flirtatious grin on her. Face animated as he talked. He was holding her far too flush again him. His hand was low on the exposed skin on the small of her back. She was sweetly smiling at him as he was telling her something.
Possessive jealousy hit him hard in the chest. Which made confused, then frustrated, then angry at himself.
Why did he care? Why should he care? She was nothing to him now but a fate he didn't want to acknowledge. He didn't want anything to do with her. She was an acquaintance and nothing else. A female, the same as any other.
But still the feeling burned like the alcohol in his gut. Crawled through his veins. Flashed images of them engaging in relations. Scenes of their further flirtations and heavy affections tormented his imagination. It flared when Reginald leaned his head in to speak into her ear. She visibly giggled and bit her lip.
That did it. Seeing that by passed his logic. How dare Reginald make insincere flirtations with her. Play her like a fool. Like he did with every female. It was disrespectful, especially since he knew of the visions. Their visions. Reginald knew what she was to become. He knew she was his. He knew she belonged to him.
In that moment his brain agreed with the feeling in his chest.
L'lea was his wife. His lover. His.
He abruptly stood. Didn't bother to excuse himself. Without a word, he forced his empty glass into the open hands of a butler. With purposeful strides, he made his way onto the floor. He weaved in and out of the other dancers. Kept honed in on them. Predicting their movements, he stationed himself in their path. He made himself a solid wall. Reginald nearly backed into him. He grit his teeth as their dance eased to a stop. When Reginald glanced over his shoulder, his eyebrow lifted. The corner of his smile that he could see tipped up. He was smirking. Out of the edge of his vision, he was aware L'Lea looking at him.
“Hello John, long time no see. Do you need something?” Reginald said, a smooth teasing in his voice.
He tried not to narrow his eyes. He had little tolerance for his purposefully antagonizing demeanor disguised as playfulness.
His voice dripped in charm as he looked back at her, “Because if not, you're interrupting this wonderful dance I'm having with such a beautiful elf.”
Reginald winked then brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. He could just see her sweetly smiling at him.
With a breath, he finally looked directly at her. When her glowing irises focused on him, he noticed her pupils expanded. A subtle pink traveled rapidly across her cheeks and to the tips of her ears. Her smile faded to a soft shyness.
His heart kicked started. It registered that she was beautiful. How had he missed that before?
Before he could stop himself, he held out his hand. She was hesitant. Her eyes flicked between both of them. Reginald chuckled.
“It seems I'll have to share you for now, but rest assured, lovely lady, I'll return.” He promised in his suave tone.
He transferred her hand. The delicacy of it in his was vaguely familiar. Her fingers fit perfectly in his palm. He admired their slender dainty length. Reginald stole his attention once again. He turned on his heel with flare, flashed a smug grin, and winked at him as he waltzed off.
His heart beat picked up pace when he looked back to solely focus on her. Swallowing down his sudden apprehension, he dared engage in formalities. He lifted her hand and brushed a kiss across her knuckles. Lightening ensued. Zig-zagged across her irises. Gaze lost focus. She was seeing right through him. Her facial features twitched slightly. Smile slowly fell. She remained that way for several seconds.
Eyes suddenly snapped back. Her chest fluttering as her head turned from him. From the profile of her face, he could see her smile barely flickering. He was stunned to find she was blinking away what looked like tears in the waterline of her eyes. She looked emotionally distressed.
It rendered a weird sensation along his ribs. He decided it was best to ease it by beginning their dance. With a gentle touch, he slipped a hand along her back. Her skin was warm. His lead hand adjusted her fingers. Their grip tightened. He guided her to the notes and tempo of the orchestra. For once piece, he found it impossible to not observe her.
She still refused look at him. It was just the side of her face. Her smile was turning into a forced one. To see how uncomfortable she was causing him to feel sympathetic and guilty. He didn't like that he was a the cause of it. Willing himself to relax, he exchanged his expression of concentration to a gentle smile. In the lull between songs, he spoke.
“What did you see?” He softly inquired.
She stole a glance at him.
“You truly wish to know?” Her voice was hesitant.
“Yes.”
She fully met his gaze as they resumed their dance to the new melody. The intense look in her eyes had his stuck.