A dance may be brief, but its impact can last a lifetime
The Unseen Dance
As the final echoes of the coronation ceremony faded, the grand hall burst into a lively cacophony of cheers and applause. The room was alive with exuberance, the air charged with the collective thrill of celebration.
Streamers and confetti rained down from the high ceiling, adding a festive touch to the already vibrant atmosphere.
I relished the moment, basking in the energy and excitement that surrounded me. My gaze swept over the jubilant crowd, noting the mixture of laughter, cheers, and clinking glasses. The room was a riot of color and sound, and I took a deep breath, savoring the heady mix of champagne and festivity.
Amidst the revelry, Rolo was engaged in a subtle but intense negotiation with Livius. From where I stood, I could see the seriousness etched on Rolo's face as he made his points with precision. Livius, ever the shrewd negotiator, seemed to be evaluating Rolo's words carefully. It was clear that Rolo was not just participating but actually gaining ground in the discussion.
Alex, ever the diligent liaison, was working tirelessly to manage the crowd. He deftly navigated through clusters of nosy onlookers and curious guests, ensuring they kept their distance from my immediate circle. His skillful maneuvering kept the flow of the evening smooth and uninterrupted.
Crimson made his way over to me. He carried himself with a nonchalant grace, but his eyes were sharp, scanning the room for details. After we exchanged pleasantries, he raised his glass and took a sip of the fine wine I had offered him.
"So, Shay," Crimson began, his voice low and measured, "I've been meaning to ask about this mysterious mage who is supposed to examine my curse. It's something I've been quite curious about. If it turns out to be Mazen, I must say, I won't comply with his methods."
I raised an eyebrow at Crimson's vehemence. "Mazen is not the one who will be handling your case," I said casually, tilting my head in Rolo's direction.
Crimson followed my gaze and was visibly surprised. Rolo, still in the midst of his negotiation with Livius, looked every bit the part of a competent mage, though he was clearly younger (and scrawnier) than Crimson had anticipated. Crimson's skepticism was apparent, but as he watched Rolo handle the delicate discussion with increasing authority, a flicker of intrigue crossed his face.
"Well," Crimson said, after a thoughtful pause, "perhaps there's more to this young mage than meets the eye. I'll reserve judgment for now."
I nodded, pleased with his open-mindedness. "Rolo also has a business relationship with Talambér, so he's no stranger to complex negotiations and high-stakes situations."
With a casual air, I suggested to Crimson, "Why don't you enjoy the festivities for now? We'll arrange a time for a more detailed discussion later. Let yourself have a good time; the night is young."
Crimson accepted with a nod, his expression softening slightly. "Very well. I'll catch up with you later."
As Crimson melted back into the crowd, I took a moment to reflect on the evening's transition from formal ceremony to raucous celebration. Luna's plans for the after-party had come to life spectacularly.
Outside, the gypsy caravan had taken over Crimson's garden, transforming it into a vibrant festival ground. A massive bonfire blazed, its flames reaching towards the star-filled sky, and the air was filled with the sounds of lively music and joyous laughter. Exotic foods, colorful firecrackers, and fireworks added to the exuberance.
At first, the nobles had been hesitant, their polished manners clashing with the gypsies' wild, spirited revelry. But as the night wore on and the drinks flowed, their inhibitions loosened. Even Titania, who had initially been aloof, found herself swayed by the rich, succulent wine.
Ruben, initially shy, found himself swept up in the excitement as dancing girls in veils playfully dragged him into the crowd. His bashfulness only made him more endearing, and he became an unexpected star of the night. I had no idea a typical nerd could gain such popularity. Today was his lucky day, that's for sure.
Rolo, meanwhile, had attempted to retreat into a large trunk full of books, trying to escape the festivities. However, a jovial gypsy had other plans. The lutist thrust a pint of beer into Rolo's hand and pulled him into the lively throng.
Rolo's initial resistance was futile, and he resigned himself to the experience. His distaste for the beer was clear, but Mose seemed to enjoy himself, but so clumsily that he wasn't paying enough attention and tripped over his own feet. Fortunately, the gypsy had the presence of mind to catch him halfway to the ground.
Only, Moses managed to splash a lady who looked like a noble vampire. Bowing profusely, he begged forgiveness from the lady, who stormed off after a murderous glance. The incident elicited a mix of laughter and disapproval, with Rolo rolling his eyes in exasperation.
Mazen, notably absent, had likely retreated to his quarters. His departure was understandable, as many of the paladins and hunters had done the same. Coffee took the opportunity to introduce her father, Mr. Blutkaiser, to her boyfriend.
Mr Blutkaiser froze when his daughter came up to him holding hands with a boy. If the old vampire had been able to kill with his eyes, Mica would surely have dropped dead. Of course, Mica approached him with a gentle smile, but his gaze was hard and dangerous — he told Blutkaiser that he certainly didn't want to fight him.
The old vampire's cold gaze spoke volumes, and I could see the dangerous tension in his reaction to the news. Coffee introduced Mica to him, and the man's gaze found me for a barely perceptible moment. Now he didn't just want to kill Mica, he also wanted to kill me — after all, what did he care that I was officially coronated today?
I smiled sweetly and waved at him, as if I were the earthly equivalent of innocence. I knew that if Rolo or Alex saw this, they would roll their eyes. Mr. Blutkaiser turned back to his daughter and her newfound lover. He seemed to be calculating every possible outcome of this new development, his eyes briefly meeting mine with a barely concealed threat.
I could see the typical words etched on his face, 'If you touch my daughter, I'll kill you!' or 'Don't you dare get in her panties or I'll bite your throat...' — although, on second thought, Blutkaiser wouldn't use a word like panties. No, no, he would definitely say underwear.
In any case, he just nodded curtly at Mica and sent him a message with his look. I figured he was saving the rest for a top-secret father-daughter meeting that would become due as soon as they got home. Somehow, I couldn't imagine Mr. Blutkaiser lecturing Coffee on protection and safe sex...
Alice and Des were lost in their own world, dancing and drinking without care. Des had always been such a party boy and was relentlessly dragging his ever-so-reserved friend into the crowd of dancers. Des's enthusiasm had evidently rubbed off on Alice, leading them to disappear.
Luna, a vision in flowing silks, danced and mingled with grace. She deftly deflected marriage proposals from enamored vampires, her laughter ringing out as she did so.
Geri, flanked by two beautiful women, regaled them with tales of his exploits, his storytelling as exuberant as his dancing.
Rada and his men contributed to the wild energy of the night with their loud, energetic music, occasionally descending into playful chaos that Rada managed with impressive authority. If someone was being rowdy, he'd just knock them out. Ábel hung out with him all night, while Szasza kept a watchful eye on him and drank his wine with Titania. Zack sought to test the strength of those he deemed formidable.
Hajnal and Ervin took a quieter route, savoring wine and food in a moment of genuine connection. Hajnal tried all sorts of food while Ervin watched him with amusement. There was a genuine love in his eyes, and after the evening I finally saw why Hajnal was wasting his time on a bloodsucker, even though monster-human relationships never end well — or at least they end in one way, and that is with the death of the human. Anyway, I thought maybe Hajnal would be okay, she is a tough woman after all. The toughest I know.
The night was a whirlwind of activity and emotion, each moment a testament to the diverse and vibrant personalities that filled the celebration. As I observed the scene, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing that this night would be remembered as a fitting start to a new chapter.
Alex handed me a beer, lifting his own in a toast. "Long live the king!" he said with a wide grin.
I nodded in acknowledgment and took a sip. The cold beer was surprisingly refreshing, and it didn't taste as bitter as usual. Maybe it was the company—or the fact that I wasn't drinking alone this time. We drank in silence, occasionally breaking into laughter at the antics around us. When our beers were nearly empty, Alex reached for his guitar.
"Sing me a song, Shay," he said, his grin wide and expectant.
I hesitated. Alex had heard me sing only once, on the day we first met. Since then, he'd been pestering me for another song. I had always refused, firmly.
"A king can't just sing," I countered, playing up my reluctance.
"Kings don't sit on the grass in their expensive robes drinking beer, either," he pointed out with a cheeky smile.
The beer had loosened me up, and I found myself more willing to indulge him tonight. "Alright, what do you want me to sing?"
"I've heard you hum in the bathroom," Alex said with a wink. "I know the tune."
I turned to him with exaggerated surprise and mock offense. "You've been eavesdropping, Alex?"
He laughed. "I can't help it if I have to wait for the bath all the time."
"Says the man who spends half an hour soaking in the shower," I shrugged with an innocent look. "You just happen to take forever in there. If I hadn't kept watch, you'd have grown fins!"
"See, you're peeping!" he retorted, and we both burst into laughter.
Alex took advantage of my good mood and started strumming his guitar, setting the stage for me. When he hit the right part, I began to sing. My voice was soft and smooth, weaving the melody in the fae tongue that floated in the air.
As I sang, I noticed the crowd around us had fallen silent. All eyes were on me, and the moment felt like it was suspended in time. Then, as the song ended, the cheering erupted, and Rada's men were jumping, dancing, and celebrating with renewed vigor.
I smiled to myself. Alright, one more song, I thought, even as I told myself it would be the last. I ended up singing more that night than I ever had before, taking occasional breaks to sip on my beer.
When I looked around, my eyes fell on Lilinette, standing at the edge of the garden. I approached her with a friendly smile. I decided to try my luck.
"May I have this dance?" I asked, my tone light and inviting.
Lil looked at me, clearly taken aback. "I'm not much of a dancer," she replied with a mix of surprise and hesitation.
I persisted, trying to be charming. "Just one dance. I promise to be gentle."
She raised an eyebrow, clearly unsure. "And if I say no?"
I chuckled, undeterred. "Then I'll just have to keep asking until you change your mind."
Lil's resistance softened slightly, but she still hesitated. "You're persistent, I'll give you that."
"Isn't that one of the king's duties?" I said, trying to lighten the mood.
She laughed softly, a sound that was as warm as the evening itself.
"Alright, one dance," she finally agreed, her tone still cautious.
We moved to a quieter spot on the edge of the garden, where the music was softer. I guided her gently, my hand resting lightly on her waist. The dance was slow, and I tried to match my movements to hers, making sure she felt comfortable.
Lil seemed to relax slightly as we danced, though she remained reserved. Her initial reluctance gave way to a subtle enjoyment, and she started to move more naturally. The music played softly around us, and I hummed along, creating a personal melody just for her. Lilinette seemed to relax a bit, her initial reluctance melting away as she moved with me.
I felt a connection growing, a subtle but undeniable pull between us. It was clear that Lil was still hesitant, but there was a shift in her demeanor as she began to appreciate the moment. Our shared connection was felt more through our close proximity and the mutual respect than through any overt gestures.
At one point, our faces were close, and I could feel her breath against my cheek. We pulled back slightly, our eyes meeting. Lilinette's expression was soft, and I could see a hint of appreciation in her eyes. While she remained cautious, it was evident that the dance had created a new, if subtle, bond between us.
As the music came to a gentle end, I led her to a stop and took a step back. "Thank you for the dance," I said sincerely. "And thank you for coming to my coronation.
Lil looked up at me, her expression softening. "You're welcome," she replied, a hint of warmth in her voice. "It was a nice way to celebrate."
I nodded, feeling a quiet satisfaction. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."