 |
The Very First Time
Category: Stories
So very long ago at a ball... it seemed there was a ball every day back in those times but that is memory alone. Weekly was a more accurate statement. Every person in town had been speaking of the new, beautiful and vibrant girl at court. Lively and witty, shockingly she could carry on a conversation. People kept telling him to to and meet her, to see for himself. Everyone seemed to love her, everyone. Curious he had secured an invitation to the very next ball. He was incredulous that she could he that amazing. The day arrived and he dressed in his finest attire, a suit of red and gold with a black mask, before climbing into the carriage just after the sun had set. Of course once he was there he learned she had not yet arrived. This was just perfect. An entrance back in those days was everything. The perfect time to witness her in all her glory, or not, would be as she descended the stairs. As soon as she was announced silence fell and every eye turned to the grand staircase to behold the vision, and my what a vision she was, the lady Claire La Bella. She outshone every promise in appearance alone. She shone like the stars above. Yuuji waited for his chance as he couldn't yet get near her. Silently he circled the room. He knew the instant she noticed him and like a moth to a flame her eyes kept finding him. He kept his distance as she said her hellos to each acquaintance she met but after a while he got his turn at last to meet the beauty. Somehow she had extricated herself from the hated duke she had been engaged to. From her body language he could tell she found the man odious. He had been caught in her spell as soon as he saw her. Speaking to her only confirmed that they were a match but time would only tell that this match was doomed from its start.
Her dress was a simple yet elegant white and gold gown that contrasted well against his red and gold. They were able to share but one dance but there were whispers aplenty about the pair and how wonderful they looked together, elegant like a set of perfectly matched sculptures. Once they parted another meeting was difficult throughout the night as the duke had heard the whispers and wouldn't leave her side. It was no matter, Yuuji would find a way. He had simply had to.
Getting to know one another was easier than one might think despite his limitations at the time. He had established himself as a nobleman in Paris. It wasn't a lie entirely, he was of noble blood, his mother an immigrant but the castle and holdings he presented as his own wasn't that of his father. He was able to easily travel within the circles of high society because good breeding knows good breeding even if he was of mixed blood it wasn't obvious. His family name was an old one and one he could still use passing himself off as a distant cousin. It was the first time he was thankful for what his father gave him. It made it so all he would have to do was throw a dinner party here and there and they'd have to come. Etiquette dictated they must, lest risk insulting the young nobleman.
Over the next weeks he forged an acquaintance which did indeed grow into a strong friendship. In time he began to wonder who was courting who because it was clear they were courting. He could devise a romantic gesture and somehow she would match and sometimes top it. He had no idea how she accomplished it. One time he had purchased a locket with his and her picture in it and she had purchased a matching watch. For more private meetings she would have to sneak out to see him alone which she did gladly. Months went by with scattered clandestine meetings and in time they were very much in love with one another.
In time the idea took root and talk began of the pair running away together. Breaking her engagement was out of the question. She couldn't present Yuuji in the duke's place. Despite being of noble blood his title didn't top that of a duke. Running away was the only option. Plans were made and once settled they began biding their time for the perfect opportunity. It came in the form of a ball. Some time in the evening they would slip away but it wasn't to be. Cruel fate stepped in for such things couldn't be carried out in complete secret. Someone had to be trusted and while she thought she chose well one could never fully trust a servant to make such arrangements. The anticipated night came and he arrived dressed in splendor. Once announced he walked into the ballroom just as planned. They would dance a few dances and once enough wine and brandy had been imbibed they would make their escape. When it came to their turn to dance he smiled down at her. He had a feeling like he had already won. They glided across the floor as though they hadn't a care in the world and once the last notes sounded he walked her towards the terrace door. It wasn't until they were outside that either spoke. "Not much longer now." He whispered at her expression of worry.
"I know, I cannot help but think it's going far too easy." She whispered back as they paced away from the ballroom.
"I… it will be alright." He had been about to agree but stopped himself worried should he utter the words it would only jinx them. Haste would make them look suspicious. They must look like a pair taking in the night air. Reaching a corner Yuuji turned and led her down the side of the building at which point he hastened his steps. Reaching the library door he glanced back to see the way was clear before twisting the knob and ushering her inside then pulling it closed behind him. Before his eyes could adjust he already sensed they were not alone. He heard his breathing, smelled his scent before he even uttered a word he knew they were caught.
"Going somewhere?" The hated voice asked as the light flicked on. "Oh my, you seem to be absconding with my bride." "Damien…" Hizaki uttered his name. "Just let me go, I could never make you happy, nor you I." She pleaded. "Oh please." He scoffed. "This is not about happiness you stupid cow."
"Enough, we are leaving here together tonight and you cannot stop us. Move aside." Yuuji ordered.
In response Damien's hand went to his sword hilt withdrawing it from its sheath.
"Damien do not be a fool, let us go."
He advanced as she spoke, grabbing her wrist and raising his sword and plunging the blade straight into her belly. There was not a moment in which either could react.
She was there in his arms and then in the next instance she was lying in an ever growing pool of crimson. Yuuji couldn't tear his eyes away from the scene. He willed her to breathe, live, laugh, don't leave him alone. His gaze was torn away by laughter sounded from her betrothed. Maniacal. Evil. The expression on his face was one of triumph.
"You see, I always win. The two of you were so foolish to think you could humiliate me and get away with it." His tone was mocking.
Yuuji narrowed his eyes, a deep guttural growl sounding as he leapt forward grabbing him before he could even think to raise his sword. Teeth tore into the tender flesh of his neck ripping open his veins and spilling his life's blood all as his grip loosened and the steel blade clattered to the floor. A struggle ensued but Yuuji held fast, his grip iron. It didn't last long however. Indeed not nearly as long as deserved in Yuuji’s mind. Releasing him he tossed his dead body to the floor before taking a few steps towards his beloved.
Kneeling beside her he spied her lifeless eyes staring back at him. A soft frown spread as he reached out and gently closed them. "Rest love, perhaps someday we shall meet again."
0 Comments
|
