2 Devil in Disguised

Dancing with Danger

02 – Devil in Disguised

"So, you're the infamous bastard daughter of Mr. Andrew."

My father was the King's first cousin, he got the title Duke, and everyone called him 'His Highness the Duke of Westminster.'

But this man simply called him 'Mr. Andrew'.

"Huh?" I stared blankly at him. His voice boomed into my ear while his eyes pierced straight to my face. He looked so elegant compared to the plain me.

"Uh, yes." I whispered to him.

"Hm." He just stared at me. His dark, cold gaze makes my spine shivers.

His sculpted jaw can make any woman shrieked in joy or fear, but fear is my lifeline now. I lived in fear of all my life.

Especially tonight.

I fear for being here, being in his arms. Being in front of the most despicable human being in the entire planet.

I heard people talking about him with fear in their eyes, in their voice.

They say William the III is the devil in disguised. He's a psychopath. He likes going to the war, murder his opponent and torture his own people.

At first, I didn't believe them, but when I saw him in the flesh, I instantly believe every damn word people say about him.

I believe he is capable to lead the war, murder and torture people just by one command. Just like the devil has his entourage, he has thousands of soldiers ready to die.

They willing to die for the King, the Kingdom and the Royal Family. But above all, they controlled by the most cunning General.

He's always dancing with danger.

Yes, the devil himself is dancing with me. He glided me through the crowd. Making everyone step aside to give us our space. We were dominating the room. The General likes to show off, even in the dance floor. Jerk.

We danced in front of hundred eyes, including the King and Queen.

*

The King's expression is amused, he clearly looking at us. Watching every move with a soft smile creeped in his face.

Sometimes the Queen whispering to him, he answered with a nod then his eyes darted back to us. I know because I cannot take my eyes off him.

How can I get to the King?

Is it true the rumour about the only way to get to the King is through William, this ruthless General?

"Why are you looking at him?" He whispered without looking at me. He sounded annoyed.

I braced myself to answered confidently, "Who?" but my voice squeak.

"Him. His Majesty the King." He answered.

"Oh." Like a deer caught in the headlights, I was caught red-handed by the devil. "This is my first time I am attending the royal party. So, forgive me for feeling starstruck by the sight of our King. I never saw him before."

His brow crooked to one side. A sexy smile creeped out in his lips.

Damn, I was cursed just by looking at it.

"I apologised. It was rude; looking to anybody else while we were dancing …." I, once again, stumble and step into his toes.

"Ouch!"

"Oh, I'm so sorry…!"

Our 'perfect' dance ruined by my clumsiness. I was always ashamed by it, but now I was thankful I stepped in his foot.

He stopped and took me to the side. Ignoring people applauding our first dance. He took a glass of wine from the table and drink half of it. While I'm standing awkwardly beside him.

I'm trying to make conversation, but his grim look terrified me.

He put down his glass and looked at me, "Thanks for the dance. It was …. Fascinating."

Fascinating?!

I spent a month taking lessons just to get to this party! I was taking dance lesson, social etiquette and table manner.

People say soldier learn to shoot bullet before they go the war, but I was learned how to be a lady before I go the minefield to save my idiotic brother.

A brother I barely know.

Hell, hath no fury when I was irritated. I changed my expression; turn a scowl into a sweet smile. I wanted to make him change his mind about dancing with me tonight.

I wanted to make an impression.

"If you let me do another dance, then I can turn the fascinating into a mind blowing." I smiled at him. Praying to God he will take another chance with me.

He looked at me as if I was insane "I just have one foot left."

Oh, funny. I fake a laugh. A melodious laugh I practiced before.

His smile turned into a short, awkward laugh "But if you promise you won't injure me again, I will take the second dance, after …."

"After…?"

"After I introduce you to the King."

"What?! Uhm, excuse me …. I'm sorry. Are you serious?" I cannot hide my surprise. I shrieked in joy. Anticipation. Relieved. Nervous.

"Yes, would you like to meet him?"

"Sure."

"Come." He led the way.

We walked towards the King's table. I'm trying to match his steps, but I'm stumbling behind him. Just like a peasant walking behind her employer, the noble man.

'Celeste, you are the countess, now. Be brave, you bear the family name. Our lives depend on you.' Archie's voice ringing in my ear.

Fuck you, Archie. I wish I can let you rot in the dungeon, but if I let you die, it means I have to give up everything I own.

"Your Majesty." The General standing tall in front of the King himself.

"Ah, William." The King greeted him with open arms, his gaze softened by the sight of his General, like a proud parent meeting his favourite child, "how are you, lads? I saw you having a good time tonight." He glanced at me.

"Yes, I'm well, Your Majesty. Thank you for having me." William spoke with his baritone voice. "Allow me to introduce Celeste, my dancing partner, the Countess of Westminster."

His Majesty eyes light up when he learned my name. He looked at me, surprised. "You're the illegitimate daughter, I suppose?"

Well, at least he used the proper 'illegitimate' not the 'love child' or worst, the 'bastard daughter' this General called me before.

"Yes, I'm afraid I am, Your Majesty." I bowed before him, "it is my honour to meet you in person."

The King smiled at me, his piercing grey eyes searching my face before he asked, "So, what do you think of the coup, dear Celeste?"

I was taken aback. I never saw it coming. I never thought he would ask me about coup in front of everyone. I didn't practice how to answer that kind of question.

I glanced to the damn General. He tried to hide his amused smile. That bastard!

"Um, my apologise Your Majesty, I never get involved to any coup. I know nothing about the coup." I desperately trying to convince the most powerful man in our country "I am forever your subject, Your Majesty." I bowed before him again, offering him my loyalty.

"Hm, good call, Celeste. I believe you won't mind if your brother dead, would you?"

"E-Excuse me…?" I feel the fear sneaking to my spine. The voice ringing in the back of my head, shouting 'danger' all over.

"Your brother, the one who wanted to throw me off the crown."

Oh, God. Please save me, now.

Now I feared for my life and Archie's. We are on the edge of the cliff. One wrong step, we will fall into the death sentence.

"Your Majesty …. I believe you are the Just. I believe you will take consideration and have mercy in your heart. God will always guide you to make a just decision for your beloved subject." Please, please don't punish me for having a stupid brother.

"Well said, Miss Celeste."

I'm trembling inside, but I tried to smile.

The King nod his head to William and before I realised what had happened, two soldiers dragged me out of the royal hall.

"Hey, what are you doing?!" I shouted.

William standing at the top of the stairs when those bulky soldiers throw me off the stairs. I fall into the concrete, my palm bleed but my eyes sting from the humiliation I just received from the General.

"You think I will fall into your trick, filthy bitch?!" He barked at me.

I'm quivering with fear when I saw the fury in those dark eyes.

"Now off you go, or I will hang your brother first thing in the morning!"

Bang!

My tears rolling down my eyes when the door shut in front of me.

*