37 Moonlight

"Why did you do that?" Asterias asked. Leo was trailing behind them but there was enough room so that their conversation would not be directly observed. Evangeline was also told to stay for a while longer, continuously picking up information and gauge the situation after Lumielle left. Her father had also departed from the debutante ball as early as he did in his last timeline. It seemed useless to try and change anything in association with that man.

Lumielle had a feeling she knew what he was discussing but she feigned ignorance, "Do what?"

"Why did you say that I should dance with Lady Cosette?" The white-haired male inquired, he was sharpening his point.

"Is there a reason that you shouldn't have? You're both the Duchies of Endora and she really wanted you to ask her," Lumielle said, "If you didn't, my reputation would be ruined." There was a slight silence before she continued, "And yours as well."

Asterias sighed, "I can deal with a couple of rumors of gossip."

"There would be no point. It was one dance. I'm sure you've danced with many women before."

"But tonight was supposed to your debutante," Asterias said, emphasizing that it was supposed to her special night. It was curious to him. Lumielle didn't seem to hold any sentimentality towards the event. He knew that women cherished this debutante, spending hours upon hours in picking dresses and jewelry. They were up until dawn as they were so excited. Yet, Lumielle didn't even seem to wish to attend. She didn't even seem to have any attachment to it.

Lumielle hadn't even focused on the event; she had simply plotted it as an event in which her life would start to crumble. She had not even realized it should be a celebration, "Yes it was." There was slight melancholy tugging on her words.

Asterias gently raised the female's hands to his lips, "I shouldn't have been late."

"I'm not upset about that," she responded back, honestly. Lumielle hadn't even been concerned with Asterias and his absence. She had put hope into a man that had abandoned her. She had been utterly humiliated and only due to her planning had she been able to survive. Jealousy twisted deep inside of her stomach. What was so lovable about Cosette? Why did the Emperor throw her away? Why did Allard love her so much?

"Then what are you upset about?" He asked, his words almost as quiet as the night. His eyes were showing worry; for once, she was surprised. Asterias an unreadable man. She found it extremely difficult to predict him for he was so ambiguous. Every time he spoke, he had such an oleaginous grin on his face that it made her sometimes shudder.

Lumielle looked away, "Are you close with Lady Cosette?"

"No," Asterias answered quickly.

"That woman," Lumielle responded, an exhale falling past her lips, "It feels as though she'll be a bother in the future." That would be seeing things with a saccharine gaze; Cosette had been the one that instigated so much misery and pain. She had been the one that turned the tide of public opinion against her. Alone and miserable, Aris had been the only ally that stayed by her. She felt a new wave of anger encapsulate her.

Asterias frowned. "It's fine if you don't believe me," Lumielle spoke, "The two of you must have been close since she's the daughter of the De Saude Duchy." Her tone was clipped. That was right. Anyone could betray her. Lumielle had to realize that people were fickle. Everyone could be swayed by Cosette.

"I didn't want to dance with her," Asterias stated his words firm, "It was your night. I only wished to dance with one person, you and only you." He helped her to sit inside the carriage as he swiftly also sat on the other side. He crossed his legs and Lumielle could not help admire his visage. He looked like a painting—moonlight dancing across his features as his cerulean eyes sparkled. A slight pout was on his lips as he spoke, the wheels of the carriage moving forward. Indeed, he would have probably been on par with Allard if he hadn't been scarred. His skin looked smooth like alabaster, it was a shame.

"It didn't offend me," Lumielle answered—she had been vexed for some unknown reason but she chalked it up to Cosette's irregular actions. After all, there was no reason to be annoyed about this. There was no official relationship between Asterias and herself.

Asterias almost wished it had. The two sat in silence for the majority of the ride. Lumielle's eyes gazing outside. The darkened forest looking peaceful as she gently thrummed her fingers against the silk fabric of her dress. She looked as though she had bathed in moonlight. The beautiful tulle of her dress catching the light with long lavender-tresses. Elegant and composed, Asterias wondered if the Empress looked similar. He had heard rumors that Lumielle's mother was equally as beautiful but there were no portraits or images of her. In grief, the Emperor had locked up every image of his dead wife. He wondered if Lumielle had even seen her.

"Is there something wrong?" Lumielle asked.

"You look beautiful," Asterias responded without a modicum of hesitation. It was the truth. She really did. Her lips pulled up in a slight smile.

A sigh escaped her lips, "I see."

"I'm being honest," Asterias hummed.

Lumielle twirled some hair around her finger, "I never said you were lying."

The carriage came to a halt as Asterias opened the carriage door for her, helping her out by exiting first. "Can I ask you something?" Asterias inquired. He glanced around at those servants that lingered. He still held her hand as Lumielle waved the rest of the staff to go inside as well as Leo. They were alone now.

"You can continue," Lumielle spoke.

"Dance with me," Asterias chimed, "I want my first and last dance to be with you, Lumielle." Even if he had been forced to dance with Cosette, it left a bitter taste in his mouth. "As your escort, to have my last dance be with Lady Cosette, it makes me feel inept."

"I didn't know you were so honorable," Lumielle said, a slight smile pulling at her lips as she exhaled.

His hand clasped her own as he pulled her close. Lumielle had gotten used to his scent, refreshing, clean, and slightly peppery. It was indeed nice. His steps were fluid and as she followed his lead. There was no music but it seemed that Asteriad had already memorized the waltz. The skirts of her dress kissing the ground as he twirled her around. His eyes only meeting her own as a slight blush danced upon her features. "Does this make you feel better?" Lumielle asked.

"It does."

Maybe, it also made her feel a bit better as well.