Stealing An Event

--- Alexia ---

Once we've reached the dance floor, the music shifted to a slower, more romantic melody.

The soft strains of a violin filled the air, and I felt his other hand gently rest on my waist as he pulled me close.

Without a word, he began to lead me, his steps confident and graceful.

I leaned in, resting my head on his shoulder as I followed his lead, feeling the warmth of his body against mine.

In this moment, I felt so at peace and protected, that I wanted to close my eyes and ignore everything else.

I couldn't help but notice that everyone around seemed more like wallflowers than dancers with partners. It was as if they were all waiting for something, and we stood out like sore thumbs as the only ones dancing.

It got a bit awkward, you know? Like, are we missing the memo here?

I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. So, with a raised eyebrow and a half-smile, I leaned in and asked, "Did you plan all this?"

This banquet is supposed to be a celebration for all Academy Graduates, so it feels a bit awkward that we're kinda stealing their spotlight.

I mean, are we even allowed to pull a move like this?

I can't help but wonder if there'd be some serious discontent among the nobles who came from outside our kingdom if we're really breaking some rules here.

But just as I'm pondering these thoughts, he drops a bombshell. "Tonight, everything is about you," he murmured, his voice low.

"To answer your question: Yes, this was planned. I just wanted us to have some space to ourselves. After all, it's not everyday we dress up like this and dance, right?"

That's true...

Maybe it's because I was a bit out of it, but I stopped caring about the weirdness in his words and just rolled with it.

"Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention it earlier, but in this dress..."

He leans in even closer, his lips grazing my ear, and suddenly, I get this chill running down my spine.

"You look so good that I'm seriously fighting the temptation to scoop you up and head straight to the bedroom."

I could feel the heat rushing to my face, a blush spreading from my ears down to my neck. My heart's racing, and it's like I forgot how to breathe for a second.

His words hit me like a spark, igniting something inside me...

It wasn't the first time he'd thrown a similar line my way, but this time, it felt...different.

So, in the heat of the moment, I just blurted out, "Why don't you go for it, then?"

I know, I know. Risky move.

But can you blame me?

I was afraid it might mess up what we had,

Scared he was just playing around like he usually does.

But I couldn't let it slide. Not when my feelings for him were overflowing.

His expression shifted, his eyes growing darker in response to my words.

"Well, it's not like I wasn't already planning to," he murmured.

I couldn't help but bite my lip, a rush of excitement mingling with nervousness.

In my head, I wanted to snap back, "If you're gonna do it, just do it. Who cares about what anyone else thinks?" But of course, those words stayed locked behind my lips.

There's still a part of me that's just too scared to take that leap.

Even if it's right there, staring me in the face, even if it's just a tiny step, I know it could flip everything upside down.

I'm scared of what that change might mean for our relationship.

--- 

After that, we didn't really say much, just kept on dancing till the song wrapped up.

'He sure is not acting like himself, though'

The guy I've known for three whole years is the type who wouldn't let anyone get past those super high walls of his for anything.

The gentlest part about him, is that he never left room for misunderstandings.

He'd draw the line so clearly, the only option I had was to bottle up my feelings.

Maybe it's because I always hit a wall before that I was totally caught off guard when I couldn't see it anymore.

I don't know why, but I'm not one to let a chance slip away, especially since he's the one who taught me to be shameless.

"Hey, you—"

Before I could even start, though, the music suddenly stopped, and there was an announcement.

"The Sun of the Kingdom, King Klaus Midgar, enters the hall!"

The whole crowd gasped in shock, and the room buzzed with murmurs as everyone turned to check out the entrance. I had a ton of questions myself, watching my father stride in with all this regal confidence.

He wasn't supposed to be here.

"I'm sure you've got questions, Alexia. But don't stress. I'll fill you in on everything soon," he says, his voice all calm and soothing.

Well, if he puts it like that, there's no way I can muster up the courage to ask right now...

Wait.

Am I actually a sucker for good looks?

As I'm pondering these ridiculous thoughts, he reached out and gently caressed my face, sending my cheeks turning crimson and my mind into a bit of a fluster.

"...At ease, everyone. There is no need for excessive formalities."

I heard my Father suddenly speak, causing everyone to stop bowing as there was only one question.

What was happening?

I would soon receive the answer to that, though.

--- Akira ---

If I am to take the old man's advice, why not just go all out?

Some may argue this event was supposed to be for the graduates, but do I look like I care?

Because I don't.

Which is why I forced—

Cough

I mean, politely asked the King of Midgar for a little assistance.

He didn't like me, since we didn't exactly see eye to eye, especially on how to handle the Cult.

He still harbored some resentment because I let Alexia, his dear daughter, in on the whole Cult of Diablos mess and even got her involved in wiping it out from the continent. But, putting that aside, he's not a bad guy.

He's just a normal father.

I mean, even when I went all out trashing his eldest daughter at the Bunshin Festival two years ago, he didn't hold it against me...

Wait, am I actually the villain here?

...Well, from his point of view, that may be the case, but who cares?

He owes me too much to refuse my requests.

I might not have single-handedly saved the Kingdom, but I can confidently say it's still standing, and we haven't faced any major losses thanks to my efforts.

Usually, I'd expect some fancy title or whatever for my accomplishments, but since I prefer to keep things low-key, I just call in a favor from this guy every now and then.

I mean, it's not like I don't feel a bit guilty since he's Alexia's father and all. So, I make sure to only ask for stuff that's within his capabilities and doesn't go against his principles.

But back to the situation at hand, there's a specific reason I needed him here.

"I, Fray Von Garoff, am honored to witness the Sun of the Kingdom with my own eyes"

I went on one knee for the second time today, following the standard etiquette when in presence of the King.

---

Author's Note: 

Don't worry, I'm not dead lmao. I was just terribly busy these few days.

Another chap will soon roll in. As for the supposed one of today's, it will come later :)