The winter night in Versailles Forest was always silent, like a canvas covered in think dust, even the rustling of leaves sounded like a blade tearing through the air.
A wolf, Lupin, gazed at the stars, wondering if he could ever be more elegant, more cultured, if he could ever be worthy of dancing with a prince beneath the chandelier.
He had been born in the wild, without education, without etiquette, without the knowledge required of a noble. He did not belong to the palace, nor had he ever desired to—though the palace would never have accepted him, regardless.
And yet, just this once, he wanted to change. To try to be different. To break through the walls, if only to stand at his prince's side.
All of these thoughts could be traced back to what had happened that morning—
"Belfort." An authoritative yet elegant voice halted a young spaniel sneaking out the door.
The young spaniel, Belfort, immediately turned, sat upright, and held himself as still as carved wood.
"Oui... Mother?"
"Where are you going?" Belfort's mother, Diane, leaned in close. "Your sisters are still in grooming. It's proper to wait for them."
"Mais, Mother," Belfort glanced at the clock on the mantelpiece, "I'm going to meet my friend outside, and I'm already late."
Diane lifted her nose, narrowing her eyes. "You're going to see that wolf, aren't you?"
"Well..." Belfort hesitated, searching for an excuse, but quickly gave up under the sharp weight of his mother's gaze. He lowered his eyes and answered softly, "Yes... Mother."
Diane sighed reluctantly.
Though Lupin had helped her and her family on several occasions, Diane had only just begun to acknowledge Belfort's bond with him. Acceptance, however, was still a long way off.
"...Come back before dinner." She agreed at last, after a moment of silence—not because she had relented, but because she knew her son would eventually find a way to slip away regardless.
Belfort smiled, his tail wagging gently. "Merci, Mother."
"One more thing, Belfort." Diane called, just as he was about to step out of the chamber. "There will be a royal ball in the central ballroom next Friday night, and I expect you to prepare yourself for it."
A flicker of nervousness crossed Belfort's eyes.
"Of course, Mother," he replied, though his voice carried a trace of uncertainty.
"Très bien." Diane gave her son a dignified nod. "You may go now."
Belfort bowed sincerely before leaving the room.
On his way to the garden, he couldn't stop himself from worrying about the upcoming ball.
Every winter, on a particular day, the royal animals of Versailles held a grand ball, just as the humans did on the same night.
Last time, Belfort and his sisters had been too young to attend. This year, it would be their debut.
And for Belfort, the prince and future king of the royal animals, the occasion bore far more weight than mere formality.
He let out a heavy sigh, but his smile soon returned when he spotted a dark-blue-furred wolf waiting by the bassin—it was Lupin.
"Lupin!" He strolled forward, his steps suddenly feeling much lighter.
"Belfort," Lupin's tail wagged excitedly, "Salut, Belfort."
"Ah, bien bonjour, mon cher Lupin." Belfort leaned in, nuzzling his neck against Lupin's, bringing a sudden flush of pink to the wolf's cheeks.
YOU ARE READING
Cold December Night
FanfictionOn a special winter day, a royal ball was about to be held in Versailles. Though Diane had slowly come to accept Lupin after all he had done, she still could not bear the idea of a wild animal among nobles. Lupin was ready to do anything to earn a p...
