Here it is: the long awaited next chapter after all this time. Enjoy!
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Chapter 32 - Marriage Campaign
{The High Ball, Day 3}
John's POV
I looked away from the mirror, distinctly aware of how the Kingdom's coat of arms stood out against my pale grey tunic.
Another day, another ball, though this year was less tedious than the rest and it was no mystery why.
Castle attendants hovered around me, tentatively reaching out to adjust laces and collars; a nuisance I tried to endure gracefully.
After all, it wasn't their fault they had to follow orders.
My gaze fell on Mason leaning casually against the wall. I couldn't help but feel envious that he'd been ready for half an hour now, exempt from the fussing hands of those that surrounded me.
Bad enough they wouldn't let me get dressed alone without the embarrassment of having someone else in the room.
I mean really, did they think I would forget my breeches without them around?
I cleared my throat loudly, and was satisfied by a hasty retreat. Much as I disliked making their job harder for them there was only so much I could take.
Breathing out a sigh of relief at the welcome space around me I ran a hand through my hair, ignoring the disapproving looks from the bolder attendants.
A thin gold crown was timidly placed on my head and with a final rustling of clothes they were all gone.
Finally.
From across the room Mason tossed my sword over. I strung it quickly through my belt, already feeling my annoyance melt into excitement at the thought of seeing Celia again tonight.
I threw open the door to my room and rushed outside, taking long strides down the hall. We'd barely turned the corner when another attendant came towards us.
What now? Did the belt not match my tunic?
"Your Highness" He said with a low bow.
I nodded impatiently, wanting to be off.
"His Royal Highness, the King, has requested your presence in the library my Prince."
I exchanged a curious look with Mason wondering what he could want.
"Thank you, did he say anything else?"
"Only that he wished you to come right away."
"Very well, we're on our way."
With another bow he left us and I reluctantly turned my footsteps in the other direction towards the library.
"The library? Why ever would he want to meet you there? Why not the throne room as usual?" Mason said beside me.
The same question had occurred to me.
"He must not want anyone else to know" I mused aloud.
And that in itself was unusual, my father never did anything in secret, he said it might breed suspicion into the Kingdom.
I quickened my steps and heard Mason do the same until we reached the empty hallway where the library was.
I contemplated the door for a few moments, not wanting to go in.
"Just get it over with John" Mase said into the silence.
I nodded grimly and pushed the door open, letting it fall shut behind me. I knew he'd be waiting out there when I got out and that was somehow reassuring.
The King had been facing away from me when I entered and had slowly turned around at the noise. I took a few steps forward until we faced each other and waited for him to break the silence.
"Johnathan we need to talk."
Well, that didn't sound like a good start.
"What about?" I asked carefully.
He shifted around uncomfortably, eyes darting around the room as if looking for some kind of support, and suddenly I knew exactly what this was about.
The silence was near oppressive as the unspoken subject hung heavy in the air. I swallowed hard, feeling a mounting sense of dread come over me.
I should have known this was coming.
The last two nights it had felt like if I just ignored it, it would all go away. It had been so easy not to think about it, so easy to be distracted.
How stupid.
How naive.
My father walked over to a chair and sat down heavily, as if the words weighed him down.
With a tense motion he gestured for me to take the chair opposite.
I went there with small steps, lowering myself slowly to prolong the inevitable just a few seconds longer.
Comfort was impossible even in a chair covered with cushions and I sat at the edge of my seat, poised to run.
As if I could.
I was trapped, just as I'd always been.
He cleared his throat, glanced around the empty room one last time and took a breath.
I tensed in my seat, felt my hands curl over the armrests with a vicelike grip.
"I... heard Celia made quite an impression last night."
I released the breath I was holding, felt a smile tug at my lips despite the circumstances.
"I always knew she would."
I could still see her at the top of the stairs, eyes wide with fear, biting her lip with worry. It all just made her that much more stunning. Halfway down her eyes had wandered the crowds, and I dared hope it was for me.
"Really? Always?"
I jerked out of my reverie at my father's bemused voice and saw his eyebrows arched in surprise.
It took me a moment to register his words and when I did a slight flush crept up my neck.
"Well, I know now" I answered back ruefully.
"You've hardly left her side since you've been back" He replied thoughtfully.
"We're friends."
My voice came out harsher than I'd intended, defensive, and with the look I received back I wasn't sure who I was trying to convince.
"The end of the ball is fast approaching son" His voice was pained, sympathetic.
The subtle change of topic took me by surprise.
Had the circumstances been different his words would be nothing out of the ordinary, but now they rang with significance.
A strong implication stood behind those words and we both knew what it was.
Suddenly I was angry.
He had no right to pity me.
He had no idea.
No idea what this was doing to me.
It had been easy for him; he'd never been under the obligation I was now under. How could he pretend to understand?
He didn't, he couldn't.
"Your point?" I asked through clenched teeth.
He sighed in resignation, not even phased by my poorly contained anger.
He'd expected this reaction.
"My point is that you've hardly spoken to anyone at the ball. How do you expect to find anyone that way? You don't even try."
I could feel the anger building up, the words forcing their way out of my mouth.
"And you think two days, even five days will do the trick? That I can somehow get to know someone well enough to marry them?"
The word hung in the air between us, the one we'd both avoided saying until now. It hung heavy with a thousand expectations, a thousand questions, doubts and fears, and somewhere deeper, a heart on the verge of breaking.
My voice came out a cold whisper, each word dripping with disdain.
"What's the point? What does it matter? Let them choose for all I care, it all ends up being the same. I never really had a choice in the matter, why bother playing the game? I quit."
His eyes hardened, but just as fast his gaze lowered, unable to face me.
"I never wanted this for you Johnathan."
"But you're letting it happen."
Without waiting for a reply I stood up to leave the room.
I opened the door more forcefully than necessary and slammed it shut as I left.
One look at Mason's expression told me he'd heard everything we'd said inside. It was a small relief knowing someone else shared the burden.
"Keep an eye on her for me Mase." I heard my voice crack, the image from yesterday coming back to me again. I couldn't face her just yet, not like this.
He nodded immediately and I quickly walked away, not glancing back to see if either of them followed; I knew they had the sense not to.
It was all so unfair. Finally I'd fallen in love, and it had to be with the one girl I couldn't have. Or rather, the one who wouldn't have me.
Hadn't we both known it all these days? That I would have to pick someone else?
And yet I couldn't help but keep her selfishly for myself the last two nights, hardly sparing a glance for the other girls in the room.
She drew my eyes to her constantly and it was impossible to look away, not that I wanted to.
Everyone paled in comparison, and judging by yesterday, they knew it.
If only she could see it, if only I could convince her to see it then maybe she would...
I let the thought trail off, not daring to get my hopes up.
It wouldn't make a difference.
Even if she liked me, even if she loved me, she'd never want to be Queen. I've always known that. It's the only thing I've ever been sure about with her. It's even what made me fall in love with her; because she didn't even try, never treated me any different, if anything harsher, as if to remind me I was no different from the rest.
Ironic really that the reason I loved her was the same reason I couldn't have her.
It was so unfair.
What was I supposed to do?
Pick someone at random?
They were all the same to me. None stood out, none had an ounce of personality and yet one was meant to be my Queen.
How could any of them possibly be a better choice than her? Not just for me but for the Kingdom as well.
Highbourne didn't need two clueless monarchs who didn't know the land or people, it needed someone real, and it needed change. I couldn't do that alone, and I couldn't do it with some highborn Lady taught all her life to never argue with a Prince whether his decision was stupid or not.
"You're Highness!"
I winced inwardly and looked around me realizing I'd accidentally come to one of the guest hallways.
With a forced smile I turned around to see Lady Helena rushing towards me, a young lady trailing behind.
Perfect.
Just what I needed right now I thought sarcastically.
"Lady Helena... what an... unexpected surprise."
And unwelcome.
"Now didn't I say we'd have the pleasure of speaking again one night?"
"Of course... how could I forget?"
I glanced around, hoping for someone to come out of a room or enter the hall, anything to escape from this, but of course there wasn't another soul in sight.
"This is a most fortuitous meeting my Prince, may I introduce my daughter, the Lady Petunia?"
"If you must" I mumbled under my breath.
"I am most honoured my Prince."
As if you could say anything else if you weren't.
I probably couldn't pay Cece to say that, the thought made me smile.
She curtsied deeply and stood up, not directly meeting my eyes.
I assumed the action was meant to display innocence but it was all for moot since her dress was so appallingly tight and revealing.
"Well met Lady Petunia" I said gravely, hoping they might take the hint.
No such luck.
"If I may be so bold my Prince, you rode excellently in this week's tourney."
"I thank you."
I looked around again wondering at the sudden lack of activity in the hall.
Where was everyone?
Where was an attendant when you needed one?
Surely they'd forgotten to fasten a pin or tie a lace that they simply had to track me down for.
And where were all the other guests? Shouldn't at least some be out by now heading towards the ballroom?
I tuned out of the conversation, only putting in an occasional word or nod of the head.
As if I needed another conversation filled with marriage implications.
And if that wasn't bad enough, both women managed to squeeze a 'my prince' into every sentence.
I started keeping count.
One...
Three...
Somebody help me...
Seven...
The girl Petunia seemed intent on engaging me in conversation, bringing up marriage and dancing even more frequently than her mother.
Good grief.
I suspect she hoped I'd beg of her to save me a dance. She was all but asking me herself.
There was something about her I didn't trust, something incredibly fake. I'd gotten very good at detecting insincerity.
"John!"
Oh thank goodness for squires, I'm saved.
I turned around to see Mason walking towards me and very nearly hugged him, I was that relieved.
"Ladies" He said with a quick bow to Lady Helena and her daughter.
"Where have you been John? They're waiting for you to open the doors."
Of course! Why hadn't I remembered that? I could have gotten out of this painful conversation earlier.
Lady Petunia glared at Mason reproachfully, whether because he'd interrupted her monologue or because he'd addressed me so casually I couldn't be sure. Probably both, but I could hardly be bothered to care, I just wanted out of here.
"I'd forgotten! Come on, we shouldn't keep them waiting."
Without waiting for a response I grabbed hold of his arm and nearly dragged him out of the hall.
As soon as we turned the corner he burst out laughing.
"What was that all about?"
"That was the royal marriage campaign, apparently it's quite popular today" I replied with exasperation, prompting another laugh from him.
We turned another corner and reached the entrance. I slipped in ahead of my parents as soon as the door was opened, and made my way towards the throne dais at the end of the room determined not to look at either one of them.
We took our places, each in front of a throne while Mason stood slightly off to the side, and waited for the main doors to be pulled open.
With a loud groan they were pushed open and a sea of people flooded in, disturbing the quiet from a moment before.
I kept my gaze fixed on a spot just above the guests to be sure I wouldn't make eye contact with anyone.
Once everyone had gathered inside my father made his usual speech welcoming everyone to the High Ball, saying what a pleasure it was to have the Kingdom come together, so on and so on, until he ended with a final 'we hope you enjoy your evening'.
Applause broke out around the room and as it died down the musicians started up signalling the beginning of the ball.
With a quick nod at Mase I slipped around the back of the thrones, using him as cover to walk unnoticed to the door leading to the courtyard.
I took a deep breath of the night air, only getting a moments peace before the events of the last few hours caught up with me.
My father's words rang in my head, mocking and cruel though they hadn't been intended that way.
'I never wanted this for you.'
'You don't even try.'
And why should I? My options all consisted of women like Lady Helena, selling daughters like Petunia who couldn't see anything past 'My Prince'.
Is that what you want father?
Shall I make her my Queen?
'You've hardly spoken to anyone at the ball. How do you expect to find anyone that way? You don't even try.'
'You don't even try.'
I pushed my hand forcefully through my hair in frustration, remembering too late the crown that had been resting there.
I looked around in time to see it clatter to the ground behind me.
I glared at it sullenly.
To think that little band of gold was the cause of all my problems.
Celia's POV
Whispers of Golden Girl still followed me around the ballroom despite the cerulean blue dress I'd picked up fresh from the castle tailors. I would have thought the novelty of the name would wear off with the night, but I had no such luck.
Was it such a wonder that I could look the part of a Lady?
Yes, I suppose it was. I'd thought the same for the last two nights and again today.
I made my way through the crowds, trying my best to ignore both the heads that turned my way and those that turned quickly away.
What I wouldn't give for the anonymity I'd had the first night, inconspicuous and invisible thanks to a mask of lace.
If only.
What did they say about me behind their raised hands and lowered eyes?
Some held my gaze with thinly veiled contempt while others stared obliviously with awe. Either way it was all the same, they were always judging.
What right did they have to hate me so?
Even to think so highly of me?
They didn't know me. Not one of them.
I was just something to stare at, someone to gossip about, barely human.
I hated it.
Why was I any different from the rest of them?
I wasn't anything special, a knight maybe, but nothing more.
At the end of the day I was just plain old Celia, not Golden Girl or even a Lady.
A dress didn't change who I was.
I quickened my pace, automatically scanning the crowd for a mess of golden hair.
For once I'd come on time, filing in with the rest of the guests. John had been standing sullenly in front of the throne, eyes averted and not seeing anything.
I'd lost sight of him when the crowds raised their hands in applause, and when the music started up he was gone.
My search was interrupted by a tap on my shoulder and I turned around to come face to face with a young man I didn't recognize.
Well, I suppose this had to happen sooner or later, it was the High Ball after all, the marriage market.
"Good evening Lady Celia."
He bowed stiffly, as if he thought the action beneath him.
I curtsied slightly, not in inch lower than he had.
He knew me? How did he know me?
Or right, yesterdays presentation.
Well, I suppose it was a small blessing he didn't call me Golden Girl, but how was I supposed to respond? I hadn't the faintest idea of his name.
"You may remember me from the tourney? I placed in the top ten" He continued after a moment's pause.
I felt a slight blush creep up my cheeks.
"Most remarkable my Lord... but I'm afraid your name escapes me."
A slight flash of annoyance crossed his face but was immediately replaced with a lazy smile brimming with overconfidence.
"No matter, I daresay you lost interest early, a tourney is hardly of concern for a woman."
I barely managed to keep a scowl off my face at his arrogance. Clearly he was one of those men, the kind who thought girls didn't belong anywhere near the practice field.
Did he even know who he was talking to?
Clearly no one had bothered to inform him of who I really was.
"To be sure" I said coolly "I much prefer the sword."
He looked surprised, the barest hint of a frown touching his lips.
His eyes appraised me for a moment and he seemed to be thinking, probably if it was worth continuing this conversation.
I hoped not.
With another reluctant bow he held a hand out towards me.
"Would you favour me with a dance my Lady?"
"My apologies Lord Holden, but I'm afraid this dance was promised to me."
I smiled with relief as Mason walked up next to me, an easy grin on his face.
"Of course, perhaps another time" Lord Holden said stiffly before walking away.
"Hello Mason" I said with a wide smile. "Your timing is impeccable."
"Why thank you Cee, but now I believe you owe me a dance."
With a wary look at the dance floor I took his hand.
"If it were anyone else Mase..."
He laughed lightly.
"Well if you'd prefer Lord Holden..." He trailed off.
I shook my head with a grimace and led us to the edge of the dance floor fringed in shadows.
The music picked up into an easy rhythm, one I could actually follow. Slightly more confidant that I wouldn't trip over myself, I looked up at my partner to see a worried look on his face.
"What's wrong?"
His eyes flickered over to me and he let out a heavy sigh.
"John..." He mumbled.
"Has something happened?"
"Not... yet."
I watched his expression change from worried to uneasy and stared in confusion, waiting for him to elaborate.
He only shook his head.
"You should hear it from him."
I waited until the song was over and headed towards the door that led to the private courtyard.
With a quick glance around, I slipped out unseen in the rush between dances when everyone looked to find a new partner.
The courtyard was decorated differently today; a surprise since it rarely saw guests.
Candles in little glass holders lined the path, while covered lanterns hid in every bush along the way, making the greenery seem to glow from within.
The path had the customary sprinkling of cherry blossoms, but a layer of rose petals had been tossed over the cobblestones and surrounding grass.
A sudden gust of wind had everything swirling up in a halo of sweetly smelling perfumes. They danced in the air for a moment before floating back to the ground.
I knew I would find him here, drawing the same comfort from this place as I always had.
A nagging feeling tugged at my chest, wondering what could be bothering him.
I knew something must be wrong. His mask of brooding silence tonight was a stark contrast to the playful and sweet demeanour he'd had the last two nights.
I kept my footsteps light, not wanting the sound to give away my presence before I was ready.
He was faced away from me, leaning against the tree and outlined in a perfect silhouette made by the nearly full moon above him.
The branches of the tree, heavy with pale pink blossoms just brushed the top of his golden hair.
He stood so perfectly still he could almost be a statue, save for the crown that hung idly from his fingers, swinging gently in the ghost of a breeze.
I felt myself walking again, causing the living statue to come alive, if only barely, to turn his head in my direction.
He smiled sadly watching my approach, only turning back to face the cloudless sky when we stood side by side.
I turned my eyes up to the stars, remembering the night he'd been so troubled by not knowing me. His mood seemed the same, as if his thoughts were far off, as far off as the twinkling stars we watched.
I waited for him to break the silence; to tell me what was wrong. I was anxious to hear what could have happened in the hours before the ball to bring about this change in him.
He remained silent though, until it started to become uncomfortable. It was as though a wall had been erected between us, keeping him from saying what was on his mind.
Or perhaps his reluctance came from the nature of what he needed to say.
Either way, I knew I would have to say something to break the silence, something that might lighten the mood, make things seem less awkward.
"John if you keep hiding out here like this, you'll never find a wife."
The words blurted from my mouth teasingly, but I winced the moment they were out, wishing I could take them back.
Why had I said that?
His features tightened ever so slightly before he wordlessly pulled me into a hug.
Surprised, I hugged him back, wondering how what I'd said could have prompted this response.
I couldn't help but feel like something was off, but a moment later he let go, a cheery smile on his face that didn't reach his eyes.
Suddenly I knew the reason for his hug; a chance to compose himself and hide whatever emotion he didn't want me seeing.
"Maybe I've already found one" He mused softly.
His voice was teasing, as mine had been, but I didn't miss the strain behind the words. Nor could I identify the source of the pain that lanced through me.
I struggled to turn my wince into a smile, but I knew it didn't quite get there.
"That's great."
He only nodded before looking away again.
He pushed away from the tree, walking towards the trellis just beyond it.
After a moment's hesitation I followed him, swallowing back the lump in my throat along the way.
Another silence overtook us, as awkward as before. This time he was the one to break it, the words coming out in a rush.
"Do you think it's possible to love someone you hardly know?"
I would have thought it was a joke if he hadn't asked so seriously.
I couldn't help the disappointment that washed over me, and was grateful he hadn't looked at me to ask the question for fear of what he might see on my face.
I didn't even know how to answer.
That was the last kind of question I'd expect from John. I took a few deep breaths to make sure my voice would come out steady when I answered.
"No... but... you can as you get to know them" I replied back slowly, fighting back a sudden urge to cry.
"And if it only goes one way?" He asked back immediately.
He looked at me helplessly and I gave him as reassuring a smile as I could muster.
"I suppose that's a chance you have to take. Sometimes you just have to trust that things will work out for themselves."
He sighed and smiled sadly again, shaking his head from side to side. "I don't have that kind of time."
I needed something to lighten the mood; properly this time.
I looked up at the sky, searching for the brightest star I could see before pointing up at it.
"See that star?"
His eyes followed the direction of my hand. "Yes."
"Make a wish."
He half smiled at me. "You're kidding right?"
I raised my eyebrows at him and he closed his eyes with a sigh in resignation.
I wrinkled my forehead in concentration thinking of a good wish. When no ideas came to mind I wished that John's would come true.
When I opened my eyes it was to see him watching me with amusement.
Let him think I was silly if he wanted, at least this smile reached his eyes.
The wind picked up, suddenly whipping my hair into my face.
I shook my head only to have it blown right back. He laughed suddenly and with two steps forward, covered the already small distance between us.
Without any hesitation he raised a hand and brushed a strand back behind my ear.
I felt my face flush and blamed my sudden goosebumps and chills on the cold and not from the feel of his hand against my cheek.
He looked down at me and smiled.
We were so close that I could easily have turned my face up an inch and kissed him.
The scary part was how tempted I was to do just that when more words tumbled from my mouth, ruining the moment.
"Who's the girl?"
A mixture of emotions ran through his face while I waited anxiously for an answer.
I dreaded knowing but couldn't help my overwhelming curiosity.
Was it someone I knew?
A friend?
My stomach clenched painfully as his features finally settled into a wistful expression.
He glanced up at the stars before looking back down, his voice a slight whisper I could only hear because of our proximity.
"You?"
I felt my eyes widen in shock and automatically took a step back.
That answer was even worse than a name I knew. At least then I could fake a smile and move on. But this... this was torture.
It was the last answer I'd expected but oddly the one I wanted.
It was one word, a simple question, but there was no easy answer.
A fierce battle was taking place in my mind, a thousand reasons why I should, a million why I couldn't.
There were too many strings attached, too many uncertainties and what if's, too many doubts and fears.
It was a question that gave rise to dozens more and I couldn't answer any.
'Say yes.'
'I can't be Queen!'
'It doesn't matter you need him.'
'Did I? Did I need him?'
'It's selfish.'
'You can't.'
'I want to.'
'Say yes.'
'Don't do it.'
'He's worth it.'
'It's too big a risk.'
'You'll regret it forever.'
'The Kingdom's more important.'
'You want to.'
'I can't.'
'Say yes.'
'Don't do it!'
Why did this have to happen now?
Why so soon?
It was too early, much too early. We'd only just become friends. Things were starting to change. I couldn't do this yet. It was too early to tell if we could last.
Why so soon?
Why now?
"Why me?"
The words came out another whisper, a desperate attempt to find more time, to find an answer, and almost an accusation.
"Why not you?" He defended.
Was that the best reason he could come up with? If so, it was almost unbearably disappointing. I found myself getting angry.
"Because this isn't who I am! I may look the part now but it doesn't change anything. I'm no dress wearing court lady, I live for the field. Everyone in there is easily a better choice. They would know what to do, I never would."
"You just can't see it, you're exactly what this Kingdom needs" He insisted stubbornly, unable to keep the annoyance out of his voice.
"How would you know? Until two weeks ago you didn't think you could be King. You ran away"
The words came out harsher than I'd intended, more an accusation than an argument.
His face fell to a look of hurt and I felt immediately guilty. So easily we fell back to our old habits. Exactly what I feared would happen in the long run.
"John... I didn't mean--"
"No, you're right" He said cutting me off.
"You will be a great King John... but not with me... I just... can't" I said in a strained voice, trying to hold back my tears.
"Why not? We could be great together, I know we could" He argued back, instantly furious again.
"How can you know? We may get along now, but how long will it last? A few weeks of kindness compared to years of hatred, think about it! It's too much to risk, too much to lose. We haven't had enough time yet, this is all too soon."
"And what time do I have with the rest in there? The rest that I don't even know? Isn't that a risk?"
"So you want to marry me because I'm not a stranger?"
"No! Because I... I just..."
He trailed off looking anguished leaving whatever he'd wanted to say unspoken.
"This is about so much more than just us John."
"What then? What is it about?"
"It's about Highbourne! A few people here may accept a Lady Knight but a thousand more don't. They would never respect me; never really see me as their Queen. You have to think about the Kingdom John."
"I have! My whole life I have! I've done everything for the Kingdom, for the people, for Highbourne... and now you want me to lose you too?"
"I'm not going anywhere John."
"It's not the same."
His shoulders slumped in defeat as a look of resignation came over him, knowing it was useless to fight anymore.
I bitterly realized my point had been proven for me, hadn't we just spent all this time yelling at each other?
He turned to walk away, and immediately turned back.
He paced in front of me looking in turns hurt and angry and so, so lost while I just watched on helplessly. Anything I did would only make it worse.
I'd hurt him enough.
He finally stopped his walking to face me, his expression indiscernible in the shadow of the tree.
"I don't... I don't think we can be friends anymore."
The words cut through me painfully and it was a struggle to compose my voice.
"If that's what you want."
He laughed bitterly and shook his head.
"It isn't, but what I want doesn't matter remember?"
When I didn't answer he turned around and walked away without a backwards glance.
I collapsed down on the bench, my hand coming down on something cold. Picking it up I realized it was his crown, somehow left behind in all the chaos.
Our argument caught up to me with the force of a brick wall leaving me feeling breathless with hurt.
Why was this so hard?
Maybe because I couldn't stand the thought of him being with anyone else, that someone other than me would make him laugh, or smile, or even cry.
Maybe because... I loved him.
I loved him... and it was too late.
We weren't even friends anymore.
How could I run after him now?
And what difference could it make?
None.
It didn't change anything.
Except that maybe now I truly realized what I had lost.
I heard the distant sound of the door clicking shut and looked back down at the crown in my hands.
To think this little band of gold was the cause of all my problems.
The bells chimed signalling the last dance of the night. The dance we'd shared the past two nights, but no more.
With that thought I finally gave in to the tears I'd held back all night; the gentle music my only remaining comfort.