31: 31 Dancing with the Devil (AVOT)

31 Dancing with the Devil (AVOT)

As Rhain led Daisy onto the dance floor and Tiberius did the same with Helena, the atmosphere of the ballroom subtly began to change. The laughter and chatter of the crowd became less pronounced, receding into the background, and the music from the orchestra changed to a slower, darker rhythm as if it were echoing the very pulse of the night. The twinkling lights dimmed ever so slightly, casting long, eerie shadows that danced along the polished floors and ornate walls. It was as though the time had changed from morning to evening, perhaps even night, bringing intimacy into the moment. 

The air grew colder, and even the scent in the room seemed to change. There was a strange, intoxicating fragrance now—a blend of night-blooming flowers and something else she couldn't place.

With a fluid motion, Rhain gathered Daisy into his arms, swaddling them in a blanket of enchanting darkness. Her pulse started to match the rhythm of the music, driven by a heightened sense of thrill. His hand, a gentle yet firm presence, found a home on the small of her back, while the other cradled her delicate hand.

Underneath the dimmed lights, Rhain's eyes morphed into a warm amber, illuminating his face. His features were carved into the shadows, exhibiting a disturbing allure, beautiful yet frightful. His lips, adorned by a slow smile, were an enticing sight in the murky darkness, stirring a strange warmth in her heart.

"You are staring, dear wife," he crooned, his voice a soft, intoxicating melody that whispered against her skin.

The endearment, wrapped in such intimate tones, cascaded over her like a frigid wave. Her new status as his wife hadn't yet completely dawned on her, adding a surreal layer to their dance. "Well, it is suddenly dark here," she remarked, her voice barely above a whisper.

His smile deepened, a knowing glint dancing in his eyes. "I believe I told you I prefer the darkness."

"I believe you did," she acknowledged, her gaze wandering over the crowd. "I didn't anticipate so many guests from your side."

"You expressed curiosity, so I thought of inviting more."

Her eyebrows knitted together in puzzlement, and she ventured further, "And do they share your...condition?"

The amusement in his eyes evaporated, replaced by a contemplative stare. "The ones related to me do. It's in the family."

Nodding, Daisy let the silence engulf them for a moment. But Rhain wasn't one to let the quiet linger.

"You look enchanting, Daisy," he declared, his voice a soft caress against her senses. "In white, you mirror the innocence of a daisy or perhaps, the elegance of a white rose."

"Thank you," she murmured.

His response was pulling her even closer. An unexpected gasp escaped her as her body pressed against his. Nervously, Daisy glanced around, her eyes darting across the room. To her relief, the rest of the party seemed engrossed in their own whirlwind of dancing.

"Daisy," he murmured again, his voice a lure she couldn't resist.

Turning back to him, she was caught once again in the mesmerizing gaze of her husband. 

"It seems you haven't slept." He pointed. 

"How could I sleep?" She said, nervously. 

"Why could you not sleep?" 

"I don't know, perhaps it's the… anxiety, or maybe the fact that I am marrying someone I barely know and becoming the Marchioness."

The statement hung in the air between them, a small ripple of truth in the otherwise composed atmosphere. Her admission, however, didn't seem to faze Rhain. Instead, his amber eyes sparkled with interest, the corners of his mouth lifting into a subtle smile.

"Is that so?" he asked. "And what would you like to know about your dear husband?"

"Well," she began, letting the word draw out as she pretended to mull over her thoughts. "Where should I start? How about… your favorite color?"

Rhain chuckled, the sound warm and soothing. "My favorite color," he repeated, the amusement evident in his voice. "That's your first question?"

"Yes," she confirmed, feigning seriousness. "I believe it's crucial information."

His smile deepened, as he leaned in a little closer, his gaze never leaving hers. "I am liking white at the moment," he murmured. 

"And in other moments?" 

"It depends on what color you wear." He replied. 

"You are not serious." 

"But I am Daisy. I think all colors would suit you, but I would mostly love to see you in green, to match the emerald flecks in your eyes, or red, to match the flush on your cheeks." 

"But...," Daisy stammered, caught off guard by his comment, her mind briefly wandering off to picture herself in dresses of those colors. "Well, you... you haven't told me about your favorite… food."

His gaze darkened. "I don't have a particular food I enjoy." 

"There must be some things you enjoy more than others." Daisy insisted. 

He seemed to think. "Well, I like… meat," he said. 

The way he said it as if it repulsed him. "You don't like meat."

"No." He breathed. "I… don't enjoy food, particularly because of my condition. I can't taste it." 

"Oh," she said, suddenly feeling bad for him. What a terrible fate not to be able to taste all the delicacies in the world. "I am sorry," she whispered. 

His eyes narrowed. "Why?" 

"Well, " she wanted to explain, but then thought she would only make him feel worse. "Nothing. Food is for nourishment anyway." 

"For enjoyment too, I suppose." 

"Uh… yes. But there are many other things to enjoy in life as well." Ugh… she was making it worse. 

"Indeed," he replied, watching her intently. 

Then, in a swift, fluid motion that caught her off guard, he spun her around in a sweeping circle. His hold on her was firm, yet gentle, ensuring she didn't lose balance. Daisy gasped, her heart pounding, as he drew her into his arm again. 

Then he spun them around the dance floor, and the world seemed to blur around them, the music merging into a distant hum, and the whispers of the crowd drowned into silence. It was just the two of them, enfolded in the velvety darkness, lost in their own little universe.

She felt the press of his hand on her lower back, drawing her in closer to him, his strong form against hers. His warmth seeped into her through the layers of their clothing, making her insides tingle. 

He then stopped spinning, and she found herself pressed even closer against him. She could feel his breath fan against her face, his eyes bore into hers, the amber glow seemingly brighter.

She could sense a change in him; a spark of boldness, a dash of thrill, an undercurrent of desire that made her blood sing. The intensity in his gaze, the tightening of his hand around hers, the closeness of their bodies, everything hinted at a growing need.

She swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry, as he whispered, "Daisy, you're making it increasingly difficult for me to remember we are in public."

Her breath hitched, and she managed to gather her thoughts, replying in a somewhat shaky yet stern voice, "I don't want to reprimand you about proper conduct." 

He smiled and said, "I am afraid your assertiveness might only add fuel to the fire." 

"I don't understand why you enjoy flustering me." 

"It is the color."

"Is the paint on my cheeks not enough? I could put in some more and save us the trouble." 

He chuckled, "Oh, Daisy. You amuse me." 

Daisy's gaze searched after her mother, and she felt relieved to find her still dancing with Tiberius and looking content. 

Then Daisy mostly enjoyed her time at the table to dine with her family. She sat with Rhain, her mother, and Tiberius, Katherine and Thomans, Edric and Lila; and Cassandra with another gentleman. 

Katherine was only happy for a moment, that her daughters had found two noblemen, but then she looked very disturbed the whole time while they dined. Her father looked even worse, as if he was attending a funeral and not a wedding. 

Who cares, Daisy thought. The most important thing was that her mother seemed to enjoy herself. Tiberius was well spoken, respectful, and intelligent. He engaged her mother in different topics, and surprisingly, they had many things in common. Rhain seemed to observe them curiously as well. 

Daisy knew she should be cautious of the man, but seeing her mother so happy made her defenses crumble. 

Once the ceremony and celebration ended, the guests began to leave her family being the last ones to stay. They congratulated them again, and then Thomas ushered everyone to follow him.0

"I will be going to my new home," her mother said, not following her father. 

A moment of tension lingered in the air after she spoke, the impact of her words causing Thomas to stop in his tracks, his brows furrowing in displeasure.

Before anyone could speak, a smooth, calm voice intervened. Tiberius stepped forward, a subtle, dignified air about him as he addressed Helena. "Lady Helena, if I may be of assistance, I would be honored to escort you to your new residence."

Helena paused, taken aback by the sudden offer. But after a moment, she composed herself, nodding graciously at Tiberius. "My Lord, I would be grateful for your company," she replied. 

Thomas' eyes narrowed at the exchange, his displeasure unmistakable. However, he held his tongue, maintaining his facade of civility. His gaze flicked between Helena and Tiberius, the jealousy clear in his eyes as he watched Tiberius offer his arm to Helena and lead her away.

As Daisy watched her father leave as well, the reality of her new life began to settle in. Her body turned cold. 

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