The Decision

Leon stood tall and proud before the assembly as the trumpets interrupted the silence of the hall once more, “AND ACCOMPANYING HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS TONIGHT, LADY EMELIA OF CORNEA!” A collective gasp of surprise rippled through the crowd. Many had given up hope that Leon would ever take a bride, especially from a noble family. Numerous young women had been presented to court him, but no one had been able to capture his eye—until now.

As Leon turned around, Emelia glided towards him in a golden gown that caught the light and sparkled like the sun. The golden bodice hugged her curves and highlighted her delicate bust while flaring out into yards of cascading silk. It was intricately beaded with white jewels that glistened on her bare shoulders and back. Her golden necklace and earrings shimmered in the light, accentuating her neckline, with a few luxurious curls cascading down her bare back. To complete the look, she wore a pair of white high heels that added to the gracefulness of her walk.

Her presence was magnetic as she sauntered towards him, her hips swaying with each purposeful step. She exuded a heady confidence that seemed to be the perfect counterweight to Leon’s unrestrained enthusiasm. He raised an eyebrow, his eyes sparkling with admiration, and she fixed him with a teasing glare, “Not one word,” she warned him.

Leon slowly turned his head, his eyes widening as he marveled at Emelia in her golden dress. Her beauty left him speechless, and he held out his hand to her, calling her forward. She approached him, hesitating, and he smiled adoringly. “You look beautiful,” he said softly.

Emelia’s face lit up with a dazzling smile, and she reached out and laced her slender fingers through his, her lips tilting up in a mischievous grin. “That’s three words,” she said.

The couple tried to quell their giggles as they worked their way down the stairs, fingers intertwined. Emelia’s dress swept behind them like a river, billowing out with every step they took.

The guests watched in anticipation as Leon and Emelia descended the grand staircase. Her gown sashayed with her movements while he was a vision in a fitted tuxedo. Leon guided Emelia to the center of the room, taking her hand in his own and positioning his other arm around her waist. As their clasped hands touched, an electric shock surged through their bodies. Eyes locked, they leaned into the feeling of an intense and intoxicating connection to one another.

The orchestra struck the first chord, and the couple spun around the dance floor. Emelia’s skirt flared with her every movement, and Leon’s gaze never left hers. He held her close like an embrace that was meant to last for eternity as if it was impossible for them to ever be apart. People stopped to watch and marveled at their grace as they spun, their choreography seemingly immaculate and effortless.

Emelia leaned closer; her voice strained over the music. “I want to apologize for James.”

He drew her close, the warmth of his embrace wrapping around her like a blanket, and looked into her eyes. His gaze was soft and tender, the lines around his eyes deepening as his lips curved ever so slightly in a knowing smile. “No need. You’re here now.”

He spun her around in his arms, her dress billowing out, before pulling her back in and bringing their bodies close together. She could feel his heart beating fast against her chest as she looked up into his eyes. Her voice was soft and gentle as she said, “I just want you to know that I don’t view you as a second...”

A muscle twitched in his jaw as he slowly said the word, “fiddle,” and his face was flushed. It was clear that James’ words had struck a nerve.

Emelia slowly slid her hand from his arm to his chest. She looked up into his eyes and exhaled, a soft, “Yes,” leaving her lips as the music around them faded to a gentle weave of strings and woodwinds.

The trumpet solo crescendoed, and the saxophone reharmonized the melody. Leon pulled Emelia close, one arm encircling her waist and the other cupping her cheek. His breath was warm on her lips, and their bodies moved in sync with the beat. “This second fiddle has what he wanted all along,” he murmured before his soft lips pressed firmly against hers. He wrapped his arms around her waist, and she placed her hands at the back of his neck, feeling his strength. They swayed to the music, eyes closed, lost in the moment. As the song was coming to its close, Leon bent down, intensifying their kiss, leaving the audience mesmerized.

Emelia stood still in his arms; her eyes closed to the world around them. Even though the room was filled with noise, all she could hear was her own racing heart that seemed to be pounding in her ears. “Leon,” she said softly, surprised at the sudden kiss. Leon pulled back and gazed into her eyes with an intensity that felt like it could ignite a flame. She could feel the heat radiating off of him, and neither of them seemed to notice the curious spectators watching their intimate moment.

“I don’t care if you were with James first because I don’t let my ego get in the way of getting what I want, Emelia.” His voice was an intimate whisper, and he stepped closer so she could feel his breath on her neck and the warmth of his body against hers. “And what I want is you.” He brought his forehead against hers, creating a connection between them. The silence was electric with unspoken emotions, and she felt powerless as he spoke again. “Stay with me here in Iris.”

The sensation of a low rumble began in the base of her spine, quickly tingling and shaking down her body until she felt a wave of ecstasy course through her. She could feel his heartbeat pattering against her chest in tune with the steady rhythm of their waltz. As they pulled apart, the crowd clapped with delight. His hands stayed clasped around hers as he brought them up to his lips in a tender gesture. Softly, he kissed them both, and she felt her heart swell.

The clapping slowly died away, and Leon stepped forward, his eyes taking in the crowd before him. “We would like to thank you all for your attendance this evening. Please enjoy the night.” He looked towards Emelia and gave her a mischievous wink, causing her cheeks to blush. She looked away, feeling a little embarrassed by the boldness of his gesture. Taking her by the hand, they made their way toward the orchestra, where the lively music of the violinists, flutists, and cellists filled the air.

As other couples took to the dance floor, they swept into a waltz. The rich melodies of the instruments wove together in a harmonious tapestry of sound, occasionally broken up by gentle interludes of softer adagios between transitions. The night continued on, interrupted only by interludes of soft adagios that filled in between transitions between one tune into another.

Emelia felt a wave of apprehension at the thought of being at the center of attention, but Leon’s comforting presence kept her nerves at bay. Leon gently gripped her waist and guided her through the dance steps as if they had been dancing together for years. The other couples on the dancefloor seemed to part around them as they moved through their steps in perfect harmony, creating a sense of wonderment in the eyes of those observing. Everywhere she looked, people were craning their necks to catch a glimpse of this mystery girl that had suddenly appeared in their midst.

* * *

The servants worked their way through the night, picking up wine bottles and goblets from the floor and carefully rearranging the furniture to its original spot. They wiped the windows with wet rags and squeaky cleaners until their reflections stared back at them. As the sun rose, they stepped back and admired their work as a carriage stopped in front of the house. James and Elizabeth emerged first, Elizabeth’s flowery dress glimmering in the morning light, followed by Emelia and Leon, who were both wearing bright smiles. They wished the servants a brisk good morning before heading out towards the awaiting carriage.

The servants hurried around, loading the carriage with the trunks and chests of belongings. Emelia stood beside Leon and glanced at James, who refused to look up, instead staring at the ground with an expressionless face. Emelia drew Elizabeth into a tight embrace, her plea escaping into Elizabeth’s hair as she whispered, “Be safe.”

James’ gaze flickered to Emelia, his eyebrows raised in surprise. “You’re not coming back with us?” He quickly shot a desperate look at Elizabeth, hoping she could tell him this wasn’t true.

Elizabeth laid a gentle hand on James’ arm as she could sense the tension emanating from his body. “Emelia asked me last night if she could stay here,” she said softly. “I agreed.”

James’s gaze narrowed as he looked at Emelia, and he could feel a tightness in his chest. He tried to keep his voice neutral as he asked, “You can’t be serious?” He attempted to hide the jealousy in his tone. He quickly softened his expression and added, “You’re Elizabeth’s only lady in waiting,” as if this duty would be enough to make her return to Cornea.

Elizabeth twirled a pale curl around her finger, her eyes twinkling as she spoke. “We mustn’t forget that many women are vying for the position of lady-in-waiting,” she said with a gentle smile.

James stared at Emelia with desperate eyes, begging her to leave with him. Leon pulled her in close, his arm firmly encircling her waist, as he looked at James, “I hope you come back and visit soon, dear friend.”

James’ eyes narrowed as he glared at Leon. His nostrils flared, and fists clenched at his side. He spoke through gritted teeth, “You are not my friend,” he spat. His gaze shifted to Emelia, who had been standing nearby, and his voice softened, “Not anymore.”

James stomped away, stirring up dust with every angry step. Elizabeth called out his name, her voice growing louder and louder until he was out of earshot. She turned to Emelia and Leon and felt a pang of regret. “I should get going now,” she said softly. She climbed up to the carriage, her skirts gathered in her fists and waved her hand behind her as she settled into her seat, her eyes lingering on Emelia until the carriage pulled away.

Leon’s large hands gently squeezed Emelia’s petite waist, and his lips grazed her temple as he whispered words of comfort. “Don’t worry about him. He’ll get over it.” Emelia forced a small smile, her gaze following the line of horses and carriages as they slowly disappeared around the bend in the road.

“I hope so,” she whispered, gazing into the horizon. The sky was painted in a palette of pink and orange, and golden rays began to spread across the grassy landscape. Uncertainty lingered in the air of their future, yet as he held her close to him, cocooning her with his strong arms, all she wanted was the momentary comfort of his embrace.