TFL ch. 14

Recap: A figure appears behind Sir William. He taps Sir William's shoulder. "May I cut in?" A familiar baritone voice interrupts. Sir William steps aside, allowing my new partner to come closer. As he places his one hand on my waist and his other in my hand, my heartbeat quickens. "It is wonderful to see you again, 'Melia."

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"Jack! You act as if it has been ages! I only haven't seen you for a couple of days!"

Jack grins his smile lighting up his face. "Are you positive? I was positive that it has been several decades."

I giggle as we glide across the floor. The rest of the ballroom disappears as I enjoy Jack's company. "We really should spend more time together."

"Yes, we really should. Do you recall that one time we climbed in the mayor of Caleet's orchard, stealing as many apples as possible?"

"Oh, and the look on the mayor's red face when he led his lovely guest through the orchard to find to grungy urchins eating his beloved apples!" I respond. We laugh heartily. Then,he leans in and whispers in my ear, "I would not boast so loudly, Lee. We tried the fates as we ran past his guards."

"Oh, you mean the small round man who swore the whole time that his coat was too tight?"

"Exactly. I would swear on he royal crest that he was going to sit upon us when he caught up." Again, we guffaw until my sides begin to ache. The dance ends and he allows me to slip my hand into the crook of his elbow. I smile up at him, his dark returning the smile. It was so good to be with Jack. He is the only one who understands how it was back then.

"Sir Bentley, might I introduce you to my good friend, Miss Amelia." I curtsy to the tall man Jack introduced. His face is not quite handsome, but the ruggedness of it made him seem like the dragon slayers of the legends.

"Good evening, Miss Amelia. Squire Hawkins tells me you are quite an avid horsewoman. Perhaps, one of these days we might compare our skills."

"It would be my pleasure, my lord."

He laughs, "My word, that makes me feel ancient. I am not yet thirty-five years of age. Please, call me Edward, just as I have told Jack here multiple times."

I admire his kindness. "Then, please call me Amelia."

Edward opens his mouth to respond.
"Ahem."

Turning to see who it was, I find myself face to face with Eric. "Your highness." I say as I curtsy deeply and both Jack and Edward both bow.

Eric's eyes are cold as he looks at Jack and Edward. "I hope you all have been enjoying your evening." His word sting with curtness.

"We have been, your highness. Thank you for your concern. " Edward smoothly says. The tension remains despite his valiant attempt. Eric turns to me. "Would you allow me the pleasure of dancing with you, Miss Amelia?"

I stumble for words. "Uh- y-yes of course, y-your highness." Now I understand Wilbur's pain a little bit.

Thrills run down my spine as I take his hand. He leads me onto the floor as the opening notes to my favorite waltz are sounding. I swallow, trying suppress the almost dizzy feeling of excitement. I am dancing with Eric!

His eyes, though, are cold at first as we begin to dance. They are hazed over with some type of expression, but I cannot read them. "Seems like you have had quite an enjoyable evening so far." Again, the same curtness emanates from him.

"Yes, your highness, I have. Have you?" I question. I can feel his muscles relax under his suit.

"Please call me Eric, 'Melia." He whispers, a thickness in his voice.

"Is something wrong, Eric?" His averted gaze, his curt words, his sad voice- they all alarm me.

He sighs. "Everything is all right. I-I- I'm just a bit on edge tonight." He pauses awkwardly. "I'm so sorry. For some odd reason, seeing you dance with so many men- ah, I don't know- just seemed so odd for you."

"Believe me, if it were up to me, I would never dance. Your sister made me promise, and you know how stubborn she can be."

Eric smiles and glances over at Guinevere. "Yes, she can be quite a mule sometimes."

"Eric!"

A chuckle rumbles from his chest. "But I have to say, she did quite a good job dressing you up. You look beautiful, Amelia." His eyes look into mine so steadily, that I fear he can see my thoughts.

"Thank you." I breathe out. We finish the dance in a comfortable silence and I politely curtsy and make my escape to the back of the ballroom. Trembling, I sigh as I lean against the wall, reliving that dance over and over again.

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Hey! Hope you all enjoyed this installment. Just as a warning, the next chappie is a game-changer so buckle your seatbelts!! Hehehe! Hopefully it will be up by Friday?!!?! No promises though. I love it when people throw stuff at me. *hides behind chair* NOT LITERALLY!!!

This chappie is dedicated to lotrfan096. Thanks for answering the question!!! And thanks to everyone for their votes and comments! They totally make my day!!!

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Mine is salt and vinegar!!! They are yummilicious!!

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