It took a few minutes, but I was able to stand. The grip on my lungs finally releasing, and my focus no longer split between her and air. Slowly coming to the realization of what I've done. That feeling of dredge, followed by the feeling if cold sweat accumulating on my forehead. The clicks of her heels were gone. While the noises of the party that were muted to me a while ago remained steady. Seems she hadn't made it back there yet. I...I still had time.

I felt as if my body came to the same conclusion on its own, for before I could understand what I was doing. I made to the door, swung it open and I was right. She was gone. Yet my luck wasn't getting any better. She killed the lights. Part of me wondered. Did she do it out of habit, maybe she figured I'd be passed out for a while, or maybe she's just a-

"Sadistic bitch," I mumbled as I managed to get to the stairs; not even bothering to find the light switch myself. I figured my eyes would adjust eventually. I didn't have the luxury of time. I gripped the railing and made my way down with the confidence of someone whom could actually see in the dark. In the back of my mind that I hoped I didn't slip. With the size of this staircase, I'm sure it could easily kill me.

No...

I'm not that lucky. As I got to the bottom the dimly lit area was a God's send. When my foot touched the bottom I looked up and just like before, I froze. My eyes landed on the beautiful
Kheimon. Was she toying with me. Leaning on the wall with her hands behind her back. She was waiting there, staring back at me before turning and heading down the hallway towards the party. The silence that somehow made my ears once again honed on the sound of her heels. Like a marionette doll, my body ran to her. I reached out to grab her, yet with the turn of her heel she pinned me. Air escaped for the second time as my body was up against the wall. Her left hand on my throat, with her left leg in between mine. The other hand ready to punch me if I dared to move. What was happening.

I didn't even bother speaking. At this point, I'd be an embarrassment. I just stared into her cold emotionless eyes. I don't understand, was it the element of surprise or did I fear her. I've taken on guys that were 3x her size, and yet I'm a little scared. She has me right where she wants me; and I, her puppet was doing everything she expected. Maybe it wasn't that I'm scared of her, maybe it's that if I even touched her, her parents would have my head. Though I've already tainted their daughter with my fist. I'd be executed just for that alone.

"Try to touch me again and next time I'll make sure you regret it. Everyone will wonder what gang broke in and beat you death," she said calmly and made each word had the impact it deserved. I let out a hesitant nod and she let go. I clutched my throat. My coughing was the only other sound that rang through the empty hallway. I saw her give me a bored look before turning to continue walking. I just stood there and watched her go. I gave up. This was a lose loose fight for me. My fire was extinguished and I'm out of matches. She stopped. "Is that it," she asked and I was confused. "Was it that easy to put out your flame? Disappointing. I thought you'd have a little more bite to you. Seems I was mistaken," she said like she was almost disappointed.

"The hell you mean," I said calmly walking up to her. "That's exactly what I mean. Your roaring flame is nothing but a dwindling ember, and it's embarrassing," she said and I felt my eye twitch. "Well what did you expect me to do," I snapped. "Not hide with your tail between your legs. How about what," she sighed. "Listen, you don't wanna do this. Do you specialize in pissing people off," I said trying not to do something stupid again. "Only the week ones," she smiled. With those words she poured lighter fluid on my ember, and I erupted. I grabbed her by the collar. She was taken back. Before I could respond she started talking, "and here I thought you'd be too scared to do anything. My parents could destroy you, though I could easily take you down myself. I have everything you have and more. Yet it seems you still had kindle left to burn," she said softly before she knocked my hands away and pushed me back in one fluid motion.

"Is this what you want!? A fight!?" I snapped clenching my fists. "I just wanted someone to treat me like a real person you bastard," she snapped back. As if on queue the sound of the door clicked open. We both froze when we heard the door to the hall open. That was when I saw the ice dragon take a knee.

"There you two are, we we getting worried," smiled the Host. He looked almost hopeful. Almost as if he wanted something to happen. Maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me. My eyes darted back at her, scanning her face for my fist mark, but it seems to have disappeared. Did it simply fade on its own or did she cover it up, and if so...why? Her hands now adorned white gloves and that persona I witnessed was quickly smothered by the aura of a high class lady. Seems I'm not the only one in this puppeteering act. "Yes Papa," she said before walking up to him. Her voice, tone, everything was softer, almost polished.

"I'm glad you made it down. I've told you that this party is important to your mother and I. I need you there at all times. Your books can wait," He said disappointed yet understanding. "My apologies, I won't do it again," she said with her head bowed. "It's alright. Now let's get back," he smiled. "Ah wait Papa, could I have a quick word alone with Sir Thomas. I wish to thank him," she smiled. Her father happily nodded before going back through the door and closing it, giving us some privacy.

I could feel the air get colder. The tension in the room spiked. She turned to face me. Her cold eyes piercing mine. Suddenly in a low whisper, as if she knew her father was listening she said, "thank you for returning this bird back to her cage." The weight she placed in those words, made them sink into my heart. Then quickly she said in a crystal clear tone, "I appreciate you coming to get me for my father. It was such an honor to meet you and I hope I didn't case any trouble."

She said those words so happily and sincerely that I honestly was caught off guard. She turned and walked towards the door. I was left there unsure what to do next. The only option I could think of was to follow her back into the party. I stepped through the door and I could feel people wanting to stare, yet opted to watch me from the corner of their eyes. Back into the chaotic theater production that I was forced to have a part in. Glacé walked with her father back to the center of the ball. The star returned to the top of the tree. I guess I should go find my parents or just act like nothing happened. Though there was a feeling I couldn't shake off. Why is she acting like nothing was wrong? Why isn't she telling her father what happened in the library? Why do I assume she'd use it for leverage. As the guests swarmed her, like locust.

All these questions are more agitating the more they pile up. I glanced at the clock. It's still too early to leave. I mentally sighed with a smile that would make you think otherwise. The music once again captured my attention, and as I made my way to my parents I chose to forget what happened. Mentally rehearsing what I would say. No one approached, I guess they figured the host had his eyes on me. Great; as if I needed more envy colored eyes.

Though if he did plan for me to be a suiter, how would I refuse...I suddenly went from being a pretty face to a knight in the king's army. I locked eyes with my Father across the room. I knew that look. The 'you better not have fucked up' look. If anyone knew me better than anyone it would be that hot headed bastard. I walked up to them. Taking my time, I didn't see any reason to rush. If she decides to tell everyone or even one person what's happened tonight; my family might as well be crucified. We were finished. All she had to say was three words.

He hit me...

I could feel my heart quicken with each step. I was nervous, almost afraid. It was odd to have that feeling back in my life. Such a child feeling... to be afraid. I wonder when I started not to care, when did I choose to stamp out my own fear? Was it out of convenience?

I made it back to my parents. My Father joyfully hugging me, only to whisper, "I hope you didn't do anything idiotic." "I smiled whispering back, "what are you planing old man." As we parted my mother replied genuinely excited, "Lady Glacé is so beautiful isn't she! Her personality is as sweet as ice cream." "More like a rock hard popsicle," I thought to myself. "Thomas did any sparks fly!? Did she take your breath away," my mother asked happily. Though I wish she'd whisper. I could feel people turn their ears toward us. "She did take my breath away, time and time again. She's also more beautiful in person," I smiled. "Nice that you feel that way, because I was talking with her father. Seems you've made a very good first impression. He may be interested in you courting the lady. He said he wouldn't mind having a son in law like you," my father whispered. I was shocked. First impression? Me? "Why," was all I could say. I was completely shocked, dumbfounded, speechless, what ever word you want to use. "At least you didn't loose your temper, or this would be a different situation," he said even softer. I was about to reply when a hand touched my shoulder. I turned to say the Hostess of this evening.

She was just as beautiful as her daughter, if not more. Her long pale blonde hair was pulled up in a perfect bun, her bright blue eyes made the sea look dim, and that smile could put a baby to sleep. Her gown was immaculate, white with opal accents. "What brings you over to us my lady," asked my father bowing as my mom curtsied. She didn't respond to them. Only to turn to me and say;

"You struck my daughter."

❄️