Chapter 43 - Viennese waltz (1/2)

He purposely glanced bored at the girl Lily introduced as her childhood friend.

”And you are?” She had the audacity to ask. He could read in her eyes that of course she knew who he was. But she did not seem to care, no, she even wanted to provoke him with this insolence. She seemed quite intentionally to renounce manners and demeanor of aristocrats.

Then Lily hastened to speak. ”My husband, Alexandre de Valois.” A brief sense of triumph rose in him. He held her tightly.

Alexandre was disturbed by Lady de Carvoisin's obvious hostility against him, but he greeted her with appropriate grandeur. Before he turned back to Lily. He exchanged a few trivial words with Lionelle de Carvoisin and led the young ladies back into the ballroom.

Alexandre only smiled satisfied once the first notes of Bedrich Smetana's Moldau sounded.

”May I have this dance?” Alexandre bowed to Lily and handed her his hand, which Lily grabbed in the first reflex. When she realized that she was out of practice, she tried to withdraw her hand, but he did not let her go. Lily swallowed hard. ”Alexandre ...”

Nervousness made her heart flutter. Heaven, how much she despised her moment of carelessness. She would make a fool of herself if she stumbled over her legs!

Alexandre was looking straight at the center of the hall and led her to the dance floor, where other couples had already positioned themselves. He noticed her stiffen in his arms and looked down at Lily. ”What's wrong?”

”I think I can't do that. I haven't danced in a long time.” She admitted in distress. She has widened her eyes in panic and hoped he would escort her back from the dance floor. But his grip became firmer. ”I lead.” He explained barley and whispered in amusement. ”You just have to look pretty.” What earned him an indignant snort. She pulled on her hand. But he did not let her go.

He knew she always looked pretty. But today she was incredibly beautiful. The mint-colored ball gown gave her a graceful elegance. The countless 3D blossoms of lace spread on the fine organza fabric. She appeared to him like an elf at Elf king's nocturnal festivals. The strapless dress revealed her slender shoulders. Her graceful gooseneck was surrounded by a pair of dark curls that had broken loose from her romantic updo. A rosy complexion lay on her face, giving her that certain freshness that reminded him of her lips. Her kisses that tasted so refreshing every time.

Alexandre laughed at himself. Elf? Refreshing kisses? Really! He raved like a schoolboy.