"If love is a battlefield, it's time to go to war boys." Arthos said as he led the way across the great hall. The three men looked dashing and elegant with their new suits, washed figures, and finely combed hair.
The three young suitors stood in front of their respective ladies and performed an elegant genuflection. The villagers let out an audible sigh of appreciation. Kristan and Nevariel smiled brightly, Elencia fought the urge to smile trying to conceal her excitement.
Kay walked forward dressed in a fine charcoal colored tunic. He took the lead as the self-appointed "herald and master of ceremonies" announcing the commencement of the meal.
He said, "lords and ladies, prince and princess of the Kingdom, attend! Let it be known that the feast has begun. Special honor be given to our esteemed guests Princess Elencia Regal of House Regal, Commander of the Knights of Camarax, and Ambassador to King Isandor...and to Prince Luceran Regal of House Regal."
"Let the first course be brought forth and let music gladden your hearts. Let there not be talk of battle and war. Tonight, we speak only of family, unity, honor, and love. Let all who are gathered here be welcomed and be merry!"
Arthos took Nevariel's hand and said softly, "you look beautiful Neva."
She blushed slightly and replied with a smile, "You look handsome as well. No one has called me Neva since I was five, but I will allow it from you."
Percy said nothing…he simply extended his hand toward Princess Elencia like a predator claiming his territory in a silent but clear act. The princess unable to fight back the smile said, "I see assassins can slay with more than just their blades. You look very handsome."
Percy smiled and replied, "Yeah, I know."
Wain extended his hand toward Kristan, fighting the urge to confess his love and instead said, "you always have been the princess of my life."
Kristan smiled and nodded. She had been developing feelings for Wain since their first mission together. He was kind, smart, resourceful, loyal, dependable, and he treated her with absolute tenderness. How can a girl resist chocolate-covered devotion?
[…]
After the meal had been served. Kay announced the beginning of the dance. The tables were quickly moved to the sides clearing the hall for dancing space. Having prepared in advance, the three suitors asked their respective ladies for the honor of dancing with them. The first dance was a lively carole composed of an open circle with men and women in alternating positions.
The second song was an estampie which was accompanied by thundering applause and shouts. The song was fast, rhythmic, and lively.
"Well, well, well…aren't you full of surprises?" Kristan said with a joyful laugh as she danced swiftly with Wain.
Arthos and Neva didn't exchange a word, they simply enjoyed the moment of dancing together. Their sliding steps, quick stamps, turns, and advances functioned as a messenger between the two communicating their feelings.
Princess Elencia fought the urge to smile and visibly show her excitement as she danced with Percy. Instead, she wore a face of 'I've done this a thousand times at royal gatherings…nothing new here.' Percy as an expert ninja and keen observer, predicted this outcome and had made special arrangements.
As soon as the second song ended, Kay stopped the music and announced, "my lords and ladies, we have a very special treat for you. One of our esteemed guests will now demonstrate a dance from a far away place…a dance from earth."
The audience went "ohhh", and quickly moved away from the dance floor to observe this new dance. Hector surprised everyone by joining the musicians…he grabbed a stringed instrument and started playing with a pulse-like slow string.
Percy stepped forward with the confidence of a Spanish bullfighter. He lifted his chest and chin high as his gaze rested on his target…the one he wished to dance with. He extended his hand toward the princess signaling her to approach. The princess stepped forward with grace and elegance as her gaze met his.
He circled around her, his fingertips trailing the space near her waist without contact…his right hand guided her into a slow spin sweeping her hair across her shoulders. The two were standing face to face inches away, he leaned her forward making him the focus of her world. The music picked up speed as a fusion of Tango and Paso Doble…it was a seductive and sensual dance.
Percy twisted and turned the princess in a frenzy of elegant turns, guiding her closer and closer until the two faces were inches away. He slid his hand from her back to her waist pulling her up into the air as he spun.
The crowd reacted with a unanimous "ohhh"
As the music reached its peak, the princess forgot about the crowd of people, she forgot that she was a princess, she forgot about the world. Tonight…this moment…this dance…was an experience between a man and woman. Every shift of weight, every touch, every turn became part of an elaborate confession of desire and passion.
The music ended with a violent and dramatic finale, Percy performed three successive full-length turns and dipped the princess in a dramatic tango finale. The two held the pose while the audience erupted in a thunderous applause. After which the two dancer stood chest to chest close enough to feel the other's heartbeat against their own.
"That was spectacular!" Kristan and Wain exclaimed.
"Very elegant tango indeed." Neva said with a smile.
The rest of the night, the villagers and heroes danced together in merriment knowing full well that the following day could be there last.