Chapter 13: Dance Your Heart Out!

Chapter 13:
Dance Your Heart Out!

 

WITH MY NEW SKILL in hand, I was ready for the dance, but I would have to wait for a while. There were two unwritten rules at these gala things: everyone was welcome to dance, but only in order of rank. In other words, lowly baronet’s son Noir Stardia was at the end of the line.

The musicians struck up a waltz, and the highest-ranking couple took to the floor. The marquess and his wife were in their fifties, but they made for a handsome pair and their footwork was immaculate.

Although it was considered poor form to eat or talk while someone of higher rank was dancing, whispering was generally allowed, and a young man who stood beside Emma and I was doing just that.

“I’m Mike, second son of the Kentoll family. I think you’ve gotten even prettier since the last time I saw you, Ms. Brightness.”

“It has been far too long. I see your silver tongue hasn’t lost its shine, Sir Mike.”

Emma was the very picture of grace and good manners in everything from her tone to her gestures, but then, she had been attending these events since she was a kid. I had to admit, I was a little jealous of her skill in that department. She seemed different, somehow. Or perhaps I had just never seen this side of her.

“Miss Emma, I hope you will consider keeping me company again? I have come far since last we spoke, and I am quite confident that no other noble suitor could best me.”

Now this was a familiar song and dance. Boys were always asking Emma out, even just on our way to school.

“Umm, well, I did tell you this before, but…”

“Is there someone else in your heart?”

“Something like that. Oh ho ho ho ho!”

Emma dodged the question with an unnatural laugh, and Mike sighed, finally noticing my presence.

This conversation is dragging on forever. If I was a monster, I could have eaten him by now.

“This must be your…brother?”

“He’s my best friend. The third son of the famous Stardia family.”

I’m sorry Emma, I appreciate the sentiment, but the Stardia family is most definitely not famous. Infamous, maybe.

“My apologies. I’m Mike Kentoll, son of Viscount Kentoll.”

“Noir Stardia, son of Baronet Stardia.”

“I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of the Stardia family. A baronet you say…” Mike started getting that smug look people always got when they found out they outranked me. “So, what’s a guy like you doing with Miss Emma?” he asked, much less respectful all of a sudden.

“I believe she told you herself, we’re close friends.”

“So you’re not dating? Then I guess you won’t mind if I invite her to dance.”

“You’re welcome to invite her.”

That came out more disagreeable than I’d intended, but Mike didn’t seem to notice and immediately asked Emma to dance. She politely turned him down, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“Oh, but, Miss Emma, why don’t you dance with me during the viscounts’ turn? Then, when it comes to the barons’ dance, you can go with your friend Nora.”

“My name is Noir, Sir Bike.”

“Need I remind you that my name is Mike? I shall not allow another slight to pass so easily.”

As much as I hated pointless conflict, I couldn’t back down after that.

“Be my guest,” I said. “If you want a fight, let’s do it.”

“Shall we compete to see who can lead Miss Emma more elegantly? Whoever wins more applause from the crowd shall be the winner.”

“Let’s do it.”

“N-Noir,” Emma said. “Are you all right? I thought you weren’t a very good dancer.”

Mike grinned. “Oh, now that’s music to my ears.”

“It’ll be fine,” I told her. “No problem at all.”

“Noooooir…”

Don’t worry, Emma! Although, thinking about it, perhaps the Dancing skill wasn’t going to be enough. I’d have to do more than that to get everyone’s attention. Still, there was no way I was about to let this Mike guy win.

Just then, the marquess finished dancing, and the hall erupted with thunderous applause. Our host, the earl, was dancing next, and the atmosphere in the ballroom was electric. Soon, it was time for the viscounts to take to the floor. Emma and Mike made their way onto the floor along with several other couples.

The musicians began another waltz and the couples began to move across the floor. The ballroom was crowded, but it wasn’t difficult to keep track of Emma. She was beautiful, and her dress flattered her perfectly. Unfortunately, Mike was dancing pretty well. He must have had a lot of experience. I started to worry that I didn’t stand a chance.

When the dance ended, everyone started clapping and cheering, and most of it seemed to be for them. Emma returned to the table, a little out of breath.

“We can do this,” Emma said.

“S-sure. I’ll do my best.”

“I’ve got high expectations, Stardia boy,” said Mike.

I didn’t even grace that with a response. Emma and I walked out onto the dance floor together.

“I’m gonna win,” I said. “I swear.”

Emma clapped me on the shoulder. “You’re so tense, Noir. Relax! We don’t often get a chance to dance together.”

“Yeah, but still.”

“I’m only doing this so I can dance with you,” she said. “I don’t want you staring at Mike the whole time. I am standing right in front of you, Sir Noir.”

Emma flashed that adorable smile, and I felt myself relax.

“I don’t care if you’re bad,” she said. “Or if you trip. Let’s just dance!”

“Yeah,” I said. “You’re right. Thanks. Let’s get started.”

Right on cue, the musicians started up again. I took Emma’s hand in mine, and we waltzed. I may not have been very good, but I did at least know how to do it. I felt especially light on my feet tonight. I guess it must have been the skill. Emma, at least, seemed pretty surprised.

“Wh-when did you get so good? I think you’re better than me…”

“I picked up a dance skill. Sorry for not saying earlier. At least I won’t get in your way now, so dance your heart out.”

“Okay! Let’s have some fun!”

Time started to move strangely, and the rest of the world bled away. It was like Emma and I were the only ones out there. We came together and broke apart, stretching out our arms and spinning back-to-back, perfectly in step. When the music ended, it was a shock. Emma stared at me, her eyes sparkling. All around us, the crowd erupted with applause. Even the other dancers turned to clap for us. Emma and I joined hands and took a deep bow.

“That was so much fun, Noir.”

“It was, wasn’t it? I’ve always hated dancing, but tonight? It was really good fun.”

“We should do it again sometime,” Emma said.

I’d completely forgotten about Mike until I spotted him again, looking depressed near the table.

“Well, I know when I’ve been beat,” he said. “I wish you all the happiness in the world.”

He gave up without a fight to avoid embarrassing himself further. I wasn’t about to argue with that.

“My, that was incredible,” said Ladan. “When did you become such a good dancer, Noir?”

“Truly,” Romy agreed. “Last time, you fell down so many times.”

“I wonder if I can get away with saying something cool like, ‘Growth is part of life.’”

“Of course you can, Noir!” said Ladan. “It’s a good attitude.”

He asked me to dance next, but the thought of being so close to an older man was a little much for me. I changed the subject and dodged the question.

“Actually, Mr. Landan, could you tell me about that thing from earlier? About the Phantom.”

“Oh, that…” His expression darkened suddenly. “The thing is…the Phantom isn’t after the Mermaid’s Tear. A letter arrived at home a few days ago. The thief’s next target…is Emma.”

“Emma? Are you serious?”

Before that could sink in, the lights suddenly went out—plunging the lavish party into complete darkness.

“Eep! What?!” someone shouted.

A ripple of panic spread through the room. Just as utter chaos was about to break out, a young man’s voice boomed down from the ceiling.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for keeping you waiting. I am the Phantom, and I have come to take what is mine.”