07-25-2018, 05:38 PM
Carpenter and Natalie passed by, but Nikolai spared them only a moment's study before laughing at Ryker's humor. "Trust me, Evelyn, Ryker is one of the best at what he does."
Nik nodded with more emphasis than usual accolades. Soon after, he excused himself, beckoning Evie that she accompany him along the way.
Just before returning to the ball, a twist settled in his gut. He paused, glanced over one shoulder, and studied the departing Ryker.
He shook off the fading feeling, smiled for Evelyn and together returned. Very quickly, he was engulfed by the guests. The swell of the power pressed upon the crowd, but he trusted that the Rods were in control of monitoring the situation.
It didn't escape his attention that many a guest recognized he was in company of the American representative. He could already imagine the rumors, and he was little inclined to silence them. In fact, boldness quickened his playfulness. He offered a hand to Evelyn. "May I have a dance, Representative?"
He ordered the music to be transformed in the following moments. Swing music, while harkening back to the fads of his youth, was inappropriate. Like a king in his court, the guests parted as he led her to the center of the hall. More and more eyes fixated on them, but he didn't care. This was their night. Standing before one another, he clasped her hand and leaned close, "This is all for you, Evelyn,"
he whispered.
He pulled her close. This was no American style dance where partners separated and moved independently like some metaphor of inherent cultural rebellion. He kept her close, shadowed before him.
Music rippled through the air. Evelyn embodied the grace and beauty of the waltz. Nikolai himself was competent, but she was the star. He was only the canvas upon which she was displayed.
If the people didn't love her before, they would adore her now.
[[Evelyn & Ryker moded with permission.]]
Nik nodded with more emphasis than usual accolades. Soon after, he excused himself, beckoning Evie that she accompany him along the way.
Just before returning to the ball, a twist settled in his gut. He paused, glanced over one shoulder, and studied the departing Ryker.
He shook off the fading feeling, smiled for Evelyn and together returned. Very quickly, he was engulfed by the guests. The swell of the power pressed upon the crowd, but he trusted that the Rods were in control of monitoring the situation.
It didn't escape his attention that many a guest recognized he was in company of the American representative. He could already imagine the rumors, and he was little inclined to silence them. In fact, boldness quickened his playfulness. He offered a hand to Evelyn. "May I have a dance, Representative?"
He ordered the music to be transformed in the following moments. Swing music, while harkening back to the fads of his youth, was inappropriate. Like a king in his court, the guests parted as he led her to the center of the hall. More and more eyes fixated on them, but he didn't care. This was their night. Standing before one another, he clasped her hand and leaned close, "This is all for you, Evelyn,"
he whispered.
He pulled her close. This was no American style dance where partners separated and moved independently like some metaphor of inherent cultural rebellion. He kept her close, shadowed before him.
Music rippled through the air. Evelyn embodied the grace and beauty of the waltz. Nikolai himself was competent, but she was the star. He was only the canvas upon which she was displayed.
If the people didn't love her before, they would adore her now.
[[Evelyn & Ryker moded with permission.]]