#this piece initially went many different directions and i have realized ah yes to fully explore just THESE themes that i'm interested in as | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

redthreadoffate · 4 years

Text

falling [tony stark]

a repost, originally posted in my former writing blog

relationship: tony stark x stark!daughter!reader

warning: swearing, none; mistakes here or there

request (anon): hey! would you wanna write a tony stark x daughter reader where like tony didn’t die and mysterio actually wants to get revenge on tony himself instead of poor spider boy :( and like beck ends up involving tony’s daughter in it somehow?? just very angsty but fluff at the end,,,,i just love tony being a dad

notes: i got carried away with this, i realize there’s not too much angst but i hope you still like it. also, i made pepper the mother here.

summary: y/n stark has been taken, and it’s up to tony to save her

After Tony’s near-death experience during the war with Thanos, you can’t help but stand by him almost 24/7. It’s not that you don’t trust him alone, it’s just that…well, yes, you really don’t trust him alone. He could fall over and need help getting up, he could be having nightmares and you aren’t there to wake him, and most importantly, he could be calling out for you and you’re not there to give him a hug and say it’s okay; he’s done that a few times, call you out, thankfully you were right there by his side.

It’s been months since then but nothing has changed between him and you. You’ve relaxed a bit more; only looking behind you from time to time when you’re both working in the lab, not feeling jittery at every sound you hear, like the spoon clattering on the ground or cough and wheeze, but you’re still always alert and by his side.

One day, you were looking through some paperwork Tony had asked you to go through with him. You didn’t like doing anything that had to do with paper, especially when it came to those working for your father as you thought everything was supposed to be between them and him for now, but your dad asked you ever so nicely and you couldn’t help but say yes. Sometimes you think he’s taking advantage of your love for him, but you just laugh that off. ‘Of course not,’ you think with a smirk and a roll of your eyes.

So here you are, on the dining table with papers scattered around you and Tony on the other side with his Stark technology running through some systems, You stare at the hologram before looking down at the physical pieces of paper. You ask him why he still kept papers when his awesome geniusness could file his work easily.

“Sometimes good ol’ paperwork is good for the brain, y/n. Easily editable with a pen. It’s exercise. Doesn’t strain your young eyes much…yet.” He shrugged. “And also, I didn’t make that, one of my earlier assistants did.”

You nodded your head slowly. ‘Well that explains things.’ You look again at the scattered paper before sighing. You were so used to using your dad’s gadgets that when it came to proper work, aside from studies, you couldn’t fathom using a pen to edit anything in front of you. You’d rather be touching the screen, typing and swiping away as the data was backed-up every time even a slight change was done.

Before long, you’ve reached the last employee. Quentin Beck. He was an older man, younger than Tony but definitely older than you. His facial hair reminded you of your father’s. And in some weird way, despite that fact, you found him kinda cute. You raised the paper to show your father and ask if the man still worked for him.

“Ah, Quentin Beck, yeah, I remember him. He helped out with the Binarily Augmented Retro-Framing.”

“The B.A.R.F.?” you clarify.

“That’s the one.” Tony nodded and pointed at you with his index finger. “He was pretty unstable so I had to fire him. Well, I asked Pepper to fire him. He was a good one, could be considered a genius. But again, he was unstable and we couldn’t have that.”

You look again at the picture and decide that it was best he was fired, who knows what he could have done?

So you mark the paper as ‘terminated’ and placed it in a pile with the rest of the fired employees. “What would you like me to do with these stacks, Dad?” you ask. You’ve got four stacks now labeled EMPLOYED, TERMINATED, RETIRING, RESIGNED. “Garage? Study? My room?”

Tony gave a small smile. “Put the EMPLOYED and RETIRING in my study, the RESIGNED and TERMINATED in the storage room in the garage, I’ll have a look at them later.”

“Which means never,” you correct, smirking.

“That is not true. I need to check my former employees, too.” Tony chuckled. “I have to focus on the now but I swear I’ll check out those two piles as well. Keep them nearest the door so I have no choice but to stumble upon them soon…er, or later.”

You giggle. “Okay. Sure, Dad.”

You grab the pile EMPLOYED and placed it inside one box, writing the name on the side, and doing the same for the rest of the papers. You stack the EMPLOYED and RETIRING together, then the TERMINATED and RESIGNED together. First you bring up the two initial boxes to Tony’s study, carefully placing it beside his chair. You go back to the dining room and grab the latter boxes and walk to the side of the house where the door to the garage is.

Entering the darkened room with only the moon as the source of light coming in from the open door for the cars, you walk slowly to the corner and enter the larger-than-most storage room. Switching on the lights, you place the boxes down near the door as instructed and dust your hands. “Job well done, y/n. Job well done.”

As you switch off the lights, you were aware of a movement from behind the car. Thinking it could be a cat, you shrug it off. But the shadow loomed closer and it was in the shape of a person, not a small animal. You were trapped. “Dad,” you croaked. You thought you could hide your fear but obviously not. “Dad!” you tried again.

“Hello, y/n.”

Then everything went dark.

You finally woke up to the sound of machines zooming around. It was bright and you blinked your eyes a few times to adjust to it. You noticed your hands were bound together with a rope and you sighed in defeat knowing fully well that you’re nothing without the technology from the lab.

So you look around the area again. You’re in the corner of a very large room. There were railings nearby and you could see how high you were, probably at the topmost floor of a very big building, maybe it was an old factory once.

There were people around you but they paid you no mind. You were tempted to call one of them but your voice was dry and you realized how thirsty you were.

Thankfully, your feet and legs were free and so you tried your best to move around, even trying to stand up, but they were jelly-like and you couldn’t get off an inch from the ground. Sighing in frustration, you glared at those around you, hoping to be noticed.

Later, after a few minutes of people-watching, someone came forward and looked at you, tilting their head as if you were some new specimen. “You’re awake.”

“I can’t believe you can tell,” you reply with an edge in your voice. “Who are you supposed to be?”

“Dr. Riva,” he introduced himself. “It’s good that you’re unharmed.”

“I better be, my dad will freak.”

“Oh, we know.”

You snap your head back a little. ‘So this is for my dad,’ you thought. ‘He hasn’t done anything these past few months to make any new enemies.’

“You’re probably wondering who we are,” Dr. RIva continued.

“No shit, Sherlock.” You look around again for any signs of a video recorder, or if any more people were listening to the conversation between you and Dr. Riva. “And where am I supposed to be?”

He shrugged. “We’ll let Mr. Stark find out for himself. Now, why don’t you make yourself more presentable.”

“Am I not presentable?” you taunted.

Suddenly, another man appeared. Taller, broader, more handsome. And you’ve definitely seen him somewhere before. Quentin Beck. “Hello, y/n.” He smiled at you, his hands pointing to different directions. He was wearing a funny outfit but now is not the time to laugh. “I see you’ve grown. Haven’t changed much, though.”

“You know me?” you wonder. You’ve never seen him before aside from the picture earlier so why was he talking like he knew her form before. “I’ve never seen you before in my life.”

“I was a Stark employee, y/n. I’ve seen many things come and go from the home of Tony Stark. Unfortunately, I wasn’t important enough to be remembered.” He gritted his teeth. “I wasn’t important enough for your daddy dearest to give me credit with my own work! He even fired me! Do you know how that affected me?”

You begin to shy away from him slowly. ‘This guy is unstable,’ you remembered, ‘gotta keep him away.’

“But I swore that I’d get my revenge,” Beck continued. “And so I have you. Now all we have to do is wait for Mr. Stark and we’re all set.”

Meanwhile, back in the Stark home, Tony had been looking around for you. He’d gone to every room, checked yours more than he can count. He scouted the area near the house for any signs of you but you were, as he feared, missing.

“Pep, have you seen y/n?” he finally asked. He was afraid of asking his wife, he didn’t want her worrying about anything for the time being. She, too, had gone through a lot. “I can’t find her anywhere.”

Pepper uncrossed her legs from the sofa and looked at Tony worriedly. “She’s gone?”

“Afraid so.” He scratched the back of his head. “But don’t worry, I placed a tracker on her phone. I didn’t want to use it because ‘teenage privacy’ but I guess I don’t have much of a choice now.” He sighed and turned on his phone. After a few seconds of fiddling with it, he frowned. Pepper noticed and asked what was wrong. “It’s been messed with.”

“Oh, Tony.”

“I got this, I got this.” Tony held onto her hand to assure her. As he was thinking of what else he could do, the doorbell rang and the intercom came to life. An idea popped into his head. Pepper went to answer the door as he ran to his study.

He was ready to check every camera that was attached to his house but he decided it was best to start with the garage since that was where you said you’d be the last time he saw you. ‘And I will see her again,’

Back in Quentin Beck’s base, he was still watching over you, and you would sneer at every chance you could get. That’s when he heard it. “He’s here,” he announced. “He’s here! He’s finally here! Everyone to your positions!”

You heaved a heavy sigh. ‘Dad.’

Tony Stark, in his latest suit, burst through the door and flew midair. He raised his arms in two different directions and took out as much guns and blasters as he could, aiming them all in different areas. His head shifted around looking for signs of his daughter. “Where’s y/n?” he demanded when he couldn’t see you.

“Mr. Stark!” Beck called out. Tony calculated quickly that you were both on the fiftieth floor. “It’s me, Quentin Beck! You remember me, don’t you?”

From behind his mask, Tony glared. “I don’t give a damn about you, Quentin. Where’s my daughter and I won’t harm a single employee in this building.”

Beck laughed. “Oh, Mr. Stark. Since when have you cared about anyone but yourself?”

“Give me back my daughter.”

“Not until you admit that I’m a better genius than you!”

You rolled your eyes. ‘Here we go.’

“Fine, you’re a better genius than me, now where’s y/n?”

Beck laughed again. “You have to mean it, Tony. You don’t just say it. You have to mean it.” He shook his head. “Mean it like when I gave my heart and soul to that holographic illusion system and you just said that it was your creation and even gave it that stupid name!”

“B.A.R.F.,” you reminded him.

“Shut up!” he exclaimed. He turned back to your father and said, “I told you we could have done great things with it! But what did you do? You turned into some therapeutic shit! The world doesn’t need that, Tony!”

“Tell me, Beck, what have you done with that technology? Hm? Tell me what you’re going to use it for.” Tony was slowly flying up to the topmost floor, his blasters still at the ready. “Enlighten me, Beck.”

Beck smirked. “I’m going to be the greatest superhero the world has ever seen.” He turned to an employee and shouted, “Now!”

To yours and Tony’s surprise, a cyclone monster appeared. Your eyes widened, you’ve never seen anything like that before. “Dad,” you murmured. But someone had carried you from the ground and brought you closer to the railings.

Tony was busy fending off the cyclone. He used his blasters to hit certain areas and you could see that the monster was getting transparent in some areas. Without finishing off the hologram, he flew to the level you and Beck were in and landed on the floor. “Don’t forget, Beck, I know how this technology works. You’re not fooling me.”

Beck gave an evil grin. “Oh, I just did.” He snapped his fingers and the person holding you threw you off of the rails.

“Daddy!” you screamed.

“Y/n!” Tony called out.

You were falling and falling and falling. The bright lights made you more scared as you knew that if you looked down, you’d know exactly where’d you be. “Daddy!” you screamed again. You could hear Tony screaming your name but he was too far away. You closed your eyes as tears fell and floated away. “Dad,” you called out softly.

Then you stopped falling. You didn’t know where you stopped, how close you were to the ground, and you didn’t care. You looked up and saw that Iron Man was carrying you and you were both floating in midair.

“I got you,” Tony whispered, “I got you.” He pulled you in for a hug and you wrapped your arms around him. “I got you.” And you sobbed.

You didn’t know where Quentin Beck ran off to. But Tony was able to call his friends and arrested the employees they were able to gather up. Dr. Riva was not one of them.

For the rest of the night, as you and Tony stayed in the area to help out if you could, he wouldn’t leave your side and you would lean on him from time to time, just to make sure he was right there with you. “So much for me being by your side all the time, huh, Dad?”

“I think it’s time for a change,” he replied. He saluted at your godfather Rhodey before turning back to you. “You know I love you, right, y/n?”

You smiled. “I love you, too, Dad.” After a few minutes you said, “I want a cheeseburger.”

#tony stark x reader #tony stark x you #tony stark x y/n #tony stark fanfiction #tony stark imagine #tony stark imagines #misc: cherish writes

50 notes · View notes

greathammerhead · 6 years

Photo

Chapter 4

summary: She ended every letter with a heart; she was still debating if distance really made the heart grow fonder. pairings: Harry Hook x Evie, Ben x Mal; slight Carlos x Jane, Carlos x Jay, Carlos x Chad style: Multi-chapter — somewhat sequel to this; canon divergence notes: I just can’t win guys haha. While I finally have Wifi, my laptop decided to die and I absolutely hate the new laptop I bought, so I ordered a better one which won’t arrive until late November. So please bear with me! Hopefully this fluffy chapter makes up for the wait! rated: T; will feature strong language, minor violence, and sexual themes other locations: ao3 | ffnet

Harry swore, eyes narrowed in frustration.

“This is impossible.”

He shifted his position, lifting his hands closer to the dim light to try and get a better view. He continued to squint, and it took only a few minutes for him to get fully frustrated and throw the item in his hands to the floor.

“Ugh, Harry !” A voice from around the corner groaned.

Harry just huffed, crossing his arms over his chest and pointedly looking away from the mess he’d made.

The second occupant of the room stomped over to him, but really, the small girl barely made any noise and she was far from intimidating anyway.

“I went away for, like, five minutes. Try again!”

“Ye don’t tell me what tah do, Dizzy.”

Dizzy took a deep, calming breath. There weren’t many times she actually wanted to inflict harm upon anyone, but it usually came out with either her family or Harry.

“ This ,” She bent down to pick up the delicate pieces he’d thrown on the floor — seashells, pretty-colored rocks, beads — and cradled them in her hands as if she held a newborn, “is for the most wonderful, beautiful girl in the world, Harry. You need to treat this like you care.”

Harry glared. If it was anyone but Dizzy, he wouldn’t hesitate to hook them. But she was right.

“Ah do care! It’s just not in mah skill set.”

Dizzy tsked, bringing the pieces back over to him. “Anyone can make a bracelet. Here.” She picked up another piece of string, dipping the frayed ends in questionable-looking water before pinching it. “Try this piece.”

Carefully, Harry began the task again. He began with a few beads — which was the easy part — before moving on to the more brittle pieces that required more patience. This time, however, Dizzy was at his side, helping to steady one of his hands and knowing when to re-dip the thread to make it easier for him.

He was in disbelief when, nearly an hour later, he had a decent-looking bracelet in his hands.

Dizzy patted him on the shoulder, wiping her brow with the back of her hand. “Phew!” She readjusted her glasses, smiling at their creation. “She’s gonna love it.”

One of his thumbs ran across the surface of a shell. Their worlds colliding — fashion and the sea, and it looked so good.

“Yeah,” He whispered, “ah hope so.”

Evie placed her backpack on a picnic table for the second time that week with a sigh. While it had been entirely refreshing to have more people in their room, Jane and Lonnie were becoming regulars, and it had been too hard to concentrate with them.

If she had been doing homework it would’ve been fine. Homework didn’t require as much soul as this damn letter, which was taking a lot more time than she’d initially thought.

She was nearing the end, she just didn’t know how best to end it. She needed to have it be perfect , and she couldn’t imagine sending it while it was anything less.

She stopped herself before she began chewing on her pen cap in frustration.

“Evie!” She rolled her eyes at the intrusion, but pursed her lips when she saw who it was.

“Ben,” She greeted, “what a surprise.”

He stood beside the table, hands clasped together with the brightest of smiles on his face.

“I, ah, I haven’t seen any of you guys today, and didn’t know if you needed help with anything,” he motioned to her paper, “or any schoolwork.”

It almost hurt to see how genuine he was. Evie had seen far more fake smiles than genuine ones, and she’d always been a quick study in telling them apart. Ben was a rare breed, even in Auradon, and Evie didn’t feel so bad when she returned the smile.

Ben seemed to be the only one who truly wanted them in the first place, anyway.

She gestured for him to sit and he did so eagerly, his smile never wavering.

“I do have an...odd question for you, Ben.”

His expression remained; he only nodded, encouraging her to continue.

“How did you get Carlos to like a dog?”

It took him a second, but Ben laughed. “I just showed him how loving they can be. That once you get to know them, or even just spending a few minutes with one, they’re not as bad as he thought. And that there was never a reason to be scared in the first place.”

Evie tapped her nails on the table, suddenly feeling very small. She was a quick study in many things. “Well, it’s easy to do that when you’ve already had practice introducing people to the things they’re afraid of.”

Ben placed a hand on her shoulder in a gentle but firm grip. “They’ll all see what I see in you guys.”

“What do you see, exactly?”

Ben smiled. “People. Good people who come from bad situations, and new voices to listen to.”

Evie bit down on the inside of her cheek, feeling tears begin to bud in her eyes. She opened her mouth to say something, but she couldn’t form the words that could express how she felt.

There were very few people who saw her as more than her mother’s daughter, and for those few she was incredibly grateful. She never imagined Ben to make the list.

“Is there anything else I can do?” His voice was soft, comforting.

In that moment, she didn’t care if she was too trusting. Chad knew, Doug knew, Jane and Lonnie knew, and she’d be surprised if it wasn’t already circling around campus.

Ben truly seemed to want to help. He was taking a chance on them, giving them a part of himself, and letting him in didn’t seem so scary anymore.

“There is.” She quickly wiped the tears from her eyes, directing her attention back to her letter. “I have a boyfriend back on the Isle. Captain Hook’s son, Harry. I...Is there any way I can send letters to him? There’s no other way to talk, and I-”

Ben squeezed her shoulder again. “Of course you can. I will see to it myself.”

Evie couldn’t help the smile that stretched across her face. “Thank you, Ben.”

He gave her his own smile before standing up. “Just let me know when you’d like to send it.” He went to turn but stopped himself. However, when he turned back to Evie, he didn’t seem as sure of himself as when he first approached her. His hands were clasped together again, but his fingers tapped against the other palm.

“Should I ask the others if there’s letters they’d like to send as well?”

Evie’s brows shot up. Suddenly some of Mal’s mannerisms were making much more sense.

“No. Everyone they care for is already here.”

Ben’s nerves faded into concern, brows furrowing at her comment. Evie realized her mistake and, not wanting to comment on it further, hoped to redirect him. “They should all be back in my room by now, so you could stop by and see if there’s anything that they need.”

Ben nodded, unable to stop the smile on his face. “Thank you, Evie.”

“Harry!”

Harry groaned, rolling over so his back was to the door, hoping whoever was knocking would take it as a sign to go away.

Another thump. “Harry!”

He stuck his arm out of the cocoon of blankets he’d made for himself, hoping to have something, anything within his grasp. Eventually, he felt his fingers brush a bit of leather, and he flung his boot in the general direction of the door.

It didn’t hit, but still made a satisfying sound that he hoped would drive the idiot away.

No such luck. Only this time, the knocks were much louder, and a very different voice called for him.

“Harry! Get out here!”

He turned over, narrowing his eyes at the door. He ripped the sheets off and stomped, as slowly as he could, to the door.

“What, Captain?” As soon as he’d opened the door, Uma and Gil pushed him back inside.

“Oh don’t be such an ass. It’s something you’ll like.” Uma rolled her eyes at his grumpiness, far too used to it by now. She turned to Gil, whose attention was captured by a mysterious stain he noticed on the ceiling. “Gil?”

“Oh, right!” Gil dug in one of his pockets, then in another before he found what he was looking for. It was slightly crumpled, but it was a light blue envelope, closed by the royal seal.

“What’s that?” Harry squinted, mind still fuzzy from being rudely awoken.

“I assume it’s from your princess.” Uma couldn’t help but laugh at how Harry physically reacted. He suddenly straightened up, eyes wide as he snatched the envelope from Gil’s hands. “You’re welcome , Hook.”

But truly, she didn’t mind how he was suddenly too focused on the envelope he now held, completely forgetting about she and Gil.

While she liked the tough and crazy side of her first mate, he was also her best friend, and it always made her happy to see him happy.

And if, somehow, that prissy blue princess made him happy, who was she to complain?

She threaded her arm through Gil’s, dragging the still-distracted pirate from Harry’s room, closing his door behind them.

Harry stumbled back to his hammock, completely engrossed in tearing the envelope open. Other than the seal, there was nothing indicating it was even to him, or even from Evie.

But as soon as he unfolded the letter, letting a second, smaller letter fall in his lap, all doubt melted away. He immediately recognized her handwriting.

‘Harry,

I don’t know when this will get to you and I don’t know how, but I’ll be damned if it doesn’t.

It really is another world over here. Who knew food could be so tasty? And they’ve never even heard of smog!

We’re not close to the ocean, but I’m hoping to find some sort of pond or lake that can do. After all, I need to leave something with a hook symbol, don’t I? Something to be found years from now and terrify them.

We’re surrounded by trees and gardens, which are truly breathtaking. It’s weird not seeing anything dead around here.

They make us do actual school work here. It’s not just showing up and trying not to kill each other. Some of it is actually interesting, but for the most part we’re all kind of behind. Oh — what’s really interesting are the people here.

Aurora’s daughter, Audrey, is the definition of a stuck-up princess. Of course she’s dating Ben, and won’t let anyone forget about it. It’s kind of sad, really. If I ever give you ridiculous nicknames, like “Harry-boo” or “Harry-kins”, please hook me on the spot.

Chad Charming is, by far, the dumbest person I’ve ever met. I think he tried hitting on me to get me to do his homework? He was all, ‘Is everyone on the Isle as pretty as you?’. Pshh. If he was going to compliment me , he could’ve at least made it a fact that I’m the prettiest on the Isle — take notes, Hook. Well, not that you need them. You’ve probably already said that to me, but I was probably distracted by your ridiculously gorgeous eyes. (Seriously. I’m trying to find something with that color but it’s impossible and it’s all your fault .)

Doug, the son of one of the dwarves, was also utterly charmed by me, but he’s harmless and is interested in stories about the isle, especially the pirates. You’ve already got yourself a fan over here.

Ben is not what I was expecting from the Prince of Auradon. He’s actually kind . Like, the real kind, not the “Isle kind” where you expect things in return, or need to have an alliance with someone so they don’t set your house on fire. He’s the reason I’m able to send this to you.

All that aside...I miss you. Terribly. I won’t lie, Auradon is starting to grow on me, but I’d leave in a heartbeat if it meant seeing you again. I...I don’t know what vacations and visitations will be allowed, but whatever chance I get, I will see you.

I love you, Harry Hook.

Sending you all my love,

Evie

P.S.: There’s a smaller letter in here for Dizzy. Please give it to her next time you see her.’

He couldn’t tell how long he’d been staring at that piece of paper, and he didn’t really care.

Seeing her words meant more than he would ever say aloud — to anyone but her.

He tried not to think about how she didn’t mention when she would return, or how. He didn’t know what the VKs planned to accomplish in Auradon, and quite frankly, he didn’t care as long as Evie returned.

In Isle standards, they’d been together a long time, and going from seeing her nearly every day to long-distance was something he wasn’t prepared for. But with these letters, this tangible piece of her, he could stand it a bit longer.

He took a look at the bracelet that sat on the side table, carefully dangling off his hook so he wouldn’t lose it.

Soon, he would go find his friends and figure out how the letter was delivered to see if he could send something back. Soon, but not now.

He would re-read that letter until he could picture Auradon, picture the trees she talked about that he only truly saw in paintings, picture a boy named Chad and his irritation and how ironic it was that he wasn’t so charming, picture Evie sitting by a lake, thinking of him while he thought of her.

He would re-read that letter until the next one arrived.

#hevie #harry hook x evie #descendants fanfiction #descendants #harry hook #evie grimhilde #evie #my ds fics #my fics #fics #amle tag

21 notes · View notes

imagine-loki · 7 years

Text

Mr. Laufeyson's Ward

TITLE: Mr. Laufeyson’s Ward

CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 11

AUTHOR: goddessofmischief

ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine you are living in the late 1800’s and your parents pass away due to a tragic accident. Leaving you an orphan, you are sent to a miserable orphanage. Then, a mysterious and harsh man named Loki visits the orphanage and takes you on as his ward. He brings you to his crumbling mansion in the English countryside, where you face his cruel intentions, and eventually discover that you care for him much more than you’d like to admit.

RATING: T

NOTES: As always, thank you for your patience. Also, I thought I’d share the song that I based the waltz scene off of. It’s not actually a traditional piece of music, but I find it beautiful nevertheless. Enjoy!

Was I just a ploy being used by my master to make Lavinia jealous? This thought entered my mind as my master and I descended the grand staircase of Asthall Manor, amidst a cacophony of gasps and sudden exclamations, as the rest of the guests began to take notice of us. I squirmed uncomfortably at this attention, and entwined my arm more securely around my master’s.

“You have no reason to worry, Victoria. I will not leave your side.” He softly vowed, as we continued our protracted descent down the stairs. It had felt that my master was walking at an unhurried pace on purpose. “But sir, this… this will be regarded as a scandal.” “How so? You are my ward, and I want to be with you at all times in order to make sure that you are properly introduced to everyone else.” “But Lavinia, she will-” “Have to comply with my wish, which is to escort you.” He interrupted.

I so wanted to bring up the matter of the supposed proposal that was to occur tonight, but just then we reached the bottom of the stairs and the company dispersed to let us pass by, for my master’s destination was the ballroom floor. We made our way past the crowds of guests, who were all strangers to me. I saw that the guest list had been immense, given the amount of people assembled about in every room we went through.

Finally finding the ballroom, my heartbeat quickened to an irregular rate as I observed the expectant, and highly agitated, Lavinia in the middle of the room besides her mother. The crowd once again receded to make room for us, I hardly paying attention to this as my eyes were set on the mother and daughter, whose faces now became flushed with anger as they observed the two of us emerging from the crowd.

Yet when Lavinia spoke to us, she concealed her anger by addressing my master in a sweet tone. “Ah, Loki, I have been waiting for you.” Her heated glare directed itself onto the place in which my hand touched my master’s arm. “I am sorry for our tardiness, and that we have delayed your party from getting underway.” He spoke in a bitter tone, perhaps as a result of recalling her recent actions towards me, and it caused her to fully reveal her rage in response. “Just quit this nonsense and lead me in the first dance already.” She mumbled, her mouth hardly moving at all to deliver these words, so they would not possibly be detected by the surrounding guests. “I am sorry, but it seems that I have already reserved the first dance for Victoria.” He acknowledged straightforwardly, turning towards me with a smile. “Loki… what do you think you are doing?” She demanded, still in a hushed tone. “Maestro!” Mr. Laufeyson bellowed gaily as he led me over to the small group of instrumentalists to request a particular waltz, before leading me to the center of the dance floor. And I observed with dismay that not one of the other guests seemed interested in participating in the first dance, for they were preoccupied with watching us.

“Sir, why are we doing this?” I whispered, as I observed that a violinist and the pianist were settling before their instruments. It was to be a waltz that had been intimately composed: a duet. He chose not to answer this question, and instead drew even nearer to me and held out his hand. “Take my hand, Victoria.” I cautiously eyed his outstretched hand, fully knowledgeable of the implications of the course of action presented to me. “But she will never forgive you if I do.” He acknowledged this with a slight grin and a shrug of his shoulders, and he said no more, as then the music commenced.

I tentatively placed my hand in his, as my other settled securely on his shoulder. The shoes that I was wearing for the occasion augmented my height, therefore making it more comfortable for my master to settle his opposite hand on the upper portion of my back. The feeling of his cool fingertips brushing against my exposed skin had caused me to momentarily tremble. From hearing the initial notes of the music that resounded throughout the room, I was mystified that I did not recognize such a lovely piece. It would be a melody that would remain with me far after the dance that we shared was over.

He took a deep breath, which indicated that he too was uncertain of what he was doing, and of the consequences that would ensue as a result. Nevertheless, he waited for the right moment and then eased into the dance. I had much experience with waltzing since I was a young child, but it was as though this dance was something completely different. Perhaps it was the fact that our dancing was the focal point of everyone’s attention, which I had never experienced before, or maybe it was my master’s confident steps that made it feel as though the mere act of dancing was entirely foreign and novel to me.

I placed my complete trust in his control, briefly taking notice of the dazzling mirror, positioned above the fireplace’s mantlepiece, and our reflection as we drifted by: the subdued ambiance of the room heightening the impression that we were fully clothed apparitions, fleeing from the notice of one’s eyes.

When I tried to get another look at our reflections, I audibly gasped, for it seemed as though another, unrecognizable young woman was in fact dancing with my guardian. Surely that wasn’t me…

“Are you as surprised at yourself as I am?” He commented, studying my face and the expression of awe that passed upon it. “Yes, sir.” I responded, briefly looking into his transfixing, yet calm, eyes before I managed to get another glance into the sparkling pane of glass as we passed by it again. It was indeed myself.

The mellow and relaxed smile that was fixed upon his thin lips was an action of assurance, as if he was silently confiding to me that his choice to dance with me instead of his future fiancée was the most acceptable thing in the world. His eyes would not depart from mine as we continued to whirl about the center of the large room. The music becoming ever so subdued as the piano ceased to play and only the violinist could be heard.

And in the last moment of our waltz, the quality of the music gave off the impression that no crowd of strangers surrounded the scene, but that we were indeed all alone.

A realization befell over me. This foreign entity that my guardians’ nature was composed of was not entirely indistinguishable, for I then recognized what it was: It was an indescribable and undefinable passion that influenced his steps.

The final notes resonated throughout the room, which deterred me from my thoughts and made me slightly flinch at the eruption of applause from the others in the grand space. With my master’s hand still in mine, we exited through the crowd that had slightly dispersed, for more people had entered the ballroom floor to participate in the second dance of the evening. He didn’t even keep his eyes out for Lavinia as he guided me through the labyrinth of rooms, in search of one in particular. When we stumbled upon it, I gasped, for the room was filled with platters of fine foods, and empty of any other guests. The Browne’s had gone through quite lengths to make this gala auspicious, and this included providing their guests with delectable foods.

He headed towards the corner of the room, which specifically held only desserts. “I’m in the mood for something sweet.” He grinned mischievously, as his eyes speculated the many trays of cakes, biscuits, puddings and fruits. “Before dinner? How outrageous!” I chided jestingly and giggled like a schoolgirl. I was equally confounded at my behavior as I was at the elation that coursed within me from the excitement that the dance brought on. He picked up a strawberry drizzled in chocolate, and guided it to my mouth. I obediently opened for him and took a bite of the sweet, delectable fruit. He then carelessly flung the leafy portion behind him and I then had a supposition as to what he was fully planning on doing tonight: To make this ball a living nightmare for Lavinia.

He continued to devour the sweets, and would occasionally plop whatever he found highly delectable into my mouth to also try. “Yumm.” I remarked in praise, after he gave me some of the apricot tartlet to taste. It was then that the doors bursted open to admit a sobbing Lavinia and her anxious parents. Even Mr. Browne seemed quite dissatisfied by my master’s conduct. “How could you!” She wailed, rushing towards us with absolute rage. “You have ruined everything!” She specifically pointed her long finger, in which showcased a glimmering opal ring, at me. I moved closer to my guardian, and he protectively winded his arm around my waist.

“Loki, what is the meaning of all of this?” inquired Mr. Browne. He was the only one that was composed, for the way in which his wife’s enraged glare was fixated at my person clearly exhibited her animosity. I wouldn’t have been surprised if she ordered me out of their house at that very moment for ruining her daughter’s birthday. I’m sure the Browne’s would shortly forgive Mr. Laufeyson for his actions, perhaps by persuading themselves that I had coaxed him to share the first dance with me.

“Your daughter found it appropriate to come into Victoria’s room just before the dance to threaten and harm her!” He roared, while sharply eyeing Lavinia. “She wanted Victoria to avoid me, and only now can I fully acknowledge the wicked jealousy that courses through you, Lavinia!” “Loki, please. I’m sorry.” She hurried towards him and began to greedily grab at my master’s jacket in desperation. Yet, he did not give in to her pleas. He pushed her off, thoroughly repulsed by what she had done. “Please forgive me.” She cried, not wanting to be rebuffed by her lover. “It was mother’s idea after all!” She confessed. Mr. Browne softly gasped. “Catherine? Is this true?” He exclaimed, as he turned to his tight-lipped wife. His wife didn’t respond, and instead departed the room: her incensed husband following closely behind her. “Please Loki. Just dance with me once. That’s all that will be needed to cease the gossip that is already going about.” She pleaded, tears rapidly falling from her eyes and causing her heavy mascara to stain her cheeks. “No, Lavinia.” My master said sternly. “You must now face all of your guests, without me at your side.” A fit of sobs overcame her as she fled the room.

“I think it would be best if I’d retire for the night, sir.” I vouched once we were alone again. I knew fully well that my presence at this party had caused the true purpose of it, Loki’s proposal, to be put off. “No Victoria. The night is still young and besides, I believe many people would like to be introduced to the belle of the ball,” He bowed and held out his hand to me. “May I have the honor?” He proudly asked. His position at my side comforted me immensely, and helped in heightening my self-confidence, for I would especially need it with the large crowd that we were about to encounter once more. I slightly grinned, and situated my hand in his again. “Yes. Yes, you may.”

¨¨¨°º0º°¨¨¨

“I can’t believe I’m saying this: but that was actually fun.” I said as we were mounting the stairs to return to our rooms. It was already past midnight, the hours having wasted away without any regard on my part. “Yes, it was, wasn’t it?” He remarked with a chuckle. My master and I met many amiable guests, ate rich foods and shared many more dances. He had kept to his word that I was the only one that he would dance with tonight, for although many young and beautiful women came up to him, he nicely rejected them in a way that made them fan themselves as they receded. It was rather amusing. Also, later that evening, Mr. Browne had approached us and personally apologized for his wife and daughter’s behavior. He said that they had both gone up to their rooms for the night.

My master would not leave me once we made it to the upper level that held the guest rooms, and he was insistent on walking me to my door. “My room is situated to the left of yours. If you need anything, or if you are bothered again, please do not hesitate to come to me.” I nodded. “Okay, sir. Thank you.” My eyes were already clouding with drowsiness, and he took notice of this. “As I can see, I am keeping you from getting the rest you deserve.” He took up my hand and pressed his lips to my knuckles. “Sleep well, my dear.”

After unlacing and stepping out of my dress and undergarments, I lifted the crown off my head and situated it on my nightstand so I could look at it before my eyelids fluttered to a close. Once I was in my nightgown, I sat on my bed for a few moments longer, smiling to myself as I recollected about how pleasant the evening had been, and how compassionate Mr. Laufeyson had been in regards to ensuring my happiness and ease. He had managed to forget about Lavinia, and the ring that probably was nestled safely in his jacket pocket.

The berries of the crown, which almost resembled pearls, twinkled under the candlelight. I inwardly wondered where he had found such a crown, and whether or not it was originally intended to be given to Lavinia. But then again, he had brought it along with him to my room, before he had learnt of Lavinia’s conduct…

I leant over and blew out the light, causing the room to quickly descend into darkness. The berries and white flowers were somewhat still visible, however, due to the pale moonlight that evaded my chamber through the casement, which was only partially covered by the drapes. I swiftly fell asleep, unaware of what was soon to take in the room just adjacent to mine.

……

The sound of someone’s heavily drawn sigh roused me from my sleep. My body had shifted and I was now facing the opposite wall: my beautiful crown no longer in my sight. However, I grew apprehensive, upon realizing that another person was in my room. I had fallen asleep to a darkened chamber that was now illuminated by a single candle once again.

I turned around at once, catching the intruder by surprise, as I quickly noticed that the person fumbled with something in their hand before returning it back to the inner pocket of their dressing robe. I then shielded my eyes, for they were not yet accustomed to the brightness emitting from the candle’s flame. “It is only I, Victoria.” said my master. I lowered my hand ever so slowly, and observed that Mr. Laufeyson had stationed a chair right beside my bed. He was no longer dressed in his ballroom attire, and instead wore his nightshirt and a pair of sleeping trousers, which were accompanied by a long dressing gown of green damask. His long black hair was unkempt, as though he had been continuously running his fingers through it with worry.

“You couldn’t sleep, sir? What time is it?” I asked curiously as I sat up. “I’m afraid I could not, and it is around two in the morning.” He deeply exhaled. “I have specifically come to check up on you to see if you were disturbed at all.” “Disturbed? By what?” “It’s nothing to trouble yourself over.” He leant over and touched my shoulder as a means of reassurance. “I will leave you now. I want you to get some more rest. We are to leave early in the morning, so make sure you are packed up by then.” Leave? But it had been planned that we were going to stay for another three days. I did not question him about this, and when he got up to depart, I stopped him by taking his hand as he reached out for his candlestick.

“Please tell me what is wrong, sir.” He remained silent for a moment and diverted his eyes away from my person when he finally did answer. “I only wonder… have I done the right thing for you, Victoria? Should I have left you in that orphanage? You yourself once told me of your aversion to how I took you away from the friends that you had there.” “I know I said that, but you must see that everything was different back then. Since then, you have become my companion, and your friendship was all I wanted from you, Mr. Laufeyson.” “We have become good friends, haven’t we Victoria?” “Certainly, sir.” I said with a smile. He leant over and placed a tender kiss onto my forehead, his lips brushing my skin for much longer than I had anticipated. He then motioned for me to lie back down on my pillow.

“I’m looking forward to going back to Heathcote so soon. Having traveled closer to my hometown, all I desire is to return to Yorkshire with you.” I then covered my mouth to hide the yawn that then overcame me. “We will be home before you know it, my dear.” I was unaccustomed to him calling me in such a way. It was the second time this night that he had done so, and I was quick to conclude that it was utterly platonic: as a father would say to comfort his daughter. “Goodnight, sir.” He wished me the same as he took up his candlestick, and once my eyes left his, they were again drawn to my crown. As his steps retreated, the miniature, pearly white baubles grew lackluster, and my eyes gradually closed once again in repose.

¨¨¨°º0º°¨¨¨

Mr. Browne was the only one to accompany us to the front of the estate the following morning. Peter was already outside with the carriage and all of our trunks had been secured before sharing a quick breakfast, with only my master and myself present. I still was unaware of what had transpired that previous night after I had gone to my room, but I took notice that even the usually exultant and unruffled Mr. Browne seemed changed by what had occurred. He was unusually rigid in his manner as he wished us a safe journey back home.

Once in the carriage, it only took a matter of minutes for me to discern from overlooking the surrounding scenery that we were not on the original road that we had taken to get to Leicester. “Is Peter taking another route back home?” I asked my master, who had been unusually quiet this morning. However, from the dark circles under his eyes and his unfocused gaze, it was evident that he had not gone back to sleep after he had left my room. “Yes, he is.” He answered briefly, without any hint as to why he was doing so. “Why, sir? Is there a problem on the roads?” “No.” His short answers were disquieting, and reminded me of the first journey we had taken together. I sighed and looked out the window with disappointment.

“I thought we would stop at the Hambro House, Victoria. Birmingham is not too far from here.” He said, his tone and manner of speaking were unreadable. And at once, my heart began to hammer profoundly in my chest and terrible ideas filled my mind. Although I deeply desired to visit my friends again, all I could think about was our conversation the night before and how he had openly shared to me that he had been debating if taking me on as his ward, and fulfilling his promise to my father, had been the best course of action for me. “Are… are you taking me back? Do you no longer want me? Do you consider me a burden?” These questions left my mouth in rapid succession. A look of perplexed grief fell upon his face “Victoria! How could you presume such things? Of course I-I want you.” The latter portion was delivered with a softness that was difficult to define.

I hadn’t taken notice that I had begun to cry. Tears plummeted down my cheeks and stained the satin skirt of my burgundy dress, the places in which my tears landed were made more plum in hue. “Oh Victoria, do forgive me. I did not know that my words would upset you.” His hand reached out towards me, a handkerchief in his palm. I took it and brushed away my tears in haste, urging myself that no more should fall. His arm then stretched out to take up my hand to further assuage me. “I never want to hear you call yourself a burden again, alright?” Only a meek nod answered his gentle demand.

By the time we approached the Hambro House later in the early afternoon, I was no longer concerned about my master deserting me. Instead, I was brimming with joy as I looked out the carriage window at the familiar ivy-covered building that could be seen in the distance. This would be the second time that my master would be dropping in unannounced, but I knew that Miss Grey and the others would not object, now that I accompanied him.

“Oh, sir. Can’t you see it, there in the distance?” I marveled without taking my eyes away from the orphanage. “Yes I can, Victoria.” He replied with a heartfelt chuckle. I could sense that he was admiring the happiness that permeated my entire being. I was so excited that I could not sit steadily in my seat. Felicity filled my heart in a way that I feared it might burst. The carriage barely came to a complete halt before I opened the door and scrambled outside. My feet hastened to the front doors and I knocked with urgency. I didn’t have to wait long for the door was opened by Miss Grey herself. She peered at my person through her pince-nez spectacles, bewildered by my very presence on her doorstep. “Is that you, Miss Victoria Dowling, or are my eyes fooling me?” “It is I, Miss Grey.” I leaped forward and wrapped my arms around her thin body. She laughed with an uttermost joy, before she shouted into the corridor behind her. “Girls! You must see who has appeared on our doorstep. Come quick!” She said, as though she believed I was a passing ghost who would disappear without forewarning. I was already familiar with how quickly the corridors of the Hambro House transmitted sounds, but I was still taken aback by how hastily all of my past confidantes appeared in the narrow hall and on the wide staircase leading to the upper levels. I searched for the face that I had missed the most, but I could not find her initially.

The girls all stood mute, and were not smiling, but I knew the reason why: for I felt his towering form behind me. “I apologize that we have come unannounced. Our visit was entirely my guardian’s idea, you see.” I gave him room to enter the hall and stand at my side. I affectionately linked my arm with his to further prove of our amity, and how my master was no longer the formidable man that had originally taken me away from this place.

Then, on the top of the staircase, I saw her. I recognized her blonde tresses and her wide, goofy grin. Her pale cheeks were glistening from the tears that were falling from her blue eyes, and I too began to silently weep immediately upon identifying her person. Other girls stood to the side as she alighted from the stairs, and I met her halfway in a loving embrace. “Oh my kindred spirit, I thought I’d never see you again.” She whispered into my ear as we both continued to sob in our happy reunion. “Neither did I.” I finally confessed.

As we separated, the other girls crowded more closely around me, welcoming me back with heartfelt words and hugs. I took notice that my guardian smiled upon the scene from the end of the corridor. “You must see the garden, Victoria, and I have something important to tell you. Come on.” She urged, tugging my arm. I looked over at Mr. Laufeyson, who was by then preoccupied with having an animated discussion with Miss Grey. Therefore, it didn’t take much for me to acquiesce to Agnes’ suggestion.

The garden, tucked away at the back of the orphanage, had bloomed brilliantly since my absence. The array of different flowers and plants took my breath away, and I wondered if our garden at Heathcote would eventually blossom as radiantly. Agnes and I were soon joined by many of the other girls, as Miss Grey had told them all that their duties and lessons were to be for ignored the rest of the day. It was to be a day of relaxation and jubilation. It felt almost as though I had entered a scene of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, even though it was not yet summer, and the frolicking girls could not completely pass off as woodland fairies in such drab uniforms. To evade the other girls, Agnes brought me into a secluded portion of the garden, separated by a wooden fence in which pale purple lilacs had taken over. The sweet smell of the lilacs was enchanting.

“I never mentioned something to you in my letters, Victoria.” She revealed. “What is it? Not something misfortunate I hope?” I took her hushed change of disposition to foretell of a sorrowful piece of news that she wished to share. “No! Not at all.” She took a deep breath. “On the contrary, it is in regards to my parents.” A smile beamed across her face. I became flummoxed. Her parents? They who had stranded her here as they greedily journey out to Australia in search of gold? Who had not written to her for years? “They have written to me, Victoria, and they are coming back to England! They are actually on a vessel homeward bound as we speak. ” She shouted exuberantly. I tried to reason with her. “But don’t you feel at least a bit of vexation towards them? They left you here, all alone. They abandoned you and missed out on your childhood!”

Deep down, a truth was pulling at my soul. Agnes’ parents had left her, yes, but it had not done her any harm. She had been able to grow up in a wonderful and enlightening environment, filled with other girls in similar or worse predicaments and nurtured by Miss Grey: a mother to them all. I had two parents, and yet, I had been more accustomed to loneliness and misery all of my life than any of the girls under Miss Grey’s care.

“They are forgiven. They have learned from their faults, and they have have my full-fledged forgiveness. I love them and I will happily accept them as my parents. We have yet to decide where we are to live, but papa believes that the going further north would suit us well. He was a farmer all his life before he left for Australia, and he wishes for us to settle on a adequately sized, and fertile, piece of land. Would your guardian be able to find us such a place?” “I-I think he just might be able to, yes.” I took her hand and guided her out of the area that we were in and back out onto the more open section of the garden, where even more girls were now assembled. Telling her to momentarily stay with the others, I sought out my master, who had also found his way into the garden beside Miss Grey. I ran up behind him, causing him to slightly jump when I placed my hand on his arm. “Ah, there you are,” he blithely acknowledged, “I was wondering where you had gone.” “Sir, I have a question to ask you. May we speak privately?” I begged. He looked towards Miss Grey, who dismissed herself wordlessly with a smile and we began to walk around the perimeter of the garden together.

“Agnes’ parents are returning to England from Australia, and they were hoping to settle on some farmland further north from here. I was wondering if the property that you were going to sell to my father is still available?” He grinned, perhaps due to my evident enthusiasm. “Yes. It is.” “And the property is fertile for farming?” “The most fertile land in the entire county, I would say.” He stopped walking, and we were nearby the garden gates, which gave us a vast overlook of the many happy girls sprawled about the garden area. “I shall write to Agnes’ father once he is in England. After they collect Agnes, the Blythe’s are welcome to stay at Heathcote while they examine the property and make their decision.” I stepped forward and hugged my master tightly, while he slightly stumbled backwards in response, as he had not expected such an outward display of gratitude from me. However, he returned the gesture by wrapping his arms about me. “Oh, sir. Thank you.” And before he could respond, I had dashed off to return to Agnes with this joyous news.

¨¨¨°º0º°¨¨¨

“Do you ever notice the way that your master looks at you, Victoria?” Agnes whispered to me, as we were both huddled near one another in her bed. We were inseparable, and planned to chat with one another the entire night once the other girls in the sleeping quarters had gone to bed. I had been surprised that Miss Grey was open to this arrangement of letting my reside in Agnes’ bed, given the mischief that was bound to unfold when we were together.

The remainder of that day had been splendid. Everyone joined in on a variation of different games and activities, and we then sat down to a delicious and over the top meal prepared by the cook, Miss Maudsley. One of my favorite events had been the charades, especially when my master attempted to act out ballet dancing. I nearly doubled over with laughter, had it not been for a young French girl named Clotilde who sat on my lap.

Unbeknownst to my master, who only assumed at first that I was simply holding her on my lap out of kindness, the truth was that she wasn’t entirely fluent in English and I acted as her translator. Miss Grey, another teacher and two other girls at the orphanage were the only ones who were also wholly knowledgeable of the French language. I had been taught by one of my governesses at a young age.

“Il ne danse pas très bien le ballet Clotilde, mais il est très bien avec la valse.” I said into Clotilde’s ear, which caused her to giggle. Mr. Laufeyson had been walking past me as I said this, just after one of the girls had guessed his charade correctly, and stopped abruptly before proclaiming: “Tu es une fille secrète! Qu'est-ce que je ne connais pas de vous?” I had been equally shocked to discover that he too was fluent in the language. His accent was perfected and he dictated his words with a natural eloquence. “Je suis plein de secrets, monsieur, et il semble que vous aussi.” I had answered with a sly grin.

“What do you mean?” I responded to Agnes’ question. “Surely you must see how he never seems to reserve his attention to anything or anyone for so long as he does for you. Also, how he smiles whenever you speak, and how his eyes seem to well up with a sense of longing whenever you are not near his side.” I scoffed at the ridiculousness of her words. “You’re speaking nonsense, Agnes.” “No, you are simply oblivious, Victoria.” I was momentarily silenced by what she was implying, and endeavored to reason against this. “But he is my guardian, and he is much older than me.” “Those things are inconsequential in regards to love.” She postulated in a nonchalant manner.

I was initially made speechless by what she proposed. “L-love? Who said anything about that?” “Do you care for Mr. Laufeyson?” She eagerly went on. I sighed. “Of course I do, he is my closest friend next to you… and didn’t I just remind you that his is practically engaged?” This was true, before all of this we had been discussing what had occurred at Lavinia’s party, yet I had only mentioned that Lavinia and my master had a small dispute. I had also left out other details of that night: details that would only amplify her present supposition.

“Yes, to a rich brat who would never make him happy.” I rolled my eyes at her brashness. “Agnes, look, he is my guardian and I believe that is all he shall ever be.” “Whatever you say, Victoria, but I think he loves you. Truly, madly, deeply! And that he is infatuated by you!” Her volume steadily rising as she blurted out these convictions. I clamped my hand over her mouth, as I knew she would have no shame in waking up the entire inhabitants of the orphanage, including my master, who was in a guest room not too far away.

After a moment passed and I lowered my hand, my austerity broke and I began to softly giggle alongside of her. Yet, my friend’s words still reverberated within my mind, causing my heartbeat to fluctuate at what she had suggested. Was I utterly blind to what others could perceive?

French translations: “He does not dance the ballet very well Clotilde, but he is very good with the waltz.” “You secretive girl! What else do I not know about you?” “I am full of secrets, sir, and it appears that you are too. ”

140 notes · View notes