Dance #2.5 : Lady Belle Rose (@Kristi) ~ongoing~
Belle continued her veiled threat on Orpheus’ toes as they danced their second round. The eyes of the ton seemed fixated on them, likely whispering of the pairing and their scandalous extra time together.
Orpheus did not seem to mind, in fact, he felt proud of the attention they garnered. For Belle Rose was known to be a difficult lady to gain the affections of. Perhaps, a second dance is all he needed to peak the attention of another lady of import to him: Aurelia. Orpheus had hoped that through their dancing, Aurelia might come to notice his attachment to her friend. He was unsure of what outcome he had hoped for. Perhaps jealousy or anger? All he knew is that he wanted her to feel something.
Aside from his desire to regain Aurelia’s attention, he was entertained more than he thought he would be with Belle. Her quips and commentary always amused him, and her dancing skills were far from average. Her steps seemed to keep pace with his own with more ease than most ladies of the ton.
In fact, somewhere between their greeting and their first dance, he had seemingly forgotten about Aurelia. For the first time this evening, he had truly let his mind redirect elsewhere. He had allowed his guard to fall with Belle, his mind to calm, his heart to open, and he was truly enjoying his time.
As Belle finished up her threat, Orpheus smiled again, his eyes refocused on her.
“Step away, dear Belle, for I am sure you are as light as your threats seem to be.” Orpheus laughed, giving her an extra spin in time with the music, a move that was not in sync with the choreography of the others. Yet, the twirl seemed perfectly placed in their own movements.
“What is it that you think of me? Why are you always so interested in a conversation with me? I am sure my other kin members- my brothers and sisters could have provided you more enjoyment than my presence, no?.” Belle fired her questions off again, causing Orpheus to bite his lip to prevent another laugh from dropping out. He seemed more giddy and filled with laughter around her than he had been before. Perhaps it was the alcohol. Or, perhaps, Belle was simply the woman to bring out the joy in him when he needed it most.
As she inquired, Belle’s head tilted slightly to her right side, her eyes wide like a small pup. Orpheus could not help but adore such a visual. With each passing moment he found even the crinkle of her brow and the annoyed strain in her voice to be increasingly adorable.
“No.” Orpheus answered simply, giving Belle a bright smile. “Josephine, although a treasured friend, speaks to me as formally and carefully as most women of the ton. You, little flower, hold no such inhibitions or restraints in your thought or speech. You are a breath of fresh air among a sea of perpetual convenance. A rose in a garden of white dandelions. Dandelions, although beautiful, as you have imparted upon me their symbolism, do not hold the bright passions and aromas of the rose. You are a rare gift, Miss Belle, and I do hope you feel my sincerity in such praise. For I am not speaking to simply entertain your romances, as I know you hold no such fondness for me. However, I appreciate the honesty and heart in our interactions, whether you brush off my flirtations or not.” Orpheus finished with a smirk, his fingers playing along the edge of her hand ever so lightly.
Orpheus had never seen Belle in a romantic sense before, but again, there was a pull. An ease. Something that seemed to simultaneously stir him and calm his mind when she was around. As her adorably large eyes glanced up at him in curiosity, he fought the urge of the alcohol telling him to reach out to her.
Orpheus could not tell whether the increased desire to press his lips to hers was a side effect of the champagne or a new connection that blossomed between them. Either way, he resisted.
A second dance was enough of a scandal for the night, and Orpheus quite preferred his toes un-stepped-on, and both of their reputations untarnished.
mentioned:
Aurelia (@benitz786)
Belle (@Kristi)