After Dance 1 (around the time dance 2 is happening with everyone else)
There was no doubt in her mind anymore—well, not that there ever truly was any doubt to begin with. His actions in that moment only further proved her point: he was absolutely, positively crazy. Sure, Aurelia had been surprisingly candid a moment ago, something she had never dared with the man before. Usually, she was the one to run off, hide, or, on one memorable occasion, tattle on something she had seen… something that was still etched in her brain sadly. Perhaps she had hurt his feelings with her sharp words, but, truthfully, she didn’t care—or, at least, she shouldn’t have cared. That’s what he had done to her again and again throughout her formative years.
Yet, despite her initial resolve, here she was, feeling terrible for her words. Or was she? That feeling of remorse started to fade as he continued speaking, his words taking a sharp turn. There you are, Ilyas Keats: found you.
“My parents? And yours are saints? Are our parents really so different?”
His words struck like venomous arrows, piercing through her initial remorse and reigniting the flames of anger within her. How dare he, of all people, compare her family to his own? The audacity of such a comparison was beyond infuriating. Her family, the Ellis lineage, was known for its impeccable reputation in society. They were respected, admired, and their standing was pristine. Sure, perhaps her parents had sent her away as Ilyas’ had, but at the very least, hers had good reason. Aurelia was hurt and needed time to recover. Ilyas, on the other hand, had likely been involved in yet another scandalous escapade, and perhaps he deserved to be sent away for his reckless behavior.
And, sure, maybe behind closed doors, Aurelia and her siblings didn’t always have the best relationship with their parents. Perhaps her parents weren’t always the kindest or most understanding individuals. But they were still her parents. They were her family, and with family came a sense of duty and respect that Ilyas had just casually tossed aside. His careless words were a personal affront, an insult to everything she held dear, and it ignited a fury within her that was as fierce as it was unexpected.
She couldn’t let his audacity go unchallenged.
However, before she could even get out another word to respond to his challenge, he had already beaten her to it.
“Also, I don’t think any man is going to want a woman with such a sour expression on their face… Maybe try smiling,” he remarked, a smugness tingeing his words.
Aurelia could hardly contain her frustration at the man “You truly are positively infuriating, Ilyas,” she shot back, her voice seething with irritation. “Does this bring you joy? Pestering me with your idiotic questions or suggestions on how to convince a man to want me? I don’t need your opinions, Ilyas. And trust me, if any man will see me smile, it won’t be you.”
She paused, taking a breath to calm herself slightly before continuing. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have better things to do than engage in senseless banter with you,” Aurelia stated with a dismissive tone, turning to walk away. However, before she could make her escape, he interrupted her with a line that sent a frustrated chill down her spine.
“You are positively vexing. I can’t fathom why I find myself caring!”
Aurelia sent a calm smile to some of the nobles nearby as she turned back to face him. “You will not do this here, Ilyas,” she declared firmly, her voice low and intense. “You will not ruin this evening for me with your little games.”
he scanned the room discreetly, waiting for the opportune moment when most of the people were distracted. Once those watching her found themselves bored by her interaction, she looked up at the man once again.
“Wait a few moments, then follow,” she instructed before slipping away, making her way out onto the balcony that overlooked the starry night. It was not entirely proper to be outside during a ball, but it was not disallowed, especially while in view of so many guests and even the servants outside. It offered a measure of privacy that would allow them to have their conversation without prying ears.
Aurelia didn’t turn to face him when she heard the door behind her open. Instead, she kept her gaze fixed on the starlit sky as she spoke, her voice carrying a mixture of frustration and vulnerability.
“I don’t like you, Ilyas Keats. I know it’s improper for me to utter such words, but my aversion to you runs as deep as the darkest abyss in the ocean. It may even be considered unladylike, and my mother would be mortified if she heard these words escape my lips. So, I implore you to answer my question honestly, so we can bring this vexing interaction to a close. What in the world do you want from me? Is this some twisted game with your friends to see who can win my favor tonight? As I said before, tell Lord Davis and yourself to leave me be, for I am no longer interested in your games, nor have I ever been.”
As her words hung in the air, Aurelia couldn’t help but chuckle softly. She pondered the absurdity of the situation, reflecting on the words that had led to this private encounter between them.
“You truly want me to believe your lie about caring? About me?” She shook her head, her tone laced with incredulity. “In what world do you live? Because it’s certainly not this one. I vex you? I am simply trying to get through this dance while my mind throbs every second, screaming at me. But that doesn’t matter. No, what truly matters is that the only thing I want is to make my family happy. How in the world am I supposed to do that if you’re approaching me, pretending to care, only to hurt me?”
She met his eyes, searching for any hint of sincerity in his gaze. Was there a redeeming quality in the man? No… she highly doubted it.
@Madilfill
@Kristi - Harrison again if you squint