“Tomorrow would be wonderful,” Cleopatra agreed. She was surprised to actually be looking forward to meeting Tetra in the library. The princess was quite the charmer, having discovered a hidden softness in the Conquering Queen.
A mischievous grin spread on her lips, similar to the one she wore every time she was getting ready to pester Corym. “Obviously, darling,” she replied. “Oh, don’t worry about that. Charmion is an angel on earth. She can never stay mad at me for long, I swear on the sand.”
Tetra was likewise looking forward to their meeting tomorrow. Of course, they still had more of the festival tomorrow as well but the princess was sure they would have enough time.
“That is a relief to hear.” she smiled before noticing the looks being passed around the table. “It seems like it's time for us to move on to the ballroom. The festival can last most of the night.” she explained quietly as her brother stood.
Cleopatra laughed quietly at Tetra’s remark before she noted Corym standing out of the corner of her eye. The queen glanced over at Tetra again. “The dance isn’t tonight, is it?” she asked with a similar hushed tone. “What will the ballroom be for?”
“Oh, no. That dance is usually held on the last two nights of the festival.” Tetra assured as she and the others stood as well. “This is just normal dancing for the guests. Cor might dance with us this time but he has always been so stubborn about not needing to find a Queen yet.” she sighed, rolling her eyes at the thought.
Cleopatra hummed and reluctantly stood. “Well, I don’t dance so don’t set your standards too high, Princess,” she remarked with a smirk. “I’ll watch and enjoy your brother’s dancing instead. And yours, of course,” she added.
“Well, that’s a shame. I was hoping to enjoy seeing you dance as well.” Tetra admitted. “But if you happen to catch my brother when he's not dancing, perhaps you can talk to him again. Try to get him to perform the dance this festival.” she whispered with a smirk. “I’m sure he thinks you’ve corrupted me in some way. It may be a good opportunity.” she suggested as the crowd moved to the other room as the musicians started playing.
Cleopatra smiled and obliged the princess's admission with a quiet laugh. "I'm sorry to disappoint. Another time, perhaps." Though her eyes lit up eagerly at the suggestion. "I'll work my magic, Tetra, don't worry," she whispered back. Then she hummed thoughtfully. "He probably does. And… would you agree with him?"
Her eyes scanned the new room they were heading towards. The sound of the music starting enveloped her immediately. As much as she didn't like dancing, Cleopatra did love music.
Tetra matched the thrice-crowned queen’s smile as a gentleman approached to invite her to dance. “I’d like to say that we have a better understanding of each other than my brother would think.” she answered before accepting the offer and letting herself be drawn onto the dance floor.
Corym couldn't help but let out a brief sigh of relief as he watched his sister. After everything that had happened, he wasn't against Cleopatra talking with Tetra since they both knew she was safe. Tetra had always been the darling of the family, so social, beautiful, and kind. Only he and some of the servants knew about the princess’s more mischievous side.
Cleopatra watched as Tetra was led away to dance. To herself, she murmured, "I would agree with that."
Soon after the queen had found a place along the outskirts of the room to stand and watch, a suave courtier approached her and asked for a dance. She gave him a lingering up-and-down look, but she declined his offer.
"Come on Your Majesty," he persisted. "I could show you a good time."
"Oh, I bet you could," Cleopatra purred. "Unfortunately, I'm quite comfortable here. I'm sure there are plenty of other women who would be willing to throw themselves at your feet." The words had a barely discernable bite to them.
The man chuckled and took another step closer to her. "I'd throw myself at your feet for a dance."
"You'd throw yourself at my feet at my command," she retorted easily, flexing her fingers to observe her rings. "That doesn't impress me."
The man reached for her hand, but Cleopatra was quicker. She drew back her fingers and snared his wrist in a painfully tight grip. The surprise on the courtier's face was not missed, especially as she twisted his arm flawlessly behind him. Her lips ghosted the shell of his ear as she whispered, "Once you can claim to be capable of something truly impressive, come and see me again. Until then…" Her words sharpened. "Stay the hell away."
With that, she shoved him away and released her hold on him in the same motion. Then Cleopatra went back to admiring her jewelry.
Corym walked around the outskirts of the dancing, just watching the others enjoy themselves. He may not be much of a people person but he liked the festival and seeing everyone have a good time.
Eventually, he made his way over to where Cleopatra was standing and couldn't help but witness the idiotic courier’s rejection and humiliation. He shook his head and focused on keeping his expression neutral. “I don't know if I should apologize to you for that or show my sympathies to him.” he started dryly as he moved to stand beside the visiting queen.
Cleopatra's attention didn't waver as Corym approached her. She was intently focused on her signet ring instead. However, his words intrigued her, as did his tone, and she found herself lifting her eyes to his, a smug grin of victory on her face.
"A male's pride is a delicate thing, my dear Corym," Cleopatra cooed, flaring her fingers out one more time before curling them into a fist and lowering her hand to her side. "I wouldn't judge you if you helped that poor creature lick his wounds."
Corym’s ear twitched at the subtle jab but made no other reaction. “I’m not saying that he didn't deserve what you did. He was an arrogant fool with clearly no respect. I didn't realize how many of those were in attendance.” he admitted, looking over the dancers with a new perception. “Honestly, you are probably one of the few guests that I don't need to worry about.”
Cleopatra noted the ear twitch and couldn’t help it as her smirk grew. Gods, she loved to bait him. “Clearly,” she agreed with his description of the male, though she wondered how he didn’t realize that many of the attendees were flaunting themselves and preying upon unsuspecting wallflowers before dragging them to the dance floor.
She gave him a side eye glance before muttering, “You know I’m going to take that as a compliment.”
“Take it as you will. I meant no offense by it.” he assured, still watching the dancers. “I hope you had a nice conversation with my younger sister and that you are feeling better.” Corym commented as his eyes flicked towards Cleopatra’s neck for not even a second.
Cleopatra glanced at him with a smirk before letting her gaze find Tetra twirling on the dance floor with her partner. “I did,” she confirmed. “And I am.”
Now was as good a time as any to bring it up, so smoothly, Cleopatra began to lead into her point. “You know, your sister is much more charming than you are. She was telling me more about the festival and certain… traditions that the royal family is expected to uphold.”
“Good.” he nodded, following her gaze to watch his sister dance. “If you would like, I can have Monroe bring a salve to your room to help with the marks.” he offered.
Corym's ear twitched as Cleopatra started to talk about the festival, already having a suspicion of where this topic was going. “Yes, I am aware. Tetra is very well-liked by many people.” he nodded as he attempted to avoid the bait.
Cleopatra’s demeanor softened ever so slightly at the offer before she was back to her natural confident self. “Alright. If it’s not too much trouble.”
The way his ear twitched and he avoided half of her statement… she knew she had him. “Indeed she is. And very proficient in your kingdom’s history.” The thrice-crowned queen looked directly at Corym as she said, “We both agree it would be quite a shame to break tradition at the festival this year.”
“It's no trouble.” Corym assured. The main reason why he didn't offer it earlier was because it would have been noticeable at the dinner, even with her hair down. It was better to leave it on for long periods of time as it was.
He almost smiled at the mention of Tetra’s interest in history but the expression vanished at Cleopatra’s next statement. “No.” he said firmly as he turned to meet her gaze. “I have too much to do for my people to worry about whether or not that tradition will bring me a wife. Besides, why do you think that? It won’t work on anyone beyond me and Tetra’s bloodline.” he pointed out.
Cleopatra nodded her head. "Then I would be grateful," she murmured. Yet another thing to be indebted to Corym for. Just lovely.
She rolled her eyes slightly and shook her head. "I understand the need to service, but isn't this festival supposed to be about relaxing and celebrating? Besides, in my opinion, the chances of that dance actually being able to find the woman you're supposed to wed are next to nothing. Think of how many people there are on this continent, or even in your kingdom alone." Cleopatra lifted a flask of wine to her lips and drained it in one go. "Shouldn't you be unwinding as much as the next person? And…" Her eyes flashed mischievously. "I'll dance if you will."
Corym nodded in reply, assuring that the salve would be delivered. Though he sighed at the idea of relaxing. “The guests are welcome to relax but, after what happened, as the host it is my responsibility to keep an eye on everyone.” he reminded gently. He wasn't trying to be hurtful in bringing it up but it served his point. “I admit I agree with the odds but that is not encouraging. I don't know which is the worse outcome, looking a fool because no one responded or…” his throat closed at the idea of actually completing that dance with someone. He paid no attention to the flask since there were still plenty of servants walking around with fine drink for everyone, but he raised a brow at her suggestion. “What do you mean?”
Cleopatra only pursed her lips and gave him a knowing glance. "Corym, dear," she murmured. "That is the responsibility of your guardsmen. I understand always being watchful, believe me. Even now. But you deserve time to relax too. Letting your guard down and being at leisure are two separate things."
Effortlessly, Cleopatra selected two more flasks from a passing servant. She kept one for herself and offered the other to the king beside her. "I doubt your people will see you as a fool," she replied, a rare bit of kindness in her eyes. "And even if some young and beautiful maiden dances with you, it doesn't make you any less of an important and mindful king. Some might even suggest you'd be better with a queen at your side," she added the last bit with a teasing wink.
She brought her flask to her lips and scoffed before taking a small sip. "If you must know… I don't dance. Not in public, not in private." Cleopatra shook her head, mild disgust edging her tone and expression. "I quite hate it. But, if you agree to dance at the festival… I'll humiliate myself for a single dance tonight."
“But I am their leader.” Corym felt compelled to add even though he knew Cleopatra was a military Queen. She didn't need him to point that out. “Anyway, I am relaxed.” he lied, accepting the drink.
He raised a brow at the surprisingly kind words but rolled his eyes when she returned to teasing. “Now you sound like my sister and Monroe.” he sighed as he took a sip of his drink.
“How do you hate dancing?” he asked in confusion. Perhaps it was because of this very festival but his whole family loved to dance. Though that may have been too strong a word for him personally but he still enjoyed it. “Honestly, I've noticed a few similarities between dancing and good swordplay. And, let’s face it, with your skill in combat, I would have thought you quite a dancer.”
Cleopatra inclined her head back, closed her eyes, and sighed. "You think I don't understand how you feel," she murmured, momentarily oblivious to the happenings of the room. "When I'm sure I understand better than most."
Her eyes flickered open, and she arched her eyebrows in disbelief. "Please. You're as stiff as a board," she remarked shortly before again draining her flask. "You need to lighten up and live a little. Not everything is politics and strategies. If I lived like that, I'd go mad!"
A smirk appeared on her face as her eyes spotted Tetra yet again in the crowd. "Like me, your sister and Monroe are right," she purred.
She chuckled at his confusion. "I never said I wasn't good at it," Cleopatra clarified. "I like to think that I am. But…" She pursed her lips a moment, watching the flow and grace of the dancers in front of them as she searched for the right words. "I can never find the right motions, especially with my arms. Footwork is easy enough. With a blade, it balances you out, but without one, I don't know how well I could manage. And don't even get me started on dancing with a partner."
“On the contrary, I am sure you understand.” he corrected softly, avoiding looking at her.
Corym sighed as she called his bluff but refused to relent. “You should know me better than that by now. I rarely relax around other people besides my family and the few friends that I have.” he pointed out. Though he chose to take another drink instead of responding to her gloating.
“In my experience, having a partner balances you out just as well as a blade.” he hummed. “And depending on the dance, you usually don't need to do much of anything with your arms.” He hated to admit it but the idea of showing her what he meant was becoming very tempting…
Cleopatra glanced at Corym, wearing her shock visibly on her expression. However, he wasn't looking at her, so she looked away.
"Oh, I know," she replied, focusing on the bottom of her now-empty flask. "I was making an attempt to change that. You could at least look like you're relaxing." Her eyes flickered up, then around the room before returning to her flask. "At least four other women are watching us right now. Let your shoulders drop and drink more… casually."
Her eyebrows arched at his claim. "Really?" she asked. "I've always worried about dancing with a partner. In case you can't tell, I'm more of a soloist in life. But I suppose I'd be willing to try." With the right partner was left unsaid.
Cleopatra watched as skirts and shoes came to a standstill on the floor as the song ended in front of them. A mischievous smirk flashed through her eyes, and she set her flask down before offering her hand to him. It felt like the entire room was watching them with bated breath as she said, "May I have this dance, darling Corym?"
