Chapter 7: Ice Queen

Glasses clinked all around me in celebration as the queen concluded her speech. Victoria was lavishly giving thanks to all those who had helped rebuild and repair London after the riots. The monarch lavishly thanked her nobles, the common folk, and her special guests for attending the banquet and that she hoped the we would all join for many more in the future.

I rolled my eyes as Saint chuckled next to me. "You seem less than impressed by the finery as I expected."

I sipped from a glass of light colored champagne from the glass in front of me. "This does fail to impress. As someone who's family used to advise here and considering my history being as it is, well let's all say its rather difficult to enjoy it."

"I see, that is a rather unfortunate then but perhaps it might also have something to do with all the intense scrutiny you are under for this event. It might be best to hide you away if this is what is going to happen. "

I pursed my lips and scowled at the count as I looked behind him in disdain.

The count continued on knowing full well that my patience was dwindling. "I believe that the line to ask you to dance is getting longer by the minute. Should you not indulge a few of them at least?"

I set my glass down and huffed. "It really is quite rude of them altogether. Must they really line up like that?"

"Ah haha! You can hardly blame them. You look absolutely radiant tonight my lady. In a dress the color of the deepest sea, I dare say you even render your escort breathless by your beauty."

I felt my cheeks flush under Saint's smooth compliment and muttered. "Ah...thank you, but it is getting to be rather bothersome. I have watched two minor scuffles and several of them appear to be taking bets on the odds."

Saint narrowed his eyes, and suddenly he looked a lot more lethal. "That is very rude of them indeed. One gets those types at these functions, but to allow oneself to be seen in such a manner is exceptionally unbefitting. I'll investigate the situation, have no fear my dear."

Relieved that Saint might be able to assist me in negating offers to dance, the count promptly introduced me to the next set of nobles that approached us.

A jolly noble with a equally homely looking wife greeted Saint with a warm voice. "Ah, Saint Germain I have not seen you at these types of functions in ages! It is good to see you. You look like you haven't ages at all since the last time I saw you!"

I stayed close to Saints's side as it looked like another batch of men was getting ready to approach me.

"Ah, Mr. Collins may I perhaps introduce you to my fiancee?"

I was only half listening to the men's conversation, but I shot a pointed look at the count who smiled slyly at me. I gulped, wondering what I had just got myself into as Saint now commanded my full attention.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Mr. Collins." I forced a polite smile onto my face as Saint continued to chat.

"You have a fiancee? Oh my how fortunate you are! She is quite a beauty if I might say so."

Saint chuckled as I answered him with a polite nod. "It is very kind of you to say so."

I watched in growing dread as the portly man's face fell a tiny bit. "Ahh! You are fortunate indeed my man! Here I was hoping to marry you off to my daughter. Oh well, there is no way she could complete with your beauty my dear."

I looked at Saint with pleading eyes, almost audibly begging for help. The count did not miss a beat as he responded to Collins's comment. "Hm, yes that is rather unfortunate. However, I am quite devoted to my future wife so please accept my sincere condolences."

Eventually Collins and his wife moved off to chat with other nobles. The jolly pair left us laughing joviality, and I turned on Saint.

"Just what game are you playing at?!" I whispered to him fiercely with narrow eyes and a concerned expression.

Saint set his hand over top of mine and reassured me softly with a slight smile. "Events like these are a viable breeding ground for rumors, and underneath everything are dark political movements. Think of it as sowing seeds of discord my dear. If we can convince the conclave that your indeed considering others, rumors of you taking alternate partners, we might yet make some headway."

I pursed my lips in displeasure. "Well, dear future husband, I would like to go for a walk. Alone."

Saint's eyes narrowed and I detected a hint of worry in his face. "Ah, I do not think it is wise for you to wander off just yet."

I glared at the count, not willing to take no for an answer. The look I gave the count could have curled milk and the count's normally composed face looked a bit hesitant. As Saint went to reply, he was hailed by another group of approaching of nobles.

Saint quickly retracted his decision to not let me go off on my own."Oh my, this might take a while. Do try to be careful my dear, and stay out of trouble."

I nodded and quietly slipped away from the count's side as Saint was promptly engulfed by a mass of nobles all wishing to speak with him.

I headed out towards the garden terrace, aware I was quickly developing my own entourage.

I tried to act like it didn't bother to me, that I was attracting whispers and stares from across the room. A few brave, or perhaps foolhardy men, approached me and ask for a dance or to call on me at a later time.

I politely declined each one until an older man in a yellow uniform blocked my path with a half smile.

"Ah, Miss. Arianell it is good to see you here!"

I blinked in surprise and let my guard down a little. I bowed politely to the captain as I greeted him in earnest. "Captain Leonhardt! It is a pleasant surprise to see you here. The Queen is enjoying herself I assume?"

"Why yes, I believe her Majesty is enjoying her self! It is a delight that you are still interested in her Majesty's well being! Very commendable and just as expected from such a revered family!" My question appeared to delight him and Leonhardt looked over at his queen, who was standing only a few paces off talking from her guard captain. Victoria appeared to be talking and laughing lightly from within a cluster of very high ranking nobility.

I had not realized how close I had come to her in my effort to avoid my admirers.

I looked around for an escape route.

Leonhardt coughed to get my attention. "Ahem! Her majesty wished for me to ask you if you were enjoying the occasion as well?"

I nodded my head lightly, politely responding with a smile. "I am enjoying myself quite a bit, thank you. The food is delicious and the drinks are cold and crisp. Though I must say, your music selection appears to be a little wanting."

The captain sighed and then smiled roughly back at me. I watched as his eyes just lit up as a sudden idea must have occurred to him, and the captain bust forth with his ideas in a loud, unrestrained voice. "That is only to be expected coming from such a talented artist as you Miss. Arianell! I know you should make a request to perform! I am sure her majesty would not mind if you wanted to perform at such an event!"

I waved off the captain's comment with a lighthearted warm and a nervous smile. "I am sorry captain, I wish to respectfully decline your offer at this time. As I am just re-entering court life today, I would not think it wise to attract such attention to myself just yet."

"Ah yes! I see! You wish to remain covert for this operation! There is no shame in that!" The captain was steadily getting louder, but I noticed my group of admirers that had steadily been congregating behind me had dissipated into the crowd.

Perhaps Finis was right, I should accept Victoria's invitation for sanction. The angel's wouldn't bother me if I had the queen's protection.

I felt my train of thought derailing as Victoria turned to us with a sliver of a smile and gestured for us to approach. The queen's cold, heartless, smile had chills running down my back and I remembered the danger I was in. "Please excuse me, captain. I really must get some fresh air."

"Oh! Please enjoy your evening then!" The captain quickly skittered off as I heard Victoria's sharp voice snapping at him from over the crowd.

I finally escaped out onto the terrace.

It was still a frigid February evening, so no one appeared to be staying outside too long. That being said, there was hot coal blazers situated all over the room, and people wishing to breath and escape the indoors hustle and bustle crowded around the central sources of heat to chat and relax, so it was not really all that quiet. Some stood about in groups near the coal blazers to keep warm, while others, mostly couples had heavy blankets. However, the balcony wasn't as cold and unpleasant as it could have been in early February.

I walked slowly around, taking notes of what was being said and how people were perceiving the ball. A long raven haired man with a monocle seemed to take particular interest in a small group across the balcony. He grinned in a way that I was concerned and I followed his line of sight.

A young dancer was asking for ice as her partner hastily gathered it from an ice tray nearby. The young man filled one of his handkerchiefs full of ice and hurried back.

The young redhead hissed in pain as her partner applied the ice to her ankle."Ahh, I think this is going to be a problem!"

"Oh man, oh man! The boss is going to kill me! I-I really think you should have a doctor look at it!"

The young couple's conversation caught my interest and I headed over. I shot a glare back at the monocled man, but he had already moved off.

I approached them quietly and offered to help. "Here let me take a look at it."

My offer apparently startled them as they both looked at me strangely.

"Huh? Who are you?!" The young man quickly got in front of his partner as if to guard her from me.

"Passy! Let her come near me - it's not like she can make it any worse!"

I smiled softly at the couple and encouraged them to let me help. "It's ok, I wouldn't trust a stranger right away either. My name is Sierra Arianell. It is a pleasure to meet you...?"

The little redhead who was holding her ankle offered up their names readily enough. "That is Passy. My name is Shirley."

"It is nice to meet you Shirley, Passy. I am a doctor of sorts, do you think I can I look at it please?"

Passy looked around nervously as Shirley huffed. "Just let her through!" I nodded and tried not to make any sudden movements as I noticed Passy's hand straying under his jacket.

Noting the danger I knelt down next to Shirley. The dancer held out her foot which was quickly swelling up and turning purple.

I examined it gently as Shirley muttered. "Ahh, why did this have to happen tonight?! I want to be able to dance with Papa, but he is so busy talking that I haven't had a chance to dance with him yet!" The little redhead pouted. "Then went and twisted my ankle and now I am having problems walking!"

I looked at the heels she was wearing on and raised an unsurprised eyebrow. "I can probably treat your foot so you can last long though for a dance or two, but Passy is right. You might want to take it easy for a spell and have another doctor look at it in the morning."

I looked Passy sternly in the goggles and gave him a firm order. "She can participate in dance or two after she ices it for 30 mins and keeps weight off it...also I am going to need your tie."

"My what?!"

"Your tie. I need it. I am going to use it to bind Miss Shirley's foot." I turned to the young lady in front of me and looked her in the eyes as well. "Do you understand what I am saying?"

Shirley looked away from my stern gaze and gave me a reluctant answer. "Yes…"

She was clearly sulking at my diagnosis.

The young man next to me nervously removed his tie and handed it to me. "The boss is going to kill me…"

I ignored Passy's nervous muttering and bound Shirley's ankle tight.

"Ah that hurts!" Shirley hissed as I tied it off.

"That's why you rest and ice it for a bit. Really, I think the problem is your shoes." We both looked down at the strappy heels the young dancer was wearing and I shook my head. "If they were not so tall and offered better ankle support this probably would not have happened. Let this be a bit of a learning scenario for the next ball you attend."

I got up and brushed off my dress before lifting the hem of my dress to iterate my point. My much shorter, practical boot heels made my point mucch more clear. I left the hem of my dress fall and explained my logic.

"Fashion often looks good, but it sometimes, often times, it has drawbacks."

The girl shot determined look at Passy and barked an order. "Passy run to the car and get my boots!"

I blinked in surprise as the man wavered between Shirley's order and his reluctance at leaving her alone. "But I can't leave you alone!"

I offered to assist the young bodyguard in his dilemma. "I can stay here and keep Miss Shirley company as a chaperone if you hurry."

The two looked at each other and Shirley shrugged. "I am not going anywhere anytime soon."

That was all it took for Passy to take off at a dead sprint.

"He appears to be very devoted to you." I observed as Shirley blushed.

"Passy works for Papa, so of course he would be devoted to me. He has been looking after me ever since I was little."

I sensed that I had wandered int dangerous territory and that I shouldn't pry any further. "He seems like a nice young man."

I noticed she was looking at me questionably. "Hmm? Is there something on my face?"

"What about you? You seem to be here all by yourself?"

It was a thinly veiled question, but one I gave her credit for. "I just came out for some air, it is rather stuffy inside isn't it?"

"I haven't seen you dancing tonight either." I bit my lip a bit surprised at how quickly the conversation had flipped. Shirley was surprisingly observant for a young teenager at a ball.

My companion plowed on. "I bet you would be really pretty to see dancing. Can you not dance?"

I smiled softly at her and blew on my hands to keep them warm. "Oh? I must really be attracting a lot of attention then if you noticed. I can dance, but let's just say I am saving my dances for someone special."

"Oh! So you do have someone waiting inside? What's he like? Why hasn't he asked you to dance yet?" She rapid fired questions at me and I laughed at her enthusiasm.

"Haha, you are so inquisitive! What about you, have you been dancing with Passy all night?"

The girl clamped up as I artfully flipped the questions on her. Shirley turned bright red as she answered. "Passy is like my guardian! Of course I haven't been dancing with him!"

It was really getting colder out - or perhaps it was just me cooling down and finally starting to feel it. I looked at Shirley who certainly was starting to feel the cold and look around to see who might be able to help us.

I motioned to a footman standing by in waiting. "Would you happen to have any blankets at the standby? We are both quite cold."

"Certainly miss, I will return momentarily."

"Hey! What are you doing?! I thought you were leaving me." Shirley looked upset I had left her even for a few minutes.

"I just asked the footmen if he had any blankets for us. You would think with the snowfalling that they would have something available."

"We were talking and you never answered my questions!"

I grinned at her slyly. "You didn't say who you were dancing with either."

"Ummm, I don't remember his name...but I remember he was short and blond. He had the most magnificent blue eyes…"

The teen went on and on about her dance partner and the more she described him the more I was certain she was talking about Raphael. "Hmm, I believe I know the young man in question. Poor Passy must have been so upset with you dancing with another man. Is that how managed to twist your ankle then?"

Shirley puffed her checks up in anger, and I watched her face turning redder and redder as the conversation progressed. "Passy can't dance."

"Have you ever asked him?"

"No…"

"I suggest you should as him then. Do it as a thank you for all the hard work he does for you. We ladies can do that you know." I winked as the young redhead in front of me blushed hotly.

"I twisted it because I stepped on another woman's dress...I would be too embarrassed to go back out on the dance floor and I am injured."

"Oh, you'll probably be alright once Passy retrieves your other shoes. I did say one or two more dances."

"My cheri, your blankets."

My blood ran cold as I turned to the speaker. "Ah, good evening Gabriel. Are you enjoying your evening?"

"All the more for having spoken to one so fair." The archangel flashed me a unbridled smile and I felt myself becoming more defensive.

"Ah, I am happy to be of service then. Say where is your dutchess? She must be around here somewhere or have you manged to escape from behind her skirt tails to come speak to me in private?"

"Ohh testy test, you are so cold mon cheri. The duchess Blackwater is currently relaxing in the library and has left me free reign to do what I please for the remainder of the evening. Speaking of which, I was hoping to by perchance a dance from one as radiant and fair?"

I happened to look down at Shirley who was smiling at me like she had just discovered a grand secret. She didn't pick up on my veiled caution as she gushed.

"This must be the special person you have been waiting for! You should accept his invitation!"

Emboldened by my new friends enthusiasm, and knowing I would have difficulty respectfully declining his offer now, the angel offered me his hand delicately. "If it pleases you, mon cheri?"

I hear a faint squeak from behind me as Shirley seemed to be falling for Gabriel's smooth words and charming looks.

"And he is French too!"

The angel grinned at me wickedly, knowing he had me backed into a corner now.

I quickly attempted to wiggled my way out of the predicament I had fallen into as I passed Shirley the blankets Gabriel had brought us. "I need to stay with Shirley until her guardian returns."

As my luck would have it, right on que, Passy rounded the corner. The young bodyguard slipped slighting in his haste.

"I -I got...got...the...shoes my ...lady."

The poor boy was panting and completely out of breath and I sighed knowing I had lost my one respectable excuse.

"I...I accept."

The long raven haired angel, lead me inside and out onto the dance floor with a handsome grin.

As soon as our feet touched the dance floor Gabriel promptly began twirling me around in large graceful circles with an exceedingly expert led.

"Won't you look your partner in the eye?" He ask me softly and I jerked my head up under his soft orders.

Ever so softly I replied, feeling tense and uncomfortable. "...You must have been waiting all night for this opportunity."

The archangel chuckled in response to my uneasy observation. "Haha, of course I have been waiting all night. Saint Germain was doing an exceedingly excellent job of keeping you away from me, I half wondered if I would ever get a chance at all. Then you departed from his side on your own accord, so of course I was obligated to follow you."

He gave me an easy smile as he twirled me around.

"Hmmm, but I have yet to see your first choice here on this fine evening either? Though I suppose one of lower stations wouldn't be invited to this type of event, even if he is a famous War Hero."

My forced smile twitched and I promptly stomped on Gabriel's foot in retaliation.

The angel grimaced as he laughed it off. "Haha! That does hurt mon cheri. You are so cold to me."

He leaned in to me and I realized in stunned silence what he was trying - going - to do. My mind screamed for me to pull away, to escape before he kissed me.

The archangel's voice low sultry voice was getting closer as I closed my eyes and tried to pull away. "I might just need to take this out on you as payment..."

I managed to jerk at the last second and I felt a soft gentle kiss on my cheek. At the same time I felt someone pulling me away from my abusive dance partner with sheer brute force.

"Leave her alone!"

I was spun around and saw a murderous expression on my rescuers face as his low voice housed a barely contained anger.

"Can't you tell that the lady isn't interested in your games?!" The hunter's voice was a rough bark and I watched with satisfaction as Gabriel shied away from Van's overpowering anger.

"You - you can't just cut into another fellow's dance!"

It was weak-watery protest as Van snorted and quickly asserted his dominance over the situation. Gabriel couldn't even manage say a word in protest as Van led me away from my unwanted dance partner.

My knight seemed to seethe with displeasure as he lead me more towards the center of the dance floor. The hunter never even bothered to look back at the stunned archangel. As we relocated on the dance floor, Van seemed to be making an honest attempt to get his anger under control.

I gave him a few minutes to cool down, trying my best to put a soft smile on my face to help him.

Van closed his eyes and released a tense breath before slowly speaking. "Tsk, I should have guessed you were the one clearing the dance floor. You dance beautifully my dear."

I looked up into intense, smoldering blue-violet eyes. "I am not sure what you mean, but thank you? "

The soldier shook his head and I watched a slow, small, smile start to creep onto his face. "I think you dearly underestimate your beauty, love." I was still totally confused as to what was going on, but I just moved in time as my hunter continued to guide me along the dance floor. "I have been searching for you a while now. Saint reported you had been away from his side for quite some time and we were both worried something ill had become of you."

I felt a hint of a blush start to creep up onto my cheeks, embarrassed he had been looking for me."I am sorry, I apologize for worrying you. I have been out on the terrace taking air just like I promised I would be."

The hunter's brows furrowed together knowingly. "I know. I was watching."

The glint in Van's eyes wasn't abating, he still looked rather upset so it took me a minute to realized what he has said. "You were watching...wait! Why didn't you come over then?!"

"I was preoccupied with making sure you were given a chance to rest in private. Saint mentioned that you had seemed have collected more than a few admirers this evening and I was looking into the matter." The hunter said this with a hint of disgust. "Tch. I suppose it doesn't really matter...all that matters is if you enjoy yourself."

I finally managed to pull my attention away from Van's narrow violet eyes and I looked around to see what was bothering him. I promptly stopped looking around and directed my attention back to the center of Van's chest. A flash of silver and blue caught my eye, it was the tie tack I had given him a few days earlier.

I flushed lightly, happy he was proud enough to wear them in public. Between Van's steady steps and the tie pin I was able to calm myself down.

When I calm down enough, I asked nervous whisper. "Where..where did everyone go? Everyone is staring at us..."

"Hmph, I believe I already mentioned that you were clearing the dance floor, or did you suspect I was bluffing?"

I felt the heat rising in my cheeks as he gruffly answered me. "There are so many eyes…"

"That is a purpose of a ball. Some come to watch, others come to be watched. I will admit, our dancing is attracting quite a bit of attention, though it helps that both partners are quite attractive."

As Van twirled me around in light easy circles, I slowly started to shut my eyes. Van's led was heavy and balanced, and it made it easy to predict and follow along without any effort.

Faint whispering could be heard even over the music.

"Oh, they are so graceful! Look at her steps!"

"Isn't that the famous War Hero Van Helsing? Who is that he is dancing with?"

"I don't recall ever seeing her before, but she is beautiful."

"Look at how she is glowing! Perhaps he isn't the problem?"

"They look so beautiful together!"

"Isn't that the Lady Sierra? Is she not supposed to be with Saint Germain?"

"I hear they were engaged? How scandalous!"

Rumors, both dark and light, whirled around us as Van easily guided me around the dance floor in tune to the music.

"It's been a while since I have done this." I muttered quietly enough that I was sure Van had to read my lips to figure out what I had said.

He soldier chuckled softly as he gently reassured me. "Your doing just fine, just follow my lead."

"Where did you learn to dance?" I opened my eyes and found Van still looking at me with an intensely hot gaze.

Van answered my question with a slightly bitter voice. "Ballroom etiquette is standard protocol for any new Twilight recruit."

I stared back him in as a genuine smile started to creep onto my face. "Somehow, I can't imagine you enjoying that much."

Van chuckled as he twirled me around once again. "Etiquette was never my strong suit, but it wasn't the worst thing I had to learn as a new recruit."

I tried to picture Van learning to dance and finally couldn't control my laughter. "Haha! I think I know the feeling. Lucas was forever practicing with me. He always said the way to impress the ladies was to know how to dance."

The music came to a halt and Van stopped with his face a few inches from mine. I felt my breath hitch in my throat as Van's bangs tickled my nose and his low voice washed over me.

"Thank you for the dance my dearest, it's been my pleasure."

I couldn't think as my brain went into overdrive. I think the rest of the hall was also expecting him to kiss me.

Everyone waited on bated breath to see what the hunter would do next.

As Van slowly went to straighten up, I felt a distinct sense of loss.

However, Saint Germain, has no such sense of loss.

The smooth count picked up on exactly the correct timing and quickly cut through to the dance floor as Van pulled away and bowed low over my hand as I stood there in shock.

"Ah, this is where you have disappeared to my dear! I have been quite worried about you."

Van grudgingly handed me over to Saint with a empty smile that didn't quite reach his eyes as the music started back up and the suspense ended on a disappointed note.

"Ah, Van Helsing. Thank you for watching over her... but it isn't very proper for an Englishman to be dancing with another man's future wife?"

Hushed whisperings ran through the crowd like wildfire next to us and Van's eyes narrowed and he glared at the count. "I have committed no such acts." The hunter hissed as Saint raised an eyebrow in question.

"Oh, you did not know? Perhaps you should take more care then." It was thinly veiled threat to Van, but before the the hunter had a chance to reply, Saint was asking me to dance. "Come my dear, would you care for dance?"

I was still processing all of Saint's words as he led me gently out onto the dance floor without expressive permission.

My surprised expression meet Van's cold calculating one as Saint slid his arm around me.

The count laughed softly next to my ear. "Haha. Oh my, you look utterly surprised my dear. I must say it is an adorable look on you. Perhaps this will stir Van Helsing to make his move…"

"..What do you mean? Saint!" I hissed as the count twirled me effortlessly across the dancefloor. "What are you trying to do?!"

"Nothing that isn't part of the plan." Saint winked at me as the whispers started back up.

The count's expression grew more serious. "Now that you have taken to the dance floor I do not know if we will be able to stop the tides of your admires. Perhaps you should accept a few other offers to dance with as well."

I had a hard time even trying to process Saint's suggestion. "No. Just no! I was unable to politely decline Gabriel's offer, but I won't take any others. I am not going to encourage these games any further."

The idea of dancing, being held closely, with some random stranger in British nobility was exceedingly alarming to me and I felt myself misstep.

Saint smoothly responded in his steps and I recovered with enough tack into the next step.

"Not even from Van or myself?" Saint looked very concerned as I looked up at him with nervous eyes.

"You look quiet worried. Have I upset you so? I only mean that I would willingly hand you off to someone you desired to dance with. Though perhaps you are not bold enough to accept other dance requests altogether?"

I scowled lightly at Saint and took a bold step forward. The count's face registered in mild surprise as he mirrored my led. I took another bold step forward, and the count relinquished the led to me. I swiftly took control of the dance and the count followed me easily in time.

"Not bold enough you say?" I picked up the pace as the count grinned slyly.

"I appear to have struck a nerve. Well then…"

I was caught off guard as he passed me off to another man.

I almost mis-stepped again as the big man towered over me.

The man I was now dancing with had large metal claw for a hand, and it closed around my waist with a light force.

I felt all the color drain from my face.

"Ahhh...Excuse me!" I stumbled again and felt my face flush with embarrassment.

The big man coughed and blushed in kind as he caught me. "Ah, its alright its my fault anyway. I should have introduced myself properly."

I shot a panicked glance at Saint who had a young redheaded girl standing on the tops of his boots as he danced nearby. The count caught my panicked look and winked at me as he danced.

The big man who was holding me, lead me clumsily across the floor. He looked rather familiar, but I couldn't place him. "Ahem! Allow me to introduce myself my name is Darius Gordon."

I flinched slightly as he voice boomed next to me. I also felt a slight pinch on my toes at the same time and the man's face promptly fell. "Ahhh! I am sorry! I am just not used to all this…"

I tried to smile bravely up at him. "It's quite alright Mr. Gordon sir, if I may?"

I took the led from him as my toes protested from yet another painful pinch. Darius gratefully turned leading over to me and, despite his towering size, I was able to salvage our dance with a strong step and a heavy led.

The big man blinked down at me, also seeming to realize he might know me from someplace. "Say, you look rather familiar, who might you be again? Shirley said she meet a new friend out on the terrace and that I really had to thank you for helping her?"

I blinked up at him as I realized who I was dancing with. "Oh! Oh! I do beg your pardon! My name is Sierra Arianell. I had the fortune of chatting with your daughter quite recently, yes but I think you might know me from Doctor Frankenstein's clinic in down town?"

He almost stopped in his tracks as he seemed to finally realize who I was. "Ah I see! Your one of the ladies that work with Doctor Frankenstein?! Well then, I really must thank you for watching out for my daughter and for helping us with all the herb supplies!"

Darius's attention went elsewhere as he watched the count dancing gently with Shirley next to us. I felt the claw tighten around my waist and I bit my lip in fear.

"Shirley! You look so cute! Please dance with Papa!?" He started to cry loudly and I was completely thrown off by the sudden change in personality.

I was completely flustered by the sudden change and I frantically tried to pacify Darius.

"Please don't cry! I am sure Shirley's ankle will be fine with a bit of rest!" I sputtered looking for any out I could get as the claw closed in around me. I felt a bead of sweat break out on my forehead and I was genuinely worried the claw was going to slice me in two.

"What?! My little Shirley's hurt?!"

The teen shot me an apologetic look as Darius released me mid-dance.

I wasn't prepared for the sudden loss of support and I had the sudden fear that I was going to collapse in the middle of the dance floor. One mis-step turned into another and I was getting ready to tumble when another hand reached out to steady me and pulled me around with grace.

"Wha…?"

I turned around to find Van pulling on my hand, saving me from yet another unfortunate fall. "This is maddening. Watching you dance with the count is bad enough but watching that other man...it's infuriating. I have had it with waiting to intervene and you looked downright terrified."

I struggled to catch my breath as my heart thundered.

"I was." I admitted softly. "But it wasn't anything he did in particular. Apparently, Darius was just saying thank you for keeping his daughter company on the terrace earlier."

I gave in and broke formality as I tried to calm my heartbeat once again.

I closed the distance between me and my hunter in order to rest my forehead on his chest.

"I wasn't aware that no one had told him Shirley had twisted her ankle and it caught him off guard."

"Hmmm…" The hunter seemed to have cooled off quickly as he held me close.

I was almost able to relax and feel at ease easy as we danced.

Something in my sigh must have alerted the hunter's instincts something still wasn't quite right.

"Is something wrong?"

I responded softly as I closed my eyes.

Van continued to lead me around the center of the dance floor.

"The stares are still bothering me."

A few seconds later I heard Van respond softly. "Do you wish to stop?"

"No...I think I am enjoying this..."

"Hmm…"

Having broken my absence with dancing... I continued dancing on and off for the remainder of the night.

Van handed me off the Saint on a couple of occasions while he spoke with some of the vampires in attendance and Saint would kindly hand me back a few dances later after the hunter had concluded his business.

Then on a few occasions I was left alone to rest.

However, I was never allowed out of eyesight. My two guards were both proficient and busy while I rested. They spoke frequently with other nobles, and I got the idea that they were trying to form a protective barrier.

Later, when Van left to go fetch us drinks, a select few managed to get past Saint's guard.

A precious few ever got past Saint, and even less got past Van's hard stare, so when they did manage to make it past my protective knights, I would politely chat or even dance a little with them.

Delly was one of those few who managed to land a dance after passing my overprotective guardian's gazes.

The small blond barely came up to my shoulder, and the young king was probably sidelined for a couple of reasons, but I couldn't say no to those pleading golden eyes.

I let the vampire lead me out onto the floor. The gasps and chuckles were evident and I quickly took the led from my much shorter dance partner.

"Like this…" I placed Delly's hand on my waist and took the other in my hand with a soft whisper. "If you go any lower it would be quite a scandal."

I winked at him as the music picked up in pace.

The young king looked extremely flustered, but I had more than enough experience to make dancing a breeze for us. The young vampire was able to follow along easily as I led.

"Just wait Sierra, I am going to get taller!" Delly exclaimed once the dance was finished.

I bowed and watched him do the same, abet in a bit stiffer more formal manner.

I chuckled lightly at his enthusiastic exclamation and gently reminded him. "This would be the time one would thank the lady for the dance."

Delly nodded regally and took my statement in stride. "Yes, thank you...hey wait! Hold on a second!"

My hand was caught by another shorter partner and all I saw was another mess of light golden hair and steel blue eyes.

"Michael?" The name fell from my lips in a soft, startled, gasp as the stranger pulled me back out onto the dance floor with force.

By all rights, it is much harder for a shorter partner to led, but the boy who had grabbed my hand was making a very elegant effort.

It was fairly clear he had more experience dancing in a ballroom then Delly. "No! Of course not!" Irate blue eyes looked up at me. "I can't believe you! Dancing with the king of vampires but trying to ignore me? That's totally not fair!"

Raphael stamped his foot and we slipped to the side by his led. The young angel was barely able to get control of the situation, stopping just short of hitting the pair of dancers next to us.

I blinked in surprise and smiled teasingly as relief washed over me.

I realized the short tempered boy in front of me. "I wasn't intentionally avoiding you or Delly, its just so...difficult to see you over the crowds."

The archangel flushed and turned over leading to me as the dancers next to us gave us dirty looks. "Your very cruel Azrael. With all these other angel's about and all your dancing with are your human pets."

"Excuse me? One should first reflect on their own decisions before preaching to another." I stared the young angel down with a knowing eye. "Where you not dancing with a little redhead earlier this evening? Did you not abandon her after she twisted her ankle?"

My stare became accusatory and I suddenly had Raphael reeling for words "W-what? How did you know that?"

I moved his hand up a bit as it had slipped down in shock. "I happened to be acquainted with her. Just imagine if I told Garen that you were dancing with a girl your age..."

Rapheal blushed heavily and didn't meet my gaze as I continued grilling him. "I imagine he just might weep for joy. You did come to London to find a bride after all."

"That - that is just…"

I raised an eyebrow to him as if to dare to tell me I was wrong.

Raphael wilted under my knowing stare. "Do not tell him...please. He-he probably wouldn't let me live it down."

I smirked evilly as I leaned down closer to him. "See humans are not so bad are they? Some of them can be pretty...captivating, hmm?"

The dance finally ended and Raphael hastily dropped his hands. "Do you know where I can find her? I wish to make amends."

"Hmm, that's a better attitude. Let's see, I think her father collected her earlier and they have left for the night. I believe his name Darius Gordon…" I frowned slightly as I tried to think of more information. "I think if you stopped by Fran's he might have more information. Shirley will probably be there sometime tomorrow anyway. Her ankle was quite swollen."

"Ah, I see. Well thank you for the dance Azrael, you are as elegant a dancer as they say."

I held out my hand and the young angel took and knelt over it slightly. The barest ghost of his lips danced over my hand and I felt my heart skip a beat.

It wasn't Rapheal's behavior that was the issue, rather it was Van's tight lipped expression and Saint's unhappy face that caused me to pause. I hurriedly expressed my thanks to Rapheal and we quickly parted ways.

The source of Van and Saint's displeasure wasn't hard to place as I got closer to the source of the problem.

As I walked back towards my guardians, I felt a growing rage building. I desperately attempted to cover my unsettled emotions behind a mask of false pleasure as I approached the threat.

It was clear just from the curly black hair and low cut dress that it was the Lady Blackwater that was causing Van to scowl so darkly. If I couldn't pick out the lurid female figure, I certainly knew the man standing at attention by her side.

Gabriel smiled politely as we rejoined the group. "Ah lady Arrienell, it is such a pleasure seeing you dancing with such a suitable partner! This is progress indeed!"

The duchess purred on her escort's arm. "What kind of progress might that be dear?"

I struggled to hide my surprise as the Duchess fished for more information.

Gabriel smirked as he stared me down."Oh, it is nothing for you to fret over mon cheri, just a little defiance over what the family wishes. I am sure the matter will blow over soon enough."

The angel's nonchalant attitude and easy answer made me feel like I had just been slapped for disobedience.

As I struggled to contain my surprise and rage, Saint stepped forward to actively play peacekeeper. I wasn't the only one who was upset by the archangel's snarky attitude as Van growled fiercely. The hunter's hand drifted to the shotgun at his side.

"Hastily, hastily, Van Helsing. You really should learn to control that temper better. You certainly wouldn't want to risk being considered suitable now would you?" Gabriel grinned at Van with a smirk that could have peeled paint. "Really Arianell, could you not choose better company these are little better than animals?"

I felt my face tug up into a small evil smile as Saint grabbed Van by the shoulder in order to hold him back.

"Hmm yes, I suppose I could if better company was available? Perhaps you would be so kind as to give me another dance to make up for my..a mistake earlier?"

Van stopped struggling and looked at me with a hurt surprise as Gabriel visibly hesitated. He seemed to sense that something was very wrong with my offer as I smiled darkly up at him.

Van might have had trouble comprehending my offer, but the Duchess realized what I was doing.

"How utterly rude you low class heathen! How dare you ask man to dance knowing he has a partner standing right in front of him! There appear to be several other men waiting at your beck and call, you entitled little hussy!"

Eyes flicked back and forth as Gabriel struggled to keep the situation under control.

However the lady at his arms apparently would not withstand my disregard for social protocol so lightly.

"I know all about you. You are an entitled nobody who takes up residency in Count Germain's mansion like some unwanted parasite! You even have the gall to living in a house with no proper chaperone in a house ripe with single men!"

She advanced forward and Saint let Van go.

The hunter hurried to my side and stood slightly in front of me with a glowering expression on his face.

Saint slide up on my other side and the lady seemed to lose confidence as we offered no resistance, and we did nothing to deny her accusations.

The duchess's face turned molten with rage as she got no satisfaction from us. At the top of her lungs she howled her rage. "Your just some...some tramp commoner who weaseled her way into a noble's bedroom!"

More and more people were starting to look our way as Saint spoke up with a seething voice.

"Ah, Lady Blackwater you forget yourself. Perhaps you have had a bit too much to drink this evening?"

The count glared daggers at the archangel who was looking utterly uncomfortable at his escort's outburst. Gabriel tugged on his necktie and I watched a bead of sweat break out on the side of his forehead.

Saint continued his ruthless comments, undisturbed by Gabriel's obvious discomfort.

"A reasonable gentlemen would return Mrs. Blackwater to her residence and her husband for the night. Perhaps you would do best to salvage the situation before things get much worse for the pair of you?"

Saint's threat was so thinly veiled that I took a slight step back.

"Ah, haha, yes that is a very reasonable suggestion Saint Germain. I think we will do just that."

Before the conversation could continue Gabriel turned and forcefully led the lady away.

"Thank you Saint, I really do appreciate your assistance." I thanked the count earnestly as I laid a gently hand on Van's arm.

The hunter's arm was incredibly tense. "And thank you too Van. I was rather afraid she was going to attack me."

I tried to brush the scenario off as both men turned to face me.

"That was really an unnecessary risk." Van glared looked down at my hand as it rested on his arm. "You should be more careful. In these situations it's better to just let us handle things."

My gaze shifted to Saint who just smiled. "Well, that was quite an interesting exchange. I think we have more than a few things to help us in the next conclave meeting now, but Van Helsing is right you should be more careful."

I sniffed lightly, unconcerned now that we had made it past the threat. "Well maybe the flying feather bonnet shouldn't intentionally irritate me so much and I would be less inclined to publicly embarrass him."

Van laid his hand over mine with a still formidable looking scowl on his face. "What did you intend to do if he accepted your offer?"

I sighed and looked down at Van's cuff-link.

A symbol of us.

"...I would have danced with him. I expect the lady Blackwater would have had a royal fit and I expect that she would have made quite a scene."

The cufflink sparkled in the light, and I felt Van's arm tense even further.

I sighed softly and leaned in to him. "As it turned out, I am able to present myself in the next conclave and readily say that I did indeed ask him to dance and he had to decline."

Saint's mouth twitched as he laughed at the venom in my voice. "Haha! Your offer put him in quite the position and I highly doubt he will bring up this incident in front of so many of his peers."

Van huffed, still looking rather disgruntled.

So, I smiled brightly up at him. "I think that is last call, and I am still without a partner for the last dance..."

I watched with amusement as Van's eyebrows almost clicked together and he picked up on my offer quickly.

The hunter stepped back and bowed, while asking in rough voice. "Would you care to dance, my lady?"

Saint grinned at us as I accepted Van's offer with a glowing happiness. "It would be my pleasure, Sir Knight."

The last dance was one was dreams were made of. The lights dimmed. The soft white-yellow lights where replaced with soft blue pink hues that echoed and bounced across the entire dance floor. The music was soft and slow as I twirled around in my lover's arms content and happy.

In the whirlwind of dancing and light laughter I was able to forget my worries as my hunter smiled back at me, sharing my evident joy at finally being able to dance with him unperturbed at last.

Author's Notes:

Oh - my - god that was a long - difficult - content heavy chapter! So so many things - and so many edits! It is soo long! I was about 6k words in the draft - on edits its about 9k. Ok - ok my misery at editing aside, what did you think of this chapter?

I totally wanted a ball scene - or rather an excuse for Sierra to dance with Van - oh I love it so much!

I also loved Saint just handing Sierra off to Darius without even an explanation. Delly and Raphael's dances were kind of cute too! I thought it was kind of sweet - Delly is helping Raphael learn to like humans just like he did - and Shirley is also helping...

Oh! You do know who Shirley and Darius are right? They are from future blessings's extra story - Lupin's gang. Wonder what they are doing there at a ball? O.o

This chapter also kind of highlights to Van that the situation is much worse then he thought. With his direct competition making a public stake on Sierra, I wonder how the hunter is going to react...

Sierra on the other hand was a bit savage hmm? She likes to handle situations diplomatically - and she totally embarrassed Gabe right in front of his escort.

Quick refresher on Lady Blackwater and her situation - Van worked as a bodyguard for her to get funding for the airship races (Silver Lady chapter 22-ish).

She was very, keen on trying to get extra services from him - which Van denied. The duchess is married, but there is no love in that relationship so her husband just lets her do what she pleases (Which even included hiring Sierra to play a private music show for a tea party she had) - so Gabe took Van's role as a bodyguard when he quit the short term assignment. The duchess is of course peeved that Van would choose this unknown - untitled - 'commoner' over her and she is upset about loosing one of her 'boy-toys' so she treats Sierra with contempt - while still trying to win Van's attention. (Side note extra: Gabe has no problem with her 'extra' services requested and really isn't ashamed of it. He care about her though as he sees humans as little more then animals.)

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