Arm of Darkness

By: Haruka-chan

 

Chapter 5: The many pleasantries of a Ball

 

Riho still felt warm inside, no man has ever seen her that 'bare' but she never felt so bold with a man before. Riho pulled on the Ivory satin A-line gown, georgette full bodice, short cap sleeve, and scoop neck with bordered with cream ribbons, V-back. Riho left her hair free, and checked herself on the mirror, and found herself blush once more. She walked somewhat clouded by thoughts, as she walked in to the now much familiar dinning hall. Shido sat sipping tea as Guni chatted with him about something. Then it all went back to the day before when she was talking to Shido and he confessed his loved for Guni. She couldn't deny that she was upset but she couldn't hold it against anyone that she craved the attention of a man who is in love with someone else.

 

"Lady Riho?" called Guni.

"Oh I must have wondered off" she said.

Guni nodded and walked away.

"May I know where you wondered off to?" asked Shido.

"To a place of no return" she said as she neared the chair next to him.

He stood and pulled out the chair for her.

"Thank you my Lord" she said.

Shido nodded and sat down. "But if I remember correctly my Lady was it not you that had said that wondering to a place of no return wasn't all that bad?"

Riho blushed at the fact that he remembered what she had told him the first or second day of her stay. "Yes, I did, but then I haven't wondered of to a place where I didn't have an option."

"What is this place you are in?" he asked.

Riho blushed. "I am not sure my Lord, but I do not feel regret going there" she whispered looking away.

"I do admire you Lady Riho" he said sipping his tea.

"Do you?" she asked.

"Yes, I do" he said.

Riho sighed before she took a small sip from her tea. Shido watched as her small perfect lips closed over the cup. "You do know how to urge a man" he started without thinking.

Riho placed the cup down and looked at him. "Is that all I do?"

Shido chuckled "No you do much more then that" he said.

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"Quite my Lady" said Shido taking a sip from his own cup.

"What shall we today?" asked Shido.

"Well, my Lord why don't we do something that will not make you feel ill" she said.

"I feel fine" Shido said.

Riho reached over and touched his forehead and then his cheek. "You still have a low fever, let us stay inside" she said about to pull her hand away when Shido caught it and held in place. "Lord...Shido?" asked Riho flushed.

"Your hand comforts my fever" he said.

Riho nodded timidly as he held her hand to his cheek.

"I forgot to mention that tonight is Lady Yayoi's ball, you will join me will you not?" asked Shido with his eyes close.

For a few moments Riho forgot she had a vocal cord. "Y-Yes my Lord."

Shido opened his eyes and smiled, "Do I make you nervous Lady Riho?" he asked coming close to her face.

"Umm" Riho tried to pull back, only to be pulled forwards towards Shido's face.

"Your are very beautiful up lose Lady Riho" he stated.

"Umm, so are you" said Riho feeling extremely stupid for saying something like that.

Shido pulled back and chuckled, still holding her hand.      

 

That Evening...

 

Most of the day that passed with Shido and Riho in the library and Guni and Riho going to the gardens, it was time to depart for the ball at Yayoi's. Guni walked inside Riho's room to find that she was in a beautiful gown of Rosewater matte taffeta strapless gown with a full skirt, dropped waist, back and side pleats detailed with bow. Her hair was curled and put up and her hands where in matching elbow gloves, around her neck was the pale pink glass beaded necklace which had a clear crystal rose hanging from it.

 

"My you look beautiful" said Guni with a smile.

Riho smiled back, "I don't feel right going to the ball, I would rather stay here with you."

"If it's because of Lady Yayoi that you don't want to go, then I know your stronger then that" said Guni.

"It's not Lady Yayoi, when your born in to a noble family for most of your damn life you seem to go to balls and parties, and after a while you get tired" said Riho sitting on her bed.

Guni smiled. "You know your so much like Lord Shido."

"Guni...do you love Lord Shido?" asked Riho.

Guni looked at her strangely. "Depends on what kind of love you are referring to, yes I care for Lord Shido very much and will follow him till the end of earth, but I don't think I love him romantically."

Riho nodded.

"Why would you ask me that?" asked Guni.

"Huh?!? Oh no reason just asking" said Riho laughing.

"Ok if you say so, come now Lord Shido is waiting for you" said Guni.

Riho nodded and walked out with Guni.

 

Once they got down stairs, Riho saw Shido turn towards her and smile. Her breath was stuck in her throat for a minute. There he stood in tuxedo, looking handsome as ever. She slowly walked towards Shido and bowed.

"Lord Shido" she said.

Shido took in the whole vision of her as she stood and smiled. "Looking beautiful as ever Lady Riho."

"Just as you are handsome" she answered back.

Shido chuckled. "I am honored by your compliment" he whispered.

Riho smiled.

"Shall we leave then?" he asked.

Riho nodded.

Guni waved good-bye from the door. ‘I did love him once...’ thought Guni.

 

The ride to Lady Yayoi's was quite enjoyable for both Shido and Riho, but it ended all to quickly. Riho stepped out of the carriage and looked up at the palace in front of her.

 

‘Strange how one never seem to completely run away from what they are’ thought Riho.

Shido watched her from the corner of his eyes. "I am sorry."

"For what?" asked Riho.

"For pulling you back to what you ran away from" he said.

Riho's gaze fell and she smiled. "It's all right since I do have you to talk to logically."

Shido smiled. "Then shall we face another dreadful evening together?" asked Shido.

Riho let out a small giggle and nodded.

"Oh Lady Yayoi you look so beautiful as always" said Lady Catharine.

"Oh thank you, Lady Catharine" said Yayoi who was in a black over crimson chiffon gown with thin straps, the waist had a beaded trim and the skirt was full with beaded details on the bottom as well, her long hair was up in a bun with few roses lining around it, her hands glowed and her neck had a gold choker with small rubies on them. "Has Lord Shido arrived yet?" she asked on of the servants.

"Yes, my Lady, he and Lady Riho has just arrived" said one of the servants.

‘What? Why would he bring her?’ she thought.

"Oh Lady Riho is a beauty" said Lady Bianca.

"Oh yes I think she would be the perfect model for your gowns" said Lady Catharine.

Yayoi let lose a small glare, but soon put on a smile when she saw Shido walk in with Riho linked with his arms. "Lord Shido, Lady Riho" she greeted.

"Lady Yayoi" said Riho as she bowed.

"It's a wonderful ball that you have here" said Shido and bowed.

Yayoi laughed a little. "Oh Lord Shido" she said.

 

Riho on the other hand failed to see what was so funny just as Shido. Riho and Shido were soon greeted by Lady Catharine and Bianca.

"Oh Lady Riho you look wonderful" said Lady Bianca.

"Oh yes and look you are wearing the necklace you bought" said Lady Catharine.

Riho smiled and greeted them as well. ‘Oh yes just like back at home’ thought Riho.

"Lord Shido you should have arrived earlier" said Yayoi.

"I would have but Guni and Lady Riho were out" he said.

"It must be quite burdening" said Yayoi.

"No not all, I completely enjoy Lady Riho's company" he said.

"She seems very friendly" said Yayoi.

"Oh very" said Shido.

"How are you acquainted with her?" asked Yayoi.

"It is a long story" said Shido.

"Shall we dance Lord Shido?" asked Yayoi.

"Oh yes" he said as he lead Yayoi to the dance floor.

"Oh Lady Riho you must meet my son Eric" said Lady Catharine pulling Riho towards a young man about her age. "Eric darling I want you to meet Lady Riho."

 

The young man turned and smiled. Riho had to admit he was a quite handsome young man, with his dark brown hair and green eye, his smile was quite charming as well. "It's a pleasure to meet you Lady Riho" he said as he took her hand and kissed it.

Riho smiled "The pleasure is all mine" she said.

Lady Catharine smiled in delight.

"Shall we dance?" he asked.

"I would love to" said Riho. It wasn't that she felt attracted to him, it's just the if she danced with him she would avoid dancing or talking to anyone else.

"Looks as if Lady Catharine introduced Lady Riho to her son Eric" said Yayoi with a smile.

Shido looked over to where Riho was smiling and chatting with Eric, and something inside him flared up.

"So Lady Riho how long are in Florence?" he asked.

"For 6 days now" she said.

"Yet I have not seen you, my I am losing my touch" said Eric.

Riho chuckled. "I have only been to town once, and it wasn't the greatest experience."

"I understand it must be hard for you with all the artist running around these days" he said.

"It was exciting in a way, but also frightening" said Riho.

Eric laughed "Excitement, is that something you enjoy?"

"I will have to say yes" said Riho.

"Well, at least you are honest about it" said Eric.

"Honest?" asked Riho.

"Someone as yourself would never admit that she enjoys excitement, not really Lady like" said Eric.

 "My aren't we small minded" said Riho.

Eric laughed "I really did not mean it that way."

"It is just that there are not many young girls that would enjoy a ride on a horse, unless they have to. People are easily satisfied" He said.

 

Riho smiled and nodded. "Do you write?" she asked.

"Yes, I do how can you tell?" he asked.

"The way you speak, it's very catchy" she said.

Eric smiled. "I am glad you think so."

Riho chuckled.

"They seem to get along very well" said Yayoi.

"Yes," said Shido.

"Are you not happy?" asked Yayoi.

"I am glad she found someone that she is comfortable with" he said.

"So she not comfortable with you?" asked Yayoi.

"I am not sure if she is or not, but she is very interesting to talk to" said Shido.

"I think anyone would agree with that as long as they look at her face" said Yayoi.

"I suppose you are right" said Shido.

Yayoi smiled.

"Lady Yayoi shall we get a drink?" asked Shido.

Yayoi smiled and followed Shido towards a servant walking around the wine glass filled with gold or crimson liquids. Shido took a hold of a glass and took a sip.

"Lady Yayoi how beautiful you look" said Eric as he and Riho walked towards them.

Shido smiled at Riho.

"Lady Riho I hope you are enjoying yourself" said Yayoi.

"Quite Lady Yayoi, Lord Eric is very interesting" said Riho with a smile.

Yayoi smiled back.

"Lord Eric I hope you do not mind if I ask Lady Riho to dance" said Shido.

"No not at all" said Eric.

Riho bowed her acceptance. Shido took her hand and lead her to the dance floor.

 

"Lady Yayoi is very kind" said Riho.

"You are very kind Lady Riho" said Shido.

"Lord Shido" said Riho.

"Lord Eric is very fond of you" said Shido glancing back to where both Yayoi and Eric watched them danced.

"I don't know about that, but he is quite interesting" she said.

Shido smiled as he squeezed her hand a little. "I feel as if I am losing your favor."

Riho blushed and smiled. "How could you lose my favor Lord Shido?"

"It feels that way" said Shido.

"Say that I was favoring Lord Eric, what would you feel?" she asked tilting her to look at him.

"Quite envious of him" said Shido.

Riho smiled and looked at his shoulder.

"You know my Lady if you look so hard, you might burn a whole through me" whispered Shido.

"But my Lord that is what you do to me" Riho whispered back.

"Ah but that is because of my temptations, what shall your excuse be?" asked Shido.

"Hiding from Lady Yayoi and ever other young maidens that seek you Favor" said Riho with small giggle.

Shido chuckled. "You always seem to make me laugh."

Riho looked up at him and smiled. "I feel funny around you."

Shido at that moment wanted to capture those lips, and taste that tongue which she used to say things that made him burn with desire. Whispering "Careful now my Lady."

Riho gasped when she felt his hand on her open back.

 

Yayoi who was watching the whole scene was quite upset and decide she needed to have a little talk with Riho.

"Oh Lord Shido and Lady Riho make quite a couple" stated Bianca.

"Oh they do" replied Lady Catharine.

"I have never seen Lord Shido's smile bloom so much. She has completely turned him around" said Lady Beth.

"Lord Shido is always happy and kind, but with her around his charming side seems so natural" said Bianca.

"That is because Lady Riho belongs naturally" said Lady Catherine.

Yayoi snorted as she passed them by. Were they on earth? What could she offer him? She wouldn't know the first thing to pleasuring a man. Yayoi found her mother talking to some duke and her father busy talking to some other Lord. "Looks like things are up to me."

 

"Lord Shido, as much as I enjoy this dance, this song will put me to sleep" whispered Riho as her head slightly hit his chest.

"The more beautiful you will look" he whispered back recalling the night when he had seen her sleep.

Riho blushed. "Lord Shido..."

Shido thought he would just pick her up and run of some where from the way she said his name. "Very well Lady Riho."

"Thank you my Lord" she said as she bowed.

Shido lead her off the dance floor.

"My Lady would you favor me with a dance?" asked an elder Lord.

"Sure my Lord" said Riho as she released Shido's hand and bowed to the other Lord and walked to the dance floor with him.

Shido smiled. ‘Quite strong’

Yayoi found Shido and Eric talking at a corner, and decide to turn on her charm.

"Lord Shido there you are. I was looking all over the place for you" she said.

Shido smiled.

"Where is Lady Riho?" asked Eric.

"She is quite popular with the men" said Yayoi.

"What do you say Lord Shido shall we rescue her?" asked Eric.

"I think we should" said Shido.

As they both started to walk towards the dance floor.

Yayoi glared. ‘She is constantly getting in my way’ she thought.

 

Riho was about to drop dead with all the attention she was getting.

Shido saw when she was smiling her 'false' smile at the current Lord she was dancing with. "I will go and get her."

Eric nodded.

"Excuse me Lord Ralph may I take Lady Riho from you" asked Shido.

"I suppose" he said.

The music changed one of the slow one and Riho wrapped her arms around Shido, and placed her head on his chest.

"I am tired" she whispered.

"I would think so" he said.

"I was like doll" she whispered.

"No, your not" Shido.

"Funny now that I'm dancing with you I do not feel tired, inside it feel's as if I'm flying" she whispered.

"I'm glad" he said.

They danced until the music stopped for a while, giving them the chance to slip away. Eric, Riho and Shido escaped to the balcony.

"Those men are insane" said Riho as she sat down.

Eric and Shido chuckled.

"Your quite stronger then most of the women present here" said Eric.

"I am quite use to such abuse" said Riho.

Eric and Riho burst out laughing while Shido chuckled.

The three chatted for a bit before Eric had to do something, and that left Shido and Riho alone.

"Thank you for rescuing me" she said.

"I am glad your all right, sometimes men lose control when they have a precious gem" said Shido.

"I am precious gem?" asked Riho.

"Oh more then that my Lady" said Shido.

"You are spoiling me Lord Shido" said Riho.

Shido chuckled. "I thought my compliments won't reach you considering you popularity with men."

"No, your compliments goes straight to the heart" whispered Riho.

"I am glad my lady" said Shido.

Riho sighed and took in the cool night's air.

 

"I feel strange, as if I am new person" she started.

"We are a new person everyday my Lady" said Shido.

"Look there is the lovers" said Riho pointing at the stars.

"They look quite content" said Shido.

"Yes, that is because they have each other" whispered Riho.

Shido looked at her and smiled.

"Lord Shido father wished to speak with you" said Eric coming back.

"Yes," said Shido.

"I hope you will be all right alone Lady Riho" said Eric.

"I will be thank you" said Riho.

Shido and Eric nodded and walked off.

Riho smiled up at the lovers and found herself wonder about her love life, but then the image of Guni floated in to her mind. ‘I can't do it to them’ she thought. ‘I will teach myself to forget.’ 

           

Riho watched from the balcony door as the couples danced. She smiled as she watched them.

"Lady Riho" said Yayoi taking a seat across from Riho.

"Lady Yayoi" said Riho.

"Are you enjoying the ball so far?" asked Yayoi.

"Quite thank you, this is a lovely ball you have thrown" said Riho with a smile.

"I would like to discuss something with you" started Yayoi.

"Oh? What might that be?" she asked.

"Lord Shido" said Yayoi.

"What do we need to discuss about him?" asked Yayoi.

Shido who was about to enter stopped and stood behind the curtains to listen to their little discussion.

"I am sure you are a lovely person Lady Riho, but you are still a child" stated Yayoi flatly.

"I beg your pardon?" asked Riho.

"You are beautiful, yes, but would you know what to give him?" asked Yayoi.

Riho said nothing as she stared at Yayoi.

"Lord Shido is quite generous, which is one of the things that make him so charming, I am sure that he is showing you nothing but kindness" said Yayoi.

"Yes, he is quite charming" said Riho flatly.

Shido thought of jumping in and stopping this 'discussion' before it got to far, but then he decided he wanted to know what Riho would say about him.

"Lord Shido needs a woman, not a child such as yourself" she said.

"I am sure you quite 'woman' enough for him Lady Yayoi, but nothing you say will make me change mind about Lord Shido, not unless of course he does" said Riho.

"You are playing with fire, and little girls shouldn't play with fire. you might get burned" said Yayoi.

"Thank you for your advice and concern Lady Yayoi, but I think I wouldn't mind getting burned if it meant I would know someone such as Lord Shido" said Riho.

"He is handsome is he not?" She asked with a tight smile, eyes distant.

Startled and confused at her question, she replied accordingly. "I'm sorry?" asked Riho.

"Lord Shido" Yayoi stated, sitting back up so she was only leaning on her hands. Sensuality displayed through every action. "Shido" She added, tasting his name with relish, licking her lips before finishing, "Is he not handsome?" Yayoi repeated.

Riho looked around the area of the balcony as if seeking help before frowning with disbelief. "Lady Yayoi what are you trying to say?"

"Well, I just came to say that it would be best if you stayed away from him." Yayoi said.

She had come here expecting to break a smitten young girl's heart by listing numerous impossibilities to why they could never be. She anticipated toying with her emotions and then destroying them. Unfortunately, that all seemed an improbability. Not only was Riho the least perturbed, nor was she inclined to participate in admiring Shido's most desirable traits, she looked almost as if she were about to laugh at her. Yayoi was enraged at the notion. Nobody, nobody laughed at her. Especially some snot-nosed brat of a girl who would not know a man if he broke her pretty little neck. Riho stared humorously surprised. Yayoi was actually warning her to do something she had already intended anyway. She smothered her giggle with a cough. She knew her reasons for wanting to avoid Shido at all costs, but she wanted to hear what Yayoi recommended. It is so unfair, she thought despairingly, that I cannot share this hilarity with somebody else.

 

‘I'll have to talk to Guni tonight’ she thought smiling inwardly at the out burst Guni will display. "Why is that?" asked Riho innocence masking her features.

Yayoi composed herself, attempting control in the situation taken out of her hands. "I am just looking out for you, as one woman to another." She regretted she did not play the empathy card sooner.

"I believe you have told me that I was a 'little' girl, than how could I ever compare to you?" asked Riho.

Yayoi almost reached over and strangled the girl in front of her.

"It appears one of us is at a misunderstanding." Riho tried, attempting to draw out Yayoi's point.

"All I am trying to say is, do not get your hopes up." Yayoi almost sneered, yet withdrawing her resentment and transforming it into a facade of maternal advice. "Lord Shido is not very stable when it comes to relationships."

Shido who had been listening the whole time was somewhat glad and disappointed and interested in this whole conversation, Riho wasn't the only one getting amusement out of this.

Riho almost snorted at the prospect. Did Yayoi think she was stupid? Did she actually think that after all she had been through with different men, different Princes and Lords she would give her heart to this one? ‘But you already did. Didn't you?’ she asked herself. Riho ignored her own question.

 

"I just did not want you falling in love with him."

It appeared it was not so utterly unthinkable. Yayoi stalked closer towards Riho, lioness intimidating unsuspecting prey. Her whole persona exuded a cold sensuality. It was as if she employed it to overshadow her opponent. Overwhelming her into believing she could not compare. Riho however was not amused. No, that was a lie, she was greatly amused. What she was not, was interested. She almost looked bored at the ploy.

 

"Is that what you came here to tell me?" She asked lazily.

This time Yayoi's contempt displayed across her features near startling Riho with the intensity of her hatred. "I came here to warn you that should you even attempt to make a play at Lord Shido, you will only get your heart broken. He will not change in his ways for you" Walking past a smirking Riho, she turned at the door. "I strongly suggest you leave him," 'to me,' Yayoi almost finished, but caught herself in time, "alone. For that is the only conclusion you shall see." said Yayoi before she could stroll on out the door Riho's words stopped her.

"What makes you think I have not already captured his attentions?" asked Riho.

Shido smirked.

Yayoi turned, her glare one which could kill. Was this little girl challenging her? Did she really think she could take 'her' Shido? Did the little idiot have a death wish?

"What makes you think we have not already...explored...certain possibilities?" She asked,

subtly implying any physical encounters between them or at least that's what it seemed like to Yayoi.

Shido was also interested on that comment.

Riho wanted to hit herself for what she was suggesting, as if she were flaunting those instances. But when this snot came in here, telling her what she should be doing, or not doing as was the case, she could not help herself.

Yayoi wanted to kill her. Quite strongly, this need to destroy was almost overwhelming. Luckily she contained the urge, not letting the bitch get the best of her. "Believe me Lady Riho, I know, personally, Lord Shido wouldn't play those 'games' with you" She said quietly, sneer becoming a smirk of victory when she watched amusement in Riho's eyes, flicker to confusion, then a certain form of revulsion. It was just in her eyes of course, those that were far easier to read than the rest of her features. They were mounded into stone.

 

Riho cleared her throat. "I appreciate your concern Lady Yayoi, but you have no need to trouble yourself over the matters of my heart. I guarantee you it is safe, and in its rightful place." She countered, her voice husky. Her blue eyes dark.

Yayoi eyed the young girl cautiously, confirming that she did indeed accomplish her intentions and then with a hidden smile of satisfaction she bowed her head. "Very well." And with that, she walked away, leaving Riho to contemplate things further within the indoor balcony her mind cluttered with thoughts and emotions. Yayoi walked out only to be face to face with Shido. "Lord Shido" said Yayoi.

Shido however didn't seem too amused about what he heard, to have a next to stranger woman telling the woman he interested in that he wasn’t stable and could only be with a woman, such as her of course was just foolish. "Lady Yayoi, do you know where Lady Riho is?"

"Yes, she is right in there, but why do you not honor me with another dance Lord Shido?" asked Yayoi.

"I will have to decline Lady Yayoi, I am afraid Lady Riho and I will be departing" he said.

"So soon?" asked Yayoi.

"I still do feel quite weak" said Shido.

"Then why do you not spend the night here?" asked Yayoi.

"Thank you Lady Yayoi, but Guni will worry and I am sure Lady Riho is quite tired as well" said Shido.

Riho stood and bowed at Yayoi. "Thank you for a wonderful time Lady Yayoi."

 

Shido nodded and flatly kissed her hand and walked towards the exit with Riho. Yayoi thought her head was on fire from the anger that was traveling through her body, as she watched the two get in to the carriage. Riho got in to the carriage and sat down and looked out of the window.

"You heard the whole thing didn't you" asked Riho.

Shido sighed. "I didn't think Lady Yayoi would do such a thing."

"I didn't mind at all" said Riho.

Shido looked towards her.

"She told me what she thought was best for her, and I answered back" said Riho feeling bold and stupid.

"I am sorry" said Shido placing a hand on her hand.

Riho turned towards him and smiled. "Let's just leave it at that."

Shido looked confused and worried as...