A Time to Dance--Part 2

Paul tried to stay with the music as he and Leda danced under Niccoli’s watchful gaze. However, it seemed the harder he tried, the further he strayed from the rhythm. He had managed not to step on his partner’s feet, but he didn’t know how much longer his luck would hold out.

“Stop.”

Both men halted at Leda’s command. With a sigh, she stepped out of Paul’s embrace, leaving his arms hovering in mid-air for a moment. Yet, her attention was focused on the musician.

“Niccoli, don’t you have some more pressing project that requires your attention?”

The older man studied her for a moment before slowly shaking his head. “No, my lady, you and Paul have my services for the entire afternoon if need be.”

“But surely you have some planning to do for the ball,” Leda continued, with a broad grin. “Paul and I would hate to interfere with that. Besides, the synthesizer could provide any music we might need.”

Understanding dawned on Niccoli’s face. “Actually, there are some decisions that need my input. If you do not require my presence, I could see to them and resolve them today.”

“I think we can manage. Don’t you, Paul?”

His smile matched her broad grin. “Yes, please, don’t let us hinder you any longer, Niccoli.”

“Well, if you are sure, my lady?”

Leda nodded. “I’m sure. Thank you for all your help, Niccoli.”

He bowed. “I am always at your service.”

He carefully closed the piano and then left the room, shutting the doors behind him. Breathing a sigh of relief, Paul turned to Leda. His friend was still wearing her smile.

“Well, Leda, I must thank you from rescuing from that dance lesson.”

She looked at him, her smile becoming devilish. “Oh, you’re not saved from it yet.”

“But, I thought that you . . .”

He let the sentence die as he realized what Leda intended. Groaning, he fought the urge to run his hands through his hair. He had thought that she had meant to save him, not to continue the torture.

“Leda, come on. Surely you see that this is a pretty lost cause. Besides, don’t you have better ways to spend your afternoon?”

“Oh, I could think of some,” she began, “but this is more important. I hate seeing my best friend spend every ball and dance by the punch table. Think of the shame that a future official of Jupiter being unable to dance.”

Paul shook his head in defeat. “Fine, my lady, I yield.”

“Computer, a waltz please,” Leda requested.

Within moments, the music filled the room. Leda dipped into a graceful curtsy as Paul bowed. They assumed their positions and began to dance with the music. After a few minutes, he looked down at his partner, surprised by the troubled look on her face.

“Leda, is something wrong?”

She attempted to smile as she looked up at him. “Nothing really.”

Using the hand that was joined with hers, he made her face him. “I know you better than that. Please, tell me what’s wrong.”

“I was just thinking of another reason it would be nice that you learn to dance. It’s kind of selfish, but if you learned to dance, sometimes you could cut in and save me during the balls.”

“Save you from who?”

She tried to look away again but he still held her face. “Yan Reced, for example.”

“Mayor Beque’s stepson?”

Leda nodded. “It’s mostly the way he looks at me, like I am some item at market. When I do have to talk to him, it’s always about how good a match we would be, how well we could rule Jupiter together. I’m only sixteen and I haven’t even been named the heir yet. Yan is at least twenty-three.”

“He’s twenty-five,” Paul corrected absently. “Is he the only one?”

“No, it’s the same for most of the mayors’ sons,” she confessed, “but Yan is the worst.”

Although he knew that Leda hated socializing with the majority of the mayors’ sons, Paul had never really given much thought to it. At the balls, she always changed partners for each new dance. He had assumed she was trying to be polite. He was surprised that he hadn’t noticed the real reason sooner.

“Leda, you know that your parents will never force you into a relationship, especially your mother.”

She nodded once more. Her mother had caused some scandal by first marrying a stranger with no last name and then the captain of the guards after the death of her first husband. Lita would be the last person to force a relationship between her daughters and the “nobles” of Jupiter.

Leda sighed. “That’s not what I am afraid of,” she admitted quietly.

Paul stopped, forgetting about his dancing lesson. “What are you afraid of, then?”

“What if I don’t find something different? What if every man I meet is only interest in my title and my position? What if no one can love me for me and not as the future princess?”

At that moment, Paul wanted desperately to tell that someone already did. Yet, he knew that he couldn’t, that it wasn’t his place to love her. He would have to be content as her friend only. Yet, in that capacity, he could offer some comfort to her.

“Leda, you are one of the most caring individuals I know. One day you’ll meet someone who will love for everything that you are. Including your terrible stubbornness.”

The jibe had its intended effect and she smiled. “Thank you, Paul. I think.”

“What are friends for?” he returned.

“Exactly.” The devious smile returned once more to her face. “So, shall we resume our dancing lesson?”

Taking a deep breath, he finally nodded. “Yes, my lady, I’m ready.”

“Good,” she replied, taking her position in his embrace. “Computer, restart the music.”

The beginning measures of the waltz filled the room again. Finding the beat, Paul began to move, trying to lead them gracefully to the music. However, he quickly lost the rhythm despite his best efforts.

Looking up at him, Leda cleared her throat. “Paul, you’re trying too hard.”

“Is that my problem?” he replied, his frustration becoming evident in his voice.

She bit back an acid retort. “This is suppose to be a pleasant activity,” she stated kindly.

“I’m trying to learn, Leda. I swear I am.”

“I think you are using the wrong approach.”

He studied her for a moment. “Do you have any better ideas? Well, then I am all ears.”

“Good,” she said, with a wide smile. “Will you do what I tell you?”

“Leda, I am honestly afraid to make that kind of promise to you.”

The heel of her shoes slammed painfully into the toes of his foot. “Ouch,” he protested, glaring at his attacker. “That really hurt, you know.”

“Well, are you going to listen to me or not?” Leda asked pointedly, her patience wearing thin. “I hate to think I have wasted all this time for nothing.”

Paul sighed. She was doing all that could to help, even sacrificing one of her few free afternoons to do so. However, his repayment had been to be an unyielding pupil. Leda had been right in saying that he needed to learn to do this, and his friend’s situation with the mayors’ sons was an added incentive. Taking a deep breath, he made a silent promise to always to be able to help her in any way she needed him.

“Fine, my lady, I will do whatever you wish.”

She stepped closer to him. Her closeness was alarming to him but it had enough distance to be still proper. After moving his hand lower on her back, she turned her eyes back to his.

“Now, just close your eyes, and dance with me.”

Still fighting a sense of uneasiness at her proximity, Paul obediently shut his eyes and tried to lead their movement to the music.


Part II Paul tried to stay with the music as he and Leda danced under Niccoli’s watchful gaze. However, it seemed the harder he tried, the further he strayed from the rhythm. He had managed not to step on his partner’s feet, but he didn’t know how much longer his luck would hold out. “Stop.” Both men halted at Leda’s command. With a sigh, she stepped out of Paul’s embrace, leaving his arms hovering in mid-air for a moment. Yet, her attention was focused on the musician. “Niccoli, don’t you have some more pressing project that requires your attention?” The older man studied her for a moment before slowly shaking his head. “No, my lady, you and Paul have my services for the entire afternoon if need be.” “But surely you have some planning to do for the ball,” Leda continued, with a broad grin. “Paul and I would hate to interfere with that. Besides, the synthesizer could provide any music we might need.” Understanding dawned on Niccoli’s face. “Actually, there are some decisions that need my input. If you do not require my presence, I could see to them and resolve them today.” “I think we can manage. Don’t you, Paul?” His smile matched her broad grin. “Yes, please, don’t let us hinder you any longer, Niccoli.” “Well, if you are sure, my lady?” Leda nodded. “I’m sure. Thank you for all your help, Niccoli.” He bowed. “I am always at your service.” He carefully closed the piano and then left the room, shutting the doors behind him. Breathing a sigh of relief, Paul turned to Leda. His friend was still wearing her smile. “Well, Leda, I must thank you from rescuing from that dance lesson.” She looked at him, her smile becoming devilish. “Oh, you’re not saved from it yet.” “But, I thought that you . . .” He let the sentence die as he realized what Leda intended. Groaning, he fought the urge to run his hands through his hair. He had thought that she had meant to save him, not to continue the torture. “Leda, come on. Surely you see that this is a pretty lost cause. Besides, don’t you have better ways to spend your afternoon?” “Oh, I could think of some,” she began, “but this is more important. I hate seeing my best friend spend every ball and dance by the punch table. Think of the shame that a future official of Jupiter being unable to dance.” Paul shook his head in defeat. “Fine, my lady, I yield.” “Computer, a waltz please,” Leda requested. Within moments, the music filled the room. Leda dipped into a graceful curtsy as Paul bowed. They assumed their positions and began to dance with the music. After a few minutes, he looked down at his partner, surprised by the troubled look on her face. “Leda, is something wrong?” She attempted to smile as she looked up at him. “Nothing really.” Using the hand that was joined with hers, he made her face him. “I know you better than that. Please, tell me what’s wrong.” “I was just thinking of another reason it would be nice that you learn to dance. It’s kind of selfish, but if you learned to dance, sometimes you could cut in and save me during the balls.” “Save you from who?” She tried to look away again but he still held her face. “Yan Reced, for example.” “Mayor Beque’s stepson?” Leda nodded. “It’s mostly the way he looks at me, like I am some item at market. When I do have to talk to him, it’s always about how good a match we would be, how well we could rule Jupiter together. I’m only sixteen and I haven’t even been named the heir yet. Yan is at least twenty-three.” “He’s twenty-five,” Paul corrected absently. “Is he the only one?” “No, it’s the same for most of the mayors’ sons,” she confessed, “but Yan is the worst.” Although he knew that Leda hated socializing with the majority of the mayors’ sons, Paul had never really given much thought to it. At the balls, she always changed partners for each new dance. He had assumed she was trying to be polite. He was surprised that he hadn’t noticed the real reason sooner. “Leda, you know that your parents will never force you into a relationship, especially your mother.” She nodded once more. Her mother had caused some scandal by first marrying a stranger with no last name and then the captain of the guards after the death of her first husband. Lita would be the last person to force a relationship between her daughters and the “nobles” of Jupiter. Leda sighed. “That’s not what I am afraid of,” she admitted quietly. Paul stopped, forgetting about his dancing lesson. “What are you afraid of, then?” “What if I don’t find something different? What if every man I meet is only interest in my title and my position? What if no one can love me for me and not as the future princess?” At that moment, Paul wanted desperately to tell that someone already did. Yet, he knew that he couldn’t, that it wasn’t his place to love her. He would have to be content as her friend only. Yet, in that capacity, he could offer some comfort to her. “Leda, you are one of the most caring individuals I know. One day you’ll meet someone who will love for everything that you are. Including your terrible stubbornness.” The jibe had its intended effect and she smiled. “Thank you, Paul. I think.” “What are friends for?” he returned. “Exactly.” The devious smile returned once more to her face. “So, shall we resume our dancing lesson?” Taking a deep breath, he finally nodded. “Yes, my lady, I’m ready.” “Good,” she replied, taking her position in his embrace. “Computer, restart the music.” The beginning measures of the waltz filled the room again. Finding the beat, Paul began to move, trying to lead them gracefully to the music. However, he quickly lost the rhythm despite his best efforts. Looking up at him, Leda cleared her throat. “Paul, you’re trying too hard.” “Is that my problem?” he replied, his frustration becoming evident in his voice. She bit back an acid retort. “This is suppose to be a pleasant activity,” she stated kindly. “I’m trying to learn, Leda. I swear I am.” “I think you are using the wrong approach.” He studied her for a moment. “Do you have any better ideas? Well, then I am all ears.” “Good,” she said, with a wide smile. “Will you do what I tell you?” “Leda, I am honestly afraid to make that kind of promise to you.” The heel of her shoes slammed painfully into the toes of his foot. “Ouch,” he protested, glaring at his attacker. “That really hurt, you know.” “Well, are you going to listen to me or not?” Leda asked pointedly, her patience wearing thin. “I hate to think I have wasted all this time for nothing.” Paul sighed. She was doing all that could to help, even sacrificing one of her few free afternoons to do so. However, his repayment had been to be an unyielding pupil. Leda had been right in saying that he needed to learn to do this, and his friend’s situation with the mayors’ sons was an added incentive. Taking a deep breath, he made a silent promise to always to be able to help her in any way she needed him. “Fine, my lady, I will do whatever you wish.” She stepped closer to him. Her closeness was alarming to him but it had enough distance to be still proper. After moving his hand lower on her back, she turned her eyes back to his. “Now, just close your eyes, and dance with me.” Still fighting a sense of uneasiness at her proximity, Paul obediently shut his eyes and tried to lead their movement to the music.


Part III Chronicles