Nearly There Nicely 65

The following morning, Will woke up to Arluin sitting across from him on the sofa reading a book with a cup of something steaming next to him on the table. Confused and dizzy, Will shifted up out from underneath the blanket and looked around. The keeping room was warm and toasty as the cooks and chefs hurried around the kitchen making food for breakfast and lunch. The air was full of the smell of baking pastries.

Oh, right... Adell wanted to bring a bunch of pastries to the banquet tonight. Will thought to himself as he relaxed his eyes on Arluin's figure for a moment. His black hair was catching the light from the windows across from him, making the streaks of blue on his left stand out.

“You dyed your hair,” Will observed softly.

Even though it was hard to hear, Arluin had been listening for any sound from Will as soon as he heard him shifting upright. The words went to his ears effortlessly, and he turned his eyes up to look at Will with a simple smile on his face. “Yes, a few weeks ago. I believe you were looking over your friend at the time.”

Will nodded a bit. Right, when Crow was in that coma. His eyes fell to his lap, feeling a weight tug on his heart suddenly. “What you said before– don't regret not being a knight for me.”

“Oh?” Arluin asked, shifting his book shut on his thumb so he could focus all of his attention on Will.

“Yes,” Will gave another nod. “It'd be a waste for you to guard somebody like me.”

“Even so, I can't think of serving another.” Arluin answered. When Will looked back up to him, Arluin smiled at him. “Are you hungry?”

“A bit.”

“I'll get breakfast.” he said, and got up immediately before Will could say anything.

For a moment, Will watched after Arluin. Then he realized he was able to have no thoughts in his mind – an empty train of thought. Wow. It's so quiet. He thought, lifting his palm to rub against his forehead. It was cool to touch his warm skin, but it felt smooth and nice. I didn't realize how used to hearing Matéas I was. He dropped his hand and looked around the keeping room, then swung his legs over the edge of the sofa and stretched. The quiet is nice.

After breakfast, which consisted of fruit like grapes, kiwi and strawberries paired with very little sausage and a cup of tea, Will went up to the piano in the atrium. He sat down at it, peering over the lid, studying the light and plants that reflected their warped images on the seal. Entranced, Will lifted a hand up, and ran it down the length of the wood. It was smooth, with no bumps, yet it seemed to feel silent.

After a moment, Will lifted his hand up, and focused his eyes on the piano. “You don't want to play today.” He said to the instrument softly.

“I've been thinking,” came a voice behind Will. Almost startled, Will turned around to see his father walking into the room. “Perhaps living here is no longer beneficial for you.”

“Where would I go?” Will asked, almost furrowing his brows.

“There's a few small mansions in the city you could live in.” Adell answered, stepping up to Will's side. “At least three of them could accommodate any kind of piano you want, and a small staff.” He paused, looking down to Will's sapphire eyes and then directed his attention to the piano. “Alternatively, Nor'faeve would be happy to welcome you living there. It seems the viscount who was supposed to keep tabs out there hasn't been present in a while.”

Will looked away to the piano, thinking for a moment. The Viscount of Nor'faeve... Someone named Corian was supposed to – Will's thoughts derailed. Remaining composed, he slowly looked up to his father's face. “Are you wanting me to move out there because Crow's the Viscount of Nor'faeve?”

“Oh, is he?” Adell asked, raising a brow. A small smirk came on his face but he shook his head. “No, actually. I'd prefer if you remained here in the city.”

“Then you want me to leave because he's a Viscount.”

“No.” Adell repeated, giving Will a firm stern glare. “Relationships are no reason to neglect your duties. His, or yours.”

Will frowned up at him, a slight glare coming into his otherwise gentle blue eyes. “You won't stop pushing me until I agree to be King.”

“No.” Adell answered him with a firm voice. Then, he relaxed his face and turned away. “I'll make sure things are set up for you to move into one of the mansions here in the city.”

“So, I'll live here and Crow will be forced to move out to Nor'faeve.” Will stated, swiveling around to watch his father step toward the entrance.

“You do not have a need for someone who'll neglect you like he is – either as a knight, a friend or a lover.” Adell replied, turning to look at Will from the door. “If he doesn't show at the banquet tonight, you might as well consider him gone from your life.”

“You can't banish him – and it's my responsibility to fire him as my knight.” Will stood up, making wide strides after Adell. “You said before as long as I'm happy–”

“Happiness is not waiting idly as the days pass you by, Will.” Adell shouted, turning to grab Will's wrist tightly. The sudden harsh grip on his arm made Will yelp in pain. “You've already wasted time before waiting for him to awake from a coma. I will not allow you to wait him for to appear out of the woodwork.”

“F-fine.” Will grit out, trying to pull his arm back.

“Good.” Adell released him, and immediately Will recoiled back, hugging his arm to his chest. “I'll get it all set up that you'll sleep there tonight. Who'll you want to escort you?” Will held his arm close, not speaking to him or looking up at him. When Will didn't answer, Adell turned to look at him and repeated firmer, “Will.”

At that, Will lifted his chin slightly. “Arluin's fine.”

“Good. Be ready for the banquet tonight.” Adell nodded and left out of the atrium.

After a moment, Will slipped down to his knees, still holding his forearm. I have to move out suddenly – that whole entire conversation was stupid – he came up here prepared to just boss me around. Will sighed, running his fingers over his skin to test where it hurt the most. “Even if I'm not in this house, I'll still be...” He let out another heavy sigh, unable to finish his sentence aloud. Required to listen to him, even if it means becoming King.

That night, Will went to the palace in a carriage that followed behind Adell's. He was dressed in a wisteria purple long-sleeved shirt with an ivory vest over it and pale cream slacks. Sitting beside him was Arluin, dressed in all white – it made the blue in his hair really stand out.

“Your tie is crooked,” Arluin told Will as they got out of the carriage. He adjusted it for Will before they headed up the steps.

Inside, there were faux walls painted ivory with branches nailed to them to give them a sort of décor. The faux walls guided the guests through the halls to the left, around the building a short distance, and into a large doorway that opened up into a large ballroom.

To get to the dancing floor, the guests had to go down staircases on the right or left. At the base of the staircases were three tables with maids and servants dressed in white and cream ready to pour out drinks. Just left and right of the tables for the drinks were three long tables per wall that were lined with an assortment of foods. At the center of the room in an alcove that was on a dias was a fifteen-person band playing some sort music. At the back was a man at the harp tuning it, and to his left was a woman inspecting the piano's chords while testing the keys. On the wall just behind the band were tall glass windows and doors that led out to an illuminated stone porch and one of the gardens.

“Are we early?” Will asked softly to Arluin. He shook his head, and nodded down to the center floor of the ballroom. Will followed his eyes and saw that Rhys was already greeting and speaking to people as they filed in.

Shortly, people were milling around dancing and chatting. Will stood across from the band on the opposite wall next to Arluin and a large potted plant. Arluin could tell Will had chose this spot specifically so he could use the plant as a veil to hide from some people who might want to talk to him – specifically in regard to becoming King.

Since a while had passed and Will wasn't wanting to hold any sort of conversation, Arluin spoke. “His Lordship seemed irritated with you earlier.” Will didn't make any move to look at the taller man, but did not his head slightly. “Are you two fighting?”

“I suppose,” Will answered softly, watching as a couple of women spun by dancing and giggling in a poor example of a waltz. “I don't agree with his belief that I'll make a good King.”

“Are you against it because he wants you to be King?” Arluin asked, his tone sweet and comforting. The question made Will look up at him, but not speak. “A little rebellion against your father is natural.”

“I'm not so sure.” Will answered, shaking his head. “Being King... It requires both education and passion toward your Kingdom.”

“And you're afraid you lack that?”

“Education I can get easily,” Will looked out to the group of people dancing in front of him. “It's the passion that baffles me. While this is my home, I've never felt the desire to negotiate Her safety.”

Arluin nodded his head slowly, turning his chest toward Will. “What about improvements? As the Grand Duke you'd be able to accomplish a lot.”

“I have no idea.” Will closed his eyes and let out a silent puff of air. “Would you have any?” He asked, re-opening his eyes to look up at Arluin's.

“I'm sure I can find out,” he said with a nod. “It's probably as simple as going around and surveying people on what they want or need.”

“Is it really that easy?” Will's mouth hung open a second. “Giving everybody what they want.”

“That's what you're job would be.” Arluin answered with a smile. “As either King or the Grand Duke, it would be your job to hear what people want and need, and weigh all the options before putting forth a final decision that would be realized.”

That made Will frown, looking out to the crowd immediately. “And if I were to make a mistake...”

A frown came onto Arluin's face as he opened his mouth to speak, but he was cut off as a voice darted through the air to the two of them. “Will!” Both of them looked to their left, spotting a young man with red puffy hair dressed in white come eagerly over to them. “I hoped I'd see you here!” Noire cooed at Will, completely ignoring Arluin. He stopped in front of Will, looked him up and down then cheered, “You look adorable in white and purple.” Will's jaw relaxed, and Arluin could tell that if he hadn't been raised a noble he'd be blubbering out words of nonsense right now. “Come dance with me!” Noire yipped, then grabbed Will's right hand and dragged him out.

As he was pulled forward through the crowd to a clear spot, Will's eyes went wide. Watching the back of Noire's head, and the pace he was being yanked at – Will was sure he saw a ghostly echo of Crow's dark hair appear over Noire's for a brief moment. When Noire turned around to face him, Will recognized the face as Noire's, but when he looked down as their hands were adjusted for the waltz, the floor flashed to being the flooring back in the Bel'vaz estate.

Will's eyes lost focus as he looked back up to see if he was about to dance with Crow. Noire smiled brightly at him and began to lead him in a quick-paced waltz. It feels like when Crow danced with me that first time – but for some reason my stomach won't stop turning and – I feel nautious.

“You're doing fine.” Noire cheered Will on, his voice sounding identical to Crow's.

“N-no, no.” Will insisted. His face paled. Suddenly his hands felt clammy.

The world was narrowing down to being just Will and Noire quickly. The music died, with only a piano existing, as a soft moonlight adagio sonata sounded in his ears. It was painfully slow, almost like a dirge. Will's head felt cloudy, his ears grew deaf and yet loud, and the keys of the piano continued to drum into his being.

“Just follow my lead, Will,” Noire continued in his cheerful tone.

Although Will could feel his body being pulled around for a waltz, it felt erratic. Will looked up to the two-colored eyes of blue and green, and suddenly felt all of the weight on his legs vanish.

Noire really is capricious. I can't predict anything he'll do.

As part of the waltz, Noire held onto Will's right hand and guided him out into an outstretched movement so their bodies parted from one another. The motion should've felt natural, but Will's vision became white and he lost his balance. With only his hand being held onto by Noire, Will tripped forward as he felt his knees and hips give out to the weight above. Instead of falling down, an arm wrapped firmly around his ribcage while another caught his left palm gently.

A startled and confused breath left Will's chest as he looked up to see who had caught him. The white clouds of dizziness moved from his sight as the last key of the sonata played and softly echoed to silence. For a moment, Will was confused. He was staring up a block of white at a pale face with dark hair.

“Mind if I take him for some air.” came the relaxing voice.

“Sure. I have to talk with His Majesty anyway. Feel better, Will,” came Noire's voice behind him, and then Will's right hand was let go.

Slowly, Will shifted his right hand up onto the upper arm of the young man holding him, then he shifted his weight back to his feet and straightened up. Before Will could get a look at the young man, Will realized he was already being led out onto the stone porch. The sound of rain rang in his ears, but it wasn't the same noise that made him feel deaf like just before.

“You okay?” came the voice.

Will blinked his eyes. He was suddenly leaning against the cool stone of a banister facing the golden warm light of the palace's ballroom. He looked to his right, and looked the young man over. Dressed in all white, trimmed in a vibrant spring-colored green, Crow stood next to him. His hair wasn't smoothed back away from his eyes, but he had his regular owl spikes on either side. His pale skin around his eyes looked darkened and tired.

Wait. Will thought, and focused on looking only at Crow's eyes. They're gold. Suddenly annoyed, Will turned back to look at the doors to the ballroom. “Yes. I'm fine.”

“Good.” Crow nodded. “It looked like Noire was tossing you around like a fish there.”

“It was a waltz.”

“Not really,” Crow shook his head. “I've never seen a waltz like that.” He paused, staring at Will's face. “He was toying with you.”

“Where were you?” Will asked, glancing his blue eyes to Crow's once more to check their color. No doubt – they're golden.

Crow shifted, turning toward the ballroom, pushing his shoulder against Will's. He dropped his voice and spoke softly, “I can't tell you here.”

Will let out a breath, relaxing his chest, then looked back in front of him. The music echoed softly outside through the open doors, but it was being drowned out by the rain falling overhead. “You're not... Hurt, are you?”

Crow shook his head, relaxing his jaw. “No. I can explain the gold later.”

Will gave a small nod of his head, but didn't speak for a moment. “I'm moving into a smaller mansion tonight – just for myself.”

“You've got your staff picked out and hired?”

“My father insisted he'd take care of it.” Will answered. “I did get choice of one usher, but if he doesn't want to come, that's fine with me.”

“Does he know?”

“Probably.”

Then their conversation died again.

“I want to” – “You could”

Both of their sentences interrupted each other, so they turned to look at the other. Crow chuckled then started again, “You could stay with me tonight if you want.”

“I... I'd...” Will nodded a bit, looking back toward the ballroom. “I want to know if you're thinking of moving to Nor'faeve.”

“Not at all.” Crow chuckled. “I'm getting that sorted out with Rhys – it's partially why I've been busy the last few days.”

Will shifted his attention to Crow again, then slowly chose his words. “I wondered if you might've gotten tired of me.”

“What?” Crow gawked, turning to fully address Will. “Who the hell gave you that idea?”

His cheeks flushed pink in the dim light. “She said that a crush and then being with your crush – well, they aren't what you've idealized them to be. Don't... want to... outshine the myth.” Will answered, babbling.

“She?” Crow raised a brow.

“Irene.”

“Ooooh,” Crow nodded, then shook his head. “Look,” He gently hit the back of Will's head with his palm, making the other look over to him. “If it's not me, ignore someone telling you what I think.” Will stared at him, confused. “Everyone's going to have opinions about us. They're going to tell us we're idiots either meant for each other or it's a mistake. The thing is – they aren't us. Right?”

“Right...” Will nodded a bit. “So... You …”

“I really can't tell you.” Crow shook his head. Then he leaned forward and whispered into Will's ear farthest from the ballroom. “Regular people aren't supposed to know about the Threshold.”

“Oh,” Will nodded, feeling his blush disappear.

“And that waltz with Noire,” Crow continued to whisper, “He was letting Phyte screw with your head. He was channeling his energy to you cause you two were touching.”

“That's why I felt sick?”

“Yep.” Crow straightened up, then smiled to him. “Anyway, coming home with me tonight?”

“Oh, well...”

“There you are, my lord,” came Arluin's voice. The two boys looked over as Arluin stepped out next to them and gave Will a slight bow. “If you're not feeling well, I can request a carriage take us to your mansion immediately.”

“Thank you but,” Will smiled at him, “I'll feel much more comfortable tonight sleeping over at my knight's residence.”

Arluin gave Crow a quick glance, then nodded to Will. “I'll pick you up in the morning at ten at his residence then. Will that be all right?”

“Yes.” Will nodded his head.

Arluin gave another deep bow, straightened up, and then walked back into the ballroom.

Crow glared after him testingly, but leaned so he blocked Will's view of the ballroom. “And he was...?” Crow asked in a slightly jealous tone as he turned around to face Will.

“Arluin, the usher I was telling you about.” Will supplied easily enough.

Crow raised a brow, then looked back over his shoulder. “And you don't think he's involved with the …” shit-heads... Shouldn't say that. “Drama involving Matéas?”

“Of course not,” Will chuckled a bit. “He's a very kind man.”

Crow thinned his eyes before asking his question. “Kind like me or kind like Noire?” By the end of his sentence, Crow had leaned back to face Will so they were nose-to-nose.

Without much effort, Will smiled sweetly and said, “If you're jealous of him, that'll be tough.”

“Who said I'm jealous?” Crow asked, smirking as he didn't move their position.

Will shrugged a shoulder as he raised a brow slightly. He locked eyes with Crow's golden ones; it felt odd to look into his gold eyes once more. “I refuse to answer that.”

“Fine.” Crow laughed a bit, straightening up.

“I miss your blue eyes.”

“I'll have them soon... Maybe.” Crow mumbled thoughtfully, lifting a hand to his hip to think. “Oh,” he shifted and pulled out a small handkerchief from his back pocket. “I brought you something.”

Will waited until Crow handed him the piece of fabric, then carefully unfolded it. Inspecting what it was in the dim light proved difficult, so Will took a few steps into the golden light. In his hand was a incandescent pearl that matched the shade of pink found in sunsets on occasion.

“...What's–” but Will's words were cut off as soon as he reached to touch it, a finger ghosting over the smooth surface. The pearl seemed to poof into a puff of smoke set off by Will touching it. “Wh-wha...” Will gaped, looking at the empty handkerchief.

Crow chuckled. “It might take a few minutes.”

“What might?” Will asked indignantly, turning to look at Crow's smirking face. “What was that?!”

“Nevermind,” Crow swung his arms out. “Anyway, let's head home.”

“N-not until you tell me what that was.” Will protested.

Crow wrapped an arm around Will's shoulders and led him through the ballroom. He said a quick good night to Rhys as they passed him, and led Will effortlessly through the halls toward the front doors.

“Really– what was that.” Will repeated, trying to slow their pace as they approached the front doors.

“Just a little something I got from Aether.” Crow answered as they went down the steps.

“Why from him?”

Crow opened the chaise carriage door open and helped Will in first before climbing next to him. “Knight residential area five,” he told the coachman. The man nodded, slapped the reigns against the two horses, and the carriage started off.

Will turned to Crow to ask once more, but was silenced as Crow leaned close enough to him that their lips almost touched. “I'll tell you when we get there.” He whispered. Will felt his cheeks flush as Crow's hot breath went over his lips and into his own mouth.

Will shifted back, tilting his head down to hide his blush, but nodded. “Very well...” he said rather meekly as Crow swung an arm around him, smirking.