The Enemy's Ambassador ⚜ Ch. 7

Rolf was nervous asking Yosef to the ball. The only ball he'd ever been to was a military function - not exactly a fun affair.

As he waited for him in the common area, he tried to not ruin the boutonnière. Couples around him were meeting up and getting pictures, and he felt in the way. But when he came out, everyone else seemed to fade away.

"You look like a movie star," Rolf smiled, taking his hand.

"You look nice too," he blushed. He put the boutonnière on his lapel and took his arm. "Shall we?"

"Let's." Rolf led him out of the common and with the other couples going down the stairs. They could already hear the music.

As they approached the doors, a few noblemen held up their hands. "Hold up. Steidl. We don't want you here."

Rolf scowled. "I have every right to be here."

"Not if it makes the student body fearful. Now get lost," one said menacingly.

"Come on Rolf. It's not worth it," Yosef muttered, throwing a glare their way.

He led her back towards the gardens, embarrassed and angry. "I'm so sorry. This isn't right. You should be able to go and enjoy yourself."

He looked down and shrugged. "I don't think I would. Not without you," he admitted quietly.

"Rolf?"

They turned to see Nico and his friends. "Oh, hey."

"Have you come to join the anti-ball?" Hyun asked. "It would be more fun with a few more people."

Rolf raised a brow. "Anti-ball?"

Nico nodded. "Yeah. We're having our own dance out here away from the crowds."

"We even stole some drinks from the kitchens," Hyun grinned.

They looked back to see a few couples using the giant outdoor chess board as a dance floor. Lights were already strung above it, which provided the perfect atmosphere.

Looking to Yosef, he smiled. "What do you think?"

He grinned. "Let's go."

They went to the makeshift dance floor, able to hear the music from inside the castle. Rolf slipped a hand around his waist and he rested his cheek against his shoulder. They slowly swayed together, the quiet sounds of the night and forest beyond adding to the atmosphere. They could even hear the lapping waves of the lake in the distance.

"I much prefer this to the waltz," Yosef said after a while.

He chuckled. "So do I." As the song changed, he whispered, "Thank you for trusting me."

He looked to him and smiled shyly. "You've been so kind. I couldn't see someone prejudiced doing the things you do."

Rolf wanted to tell him how happy he made him, how much he admired and adored him. But he looked so content, he decided against it. Another time, he promised himself.