Throughout the entire dance, Aurelia and Sebastian spent their time together, dancing non-stop. From time to time, they would stop, either to talk to each other or to converse with other guests. It was, without a doubt, the most enchanting night that Aurelia had ever experienced.
However, like every beautiful evening, this one had to come to an end.
When the clock struck three in the morning, the guests began to slowly leave. Just before they departed, Ciel approached Aurelia. He gently took her hand in his and brought it to his lips, while his eyes never left hers.
Ciel: "I want you to know that you are always welcome at my home. Whenever you wish, you can come visit me~ It would be my pleasure to spend time with you."
Aurelia smiled, a little shyly, and nodded in agreement.
After their farewell words, William approached his daughter and, without giving her a chance to react, picked her up in his arms. Moments later, he was already running quickly, leaping from roof to roof, in a frantic journey through the night. Aurelia didn't say a word. She let him carry her, but his silence made her uneasy.
The night had ended, but something inside her told her that her father hadn't yet said his final word.
When they finally reached home, Aurelia felt incredibly tired. All she wanted was to collapse into her bed and fall into a deep sleep.
Without saying a word, she walked toward her bedroom.
William, on the other hand, stood in front of the large window in the living room.
His gaze was fixed on the moon.
An unsettling premonition settled in his chest.
Something inside him hurt unbearably.
He had to talk to her.
He took a deep breath and moved toward her room. He knocked on the door. No response.
After waiting for a moment, he decided to enter.
Aurelia had already fallen asleep. She lay there, uncovered, her face peaceful and calm. William smiled faintly and approached.
He closed his eyes, carefully removed his daughter's heavy dress, and put her nightgown on her. When he was done, he opened his eyes again and covered her warmly so she wouldn't catch a cold.
He sat next to her for a moment, gently stroking her hair.
How quickly the years had passed...
When had she gone from being a little girl to a full-grown woman?
He sighed.
He leaned over her head and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.
Then, he carefully stood up so as not to wake her, left the room, and quietly closed the door behind him.
Now, only one thought was on his mind:
Tomorrow morning, he would have to talk to her.
The next day, Aurelia woke up late, around eleven o'clock.
She felt a slight exhaustion, but the memory of the previous night made her smile.
She got up, stretched, and walked toward the living room.
There, she found her father sitting alone in one of the armchairs. In his hands, he held a book, while there were two cups of tea on the table in front of him.
Aurelia approached and sat on the large sofa next to him.
William: "Good morning, Aurelia. Did you sleep well?"
Aurelia: "Yes, very well!"
She took one of the cups and had a sip. Morning tea always refreshed her.
However, William didn't seem as at ease.
William: "I'm glad... I, on the other hand, did not."
His tone was serious.
Aurelia looked at him and immediately understood.
She knew exactly what was on his mind, but pretended not to understand.
Aurelia: "No? Why not? Is your bed not comfortable anymore?"
William didn't smile.
William: "My bed is fine. That's not the problem."
Aurelia placed her cup on the table and leaned toward him.
Aurelia: "Would you like to tell me?"
William: "You like that guy, don't you?"
Aurelia flinched slightly.
Aurelia: "What?? Of course not! Come on, Father! We just danced and talked a little longer... that doesn't mean anything! You could say... we're friends?"
William remained silent for a moment, observing every detail on her face.
William: "Aha... So, I'm supposed to believe that, right?"
Aurelia smiled and stood up from the sofa.
She walked over to him and, before he could react, gave him a sweet hug.
Aurelia: "Don't be jealous! Why would I like him? He's not that perfect, just so you know~"
William narrowed his eyes behind his glasses.
William: "...I see."
He said, as he adjusted his glasses.
He knew that Aurelia was probably hiding something from him.
However, he decided not to press the issue. At least... for now.