My eyes are captivated by her image. She's not wearing a luxurious or exaggerated dress.
It's something simple, yes, but not lacking in importance. It's clear that it's a creation of Rem, with those small details on the edges of the garment that she always adds.
Emilia looks at me coquettishly as she lifts her hood a bit.
"It's a bit cold today. They were going to give me a dress, but Rem prepared this thinking of me," she says, smiling and posing. "Do I look cute?"
A question Emilia rarely asks, "cute," a term whose meaning has been engraved in my mind through my eyes. Yes, it's something simple, but nothing is more beautiful than simplicity.
A reassuring feeling that captivates completely.
"Rem helped a bit," I smile, winking at her. She makes a small pout, approaching me.
"Silly," Emilia lowers her gaze to her clothes before smiling again. "If I can't trust your words, then I'll have to trust Betty's."
But before she can move forward, I stop her. "Emilia," I look her directly in the eyes.
"Are you cute?"
I want her to say it, I want those words to come out of her lips. It's a chapter that could continue, an evolution over the course of these months.
My treatment towards her, and that of others; at least in Irlam, everyone appreciates and loves her.
"Cute," Emilia utters the word, but her gaze lifts to the sky. "Well, seeing that your eyes can't stop watching me, I have no choice but to believe it. I guess I can be a little, if that's how you see me."
Emilia sticks her tongue out, embarrassed by saying such a thing. A small smile forms on her face, and even though she's embarrassed for saying that, I understand how brave she was to express it.
It was an incredible effort.
"Emilia," I think as I contemplate her name with gratitude.
"Marco, what if...?" Emilia directs her attention to my hand. "What if we dance a bit?"
I sigh at her proposal. Although she appears embarrassed, she still threw it out there, expecting my reaction.
"Of course, Miss Emilia," I bow, taking her hand.
I recall the dance lessons Frederica gave us both. I was never interested, but I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised to discover how good it feels to dance when it's with someone you're comfortable with.
A glance from Beatrice captures my attention. Her barely perceptible blink makes me understand what the exact problem is.
"Emilia, look," I point to Beatrice.
Emilia follows my indication and enthusiastically calls Beatrice over.
"Come on!" Emilia exclaims. Although Beatrice sighs with a certain resignation, she gets up from her seat.
Undoubtedly, Emilia has become an essential pillar in her life. However, I have in mind to fulfill an obligation that I owe to her.
As Beatrice approaches, without anything else I can do, I receive her in my arms, and in that moment, our eyes meet like two stars reflecting each other.
"I love you, my sweet princess," I whisper, feeling the sadness that envelops her. "I know you're going through a difficult time." I leave a tender kiss on her cheek. "I promise we'll have that conversation when the time is right, but be assured that I haven't forgotten."
Beatrice nods, her lips forming a blushing smile as her hand gently caresses her cheek. She hugs me with a tenderness that brings comfort, allowing me to feel her warm embrace.
In that moment, my heart regains its usual rhythm, finding a balm of calm in the midst of emotional turbulence.
"Betty loves you too, actually," she whispers in my ear, blushing. "But surely, you'll have to talk to her when all this is over."
I nod understandingly, gently stroking her golden hair before lifting her onto my shoulders with a playful gesture.
"What?!" Beatrice exclaims in astonishment. "Marco!"
I can't help but release a contagious laugh, and Emilia joins the game without hesitation.
"Let's dance together. So, Beatrice, join us," Emilia asserts, taking my hand with a charming determination.
We step out with Beatrice by our side, finding a space that opens up in the midst of the crowd. The musicians take a break, and from this position, I can appreciate the joy that fills the atmosphere.
Although I would have wished for Ram to be here, Roswaal's absence fills my soul with joy. My relationship with Roswaal has never been close, nor do I intend it to be.
Although some may wonder about his absence, his place in my life is insignificant; he has never shown interest in interacting with us.
Lucas's wife encourages her husband to join the dance, while Petra has fun with the children. Each of those present seems immersed in the joy of the moment, united by a common purpose.
Today, I decide to set aside my rational thoughts; I will let my heart guide my steps.
Yes, tonight, I will abandon logic and let myself be carried away by this feeling, by the warm touch of their hands. With Beatrice happily seated on my shoulders, we head to the center of the circle that forms on the dance floor.
The music starts gently, with low and slow tones.
A delicate medieval guitar intertwines with the soft nuances of a flute, and the drums mark a leisurely rhythm, waiting their turn to take center stage when the flute finishes its melody and changes the tone.
Our eyes meet, and in this moment, she holds my hand as I bring my hand to her waist. The other dancers, with infectious gentleness, create a space for us to join the rhythm.
I feel Emilia closer than ever, or maybe, for the first time in this intensity.
…
My steps synchronized with hers, each movement of the dance seems to uncover layers of emotions that had been latent in me. The closeness, once uncomfortable, is now like a warm hug that envelops my heart in sweet agony.
But it's a sensation I dare not reject.
It's fascinating how being here, in front of Emilia with Beatrice on my shoulders, makes my worries insignificant, as long as I can savor this small and fleeting moment.
"Emilia." She continues to smile, but her eyes show a certain shyness as they meet mine.
"Yes?" Her voice, sweet as a melody, resonates in my chest, an echo of our shared emotions.
I feel her breath on my skin, every exchanged glance like an invisible bond that connects us. The music's rhythm becomes the synchronized beating of our hearts.
Just for today, I'll let my heart guide every step of this dance. I gaze at her with an intensity that surpasses words, allowing silence to be the bond that unites us.
I look directly into her eyes, seeing how my reflection blends with hers. Her skin, of an ethereal paleness, lacks imperfections and reveals her innate perfection.
Her silver hair, smooth as calm water, is full of life and vitality.
The subtle aura of freshness surrounding her fades in the warmth of her smile and the touch of her skin.
We move with grace, our movements synchronized as other couples join the dance forming around us.
The music gains intensity, its tones becoming bolder as more people join the choreography. Trumpets make their presence known, their triumphant sounds intertwining with the steady rhythm of drums resonating with strength.
The music's tone increases, filling the air with contagious energy. Our dance becomes more joyful and vibrant with each beat that marks the time.
Laughter and murmurs of other dancers blend into a chorus of celebration, and amidst this atmosphere, the beats of my heart find a perfect harmony with the melody that envelops us.
In this moment, in the warm embrace of music and with Emilia by my side, everything seems possible.
Worries dissolve, doubts fade away, and only the present remains, the beating of my heart. We move closer to each other, our bodies synchronized with the music's rhythm.
Our eyes meet in a profound understanding as I search for the precise words I want to say. The melody intensifies, trumpets taking over the atmosphere, challenging the drums.
The guitar steps aside, supporting both in this power struggle. I must think, think about what I want to say.
But overthinking would be ignoring my heart, and at this moment, my emotions are the compass guiding our movements.
An unexpected intruder joins the harmony: a flute joins the guitar, creating a soft atmosphere that draws dancers' bodies closer, feeling the proximity in each note.
Emilia places a hand on my back, and I look into her eyes, getting lost in her gaze. Although we are so close physically, I feel that the connection goes beyond.
The guitar reaches its peak, and the flute follows suit, both instruments intertwining in a musical dance reflecting ours. So high and elevating that they need a break, so there is a brief silence, but my heart doesn't feel it that way.
"You're beautiful, Emilia," my words emerge as a whisper full of admiration and awe. My eyes meet hers, and in that moment, each silence between the music notes is like a shared promise.
But something unexpected happens. The trumpets reappear, challenging the drums, but this time, the harmony is perfect. Each instrument joins the dance, creating a symphony that accompanies our steps, spins, and closeness.
Music and movement merge into an expression of joy shared by everyone present.
We move slightly apart, our movements becoming more energetic and frenetic. We hold onto each other delicately, letting the music guide us in this passionate dance.
The flute and trumpets play with each other, while the guitars and drums create a solid rhythmic foundation.
"Hehehe," Emilia laughs with a mix of excitement and fun, taking my hand and pulling me towards her.
The music softens, allowing the flute and trumpets to lower their intensity, and at that moment, the four musical elements converge in perfect synchrony that soothes everyone's soul.
The audience's voices echo in cheers and excited exclamations. Emilia looks surprised, as if she hadn't planned what she was doing.
But apparently, I'm not the only one who has been carried away by the spirit of this night.
"Kiss! Kiss!" some voices encourage around, while the music takes on a soft and romantic tone, creating an atmosphere of complicity and expectation.
Our eyes meet in a shared understanding, and although we know this act could give rise to rumors or misunderstandings, we decide to ignore any external murmurs.
At this moment, it doesn't matter what others think.
My determination and confidence grow with each beat of my heart. Gently cupping her cheek between my fingers, I get closer to Emilia.
The tension of the moment is palpable, and our eyes are fixed on each other. An internal warmth surges from the depths of me, enveloping us as our bodies draw closer.
Beatrice, however, seems to have an opinion about it and grabs my hair forcefully, reminding me that I must maintain control. Both of us move towards a kiss, with Emilia holding my shoulders and me holding her waist.
Closeness is imminent, and just before our lips meet, I stop my movement.
"Don't get carried away, indeed," Beatrice tightens my hair even more, as a reminder and a warning. The distance between us shortens; Emilia holds my back while I take her by the waist.
Our faces are a few centimeters apart.
"Marco," her voice, filled with emotion and anticipation, whispers my name. She closes her eyes in a gesture of waiting, and in the midst of the surrounding silence, I feel the electricity between us.
My lips gently touch her cheek, and although it's not a kiss in the traditional sense, that simple contact generates a whirlwind of emotions within me.
Beatrice, on the other hand, seems to have mixed feelings and tightens her grip on my hair, conveying her thoughts eloquently.
The audience erupts in cheers and applause, celebrating what has just happened. The music regains its power, filling the space with overwhelming energy, and Emilia and I look at each other amidst laughter.
She gives me a radiant smile, full of happiness and excitement.
"Is it okay to be this happy?" she asks, her voice reflecting the astonishment she feels. "Is it okay if I consider this day one of the happiest of my life?"
I nod with a calm smile, causing her eyes to open in surprise.
I take her by the cheek and bring Beatrice closer so that both can hear me. Emilia by my side, and Beatrice in my arms, our foreheads touch in a gesture of unity that transcends words.
The melody envelops us in its embrace, and our emotions dance to the rhythm of the music.
"This is just one of the many happy days you will experience throughout your lives," my voice overflows with hope and certainty. "If I ever caused concern, I apologize. I did everything for the good of both of you."
Both Beatrice and Emilia nod with a profound understanding, allowing us to continue dancing in complete harmony.
In the midst of our movements, my attention is drawn to something that fills me with surprise.
"Emilia, look," I point gently, leading her with me as we move towards where Frederica is. She is wearing a black dress that highlights her features elegantly and captivates.
Beside her is a familiar face, the army colonel.
"Alsten..." Emilia whispers, shocked, as she watches Alsten kneel in front of Frederica in a gesture of chivalry.
With an expression full of surprise and joy, Frederica accepts his extended hand.
"He did it!" the three of us exclaim in a burst of shared enthusiasm, but soon we realize that we have been a bit intrusive in that intimate moment.
Our laughter sounds, releasing tension and leaving room for everyone to continue dancing.
We continue our dance in the sphere of lights and music, feeling how everyone present becomes a single community. We are united like petals of a flower, each with its own texture and color, but together forming a beautiful and harmonious whole.
The music is like dew that nourishes our souls, and the dance is the dance of life itself.
In the middle of this joy-filled night, a question arises in my mind:
What kind of flower do I want to be in this world?
The dance unites us, connects us with others like flowers in a garden—some distant, others close, each with its purpose and unique beauty.
I am the only one who can choose.
My life is always based on doing what I must, but today, my heart has asked me something different:
What do I want to do?
Emilia looks at me with a radiant smile, and in this moment, I decide to let destiny guide me, to let the whims of the moment envelop me in their embrace.
We join the collective dance, everyone moving to the rhythm of the music and the heartbeat. The clamor rises, a unified shout cutting through the air, an echo of the emotion hovering over us.
Laughter turns into deep laughs, and amid them, the music seems to take a breath, as if even the notes need a moment to capture the magnitude of this moment.
"Long live Irlam!" our cheers join those of others, creating a chorus full of energy and connection. In this moment, we are more than individuals; we are part of something greater.
At the threshold of uncertainty, I let worries fade away. My consciousness guides me, and for one night, I allow the world to sweep me where it must.
I close my eyes for a moment, feeling the night breeze on my skin as the dance continues. The stars shine above us, silent witnesses to this unique moment.
And as long as we keep dancing, I'll keep letting myself be carried by the stream of life, because sometimes, in the embrace of uncertainty, we find our greatest joys and discoveries.
Let yourself be carried, because the world will sweep you away anyway.