The crowd erupted into cheers, whistles and applause as he brought her back to her feet. They thanked the crowd, then Alistern called for attention, “It be time for the money dances. Iffin ya wish to dance with the groom or bride then come to the main table. We be handin’ out numbers once ya donate coin. Everyone else is also allowed now to use the floor to dance with any other.”
Alburet lead Stacia over to one side of the floor as they waited. His brows rose as he saw the queue form to take numbers to dance with them. “Well, looks like it is going to be a long night,” Alburet said quietly as he glanced at Stacia.
“Aye, but it will help us establish our new home.” Her words were filled with love as she met his eyes. “It sounds so good, does it nay?”
“Anywhere with you will always sound good, Kitten.” The band began to play again as a few couples made their way onto the floor. A man and woman each holding small slips with the number one on them came over to them. The first man up was Ioaniss, who bowed over Stacia’s hand, kissing the air just above it before leading her onto the floor. Alburet found Stella Rivenblood waiting for him, her hand extended. “Madam, it is my honor to dance with you tonight.” He led her onto the floor and danced with her, keeping his pace slow and measured in a simple box for her.
During the dances, he did notice each of the sisters on the floor multiple times with their escorts, save Emily who seemed to be playing some kind of game with Dennis over at the main table. Losing track of time, Alburet wasn’t sure when he finally got a break from dancing but he did see that Stacia still with a line waiting for her hand. He stepped back to find Stewart there with a drink for him.
“It will not be much longer,” Stewart told Alburet. “Tonight you will stay at the inn for the last time. We have arranged for all the gifts to be taken to your new residence and to have things set up. Tomorrow, after you both wake we will be going over to show you the place.”
Sipping the beverage, pleased to discover it was a simple cider, Alburet nodded. “Sounds good to me,” he replied then noticed Karen walking towards him with paper in hand. “Looks like I have one or two more people to dance with, please excuse me.”
Karen stopped just short of Alburet, “So, now that you’re married is it hands off?”
“Yes, though I do thank you for the fun times we have had,” Alburet answered as he led her onto the floor. “Besides, I thought you had your sights set on Fluff at this point?”
“I’m getting mixed signals from her,” Karen sighed softly as the dance began. “I mean, she’s cute as a Lunari, and she is definitely submissive by nature, which is perfect. Yet, she’s too reserved, if you know what I mean. She did mention something about Lilith helping her with her issues though, so maybe in time something will happen. Until then though, Marian seems more than willing to help me out with any itch I might have. So, thank you for that.”
Chuckling, Alburet shook his head, “Thank Deidre. She told me that Marian had mentioned she was interested in you. All I did was arrange matters when I saw the chance.”
“I’ll do that later, she looks busy with that Paladin,” she motioned to Deidre, who was dancing with Chris.
“Fair enough,” Alburet replied. The rest of the dance was in silence. When it ended, Fluffball was waiting for him. “Lady Fluffball, it will be an honor to lead you around the floor tonight.” He took her hand gently, leading her onto the floor.
“I want to thank you,” Fluff said as they danced. “You’ve been very kind and helpful to me. You introduced me to Stacia, which led me to Lilith. She’s helping me a lot with my issues.”
“I’m happy for you, Fluff,” Alburet replied as they moved across the floor amongst the other dancers. “I really hope that you’re able to overcome whatever is in your past. I’ll be here if you need to talk, okay?”
She nodded and bowed her head, resting it on his shoulder, “You never pushed, thank you.” Not having a reply, Alburet gave her hip a gentle squeeze as they finished the dance in silence. As it came to a close, Fluffball gave him a slightly strained smile, “I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon?”
“I have no idea what tomorrow looks like right now, but if things are clear then yes, we can go hunt as a group again.”
Fluff’s lips quirked up slightly into a small smile, “I would like that. Goodnight.” She vanished, having logged out right there.
Alburet wondered if she would be okay. She seemed so fragile at times, like a glass doll. His eyes drifted over to the inn door where Karen was leading Marian inside with a smirk on her lips. He noticed Deidre doing the same with her date, as well. He spotted Erin and Wilbur walking off down one of the streets laughing as they went. The party seemed to be winding down.
“Ye did well, lad,” Grimgar said from behind him.
Turning, Alburet shook his head, “I did the best I could. Deidre was the one who gave me the information I needed to make it look so well done.”
“Aye, tha’ may be, but many before have been told thin’s and do nothin’ with the info. Ye acted on it, which gave each of them a night to remember. Even Emily seemed happy when Lilith took her off to her bed an hour ago. Stacia has just one dance left then ye can retreat with her,” Grimgar told him while watching Stacia take the hand of the last man in line, “Will nay be long now. Sleep well.”
Alburet watched Grimgar for a moment before he walked to the edge of the dance floor, watching as Stacia danced. As the music came to an end she curtsied to her partner. Excusing herself, she came to Alburet, her hand extended, “One last dance for the night, me husband?”
“As you wish, my lady wife,” Alburet grinned as they stepped onto the empty dance floor. The three musicians played a soft tune that seemed filled with love as the duo danced across the empty floor, lost in each other’s eyes.
When the song ended Alburet thanked the band, then led his new wife into the inn and up to their room. The rest of the night was spent making slow, gentle love to each other, neither one wanting the night to end as it seemed magical to them both. Eventually sleep claimed them as they cuddled, with Stacia wrapped in Alburet’s arms as if he was protecting her from the world.
Chapter Fifteen
Alburet woke as the door to the room opened. Stacia came in carrying a full tray of food. He felt a smile bloom on his face as he watched her shut the door and put the tray on the table. “Morning, Kitten. Looks like we have some things to do today.”
“Breakfast first, then a bath, and afterwards we are going to our new home,” she stressed the word ‘our’ slightly as her own smile grew. Eyes sparkling with happiness, she batted her lashes, “It sounds like a dream.”
Alburet got out of bed, crossing the room and taking her into his arms. He gave her a loving kiss before sitting down and pulling her into his lap. “It does sound like a dream. Let’s hope we don’t wake up. But first breakfast, I believe you said. I know what I want to eat first,” his voice turned husky as he sat her on the free half of the table and leaned her back.
A couple of hours later, fresh out of the bath, the couple packed their things and headed downstairs. Grimgar, Stewart and Almira looked up from the corner table with smirks. “I did nay know tha’ breakfast and bathin’ was a few hours affair,” Grimgar tried to deadpan but his voice held the traces of suppressed laughter.