Entwined(105)

This time, Azalea didn’t spin back into his arms. Instead, she dipped into a curtsy. She gave this curtsy her all; every muscle and fiber of her focused on melting into a deep, flawless dip. Legs twisting, she disappeared into the poof of skirts pooling around her. She buried her nose in them, nearly kissing the floor, her right arm extended to Mr. Bradford, her left tucked behind her. A finer Soul’s Curtsy, Azalea was sure, not even Mother could do.

She dared a peek at Mr. Bradford, whose mouth hung slightly agape. When she giggled, he laughed, too, and fell to his knees in front of her. He nudged her. The thin, crystal string of balance snapped. Azalea fell over, and into his arms. She blinked up at his face. He smiled, but more intent and solemn, and Azalea instinctively closed her eyes as his large hand gently touched her face, bringing it to his in a kiss.

It was like dancing—both dizzy and giddy, but with the soft warmness of a gentle touch. It thrilled her soul and made it leap.

The ballroom doors burst open with a gust of cold air and a chatter of voices. Mr. Bradford pulled Azalea to her feet as the cheering girls ran to them, tugging on Azalea’s skirts and Mr. Bradford’s suitcoat.

Azalea, breathless and laughing, made them all take hands for a reel. A welcome-to-the-family reel, like the one they had given Lily over a year ago. There would be one for Lord Teddie, and for Fairweller, too, Azalea knew.

“Well done, Ivy,” said Azalea. “Perfect form! Jess—hold hands. We’ll go slow so Lily can manage, now that she’s walking. Marvelous, Delphi. All set? Wonderful! Wait—”

Their circle was incomplete.

Azalea turned to the King, who stood several paces outside the circle, his arms folded and a bemused smile on his face. Azalea offered her hand to him.

“Dance with us?” she said.

A frown tugged at the corners of the King’s mouth.

“Certainly not,” he said. “You know how well I dance.”

Azalea did not care. She, and the girls running after, took his hands tightly in theirs. They pulled him into the circle with them and danced slowly, so he could follow their steps. Even so, Azalea felt a warmth flicker within her. It was the best dance they had ever done.



The End



About the Author


HEATHER DIXON grew up in a large family with four brothers and six sisters. She is a storyboard artist as well as a writer, and lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Viennese waltz is her dance of choice.

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