But that beautiful being had no love for humans.
“Even if you truly desire me now, humans are fickle. Their hearts are fleeting. I won’t give myself to something so ephemeral.”
When it came to lifespans and emotions, spirits and humans were far too different.
Too many times had the spirit found a human who desired it, only to be betrayed when that desire went cold. It turned away, trying to disappear.
The maiden was stricken by the sadness in the spirit’s eyes and offered up her life to prove her sincerity.
Then she danced, driving a blade into her own heart, and in the process won over the moonbow spirit’s love.
The Sword Dance was a vow to give your entire being up for the sake of a singular love. It was a dance meant to make yourself irreplaceable in the eyes of another. And if they refused, then they were supposed to take the dancer’s life. It was literally a dance of life and death.
These days, however, the blade was dulled, so it wouldn’t actually kill you. Similarly, rejection simply meant you’d be divorced and shipped off to serve another man as his maid. But getting tossed aside and having the man you love consign you to the whims of another man would probably feel like a fate worse than death, anyway. I doubt I was the only one who thought so.
Princess Yana told me no one had performed the Sword Dance in decades. The harem was a dark place.
But even though no Majaarian woman would dare perform it now, it was practically cheating for me.
I twirled and made the golden ornaments on my hips jingle, then thrust the sword toward a stained-glass lamp hanging from the ceiling. The vibrant blue and gold of its glass caught the sunlight and scattered it, bathing me in a warm glow, and I found myself smiling.
I knew my fierce, beautiful knight wrapped in moonlight would do anything for me, because I was the only woman he loved. Such was the love he gave me that I trusted it beyond doubt, and that devotion moved my arms, legs, and heart.
I would perform the dance with everything I had. I felt like it existed for me alone, to perform for Lucas.
I crossed the sword and sheath in my hands, turned on one foot, then dropped to my knee. I brought my arms in a circle above my head, then gently sheathed the sword in front of my chest like I was cherishing it.
I offered the blade and with it my love, praying for my beloved to accept them both, and then lowered my head, waiting for the sound of the final bell to fade.
My heart was pounding out of control, but it felt oddly pleasant. I stood up with a soft sigh.
“Here you go,” Anna said, giving me a towel to wipe down my sweat. When I looked up, Princess Yana was staring at me with such intensity that it took me off guard.
“Did I mess up the choreography?” Even if I thought it went well, someone who grew up with Majaarian dance might see something I missed.
But when I looked at her nervously, she just sighed and waved her hand. “No, it’s perfect. I don’t have a single complaint about the way you used the sword or even your glances. I just can’t believe the Princess of Bern just danced the Sword Dance—the one only Princess Shireen ever managed. It’s a life-or-death performance. If you do it perfectly, any Majaarian woman will have no choice but to shut up.”
“So then…”
It worked! I did it! I smiled, thrilled that my plan had succeeded, only to jump in surprise when Princess Yana slammed her hands on the desk and stood up, shouting.
Eek! Did the current top dog of the harem just lose her mind over my Sword Dance?!
“And that’s exactly why I’m telling you, you shouldn’t do this! It’s bad! The elegance and sex appeal you’ve got on display are way too dangerous! The way your husband obsesses over you, he might end up killing people just to keep you to himself. There’s no way he’s going to let this slide peacefully! I mean, he’s jealousy made flesh!”
You can say that again, I thought as I winced.
Lucas’s handsome, genteel exterior led most people to believe he was kind and tolerant, but really, he was short-tempered and bloodthirsty. It was kind of a relief that Princess Yana picked up on it so fast, but I did feel a little bad about it, too.
“Wait, are you saying it’s the sex appeal that’s the problem?” I asked, glancing over at my maids.
They all nodded in turn, and I had to cover my face.
“I completely agree with Princess Yana. It’s a very real possibility that the dance will trigger a jealous frenzy,” Anna said.
“Your dress is sheer and accentuates your movements, but the fact that you’ll be dancing for Prince Lucas will make it even more alluring,” Kate pointed out.
“Who cares about a little leg through a slit when your whole body is a weapon of seduction?! Every guy who sees that is gonna be on the edge of their seats!” Elsa said.
“I can’t wait to see all their heads get chopped off! Don’t you agree, darling? Keep up the good work, Princess Cecilia!”
Oh, no, now Barnabash thinks he’s one of my maids, too. And he fit right in. He was even mimicking slicing off people’s heads with his thumb, and I was not looking forward to seeing that in real life!
“Fine, I guess if that happens, I’ll just have to use his own words against him,” I said.
He’d told me before to do whatever I wanted, as long as I told him what it was. He said it on our date, but I was fairly sure it would apply for the entirety of our stay here.
And Lucas was surprisingly good about keeping his word, which I was really counting on in this instance.
I felt a little guilty for using his kindness like this, but it was better than a party full of decapitated nobles…
Sure, he could be brutal and cold, but deep down, he was patient and gentle. I just wished he’d extend that kindness to other people once in a while. But honestly, if he did, I’d probably get jealous.
I’m really no better, am I? I should probably reflect on that before criticizing him…
I sighed, covering my mouth with both hands as I tried to exhale these hopeless feelings of love while Princess Yana patted me on the shoulder.
“I actually feel bad for you, but if you’re dead set on this, I won’t stop you. Besides, no one can interfere once a dancer starts, so you’re safe on that front. Just make sure you’re ready to deal with your husband after the dance. That’s the real challenge. Everyone’s lives depend on it, after all…”
Did she really just say that? For a second, I forgot why I was even doing this. When it came to anyone but me, my dear husband was so cruel and tempestuous that it made me want to cry.
“Only one noble house might get punished if you don’t dance. But if you do, either all of them will get crushed or all of them will survive,” Anna said. “So dancing is the only path that leads to your goals, Princess Cecilia.”
“You’re the only one who can stop Prince Lucas, Princess Cecilia,” Kate agreed.
“It’s definitely dangerous, but the payoff is that you get to keep him all to yourself! There’s no backing down now!” Elsa said.
Ugh, as much as I hate to admit it, Anna and Kate are right. If we want everyone to make it out alive, I have no choice but to stop that sadistic knight from going off the rails. But Elsa, you’re going a bit too far…
And Kate, why are you just standing there smiling? Step in and help me already!
“Y-yes, Lucas is sweet to me, but I’m not doing this just because I want to keep that sweet version of him all to myself,” I said.
“You say that now, but in the end, that’s exactly why you’re doing it. Don’t try to play coy, Princess.”
Ugh, I hate it when Barnabash is so logical. Why is it that an ancient dragon can read between the lines better than Elsa?!
“Hang in there, brave tamer of beasts and Heroes!” Princess Yana said. “Actually, how about I teach you a few tricks?”
“Thanks, but I’ll have to pass…” I said.
It wasn’t that the technique itself was a problem, but it did end up putting me in a really humiliating position. Those techniques worked wonders on Lucas, but the moment he loosened up, he was impossible to handle. I never thought he’d turn the tables on me and shame me right back!
And this time it wasn’t just flirting behind closed doors. I’d be dancing in front of a whole crowd just to keep Lucas from going berserk, which meant I’d have to calm him down afterward. Letting him vent his jealousy might be the safest route, but unfortunately, even in that scenario, I was still in danger.
And just when I thought I’d made it through all this with some dignity, I just knew I was going to embarrass myself in front of my friends…
I glanced over at my capable maids for help, hoping to find some solace in my impending self-sacrifice, and they gave me some very accurate advice.
“We worry for you, Princess Cecilia. Not about the seduction, since your outfit’s already perfect in that regard. However, the effects might be a little too intense. There’s a good chance Prince Lucas will carry you all the way back to Bern, and you’ll never set foot in Majaar again.”
“It might be best to say your goodbyes now, just in case…”
So basically, the safest route means I’ll be stuck in his arms the entire way back home?
The thought of returning to Bern, clutched to his chest like a helpless doll, was mortifying, but at the same time, we couldn’t have severed heads rolling across the palace floor. No way, absolutely not!
“Princess Yana, thank you for everything! Please write to me sometime, even when I’m back in Bern!” I clasped both her hands and begged.
I won’t let this be our final farewell! We’re going to stay friends forever, right?!
I saw her cheek twitch. “You’re scaring me. This sounds way too intense. Maybe I should just skip the party…”
Wait, no! I need you there! I still have something I need you to do!