Once they were out on the dance floor, Isabella stepped closer and took up her position in Violet’s arms. Despite having done this dozens of times, her nerves were still gnawing at her something fierce. Of course, the suspicion that so many eyes found their way to the pair only heightened the feeling. However, without her glasses, it was honestly hard to tell. 

“Violet, is everyone looking at us?” 

Following the question, Violet took a second to look up and then around, turning her head this way and that before bringing her gaze back down to Isabella. “Yes. Most people appear to be looking at us.” There was a brief pause before she continued. “Are you alright?”

The confirmation had Isabella moving in a little tighter before shrugging. “I’ll be fine. I’m just a little nervous, that’s all.”

Violet’s hands squeezed softly where she held Isabella before a small smile played across her lips. “You have nothing to worry about, all your dances are perfect. Trust me and yourself. Oh, and try to have some fun, too.” The reassurance helped calm the thumping in Isabella’s chest, at least the part that came from her anxiousness. Not the part that was very much due to how close her friend was. Violet was probably right though, once they started, she could let her feet take over and put her faith in her partner. At the end of the day, she would be there for her.

Eventually, the stares subsided as more people made their way out to the center of the room. Now that most pairs appeared to be ready, the band finished out their first song and steadily built into the next. It began easily enough and soon transformed into a soft melody perfect for beginners. Isabella took a moment to feel the music flow through her, to fill her from head to toe. Which started tapping along a moment later. With a nod, Violet waited to align with the beat and then stepped off. 

For this first one, she selected one of the more basic steps the two had meticulously practiced over the preceding months. Just as Isabella suspected, muscle memory soon took over. It was like her body responded on its own to both Violet’s lead and the music that played in the background. Even her heels didn’t present much of a problem. Soon, Isabella felt herself calm to the point that she could let herself enjoy the movement. 

As they continued, she closed her eyes and found herself becoming absorbed in the gentle twirls and easy steps. A smile even found its way onto her lips as they went. Of course, this was a fairly basic pattern, but it was pleasant nonetheless. When the first song ended, and the pair came to a stop, Isabella opened her eyes once more and fixed them to Violet’s. At that moment, it was like everyone else faded away into nothingness, leaving them to enjoy each other’s company. 

The next song was livelier, allowing all the women to switch to a different style of dance should they choose it. Naturally, some preferred a more easygoing style than others. So, a switch of sorts took place as pairs came and went. However, Isabella was determined to spend every moment she could dancing and making memories with Violet. Her nerves or skill be damned. 

With a feel for the rhythm, Violet took the lead and once again picked a familiar pattern. It was remarkable that Isabella had come so far that she didn’t even need to be told which step to perform. With a coach like Violet though, it really wasn’t that much of a surprise. It felt so wonderful to be able to do this with her friend. With an equal. They weren’t dancing as student and teacher anymore; Violet’s obligation was to get Isabella to the Debut and she’d done that and then some. They were partners in the truest sense, if only that extended beyond these walls and beyond this night.

Soon the two women were flowing across the dance floor smoothly, with two wide smiles on their faces. Isabella’s dress kicked up at some of the bigger turns and she didn’t dare close her eyes anymore, preferring the sight of Violet to the alternative. It seemed like the doll was going all out tonight, guiding Isabella and ensuring she knew what was about to come. For her part, Isabella felt comfortable and confident enough to add little flourishes at different parts. An extra step here, a twirl of an extended arm there. Whatever felt  right  at the time. 

At one point, during a particularly energetic spin, Isabella let her head fall back and her eyes glanced up at the ceiling. Which let her take in the sight of the detailed mural painted upon it. It was a flock of birds in flight and, here with Violet, she felt as free as they looked. No longer bound by the cage meant to trap her. It was as if her friend had opened the door, reached in, and gently lifted her out. Oh, what she wouldn’t give to never go back into that cage.  

Song after song came and went. Each one with a different rhythm and selection of dances that slotted neatly into the underlying tempo. True to her intentions, Isabella powered through each one as others continued to switch or rest. Made easier by how much fun she was having. Naturally, Violet had no problem keeping up. No doubt thanks to her seemingly limitless supply of stamina.

Finally, after a particularly vivacious piece, the music returned to something much more soothing. Like it had been at the start of the evening. Perhaps it was meant to give all the women a break from the more taxing dances? However, after they’d come to a stop, Isabella made no move to exit the dance floor even though Violet had started to make her way clear. Only to be stopped when her hand reached the maximum distance that Isabella’s outstretched arm allowed.

“Isabella?” Violet stopped and turned her head, tilting it in curiosity. She was no doubt wondering why her partner wasn’t moving.

“Don’t go. I want to enjoy every song.” Isabella held her gaze as she spoke and then gently began to pull Violet back to her side.

“I don’t believe this song is meant for dancing.” Violet’s assertion didn’t really sound like a protest, more like she was simply stating a fact.

“That’s alright, we don’t need steps or anything to make it work. Come here.”

Her grasp got a little tighter the last little bit before she pulled Violet back close. This time, Isabella didn’t assume the formal, proper position she’d learned. Instead, both her hands came up to wrap around Violet’s neck before stepping closer and pressing their bodies together. After only a moment’s hesitation, Violet reached behind her to place her hands on the small of Isabella’s back. Which brought a flood of warmth to Isabella’s chest. Now that she had her partner with her once more, Isabella began to sway where she stood, barely lifting her feet and unconcerned with matching her movements to the melody.

“See? This isn’t so bad, is it?”

In response, Violet shook her head before relaxing her shoulders further. “You’re right, it’s not. It’s…lovely.”

Following Violet’s affirmation, Isabella closed her eyes and let her head fall forward to rest in the crook of her partner’s neck. This is where she belonged, in the arms of the woman she cared about so deeply. In Violet’s arms. Not some fool her father would choose based on his business interests. After a few moments like this, Isabella could feel Violet’s head turn to the left and then back to the right. “Everyone is looking at us again.”

Well, that was hardly surprising. This song, and others following it, were likely meant as an interlude of sorts. The fact that they remained out on the dance floor only added to the attention the pair usually received. No doubt there were whispers among the other women about the odd relationship Isabella and Violet shared, but it was all hot air. Violet was with her and that’s all that mattered. “I don’t care, let them watch.” Besides, after tomorrow it would all change. Tomorrow, Violet would leave.

Despite her best attempts, the realization that this was their last night together tried to invade Isabella’s mind constantly. With a small sigh, she hugged tighter to Violet’s neck, trying to steal more of that warmth. By way of a reply, Isabella felt an equal tightening of arms around her back, causing the unease that had begun to well up in her to fade to the background once more. There was still time to pretend. Time to enjoy Violet’s presence. Isabella had to wait until after the doll left to fall into despair so their evening wouldn’t be ruined. So, she held it together, taking the opportunity provided by her partner’s grasp to calm herself. 

They stayed like that until another shift in the music came and the two could resume the more traditional steps. Throughout the entire night, no one else approached them. Isabella had no doubt countless other students would’ve liked the opportunity to dance with the Princess-knight. However, they all must’ve sensed what this night meant to the pair. Or at least to Isabella. In the end, they only offered kind words once the ball concluded and the two departed back to their room.  

The path back to the dormitory was lit with a long stretch of paper lanterns hung on each side that bathed the stone with soft light and illuminated the way for the students as they walked. Isabella clung tightly to Violet’s arm as they went, even though she had returned her glasses to her face and could see just fine.

“That was actually a lot of fun. Don’t you think?” Following the question, Isabella turned her head and looked up at Violet to gauge her reaction 

“It was,” She confirmed. “You danced very well, just like I knew you would.” Violet offered a smile and a nod of her head before bringing her attention back to the path.

The confirmation earned a hum of agreement from Isabella before she also shifted her gaze. There were a few groups of women walking back as well, though the majority had left earlier in the night. It had been quite hard for Isabella to make herself stop so they could leave. To bring herself closer to the next morning and all that came with it.  There is still time.

“How are your feet?” Violet’s question brought her from her mind, and she dropped her gaze as she walked to look down at her heels.

“A little sore. Okay… very  sore, but it was worth it!” She followed the words with a chuckle before returning her attention to Violet beside her. “Nothing a bath can’t fix though. Would you like one when we get back?” A proper bath together, just like that first time so many months ago. 

“Yes, I would.”  

“Good, it’s settled then.” Another last thing for them to do together.