Page 31 of Six Types of Apology

She’s trying to help me,Orion realized, and he put his wine glass on the table for fear he would drop it.

“However, I’m the one who is going to break with protocol this evening.” Queen Julia paused for a moment and then said, “I understand the dancing typically does not start until I, as your ruling queen leaves the room, but tonight because my son-in-law is already so special to me, I will ask. Orion, would you do me the honor of sharing this first dance with me.” She held out her hand. “I’m the only one in the room who has the right to ask you, because I’m the only one who still outranks my son.”

Honor? Orion was floored. He could barely get out of his chair, but when he did he bowed low, before straightening. “You have honored me, Your Majesty,” he said quietly, taking Queen Julia’s hand. Conscious of every eye in the room on him, he led the queen to the floor, worried if his legs would actually hold him upright.

“Play something slow, band leader,” Queen Julia called out as she slid into his arms. “I’m not as young as I used to be.”

They started to move. “You didn’t have to do that, Your Majesty,” Orion whispered, carefully guiding his mother-in-law around the floor. They did one lap and then he noticed Vincent with Rosalyn and then the other sisters being escorted by partners he hadn’t met yet, all joining them on the floor.

“It never hurts to keep Vincent on his toes.” Queen Julia’s eyes were just like her son’s. “He cares deeply for you. That makes you important to me and this country. But if you ever think heneeds a tap around the ears, then just let me know and I’ll do it for you.”

Orion couldn’t help but smile. He could see where Vincent got a lot of his personality. “You have honored me, and in a small way, the country of Tyrion this evening. I will be sure to mention this to my brother Onyx in my next communication with him.”

“Ah yes, how is your dear brother?” The queen and he moved around the floor again. “I did have hopes I could pair him with one of my daughters, but then he went and married Princess Evangaline from Elembaum. I was so disappointed although I did send a gift.”

“He and Evangaline are very happy together. She’s admitted at times she would rather they just lived quietly in a rural house somewhere, instead of being the crown princess, but she is devoted to Onyx and he to her."

“Then I am very pleased for them both.” Queen Julia sighed as the music closed on the first number. “Thank you, Orion. In truth I haven’t danced since my late husband was alive. That was a real pleasure.”

“The pleasure was mine.” Orion kept his breathing even as he slowly escorted the queen to the door, bowing low as he let go of her hand. “You’ve made my night, Your Majesty. Thank you.”

“It’s me who should be thanking you, Orion,” Queen Julia said with a twinkle in her eyes. “At least now Vincent is married, I know where he is at nights and can sleep soundly because of that.”

“Good night, Your Majesty.” Orion was still smiling when he turned to find Vincent standing behind him.

“Are you feeling all right?” Vincent bent low to whisper in Orion’s ear. “Here, take my arm. We can sit this next one out.”

“I’m a little overwhelmed, to be honest.” Orion kept his voice low as well. People were watching them, but none of them were close enough to hear anything. “Your mother just gave me the highest honor. Did you ask her to do that?”

“Nope. That’s just the way my mother is. Renegade queen,” Vincent said fondly. “She won’t even dance with me. Here’s our seat and I got some water for you. Just remember what my mother said about you being important to Faast. You’re about to be approached in droves.”

“What fun.” Orion smiled dutifully as a couple approached their seats.

“This is Errol and Caroline Macelroy. Lord and lady. They own an estate just beyond the city walls.” Vincent sat down resting his arm over the back of Orion’s chair again. “It’s nice to see you two this evening.”

“You, too, your highness,” Errol said stiffly, bowing just enough to show respect. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Crown Prince Consort. I hear you’re from Tyrion. Is that where you secured that delightful…waistcoat?”

He sounds like Mr. Grainger.Looking up with a perfectly straight face, Orion shook his head. “No, actually. My husband sourced it for me. I believe it was made by the gremlins in the border mountains, was that right, Vincent?”

“You remembered.” Vincent burst out laughing, until he must’ve noticed the couple were still waiting for him to speak. “Yes, yes, the consort is correct. I had them made specially from the gremlins from the border mountains. My husband has a number of them and they’re all unique, don’t you think?”

“Really unique indeed,” Errol agreed. “Your highness, I would truly appreciate knowing your contact for them…”

Orion zoned out, happy to let his husband carry the conversation while he sipped his water and lean against the back of his chair, the weight of his husband’s arm keeping him grounded. His legs were holding up, his back wasn’t aching too badly.Hopefully I’ll get to dance with my husband as well before this night is over.

/~/~/~/~/

Vincent had never felt so proud and thankful for his mother and his husband. His mother had welcomed Orion and showed her support for him in every way possible. Orion, in turn showed a grace on the dance floor Vincent hadn’t seen in his husband before, and he was keen to feel his husband in his arms.

Of course, people came up and talked to them. That’s what the party was about, and Vincent knew everyone in attendance. But unlike other times when Vincent felt he needed to be moving, being part of the action, he was perfectly content to sit with his husband, introducing friends to Orion, and making small talk. When he was asked a couple of times if he’d like to dance, Vincent just shook his head and kept on talking. It was so much easier than he thought it would be.Thank you mother.

He was still internally chuckling over Orion’s gremlin comment. In that one sentence Orion had shown he had not only remembered something Vincent had said from back when they first met, but he had the confidence to use the same gremlins in conversation. It might not have meant much to a lot of people, but to Vincent it meant the world. He and his husband were going to be all right.

It was a few hours later. The party was winding down and the music had slowed. During a lull in conversations Vincent could tell Orion was wilting. “Can you manage one tiny dance, just for me?” He asked quietly. “Say no, if you’re too tired.”

“I was hoping you’d ask. Sweep me off into your arms, my prince.”

“Isn’t it strange,” Vincent mused as he did as Orion asked, taking him to the dance floor and holding him close as they slowly moved together. “In all the time we’ve known each other, this is our first dance together. That makes this night special, don’t you think?”

---