“They can’t photograph me on university grounds. It’s against the law,” Ethan said. “So they photograph me everywhere else I go. This is a big event, a lot of important people, so they’re all here. Your picture will be in the tabloids tomorrow, be sure.”
Good thing I’d done my makeup.
Inside, the theatre was beautiful. The ceilings were made of gold, crystal chandeliers hanging every few feet, and the rug underneath our feet was a rich ruby. Employees in tuxedos and white gloves handed out champagne to the guests as we walked in. I was offered, but I politely declined, as did Ethan.
We obtained our tickets from the booth, and strode into the vast auditorium. Each of the seats was huge, and plush velvet. Balconies hung above the stage, which was the largest I’d ever seen. Painted on the ceilings and the balconies were elaborate depictions of the gods, and what I could only fathom as the Great Hunting Grounds around them, an ethereal land of trees and sunlight amongst the clouds, decorated with gold trim.
Gods, this auditorium was wonderful. It had to be hundreds of years old. No wonder Odette revered her role as the lead. Performing in this gorgeous theatre had to be a high honor.
As prince regent, Ethan had snagged us coveted seats beside the orchestra pit. Delmare, Stefan, Alexei and Kiara were already here. Stefan and Alexei were both wearing tuxes, Alexei’s a little frayed. Kiara and Delmare cooled themselves with large fans. Kiara was wearing a big yellow ball gown, while Delmare had a black lace dress that was high-necked and long-sleeved.
“Where haveyoubeen?” Kiara asked as we sat down. “Show’s about to start.”
“We were otherwise preoccupied,” Ethan said as we sat down.
“That means she gave you a BJ,” Delmare deadpanned. Stefan snorted.
“We did no such thing,” I replied, though my tone gave me away.
“Your lipstick is smudged,” Delmare said.
Alexei and Stefan laughed, while Ethan paled, mortified. I took a mirror out of my purse and fixed it. “Well, at least it was agoodreason,” I said. Hopefully the paparazzi hadn’t caught that.
The orchestra pit began playing, and the red curtains lining the stage were pulled aside. Dancers flooded the stage. Theo was there, playing the part of Romeo as the show began.
I’d never seen such an exquisite ballet. I’d been to many shows before with my mom, but the skill of these dancers was on a whole other level. Every step was so carefully placed, the dancers made it look as easy as walking.
My heart skipped a beat as Odette came on stage, dressed as Juliet. She had a huge smile on her face, and her eyes gleamed happily, though I caught a hint of hesitation within them. She twirled and jumped with all the precise movements of an expert ballerina, each move poised and perfect.
Watching Odette dance was like observing a cloud floating across the sky. She seemed so light and airy. I could tell this is what she aspired to do. Performing was her true love. As she dipped and spun, I caught jealous gazes from the other dancers as they fluttered across the stage. All of them were good, but Odette’s dancing put her on a pedestal high above the rest. She was born to be onstage.
The music changed, and the theme fromRomeo and Julietplayed dramatically through the theater by the beauty of the string quartet. My breath caught, and Ethan noticed. He leaned in and whispered, “Something you like?”
“I’ve always lovedA Time for Us,” I replied. “It’s one of my favorite songs.”
Ethan smiled and squeezed my hand. “Well, maybe it can beoursong.”
I liked that. I liked that a lot. And perhaps it fit— Ethan and I, the two star crossed lovers, the prince and the peasant girl. We shouldn’t be together; we were expected to stay apart due to the rules dictated by class and proper society, and yet here we were.
As Theo and Odette danced, I found myself swooning. You could literallyfeelthe connection as they moved fluidly, playing the part of the forbidden lovers. They were practically the same person as Odette moved in Theo’s arms, spinning and leaping as one.
How could Odette not believe that Theo was her mate? It was obvious for the whole world to see as they worked together in unison on something they both adored. They loved to dance, and what was more, they loved to dance together. They had a deep soul connection that went beyond the realm of being partners. Why couldn’t Odette recognize what was meant to be?
Odette made it flawlessly through the first act. But as we came back from intermission, something changed. Her face was ashen, despite being plastered with stage makeup, and her pirouettes weren’t as perfect as before. Odette’s steps never faltered, but I watched her chest rise and fall rapidly as she tried to keep up with the music.
Theo kept a smile plastered on for the audience, but by the crinkles at the edges of his eyes, I could tell he was worried. Odette went out for a solo dance, and jumped so close to the edge of the stage she almost fell in the orchestra pit. The crowd gasped, but Odette played it off like she was meant to do it, and they clapped in response. Beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, and they glistened in the stage lights.
I don’t think she’d eaten today. She seemed weak. The small span of her waist seemed blatant to me as I watched her twirl.Odette, please hold on.
The defining moment came near the end of the second act. Theo pushed Odette into the air, performing an intricate lift. Odette held her position for a moment, appearing the perfect ballerina—
Before her eyes rolled back and her head went to the side.
I grabbed Ethan’s hand beside me. We stared on in shock as Odette slumped, falling to the floor. The audience made sounds of despair. I squeezed Ethan’s hand again, but thankfully, Theo caught her. He fell onto his side, cradling Odette so she didn’t hurt herself. He took the fall for her in a landing that resulted in a loudthudthat echoed throughout the auditorium.
Odette had fainted. Her eyes remained closed as Theo cradled her close, shaking her and trying to get her to wake up. The orchestra stopped playing, and the audience began to make noise.
I didn’t care about the ballet. I jumped up from my seat and ran around the orchestra, pulling myself on stage. The crowd gave scandalized cries of outrage as they saw me dash for Odette. The red curtains were closed, but I pushed past them and slid onto my knees next to Theo.
