Dancing with the Enemy

This piece is set in the world of The Feldavian Rift and Feldavian Nights, but is a standalone story introducing more of the world that we don’t see much of in the main storylines. Content warnings for — Visual Hypnosis, Non-consent, manipulation, exhibitionism, implied tentacle-like action.

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***

Isaac shifted uncomfortably in the saddle as he waited patiently at the city gates. The Milonese state was known for being wary of outsiders, so the extended wait wasn’t a surprise. What did surprise him was the instructions to travel without a retinue. It was an attempt at a power play, but one which he was perfectly happy to play along with. Milon could not afford to risk a return to open conflict, so he was in the strongest bargaining position of his already distinguished career. He smirked confidently as he heard the four story gates begin to creak open, imagining himself as the lone triumphant conqueror taking the city.

One of the guards approached on horseback, a young man in finely fitted leather armour. “Welcome to Milon, Ambassador. You have been granted permission to enter the City, I am to escort you to your quarters where you will wait until the diplomatic service are prepared to meet you.”

“Thank you for the warm welcome Trooper…?”

“Garn, Ambassador. Corporal Garn. Have you been to Milon before?”

Isaac chuckled, “If I said yes, would you believe me, Garn?”

“Probably not, Sir. You’re the first Hellite I’ve seen who wasn’t a prisoner.”

“There’ll be thousands more behind me if this visit doesn’t go well” Isaac said gravely, to which the guard riding alongside simply snorted. Isaac smiled privately to himself, clearly the Milonese had retained their pride despite the military defeats.

They rode in silence for a few minutes more, as Isaac carefully memorised the turns and landmarks of the route. The streets looked cleaner than anywhere else he’d visited. A few dozen well-dressed people shuffled about their day, as the mid-afternoon light filtered through overhanging plants and vines strung between the three and four storey buildings that lined these streets.

Isaac spotted a chemist’s parlour and seized the opportunity to engage the Corporal in conversation again. “I’ll say Garn, I thought your people couldn’t do magic? Is that a Chemist’s shop I see there?”

Garn snorted dismissively, “Of course we can do magic, it’s merely frowned upon as a crutch that places too much emphasis on the circumstances of one’s birth. Here, you can’t just be appointed District Governor because you were born with magic blood”

Isaac tactfully waited, smiling softly as he had done so many times before, waiting for the Corporal to continue.

“Uh, sorry Ambassador, I meant no offence.”

“Of course not, Son”

“I only meant to explain that Magic is considered less important here. We all receive basic awareness training, but the only real way to learn casting is at the Council Academy. I should also point out before you cause an incident, that casting is forbidden within the city walls unless you have a license.”

“A license?” Isaac raised an eyebrow quizzically, “That explains a lot”

The corporal shrugged as they rounded a corner, “It works for us. But enough on that, we’re approaching the gates to the Upper City. I was asked to explain our security measures before we arrive, so you aren’t alarmed.”

“By all means, explain away, I’m no stranger to unusual customs. I once wrestled a boar to win an audience with an Orc Chieftain!”

The corporal sighed discreetly, “No. No, nothing like that. You will be searched for weapons. An Augur will inspect any magical equipment you’re carrying, and dangerous artifacts will be confiscated. Lastly, you will be blindfolded until you reach your destination. This is all quite routine, even for our own citizens living in the outer districts.”

“Thank you for the heads up Garn, none of that sounds like a problem. I trust you’ll have my back?”

The corporal gave him a sideways glance, failing to hide his confusion “Uh, Yes, Ambassador, I will do my duty, which on this day means ensuring your safety until the point you are delivered to the diplomatic corps. Beyond that and your return journey, I owe you no loyalty”

“You’re charmingly professional, Garn” Isaac chided playfully.

Garn let slip a brief smile, before riding ahead to arrange their passage.

***

The blindfold was itchy as he felt it being loosened and dropped to hang around his neck. He squinted to take in a lushly furnished living room. “Welcome to the Palace of Milon” Garn said proudly.

“Thank you Corporal, I don’t see a welcoming party though”

The corporal laughed as he opened a set of carved double doors to reveal a bedroom with a four-poster bed “You’ll get used to it, you have to earn your status in the Upper City. Speaking of which, the blindfold identifies you as a guest on official business, I’d suggest you don’t take it off”

Isaac glanced down, noting the red stripes adorning the fabric. “Sort of like a security pass?”

Corporal Garn pulled a similar slip of fabric out from beneath his leather cuirass. “Not exactly, but close enough. The pattern normally shows which house you belong to. I was chosen as your escort because the house I belong to is in high standing at the moment, and therefore we probably wouldn’t be delayed.”

Isaac followed Garn as he opened a second set of doors, revealing an almost empty room whose main feature was mirrors on three sides, “So, you’re a member of the nobility?” Isaac asked.

“Uh… no. You Hellites have indentured servants right?”

Isaac shifted uncomfortably, “An archaic system that we’re working to untangle, but yes.”

Garn didn’t seem bothered by the admission, “Well, Milon has a more… fluid arrangement. It’s all internal politics you don’t need to know, but the key point is that you won’t get plucked up as some minor house’s servant if you’re wearing those colours”.

Isaac raised an eyebrow, “I don’t suppose you have a pamphlet to help me decipher the meanings?”

Garn paused, seemingly stumped by the question. “Huh, no. It’s just common knowledge, and word of changes travels fast. Like… everyone knows the 13 States so nobody would bother making a pamphlet.”

“Of course, thank you for your advice then Garn. One more question before you go, what’s this room for?” Isaac gestured to the largest, empty room with mirrored walls.

“Didn’t… wait, didn’t anyone tell you what to expect?”

Isaac chose to remain silent, maintaining an even, unfazed composure, waiting for Garn to answer.

“Sorry, Sir. I assumed you knew. That’s your personal ballroom. All Inner-City residences have one.” He paused, choosing his words carefully, “for, uh, socialising. Plus, it’s assumed that visitors will want to warm up before…” He paused again “… before they are put on display”.

Isaac walked slowly into the space, looking around at the mirrored walls, admiring his finely tailored tunic on his slim reflection.

Garn didn’t follow, waiting just outside the ballroom, “You do Dance in Hellite don’t you?”

Isaac answered back casually, “Yes, but we’ve never thought it important enough to have personal ballrooms”.

Garn called out, “Ah I see, perhaps I’ve said too much. Sir, the diplomatic service will be with you shortly, they will arrange food, drink, and any further information you might need. Please do not wander the halls until they have greeted you, and uh…” Isaac noticed the look of conflicted concern on Garn’s face as he stammered, “Good luck to you Sir”.

Isaac frowned as he watched Garn turn to leave. Isaac called out, “Thank you Corporal, I look forward to seeing you for the Journey back tomorrow!”

The door closed curtly behind the retreating soldier, and Isaac was left to stare at his reflection. He looked… uneasy.

* * *

It was almost sunset when the doors to Isaac’s quarters swung open, and a tall, extravagantly dressed woman marched in. She was flanked by 2 young attendants, who looked entirely unperturbed as their mistress announced herself “My dear Guest I beg your forgiveness for my lateness, I was engaged with a young Count from the house of Bund, and time slipped away from us. I am Tessa, senior diplomatic counsel for the council.” She curtseyed deeply as Isaac scrambled to his feet and bowed imperceptibly in response “Not to worry Tessa, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Isaac Cyrites, ambassador for Hellite. I understand from the brief protocol I was sent, that the formal talks are to happen late this evening?”

The woman before him maintained her Curtsy, smiling broadly with teeth that seemed far too white. “You are correct, however I am here to make sure you are prepared for the customs of Milon. They can be most confusing, even intimidating to foreign guests, though foreign guests are few.”

Isaac smiled a confident, serene smile back, offering a hand to Tessa. “I assure you I am more than a match for any protocol that may be required. Hellite sends its best, out of respect for Milon.”

Tessa took his hand daintily, and returned to her full height, high heels leaving her towering several inches over Isaac “Excellent.” She swept away towards the ballroom, giving instructions bluntly to her attendants: “Yuna, Miko, Get him dressed for practice. I will prepare the room”. With that, she turned and closed the doors to the ballroom behind her, leaving Isaac alone with the two attendants.

Now that Tessa and her extravagant presence had left the room, Isaac was finally able to acknowledge the two attendants who had entered with her. They were slightly shorter than him, dressed in matching tightly-tailored waistcoats with immaculate high-collared white shirts. The only obvious difference he could see was in the style they kept their hair, the dark-haired one wore it in a top-bun, whilst the ashen-haired one wore theirs in a long plait that stretched to their collar. He nodded politely to them in turn, “A pleasure to meet you, though I won’t need any help dressing, I’m quite capable of doing that myself”. The dark haired one smirked, and spoke with a voice like crushed ice, at once sharp and fluid, “You may find our clothing a little unusual, and we couldn’t ignore Mistress Tessa’s instructions. If you would prefer Miko to do it so I don’t…” Isaac could swear he saw a brief smirk cross her face “…so I don’t see anything you don’t want me to, he would be more than happy to.”

Isaac held one hand up calmly, not wanting to appear overly defensive or to upset his hosts. “Thank you, Yuna. I assure you I have nothing to hide, but perhaps for the sake of propriety you would wait in the other room?”

Yuna bowed only slightly, and turned to leave. Isaac wasn’t sure if her expression had shifted when she turned or if it was just a trick of the light. She called back as she was leaving “Then I shall leave you in the capable hands of Miko, he is *very* experienced in this sort of thing.”

He watched her leave, swinging the door to the bedchamber shut behind her. It took him a few moments to notice the sensation of movement at his chest. He looked down, surprised to see Miko standing in front of him, having already undone three of his jacket buttons. He jumped in surprise.

A voice like warm wind flowed from Miko’s subtly painted lips, “Please, relax Isaac. Let me work.”

Isaac struggled to make sense of the unexpected position he found himself in. He had been sent consorts before, and both Miko and Yuna looked more than old enough to play the role, but he knew the dangers both of assuming and accepting such hospitality being offered. He tried to gently place a hand on one of Miko’s arms to gesture him to stop for a moment, only for Miko to almost melt away moving around to his rear as the jacket was slid from his shoulders.

“Miko, wait, tell me what I’m supposed to be doing here. Is there something wrong with my clothes?”

Miko stepped away to hang the jacket up, leaving Isaac feeling a little awkward in the middle of the ornate room. Again, Miko spoke with a voice that made Isaac think of melted butter being poured, “You don’t need to do anything. Your clothes are fine. Quite handsome. The fashion in Milon though, is quite… unique.”

With that, Miko swung a panel from the wall open, revealing a rack of elaborate clothing in a compartment behind it. Miko swept a lithe arm upwards, as if he were a merchant displaying his wares. “Only the finest for our honoured guest”.

Isaac took a step towards the display, only for Miko to rush silently towards him, placing a single hand gently on his chest. “No, not yet. I need to see what would suit you.”

Isaac didn’t notice anything else until he felt cooler air on his chest, Miko had already unbuttoned his waistcoat and shirt, how on earth could he be that dextrous? Isaac fought with his curiosity, which was pressuring him to remain silent and see where this was going, though he eventually settled on the astute diplomatic option. He muttered to himself, as if urging his mouth into greater action “If in doubt, ask the question…”

“Miko, is this… entirely innocent? I mean, sending two pretty young servants to undress me, is this… normal?”

Miko paused for a moment, and cocked his head questioningly, “I don’t know what you mean, Sir?”

Isaac frowned, “I mean, in Hellite, and many other cities, sending young servants to undress a guest might be considered an invitation to engage in… more carnal pursuits.” When Miko didn’t answer, Isaac felt pressured to add “… I mean, as a way to butter up foreign dignitaries, make them more pliable”.

Miko laughed, the gorgeous sound making Isaac think of chandeliers swaying in a breeze, distracting Isaac from the deft hands unclipping his belt. “Is that what you think I’m doing right now?”

“Uh… I’m not sure. Is it?”

“Would that be so bad? You did just call us pretty, after all!”

Before Isaac could answer, he noticed the cool air around his legs, and looked down to see Miko waving one hand, clearly manipulating some spell, as his other hand helped Isaac’s dress trousers to the floor.

“Wait, wait, wait!” Isaac yelped as quietly as he could manage, reaching down to pull his clothes back up. “Do you really have to help me with it, I’m perfectly-”

Miko lightly grabbed Isaac’s hands, fixing him with a piercing gaze as he cut him off, “Yes. I have my orders. And to answer your question…” Isaac felt his undershirt and underwear fall away as if by magic, “I’m not here to seduce you”

Miko paused, smiling adoringly up at Isaac who stood speechless as he was undressed, listening to Miko’s gentle voice, “But… if you were to ask me to…”

With that, Miko, knelt down before Isaac, lifting his feet with gentle, tickling touches. Isaac swallowed at the image of the gorgeous man kneeling before him, who’d left him speechless. He couldn’t help but feel the growing sense of arousal from the imagery alone, as he was finally left fully nude. He limply grabbed at the protective necklace around his neck, reassured by it’s cool metallic surface. Cold meant no magic was being used on him. Hot meant magic. He took deep, calming breaths as Miko stood back up, and shook his head, with faux confidence. “Thank you Miko, but… no. I’m here on important business.”

Miko smiled a gentle, understanding smile, “Of course Isaac, you have to stay focused for the challenge ahead”.

“Exactly right, the stability of both our cities depends on it”.

Miko didn’t answer, and simply turned to the rack of clothing, pulling two outfits from the rack. The first, a jet black, elaborate frilled suit with gold trim. The second, an unusual maroon and gold patterned cloak with sleeves, that reminded him somewhat of an expensive jester’s costume.

He raised an eyebrow at Miko, “You can’t be serious?”

Miko chuckled softly to himself, “It’s quite the fashion lately, but perhaps…” Miko stood looking Isaac up and Down, ignoring Isaac covering his modesty, “Perhaps your lovely frame would suit something a little less traditional?”

“I’m a modern man, apparently”, Isaac shrugged, as he watched the young attendant open a second wall panel to reveal another rack of clothing. He filed through, selecting a pale, shimmering slip of an unusual fabric that caught the light as it moved. Miko held the strange piece up in front of Isaac. It looked like a toga with loose, hanging sleeves that barely reached the elbows. He’d seen similar designs in old mosaics, although the unusual shimmering fabric was a nice touch.

Miko called out, in his soft yet surprisingly loud voice, “Yuki, I need your expertise”

Without giving Isaac a chance to object, the young attendant with a top-knot slid the door to the bedchamber open, and strode out, eyeing up the naked diplomat with interest. As her eyes settled on his hands at his crotch she smirked, “Which expertise exactly, because he looks a little… flushed?”

They shared a conspiratorial glance as Miko answered, almost ignoring his presence, “That might be my fault, he seemed to enjoy getting undressed, but he hasn’t asked for anything more if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Shame” Yuki shrugged, before taking the strange clothing from Miko, and walking straight up to press it against Isaac’s front, nearly stepping on his toes as she squared up to his chest.

“Excuse me, uh, Yuki but… a little space please?” he murmured, trying not to involve Miko.

She simply tilted her head to look up at him, stood on her toes and whispered “You’re about to be in the arms of our Mistress for a lesson on protocol and our customs, if you can’t handle me being this close, you might as well go home…” She lowered herself back down and continues sizing the outfit against him as she spoke louder now, “So, just stand there and let me work.”

Isaac bit his tongue. It wasn’t worth causing a scene just yet, but he would have some strong words once the initial treaty was agreed.

His thoughts were interrupted as Yuki batted at his hands, “Move these, no point hiding from us in here”.

“No” Isaac grunted back.

Yuki sighed and began to mutter some sort of incantation.

Isaac grabbed her arm with one hand, and lowered his gaze menacingly to meet hers “The necklace I wear is a powerful ward, granted only to the most senior military and state officials. If you try to magically harm or influence me, you will be wounded by its protections.”

Yuki waited patiently for Isaac to release his grip, then continued her incantation without explanation. A moment later, Yuki’s eyes took on a strange glowing light, and he saw them roam across his body, as she smirked.

She walked back over to Miko and nodded, whispering in his ear about something. The blush on Miko’s face was visible across the room, and they both nodded.

“That looks like… good news?” Isaac prompted.

The two turned to look at him, and said together “You’re wearing this”, as Yuki held up the strange shimmering Toga.

***

The fabric clung strangely to his frame, despite having numerous folds hanging loosely. It was slick like some sort of silk. He raised an eyebrow at Yuki and Miko, “Are you sure this is… appropriate?”

Yuki nodded, “Perfectly. You come to us as an invader, a conqueror. That confidence should be reflected in both your appearance and your performance. You come alone, fearing nothing, and now you show the court that you have nothing to fear from their gaze. You will project strength through vulnerability”

Isaac couldn’t help but be impressed, Yuki was smarter than he originally gave her credit for. That was exactly why he had agreed to the unusual requests and protocols, something his peers would have quibbled over unnecessarily. Better to assume your hosts are not fools, and have reasons for their customs. “And, this fabric, what is this made of?” he changed the subject.

Miko answered this time, “Drider silk, quite rare. It’s magically conductive, like most formal dancewear at state events.”

Isaac squinted suspiciously. His ward was quite impenetrable, so this would offer the Milonese no advantage against him. “Why does my clothing need to be magically conductive, exactly?”

“We will let our mistress explain that, she awaits you in the ballroom for your first lesson in our protocols, oh and one more thing…”

Isaac saw Miko briefly motion with his hands, and gasped as the toga suddenly contracted around his waist and shoulders, hugging him tightly. Miko simply smirked and added “It’s for your comfort and… modesty”.

Isaac shrugged, a motion made uneven and awkward by the toga’s grip, and entered his personal ballroom.

* * *

The ballroom had changed remarkably. The floor had taken on a tiled appearance, a checkerboard pattern, like an oversized chessboard. Tessa stood at the edge, leaning out of one of the small windows talking to someone outside, Isaac couldn’t help but notice her change of costume, a thick luxurious looking dress of patterned furs draped around her back and flowed off her hips like syrup. As the doors clicked shut behind him, she rose and turned to face him, her face suddenly a picture of warmth. “My Darling guest, I have looked forward to this they first told us the accomplished diplomat Isaac was to attend on us. The band is ready outside, I understand you have danced before?”

“It’s not what I’m known for, but I can hold my own. I’m guessing from the effort you go to here…” Isaac gestured at the elaborate hall, “that you take it particularly seriously in Milon?”

Tessa smiled broadly, “Very much so Isaac! You are quite observant I see” Her voice seemed to drip with a patronising hostility, “In Milon we place much importance upon one’s performance in this… arena. Where once the families were decimated by plots and schemes for power, now the houses express their political power, and their struggles for it, in a less violent way. We have elevated ourselves above the typical squabbles you would have known in Hellite and the other cities.”

Isaac laughed abrasively, making sure to match Tessa’s tone for now, “Such an enlightened people, it is a shame that civility appears to be reflected in your military’s competence.”

Tessa scowled, motioning briefly for the band to begin as she walked to the center of the floor, “Our military serves its purpose, it was only three months ago that we sat outside your precious Hellite’s walls.”

“And yet here we are today” Isaac countered, as he advanced to meet Tessa, “Our armies a day’s travel away, your own scattered to the wind.”

Tessa looked… surprisingly calm at this provocation. She raised a hand, palm flat, inviting Isaac to meet it. “Military power is not all that matters, culture matters, and, I’m sure you’d agree, Diplomatic power.”

Isaac took her open palm, and placed his other hand at her waist, “I accept your compliment on my own talents, gracious host. So if you’re here to teach me, show me what is so different about your culture that excuses the defeat you have suffered.”

Tessa stepped closer, pressing herself against him, the soft furs tickling Isaac’s exposed chest and neck. “Gladly.”

The band had begun to play outside, the sound drifting in through the single open window, but reverberating crisply from the mirrored walls. Tessa began to sway and Isaac matched her as she explained, “The basic steps will be familiar to you, the building blocks are always the same… spearmen, archers, mages, cavalry, contact, clothing, rhythm, strength, decisions. What matters is how you use them to take your opponent, where you want them to go”

With that, Tessa stepped forward, Isaac deftly matched her step. “Do the women always lead in Milon?” Isaac teased as the main melody began to play, surging forwards on a strong beat. Tessa retreated laughing softly, “You learn fast. No, the leader is whoever emerges as the leader. It is… a collaboration, a conversation” Isaac realised Tessa had begun stepping around him, not moving him anywhere, just circling as she explained, “Just like a battle, there is a natural rhythm to everything. Your opponent follows it, as you must as well. Interrupt the rhythm, and all that results is chaos. Follow the beat, then move”

Isaac waited, listening to the beat of a bass drum outside, as he watched his host moving in tight circles, still pressing gently against him. When the music swelled for a moment, he struck, stepping forwards forcefully, and striding towards one of the mirrored walls, admiring the impression his hand left in the deep furs at the small of Tessa’s back, her heels striking the floor sharply.

He reached the edge of the floor and stopped, returning to the steady sway in time with the beat, “So the strongest person leads, since they can decide where you go?”

Tessa laughed abrasively, “Such a typical man! Do you also think the strongest painter makes the most beautiful works?”, swaying on the spot with him, allowing him to answer.

He took the chance to take the lead once more, stepping across her front, turning her to face their reflection, “Not at all, though it seems strength has served Hellite well of late.”

Tessa ducked beneath his hold, grabbing his waist from behind, gently persuading him to step with her as they started to cross the room, “Strength eventually fades, but charm…” she ducked around him, appearing once more looking down to meet his eyes, her pristine face curving effortlessly into a knowing smile, “…a charming lover can stay with you forever”

Isaac tilted his head, not quite following the metaphor, as Tessa took advantage of his confusion to lead him once more onto the back foot, sweeping him towards the far wall again. The beat wasn’t quite regular, occasionally seeming to skip or double up, making it hard to find a good place to interrupt the movement. He settled for interrupting Tessa’s argument, “And you believe Hellite and Milon might be… lovers?”

She laughed, “Oh, don’t be so literal darling! No, lovers implies an equity… an equinamity that simply can’t exist between us.”

Feeling a pause in Tessa’s step, he swung his frame, their rigid embrace throwing Tessa out to his side, though she turned effortlessly to follow. He nodded, impressed, “I’m surprised to hear you make such a concession so early, do you think your King would admit it so readily?”

She laughed, allowing him to lead, though subtly redirecting them in a wide circle, “The king does as he’s told. What matters to you here is what the head of each house thinks of your… requests”

He gave a demure nod, not wanting to be openly hostile, not yet anyway, “And, what do the head of the houses think of our terms?”

She spun him around, still holding one hand at his waist as he spiralled into her surprisingly strong frame, finding his face buried in the crook of her neck as she whispered, “They think you a fool”

Isaac cursed under his breath, making a show of stepping back outside of the rhythm, only for Tessa to throw him outwards, still holding his hand as he found himself spinning outwards like an uncoiling spring until he reached the extend of his reach, and broke free, catching himself a few paces away. “Lady Tessa, you may call me a knave if you wish, but your precious houses are filled to the rafters with fools if they think they can reject our offer outright.”

He paused, resolutely holding his position in the centre of the room, as Tessa calmly pirhouetted around him. “Oh I agree.” she laughed, “That’s why I fought so hard for the right to train you.”

Isaac relaxed his shoulders, “So you see sense?”

Tessa delicately closed the distance, one hand outstretched, palm opened towards him, “Always, my dear. Allow me to teach you, and we will have these vain nobles eating from your palm.”

Isaac nodded, and took her offered hand.

***

“Enough, I need to rest a moment” Isaac said, as he headed for the door back to his room, “We’ve danced until sunset and yet you’ve told me nothing that would assure the success of the negotiations.”

Isaac didn’t want to sound ungrateful, but it was frustrating jumping, and dancing, through so many intricate hoops without knowing exactly what the strategy was to be. The intensity of the dancing, and the mental focus required, had been draining alone, even without the endless spinning Tessa seemed to enjoy putting him through.

He shook his head in disbelief as he saw his reflection in the mirror again, the strange outfit clinging to his form still, making him look like he wore some foreign night-wear. Hardly the attire of a Hellite noble.

Tessa swept into the room behind him, clicking her fingers, “Miko, Yuna, refreshments please!” as the pair of servants appeared seemingly from nowhere, bearing a large jug and a plate of fruit between them.

He sat, or more accurately, collapsed on the cushioned chair nearest the open window, hearing the bustle of the band taking the chance to rest as well, as Tessa came to stand beside him. “But you were doing so well! Why, you could almost pass for a resident Milonese!”

“Really?” he asked, sounding pointedly unconvinced.

Tessa set a firm hand on his shoulder, “Ok, perhaps not a Milonese man of noble birth, but you would make a competent entertainer, and for our purposes, that is enough.”

Yuna offered him a glass filled to the brim with water and ice, which Tessa took from her and set in Isaac’s tired hand. “Please, do take a moment to drink. You will need your strength again soon.”

“When does the formal reception start?” he asked, taking a sip of the refreshing drink.

“Oh, it has already started.”

Isaac made to stand up, only to find Yuna and Miko both easing him back down as Tessa laughed. “Relax! There’s no rush, these things go on for hours, and as the conquering hero, it’s only proper that you keep them waiting.”

“Hmph, and this won’t be seen as disrespectful?” he asked, shrugging off Yuna and Miko’s hands at his shoulders.

“Only the proper amount.” Tessa laughed, “besides, we still need a few more minutes to prepare.

“I feel like I understand the etiquette of your dances well enough, even if they seem devoid of purpose.” Isaac grunted, dismissively, as he finished his drink.

“The purpose is simple, to see who comes out on top… a display of skill, though you do come to us with an obvious advantage. An army at your back.”

“Is that not enough of an advantage to skip the dancing?” He asked, taking a bite of a strange green fruit.

“Perhaps,” Tessa mused, “but to come here alone and engage in our customs shows respect for your adversary. It also gives us… certain opportunities.” she purred, stroking his chin as he hungrily devoured the delicious fruit.

“Such as?” he mumbled, wiping his mouth with a napkin Miko offered him.

“Such as, bringing the heads of all the houses together for the first time in many years, all of whom will wish to dance with you, all of whom will wish to discuss their role as Hellite’s ally.”

“We have no interest in your internal politics.”

“I had assumed as much, given you made no effort to request an audience with any of us in private, a rather naïve oversight if I say so myself.”

Isaac pre-emptively swatted Miko and Yuna’s hands away as he stood up, trying to look imposing. Even standing, he had to crane his neck to meet Tessa’s gaze, and the slim outfit picked out for him left him looking considerably smaller than his counterpart. He tried to sound stern, “You mistake my deliberate indifference as ignorance. If you’re hoping to curry favour for your house by teaching me these customs, it will not work.”

He softened his tone, “I am grateful for your… warm welcome, and hospitality, but I will not be swayed to show favour.”

Tessa’s face hardened for a moment, before resuming the same calm smile. Isaac was pretty sure he had hit a nerve, or at least guessed her intentions correctly. At least Tessa was not easily offended as she laughed, “Well, perhaps I should sway you in another way.” She let the innuendo hang in the air for just a moment longer, before withdrawing it, “We should finish your lesson, you don’t sway your hips nearly enough! Please, come, just a few more minutes.”

She clicked her fingers at Yuna and Miko, who rushed to the grand double doors, holding them open for the pair, now arm in arm, Tessa leading Isaac briskly through to the dance floor again.

Another click of her fingers, and the band outside started up, a slower, more sonorous melody that took a while to pick up.

One hand on his waist, and one hand on his shoulder, Tessa began to move again, a gentle sway at first, side to side. “Much as before, wait for your moment, then make a move… except now, convince me.”

Isaac was getting the hang of this, stepping off confidently, one hand in the small of Tessa’s back, one arm at her shoulder, “Convince you of what?”

As they reached the far wall, and its vast mirror, she once more slipped around him and set their direction, walking parallel to the wall length mirror, giving Isaac and chance to properly appreciate how good they looked, lock in step like this. “Convince me, as you will do for others tonight, that Milon should join Hellite.”

“Ah, of course”, Isaac was caught off guard, he had expected to be given a platform, or a seat, from which to deliver the terms for Milonese surrender. As he tried to recall his planned phrase, Tessa swept in close, pulling him tight against her chest as she took the lead once more, taking advantage of his distraction to spin him to face the wall length mirror as she danced him around a small square pattern.

“War is nothing new to our two cities. Even before the war of the Rift, our cities lost many good soldiers to petty squabbles. I stand before you…”

Tessa cut him off, dipping him down towards the floor, her strong grip around his waist saving him from falling, though not saving him from the distraction. He shot her an angry look, “Do you want to hear our terms or not?”

Tessa, pulled him back up sharply, throwing him once more against her chest as she continued to lead them in the small pattern, “I’m only doing what my rivals will do to you, if you give them the chance. In fact, I’m going easy on you, why I’ve been positively demure by comparison!” she chuckled, still leading their movements, a strong step and guiding hand with each strong, slow beat of the music.

“So, if I’m understanding right, you’re saying that, even whilst their City stands at risk of an invasion, they would tempt fate by…”

“By tempting you, yes” Tessa said, one hand slipping to his own lower back

“That’s not what I was going to say!” Isaac protested, even as Tessa led him back towards the main doors.

“And yet, that is what they will do.”

Isaac was getting fed up, digging his heels in and stopping Tessa’s advance in it’s tracks, now simply shifting his weight, foot to foot, with the music. “If I weren’t here on such important business, I would have some unkind words to say about your noble class”

Tessa smiled, “If we had time for that, I might even agree. However!” Tessa snapped her fingers, and Yuna and Miko stepped in, “Your clothes were chosen with your inexperience in mind.”

“And here I was assuming you just liked your men in tight tunics” Isaac quipped

Tessa let her hand roam a little lower to squeeze his rear, speaking over his objection, “Oh, I surely do, but no, allow me to show you!” and with that Tessa swept him forwards, towards her, as they circled outwards towards the wide mirrors, “Yuna and Miko are accomplished magicians, and with their help, we shall give you the upper hand, with these difficult negotiations.”

“How are you-”

Tessa cut him off “Now, please!” Tessa called out to the two stood by the door, and in an instant the room lit up in colour. Isaac winced and screwed his eyes shut in shock at the dazzling display, as a hundred different colours filled the room. Through his closed eyelids, he saw the light dimming, even as the colours continued to shift.

Tessa allowed him to step away from her a little more, holding him once more at arm’s length, “You can open your eyes now, I think they were a little excited to show off, and may have overdone it a little.”

Isaac opened his eyes hesitantly, to see a gentle swirling pattern of colour radiating across the room. He looked around as Tessa gently turned them on the spot, when his eyes settled on their reflection.

The light was coming from his clothes.

The surface shone, as if coloured flames were burning through it, deep reds giving way to softer oranges, shifting again to yellows, then greens, and continuing to shift as he stared in amazement.

“Do you like it?” Tessa asked in hushed tones.

Isaac simply nodded, staring.

He followed the flash of some new colour, from his ankle, rolling up the leg, spiralling around his hips, disappearing for a moment behind Tessa’s arm, appearing again at his back as Tessa continued to spin him so he could see. The rolling pattern circled around to the front of his chest, finally collapsing around his neck with a brief flare of intensity. Dimly, he noticed that the same pattern had already started with a new colour, already swirling around his calf.

“It’s quite special, made for just such an occasion. Pay attention to the sensations for a moment, would you?” she whispered, pulling him close against her once more.

Isaac was too taken aback, or too focused, by the strange lights, to try and fight the uninvited intimacy this time, as he felt the fabric constrict ever so slightly around his ankle as a deep purple coloured wisp of colour began to emerge. He felt his taut muscles relax as the deep rippling sensation rolled up his thighs, around his hips, tightening for a moment at his lower back, and continuing upwards. He followed the light in his reflection, as Tessa held him side-on to the nearby mirrored wall, and gasped as it reached his neck. As the light flared in intensity, the fabric hugged his neck tightly for a second before releasing him.

The sensation was wonderful, and entirely distracting, he noted, somewhere in the back of his mind.

He stood there, being held, as Yuna and Miko circled the room, tweaking the pattern as they observed their work, and as Tessa slowly turned Isaac around in front of her. He found himself being held from behind, Tessa’s reflection just about visible behind the colourful display, only her hands on his waist silhouetted against the vivid light.

Isaac tried to speak, but it came out as a half-hearted mumble, “How mmm I go- to… Oh god” he gasped, interrupted by a particularly powerful ripple that rose a little too high up his inner thigh.

Tessa simply laughed, muttering something to the two circling mages, that Isaac couldn’t quite focus on.

“You look absolutely beautiful, don’t you?”

Isaac nodded.

“You see, everyone will be watching you tonight. Yuna and Miko worked very hard on getting the patterns just right.”

“Whyy?” he managed to ask, his vision fixed on another ripple of deep red that was slowly snaking its way up his stomach.

“I only want to help you!” she moaned in his ear, her hands wrapping around to hold his waist more firmly, fingertips digging in to the front of his hips, “You’re so unfamiliar with our ways. Any one of the nobles could have their way with you here. But, with my help, the diplomats and generals of Hellite will be… so well looked after.”

“No I meant-” he gasped as he saw Yuna contract her grip, feeling the same movement wrap around his neck for a second as the next colour reached it. Catching his breath, Isaac continued, “I meant, why lights? How… why this?”

“Isn’t it obvious my Darling?” Tessa whispered in his ear, suddenly grabbing his waist firmly and walking him forwards towards his reflection, still in time to the beat. If he hadn’t been fixated on the colours, he would have noticed the small eyeglasses Tessa now wore, reflecting the lights back once more. “Watch the colours as they move, can’t you feel them?”