Madame Bode called out names of boys seemingly at random. Eventually Orn realized she had started in the center and was working out. A quick head count revealed he would be going last. That gave Orn time to find a solution that did not involve asking another boy to dance. Though as boy after boy stepped forward Orn was no closer to a better idea.

When the boy next to Orn was called forward, Kao placed her hands behind her back and skipped back over to Orn. The mischief in her expression was still evident, but her tone softened. “So, what are you going to do? The only dances you know need a partner.”

Orn looked around with the knowledge he did not have any good choices. What was he going to do, ask one of the other boys? Besides the fact they hated him, he was not sure if any of them knew any of the dances he knew. Worse, he had a nagging suspicion that admitting he only knew dances requiring a partner would end with one of them assigned as a partner anyway. Before Orn could go to far down that train of thought, Kao’s movement drew his attention.

Kao stepped back and made a display of slightly holding out her hand. All the while, she looked up and away as if he was beneath her notice. “Since I am such a gracious goddess I will dance with you. If you ask nicely.”

If I accept she will find a way to pick on me for this. Orn thought, catching the ever present mischievous gleam in her eye. Yes, definitely a bad idea. I bet she will intentionally step on my feet or trip me.

“Mr. Blackthorn,” Madam Bode called.

It is not as if I have choice though, Orn thought swallowing and looking past Kao. In the open area of the dance floor the matron was speaking to the last boy to go and was giving him a couple suggestions. Orn noticed as she spoke she slowly moved through the steps to emphasize what he did wrong. Actually. Maybe I do.

Orn straightened and stepped forward raising his hand as to ask Kao’s permission to dance. Then he quickly stepped past her, and patted her on the head patronizingly. “Thanks,” he whispered moving quickly toward the instructor standing on the dance floor. Orn reached her just as she sent the boy back to the line.

“Madam Bode, “ Orn said when he was a couple steps away.

The matron spine went rigid and she spun around. As she turned, her fan snapped open, covering her face. From over the top of the fan, Orn saw her eyes narrow.

“Yes, Mr. Blackthorn?” her voice was flat.

Orn did his best to reproduced the bow his mother had drilled him on, “May I request the pleasure of your company for this dance?”

As he waited for her response, he caught a glimpse of Kao. Her arms were crossed, and she had puffed out her cheeks in annoyance. Orn smiled, I go the better of her for a change.

Orn heard Madam Bode’s fan snap shut, and looked up. The instructor extended her hand with the fan dangling by a strap from her wrist. Orn took her hand. He then began to slowly follow the steps his mother and Olivia had beat into him. After the first few steps, Madam Bode recognized the dance and matched him step for step.

...

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“That takes me back.” she said smiling, and slowed to a stop. Taking a step back she nodded to him and then turned to the class. “This is actually a perfect way to close today’s class.”

Orn could tell by the dismissive looks on the faces of his classmates they were not impressed.

“Who can tell me the name of this dance?” Matron Bod asked the group.

After a moment’s pause Adles raised his hand. “That is a strolling waltz.”

“Very good Mr. Adles,” Madam Bode smiled and gestured at Adles with her fan. “Since you recognize it, can you tell me what Mr. Orn did incorrectly?”

Orn sighed internally. I thought I did well.

Adles pondered for a few moments, but shook his head. “I do not know. I am not as familiar with the dance, but his steps looked right. He also adjusted his pace to yours.”

“Good observations, Mr. Adles.” She looked around to see the blank faces on the other boys. “It is important to remember that this is an etiquette class, not just a dance class. Though we will focus on it for this first year. I will give you all a hint. The issue was not with his dancing. Now, does that help anyone?”

After a few moments of blank stares form the group, including Orn’s, Madam bode continued. “Does anyone remember when Mr. Blackthorn walked over to ask me to dance? I see nods, but I want you all to think back to how he crossed the floor. Did any of you hear him? I for one, was not aware that he was so close until he spoke.”

She turned to smile softly at Orn. “Mr. Blackthorn clearly has a skill for moving quietly. It is not uncommon for noblemen to have such hunting skills. You must be mindful of this as you may accidentally startle your would be dance partner. You will be dancing with young ladies, not stalking game.”

“Return to your place Mr. Blackthorn,” then turning to the class as a whole she added. “I hope that you were paying attention to the last dance. At the end of the class you will be expected to be able to do that.”

The other students began to murmur among themselves. In response the matron unfolded then loudly snapped her fan closed. The sound instantly silenced the group. “I know that you all prefer the latest dance trends. Modern dances come and go. Their fleetingness makes them special, but traditional dances always worth knowing. Especially dances such as the strolling waltz which repeatedly becomes vogue.”

“For those who do not know, it is actually his majesty's favorite dance,” she continued looking around the room. “If you noticed Mr. Orn was able to dance with a sword on his side. He could not have done that with the Hop Trot everyone else did. Since his majesty came of age during the last war, the strolling waltz was popular at the time, and became his majesty’s favorite. In fact should he hold a ball, I would expect such traditional dances would be all that would occur. Do you want to remain hidden on the sides should you get such an invitation?”

Several boys shook their heads.

“Good. That is all for today. I will see you all tomorrow.”

{Madame Bode’s POV}

She watched the boys exit the auditorium. An interesting class this year, she thought.

She knew the Adles would be keeping abreast with the latest trends. Their youngest boy’s experience was clear, but there was something else there she would need to dig into it. He semed completely embarrassed about dancing at all.

Then there was Orn. He was the exact opposite of Adles. His family never came to or held social events. Still the boy moved almost as well as Mr. Adles, she shook her head. I do hope he stops looking like he is involved in a duel rather than a dance. He only smiled once and that seemed directed at the empty air.

Putting the two special cases aside, she walked toward her office. Every step on the polished floor seemed to echo in the empty room. Bringing another thought to mind. The boy had not made a sound when he walked up to her. He nearly gave her a heart attack when he spoke. How did he do that? What kind of skill do you need to move that quietly across a floor like this?