© K-Nice 1999
Possibly, In Another Life
York was respendant in white. Emily had been delighted the first time she saw snow, but even after many hard winters in Plymouth, she was still fascinated by its cold purity.
"Robert, you will escort Miss Darkholme to the Inner Circle's New Year's Ball." The words belonged to Lady Frost but the sarcastic, mocking tone belonged the one and only Robert Drake. Emily found herself giggling and tried to control her laughter.
"Drake, you are so silly." Emily regretted it the moment she said it. Drake stiffened at her side, his hands gripping her gloved fingers tightly. The temperature in the carriage plummeted quickly and Emily struggled to appologize. "I didn't mean it in a bad way, Robert. I meant . . . you're fun to be around."
Robert released her and moved to the other side of the bench seat, staring out at the snow covered city from between the white velvet curtains. Emily had nearly overlooked the fact that Drake was Lady Frost's "protegé." She would never marry him but she kept him tied to her because she found him amusing. She was in the carriage behind of them, preparing to make her big entrance. She had chosen Jason Wyngarde, a fellow member of the Inner Circle, as her escort, but she brought Emily along so Robert would be nearby.
In the cold silence, Emily played with the fingers of her gloves. She wore them as more than a concession to current fashion. She was still not in full control of her mutant abilities, even after all her time at the Frost Academy. But now, she didn't think she would have to worry about using her absorbing powers ever again.
As a present for her coming out party, Miss Danvers had allowed Emily to absorb her powers one last time. What Carol did not know, was that, even though every touch still triggered a reaction, Emily had learned to control how much she absorbed and how much she let go. Over the years, Emily had slowly kept pieces of Carol, enough to give her incredible strength and speed. She had even managed to fly once. But that was a secret for Emily to keep to herself.
Her emerald-green silk hoop-gown shimmered in the light reflecting off the snow banks has she disembarked from the carriage. Robert held her hand rather absently and they waited as Lady Frost and Lord Wyngarde came out onto the entry way. Frost's slim-cut white gown was sure to cause a stir and as Emily's place to stay in her shadow.
At least that was the plan. But as soon as they entered the ballroom, Emily was on the look out for the one person she was eager to see tonight.
Remy LeBeau, her childhood friend, was supposed to be there. His father had died recently and his brother was now in charge of the Thieves' Guild. Emily had written with her condolences and Remy had responded. He was very eager to reaquaint himself with her, as they were engaged to be married, at their parents' concensus. Emily too wanted to see how her old friend was doing.
She was not the little girl he had known anymore, and she wondered if they were still compatible. Not that it mattered. They had shared in their parents' promise, swearing to abide by the marriage contract. Whether or not she still loved him, she would go through with the engagement, if only to honor Mother Irene, who had died one year too soon to see her decision come to bear.
As he was not readily present before her, Emily was content to enjoy the company that was. Sitting at the table assigned for Lady Frost, Emily found herself talking and laughing with Robert. She turned down several dance requests so as to listen to him tell story after story.
Emily envied Frost, who had stolen the man's heart before Emily herself was in a position to contend for it. Drake was a good, honest man, however. He was not the sort that could accept Emily as she was, a criminal in training. He respected her as the daughter of leaders of a religious cult, not the child of very clever front women for an illegal training ground for mutants.
As the evening went on, Robert grew tired of watching Wyngarde and Frost dancing indecently in the middle of the packed ball room. He bowed before Emily and swept her out onto the floor.
He was a fine dancer, quick and graceful. They waltzed close to the string orchestra, then over near Mr. Fisk and his massive table. Robert steered them away from that area, unaware of Emily's fascination with the powerful, legendary gangster. He pulled her back toward the dias, this time coming up along the side of the ballroom, instead of straight through the middle.
Emily was transfixed by a scene that broke her young heart.
Remington LeBeau, handsome and dashing in black, was sitting at one of the head tables as they danced by.
He was sitting very close to a young woman with blonde hair and violet eyes.
He was holding her hand. Her hand was on his knee.
He was whispering in her ear. She was giggling
He was kissing her. She was leaning against him, practically in his lap.
Robert, oblivious to what Emily was seeing, tried to lead her in their dance toward their table.
Emily stood stock still.
Her eyes flashed angrily and when Robert pulled at her again, she pushed him off his feet.
She was about to plow straight through the lace tablecloth and fine china that separated her from Remy's throat, when she felt a presence in her mind.
#Let's not cause a scene, Miss Darkholme. I'm sure there are other ways to get what you want.#
Emily looked up and it seemed that Lady Frost was staring straight into her heart.
She helped Robert to his feet and walked calmly up to the table. Remy looked up as they approached, a smile of recognition breaking through. There was liprouge on his mouth and chin.
The young woman at his side placed her hand on a dagger hidden in the folds of her skirt. She didn't recognize the face, but she did know that look. Trouble had arrived. "Hello, have we met? I'm BellaDonna--"
Emily ignored her. "Remington LeBeau, the engagement is off!" She said it through gritted teeth, but she managed not to scream.
The shocked, hurt look in his eyes almost gave her pause. Possibly, had she lived another life, she might have forgiven him. They might have made a happy life together.
As it was, she had seen to many broken hearts, shared too many memories, to let it go lightly.
Emily turned away, stalking toward her table with Robert in tow.
Frost was right. There were other ways.