We are friends, are we not? /soft gasp!!!/
Dark Web, arranged marriage AU, historical AU, 600+ words
Prompt: We are friends, are we not?
Itwasn’t yet midnight, but the air in the ballroom was already hotand stifling. The mass ofbodies shifting around in an approximation of waltz was enough tomake one nauseous, and the glimmering lights invited migraine. Therewas a room with refreshments somewhere in there, at least in theory,but Andromeda wasn’t quite sure if she was supposed to find it onher own, or if she should askher husband to escort her.
Husband.That would take some getting used to as well. Sofar they got along just fine,though to be fair, they hardly ever met outside of a confusedbreakfast here, a surprising dinner there, and, of course, the socialevents. There were too many damn social events.Henrydidn’t seem to enjoy the crowds any more than his wife did, buteven so he turned down few invitations. Why, she couldn’t evenguess, but she went along with it nevertheless, glad to spend timewith him.
Afeather-light touch on her elbow. She looked up, taken aback by howconcerned Henry appeared to be. He quickly withdrew his hand, as ifafraid someone might spot them.
“Issomething the matter?” she asked as quietly as the noise permitted.
“Youdo realise that if you’d rather… spend time with your friendshere, it is… I won’t hold it against… well, you can. I know I’mnot much of a company.”
Andromedablinked slowly. “Do I look like a person with friends?” she askedwith disarming sincerity.
Henrychuckled, then realise she was being serious. “Sort of? Acouple?”
“Well… perhaps. We are friends, are we not?”
Astrange expression flashed across his face. Ifpressed to describe it, the only thing that would come to her mindwas… he looked equally pleased, and surprised, and just a littlenervous, as if he didn’t know what to do with her question.
“I…I hope so.”
Andromedaopened her fan, and started fanning herself, though it did verylittle to dispel the oppressive heat. “And anyway, I don’t recognise anyone else in here.”
Thenext thing she knew, Henry was leaning down, so the both of them werehalf-hiding behind her silk fan. “You’re missing out. The hostessinvited the most troublesome set tonight. I’ve seen the seatingarrangement, and I can assure you tonight it’sgoing to bea dinner with a show.”
Shecould feel his breath on her skin, butshe didn’t move away. “I don’t know what you’re talkingabout. Explain?”
