Wonderful Tonight

With a gentle push from his hand, we walked towards the centre of the hall. I caught sight of Papa with his hands clasped together as he looked at us from his allocated throne afar. He nodded in approval and acknowledgement of the commencement of our First Dance. Soon enough, our chosen song "Wonderful Tonight" played on the loudspeaker.

Truth be told, it was a random song we both picked after listening to at least fifty different ones. It was on the list of romantic songs we found on the search engine that was suitable to play to 'fool' the public's eye. It meant nothing back then.

Yet when the song started to play, every single word felt as though it resonates with our story at that moment. About the party, about us assuring each other. Even I was having a hard time believing we picked the song.

And when the lyrics hit: 'I feel wonderful because I see the love light in your eyes and the wonder of it all, is that you just don't realise how much I love you.'

The meaning of the lyrics lingered in my ear as I gazed into his eyes. Each of those struck a chord in me. I felt it reflected my exact feelings at that moment. Such short times, I cannot believe I'm already head over heels for him. Was it because of the time we spent together confined in a secluded place? Was it the misunderstanding that brought me closer? Or was it his presence that had been nothing but comfort?

We danced slowly following the rhythm of the music. Lost in a world of my own as I envisioned the beginning of my newfound happiness. We were so caught up with the song, we did not realise we had already inched closer towards each other by the end of it. Too bad it was a short song.

How did I know the song came to an end? The sudden change of music from soft to rock. That... and Papa was already hovering beside us to do a Father-Daughter dance. Ah well... No complaints, Farah. I have a lifetime to be with Wystan but not with Papa. Might as well enjoy our time.

"I'm glad you found your happiness, my Little Princess," he said with a strain in his voice before doing his dance move.

I could only sigh. I have ALWAYS had my happiness back home too. Papa is talking as if I was never happy with him but I did. It's just that the feeling of elation is different this time. There was no need to make a comparison. Nor does it need to be mentioned at all.

I shook off the negative emotion. Now's not the time to be nitpicky with Papa and definitely not a time to pick a fight. After all, the current mood is quite a lively one. Especially with the song Papa picked.

It was a vibrant song called 'Sweet Child O' Mine.' I have noooo idea why he picked the song but it sure changes the atmosphere of the room as people started to join in with the dance.

There was nothing but smiles and laughter in the air as everyone in the Hall lose themselves to the music. Everyone except for Wystan who remained seated on his throne, and his eyes locked into mine. No matter how I want to shy away, I can't help it, can I? I just want to get intoxicated with his loving stare as his warm smile reached his eyes. My eyes and my spirit were on Wystan but my body danced along with Papa.

Every now and then Papa would chuckle looking at my demeanour. Annoyingly enough, never once did he let me go to Wystan. That was one of the rarest moments where I truly feel the bond between a Father and a Daughter in a large setting, totally disregarding our status and positions.

However, long-lasting happiness does not seem to like me well. Because soon after, I saw one of Wystan's trusted men came scurrying towards him with a very troubled look.

Seeing the sudden change on the emerald's expression to alertness, and those wrinkled frowns that creased on his forehead stirred uneasiness within me. Despite the rest of the guests still carry on with their ignorance and their joyous dance, I saw something in him that caused me to shiver.

Vines of grim atmosphere were slowly snaking their way towards my heart. My feet began to lose their strength but my heart was thumping ever so loudly. In an instinct, I clutched Papa's hand as I staggered, trying to gain composure.

My intuition was right!

More of his men came marching in, which brought attention to some of the guests' eyes. Eventually, the room started to notice the abrupt transitions and hushed. Yet not once did Wystan lips moved to give any instruction and that Royal Guard that brought the news? He had remained as still as a statue.

I tried to seek an answer through his eyes. Even when his emerald was zeroed in on mine, his gaze actually went beyond it.

Oh Wystan, what in the world is happening?