He continued in his semi-dream-like state, not knowing really what was before him, or that time had passed, until a soft knock was heard at the door. For a moment, he was certain that he felt butterflies in him stomach, a sensation that he was not used to feeling, but then, since when was one ever at ease with a perfected dream before them? He stood from his throne, and waited for the door to open. With anticipation, he saw the door lever above the brass handle being pushed down and the door sliding open. He could only wish that the door would open faster, that time would flow from its ever-slow boring state. Alas, he was disappointed in the sight that he saw at the doorway…
    “What are you doing here Avarice? Get out!”
    “Sire, may I say that you look magnificent, I am sure…”
    “Say what it that you want and get out.”
    “Your Lordship, I was thinking of the little position vacant in the…”
    “In jail yes there is always room for you, you are not so bold as to ask for a promotion are you? Not after the little work that you have done!”
    Avarice stuttered and muttered, shaking his head he said in a low voice “no my lord, I dare not ask for your favor for such matters of my obligation.”
    “Then leave me at once, I have other things to attend to.”
    “Of course sire.”
    Seeing Avarice taking his time with mutters of apology, bows and salutations, Lord Takeuchi became irritated. Usually, he enjoyed watching the scene of his accreditation, but at this one moment, he could think of better things to spend his time. “Get out, now!!!”
    A few moments after Avarice had left, another knock sounded at the door, the same timid little knock. He watched as the door was opened in the same fashion, and immediately ascertained that it was the rat-bag once again, begging for a promotion. “Did I not tell you to get out of my sight? I do not want to see you!”
    The face of an angel appeared from behind the doorway and looked at him with worried eyes, “I’m sorry, I did not mean to…”

    “…bother you, had I have been told, I would not have been here at all…” Ami faltered. She looked at him and turned away, followed by the old lady who had led her there. As the door began to close, she could hear hurried footsteps, but she did not bother to turn around.
    “Wait, I didn’t mean you. Please, come in, I was expecting you.”
    Ami stopped but did not look at him; she was surprised at the gentle voice that was behind the harsh strained one she had heard before. When she had heard him yell earlier, she had detected a tired voice, from a voice box that was not built for the fashion of speaking. Most people who yelled as a way of substantiating power usually hollered it from the bottom of their stomachs, with a low rumble, while his was somewhat crackling from the effort.
    She looked at the outstretched hand offered to her quietly, and closed her eyes, trying to clear her mind of what was before her. Slowly, she turned and looked at his dark green eyes. She opened her mouth to speak as she placed her hand in his.  “Excuse me, I must have…”

Flashback
    “Hey!” He said softly, dressed in his tailor-made tuxedo, he smiled at her wearing a party dress. Looking at her with a silly grin, he bowed elaborately, “May I claim your hand to this dance?”
    “But… you know that I don’t know how to dance.”
    “Well, you’ll have to learn then, won’t you?”
    “I… I have really bad co-ordination, I…”
    “Don’t worry, hey, I wore steel-capped shoes; you can step on me all you like.” He grinned at her expression from his remark, and reached out to pinch her tiny nose. She reached out to punch him lightly in the arm but he caught her fist before it reached him, turning her hand slightly, he held her hand gently. She did not struggle, only smiling in return. “I take it that it is a yes then?”
    She did not speak, but stood from her seat and followed him to the dance floor. Standing amongst all the other graceful dancers, they caught glances from others, namely their amused chaperons. She was not as tall as he was, and only reached his chest, but boy did they dance that night.

    “I must have found you at the wrong time.”
    He gasped, at the sound of her voice.  He saw her lips move rather than heard what she was saying, but his subconscious must have taken over the job for him.  He found himself shaking his head at her comment, and saying “not at all, not at all, Lord Takeuchi at your service, Princess.” Holding her hand like a piece of precious jewelry, he led her into the dinning room.
    As he walked towards it, he felt something that he had not felt for many years, he almost felt like he was walking on air, the other time he had felt that way was when he was on his coronation day… the day that he had been given charge of the whole sector 5 of Negaverse.
    The doors swung open as they approached it, Ami was pleasantly surprised when faced with a table laden with exotic earthly foods. His heart lifted when he caught her smile and appreciation of what was before her. He was pleased that at least one part of his plan was going as arranged.
 
 

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