Falling In Grace

CHAPTER FOUR: Leo's POV

"She looks so beautiful."

Leo thought as he watched her move across the floor. As if she was gliding on water. He sighed deeply. Then inhaled deeply focusing on her and her scent. She smelled like Heaven ought to smell. Crisp, clean, and of lemons. He opened his eyes to get back to his mission before he got lost in her scent.

Looking around for several minute he spotted Theodore and Minka. Just the people he needed to speak to. He quickly moved towards them.

"Theo. Minka. Can I please have a word with you two?"

Theo replied first; "Of course, Leo. Anything for you." Minka smiled and nodded in agreement with Theo's words.

Leo let out a deep breath and asked "Is he for certain, without a doubt, going to ask her?"

Their smiles faded quickly and they grimly looked at each other before both nodding their heads yes.

Leo's heart cracked.

Minka spoke first and broke the silence: "Leo, I am sorry. I truly am. Court just found out about it before the ball. The circumstances are very unusual. We're not even sure why He picked her. I don't believe they've ever had much interaction and normally the girl is groomed from birth to be His companion and -" Theo cut off Minka "and it's the fact of the matter that the other has simply been missing for only a few days. Hardly any time has gone by to resort to this. We're still looking for her. But every lead has dried up."

Leo was quickly racking his brain for the previous girls name.

"The O'shay's, correct?"

"Yes, Leo. Genevieve O'shay. Her Mother is completely and currently devastated, naturally. She believes something is wrong about the situation as well." replied Minka cooly.

Leo raised his eyebrows and looked over his shoulder to find her. She was talking to her sister hurriedly. Probably planning her escape from their Mother for the evening. He smiled slightly before turning his attention back to Minka and Theo. They were looking past him as well to look at her.

"Leo." snapped Theo "it's going to happen quickly. He's not going to wait for a coven vote. He's trying to do it under a old ass rule about runaway brides. Most of us on court aren't even sure it exists but a few are checking it out now instead of coming to the ball. Which will be suspicious enough if He decides to drop in. But that's the risk."

"We're going to try to save her, Leonardo." Minka said softly. Just above a whisper. "But, she can't hear it from you directly. We're not supposed to be telling anyone outside of court. But, her Mother will be informed. We all know she's a loud mouth and will at the bare minimum tell her other daughter. Because she can't tell her directly either what's about to happen."

Leo was sullen and quiet. Anger billowing up inside of him quickly at what is coming up quickly and at full speed. He thanked them both for their time, and insight.

He let down his wall to her and suddenly heard:

"Why is everyone so stupid."

He smiled before replying back to her.