"You're doing well... Yes, good... One, and two, and... Ah, nicely done! Suzaku, you hardly needed dancing lessons at all!" Euphemia laughed as she twirled prettily, taking measured, graceful steps back into her partner's arms. He'd picked up on the routine very fast, and there was no fault to be found in his balance or rhythm. She should have expected as much. Dancing in a ballroom must not be too different from dancing on the battlefield.

"I am honored by your praise, Your Highness."

...Not too different at all. Euphemia rested her palm on his cheek to get his attention, their footsteps never missing a beat. With his green eyes trained on hers, she smiled. "If I have any criticism, it would be that you're a little stiff."

And now he did tense physically, dismay and chagrin shifting across his features which had previously been smooth and blank. "I'm sorry, what can I—"

"Relax," she said quietly, both pleased and somewhat saddened by the reaction. "Please. Don't think about anything else, not the other nobles, the battlefield, or even me. Just be yourself."

She knew that look on his face – she saw it on everyone else. 'But you're a princess', it said. "If that's..."

...what she wants. Euphemia held in a sigh with practiced ease. Orders and commands, how she hated using them. But it seemed that every word that came out of her mouth was received as an order whether she wished for it or not. Because of that, she couldn't exactly demand that he stop acting so self-conscious around her. Perhaps with a different approach... "Suzaku, if I told you to jump off a building, would you do it?"

"Uh..." His bafflement was less than comforting. "...Do you—"

Euphemia despaired. "No! No, I would definitely never say that! I want you to be safe and... What I want shouldn't matter!"

They finally stopped their mechanical rounds across the dance floor. "Euphie... It matters to me."

"I would...only prefer...if it didn't." She turned her face away, embarrassed by her outburst but a little bit happy that he conceded to using her nickname. He should use it more often. Maybe all the time. Even Cornelia dropped formality when it was just the two of them. "Perhaps we've practiced enough for today. You'll be in fine form for the dance."

He gave her a small, hesitant smile, but his words cheered her. "I have my excellent teacher to thank for that."

"It was my pleasure." She placed her hand on his arm so he could lead her off the dance floor. Her eyes swept across the empty hall, imagining people filling its breadth and how they would react to the princess and her knight. Euphemia did not delude herself; she knew the majority of Britannia was disapproving of her choice, but at least they would not be able to criticize him for his dancing. She held her head high while the imaginary audience held themselves respectfully aloof.

"Euphie... Do you like dancing?" Suzaku forgot rigid manners more easily when he wasn't concentrating, she remembered that now. "I thought you seemed happy out there."

They were alone, and even after leaving the ballroom she still remained by his side. Euphemia smiled to herself and rested her head lightly on his shoulder. "I've loved dancing ever since I learned how. When I was little I'd always practice with one of my brothers. He was about my age, and he never liked it as much as I did." She giggled, recalling how Lelouch had refused her many requests, at least at first. "Eventually he would agree. He was quite good at it too, but that was a long time ago. It's exciting to have a reliable partner again- Oh, but I might be getting ahead of myself. Suzaku, did you enjoy yourself?"

Her question shook him out of a thoughtful, somehow incongruent silence. Blinking as though returning to the present, he laughed quietly. "It was nice learning from you, Euphie, it always is. You can absolutely count on me to be your partner."

She squeezed his arm tighter and let out a relieved, contented sigh. "That's wonderful then..."

"You don't need to worry," he added as if deciding something. "Being your knight is something I'm proud of, and I want to give you the respect you deserve as a kind, generous person, not just as a princess. I want to be worthy of you. I apologize if sometimes..."

"If we're both too distant?"

"Yes, I just..." He put his hands on her shoulders, turning her so they faced each other. "It's my choice. Whatever I do, whether it's fighting or dancing or going to school, it's for a reason. Please believe that. You yourself have given me many of those reasons, and one day I'll finally make it up to you. Then, maybe..."

Euphemia couldn't help but smile and bow her head in understanding and resignation. "Maybe," she agreed. "Thank you, Suzaku. This time you are the one who has taught me something."

Her imperfect, demanding self could be tolerated so long as she had a reason, and maybe, far enough into the future, there would be no more distance.