Lady Bouyelle's Last Party

[Madelin Garotte]

http://i.imgur.com/eOytUEb.png?1

You are cordially invited to celebrate the birthday of Ducha Bouyelle of Baldavia
Present this invitation to admit both you and one guest to the Ducha's home
All guests must be masked - guests without a mask will not be permitted to enter
The Ducha graciously accepts any and all gifts you may wish to offer


The sparkle of fireworks glittered above the glass dome, in the entrance to Château Bouyelle. The party invitation had been extended to all sixty-three families of the court, but the ground floor of the château was more than large enough to house them all. Perhaps a quarter had arrived so far, many of them in the salons that extended out from the main entry hall, where the sounds of laughter and chatter mingled with the delicate strains of classical Hapan music. The flow of food and drinks from the kitchen to the large dining hall was almost constant. Exquisite, butter drenched things and pastries more intricate than the iron-work in the skylights. Tureens of sickly sweet sauces to ladle over freshly caught and cooked game. A guest loudly chided a shirtless man-servant who had been moving so discretely among the guests that he had been bumped into by a Turila who had taken a little too much wine already and who crowed: "You men should know your place."

House guards stood at the foot of the main staircase, politely directing the guests of the Bouyelle household to remain either on the ground floor or in the walled garden, their vigil watched over by a painting displaying the smiling, near-identical faces of the sisters Bouyelle. Likewise, there were guards at the front door, fierce women who would turn away anyone who didn't have an invitation - or even anyone who did, if they lacked the nobility.

A figure in purple (http://40.media.tumblr.com/3e765057dc4d9441d9eedd325e4e2296/tumblr_nvhrgbzHTT1rxkqbso1_500.png) stood beside the guest book for the evenings festivities. Her mask - the round-eyed image of a chag (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Chag) - covered only her eyes and did nothing to hide her smile, as she looked at the ever-increasing number of names in the book. There was her own: Mme. Madelin Garotte. As invitations were exchanged for admittance, the electronic record automatically updated, displaying a growing list of party-goers. They had come from near and far, from the Interior Region to the Lorelli Reach. It was, they said, because the Ducha Bouyelle was a popular woman. A woman equaled by few and admired by many. Admired by most? That was factual, at least. The allure of a social occasion was not one that any self-respecting Hapan woman could easily refuse, particularly not an invitation issued by a Ducha; that would have been social suicide.

Madelin's smile grew sharper at that thought.

The stage was set. The pieces would soon be in place.

[Varyan Starfallen]

If self-respecting Hapan women weren't likely to refuse Ducha Bouyelle's invitation, neither was the Archon of Theselon. Varyan Starfallen had made sure to travel to the Château to celebrate the Ducha's birthday. He had presented two antique (http://theredlist.com/media/database/fine_arts/arthistory/painting/preraphaelique/john-william-waterhouse/006-john-william-waterhouse-theredlist.jpg) paintings (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/50/Dante_Gabriel_Rossetti_The_Salutation_of_Beatrice_ 1869.jpg) that had once belonged to his maternal lineage's private collection as gifts. The young Archon felt very much like a nexu cub thrown into a rancor's den, but that didn't scare him. He offered his perfect manners and was ready to stand his ground as needed in the cultivated albeit dominating jungle that formed most Hapan women.

Coming from one of the few worlds where matriarchy wasn't in place often - if not always - made for interesting situations. He had been bride hunting for political alliances and bloodline continuation reasons for the past months but so far, he had declined offers that included more leashes than anything else. No matter how golden, he wasn't going to become a woman's lapdog, even if she was the most intelligent and beautiful one he had ever met. He played by the rules when outside of Theselon in the Consortium, but he had no interest in being considered the lesser gender. His egalitarian views had made his mother laugh as much as it had worried her a bit, but he would stay true to his values.

Dressed for the occasion (http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/CW+Network+Upfront+Presentation+CHN00N0wmnkl.jpg), with the mandatory mask (http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTAwWDQ3Nw==/z/Pm8AAOSwDk5ULWf0/$_35.JPG?set_id=2), he was quietly mingling with the rest of the guests, the influx quite never-ending so far.

[Shyahwyn]

Entering the large foyer, Ducha Shyahwyn of Sargon, being the newest one to ascend to the position after the sudden and very natural death of her husband, walked to the first set of guards checking for invitations. Handing it to the beautifully armored guard, her lady in waiting, patiently waited. Knowing this was a masked ball, the shapely native of Yelsain knew that the one she chose (http://www.sw-rpg.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=185&pictureid=825) wouldn't be denied by her step-son. Kerinos still hadn't let his suspicions go and she had done all she could to convince him otherwise, but to no avail. In time, she would find enough to have him replaced permanently.

Nodding to the Ducha in long, elegant white, Shyahwyn proceeded into the main hall, taking in the architecture and gorgeous paintings, polished marble and opulence that seemed to be the mainstay of every noble in the Consortium. Grinning to herself underneath the porcelain mask, the dark sider amused herself on the way into the main ballroom with subtle touches of surface thoughts as she sashayed along, heels clicking off of the marble floor. Part of the reason that she assumed that the hostess had wished for the masks would be to keep everyone guessing. Everyone that had answered the invitation to the masked party would no doubt be easily determined eventually, she mused. She also noticed that no one announced the guests as they arrived, which also added to the mystery.

Long, slender, tanned fingers scooped a goblet of wine from a passing tray, the shirtless thrall not quite as interesting to admire as the wide array of dress of the guests in attendance as she descended the main stair into the ballroom. Let the games begin.

[Madeline Thane]

It had not been a quick jaunt from Vergill to Baldavia exactly. It was the entire length of the Gallinore Reach to be precise. There had been no debate about the journey though. The Countess of Vergill was abroad in the greater galaxy, serving the Hapes Consortium in the capacity of a Senator. Truth be told, Madeline Thane (http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/Drakania/Maddie-mask_zps7c0cjhjq.jpg), the relation of the Countess by marriage, did not know exactly what that entailed, but it seemed more of a passed sentence than an honor. So it came to be, Madeline would graciously attend the birthday celebrations of the Baldavian ducha. House Sarpin would be represented by one of the younger, more social heiresses, and she would be the 'plus one'. She would happily chaperone from a quiet corner. If she could avoid being social at all, so much the better. She had stuffed a small book into the dainty reticule that dangled from her gloved wrist.

"Recall that you are not simply here to enjoy the festivities.", Maddie remarked to her young charge, a Sarpin relation, not a Thane.

"You are here to represent the Countess. She will expect you to be gracious to the ducha, of course. She will also be expecting you to seriously consider some of the eligible, noble males of Hapes as potentially advantageous partners.", she continued to lecture.

"A husband.", she summed it up, but the girl was far too engaged with her own reflection in the cabin's looking glass.

The shuttle had landed. The Sarpin party arrived in suitable splendor. Those eligible males Maddie had alluded to would be lined up, just like prime stock at an auction. Soon, noble ladies would be creeping forward, deciding which of them they wanted to grace with the pleasure of dancing with them.

Madeline sighed. As a self designated wall flower, parties were not her setting of choice. It was going to be a long night. So long as the girl did not disgrace herself, and so the Countess, she could get through it.

[Ageyra Drijenka]

Parties such as Ducha Bouyelle's birthday festivities were normally attended by Ageyra's mother, Ducha of Harterra, or one of her two sisters, who were more court inclined. Ageyra didn't mind coming to represent her planet that evening though. Her mother had been sick for the past few weeks and while recovering, the long trip to Baldavia was opposed by her doctors. And the Royal Guard's siblings were in the middle of preparing local festivities of their own. Since Ageyra was off duty from her Fountain Sniper occupation for a few days, she was the one to come to the ball and to present fine porcelaine as gifts.

Out of habit of protecting the Chume, the athletic blonde couldn't help but look all around her in a discreet fashion, assessing the security and finding possible exit access. It was in her personality to do that, especially after years of training and service to the Hapes crown. For the occasion, she had made sure to wear a fine couture gown (http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c68/Aruna7/Ageyra%20Party_zpsum3kajcv.jpg) that accentuated her looks even as her face was concealed by an ornate mask (http://emardigrasbeads.com/shoppingcart/images/products/pd8304.jpg). While living a mostly military life, no one would ever be able to say that Ageyra didn't present well nor could dance. She might tower over fellow women and even men, regardless of how Hapans were most often taller than humans.

Ageyra was proud of her lineage and her culture, and much prefered spending time in the Consortium than outside of it. She had few occasions to travel outside the borders, but it was mostly the other species that bothered her. Lack of manners, elegance and ambition were pretty disgusting in her eyes.

For now, she would mingle and maybe finding a fine male specimen worthy of her time for the evening.

[Basil d'Archais]

“In my day, there was more fucking.”

Basil d'Archais lounged in an extraordinarily opulent armchair with wing backs that would have put the buttresses of cathedrals to shame. The elderly Dukat of Archais, who wore a simple black domino mask, gestured a slim cigarette at the two Bouyelle household men, waiting in obedient silence at the edge of the room, eagerly anticipating the needs of their hosts.

“They would have been fucking. The two of them,” Basil went on, flicking the ash from his cigarette rather aggressively in their direction. Aside from the servants, Basil and his young companions, this particular salon was conspicuously quiet.

“More nudity all around, really. Shirts and trousers? Ridiculous. A loincloth was about the most you could get away with, and even that was liable to be torn off on the whim of a passing madellé. You don't know how good you have it, my boy,” he added with a glance up at the young man standing beside his chair, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

[Dantalion Lautrec]

The 'boy' in question arched an eyebrow. “Lucky me, getting to spend my evenings choking on your cigarra smoke.”

Dantalion stood to the side of Basil's chair, in an outfit that was smart yet suitably discreet for his station as an unlanded young man without a title to his name. His mask (http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/m6RMZShMedci2CVG1fiQduQ.jpg) had been fashioned after the Dukat's. They were different enough to be distinct yet similar enough to communicate to the rest of the party that the two were connected in some way.

“Shall I fetch us some drinks?” he said, asking his question instead to the woman sitting opposite the Dukat, looking for any excuse to do anything other than stand and listen to the old man prattle on all night.

[Angélique Maureau]

Delighted feminine laughter spilled forth around the pristine white material of dainty gloved (http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/Drakania/angel-dress_zpsordixbz6.jpg) fingers. "Truly, Bazzy? Did my grandmama ever tear the loin cloth off a pretty boy?", the songbird voice inquired without a hint of shame at the topic of conversation. "You perhaps?"

Lady Angélique Maureau, daughter and heiress of the Countess of Phelope, had been raised with the understanding that she could say and do exactly as she pleased, and she did so often. Phelope was a wealthy system, producing a huge percentage of the Hapan gold wine enjoyed throughout the Cluster, and beyond. She could spend a fortune daily and never put a dent in the finances of House Maureau. For that reason, no one ever said no to her family. All the advantages were to other Houses in securing a match through her, and she was very much aware of it. She was also untroubled by it. Because she was free to do as she pleased, she would, when that time came. For now, her mother was the Countess, and Angélique had other interests..

The mention of a loin cloth brought her warm brown eyes lifting to the Dukat's side. Her masked (http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/Drakania/mask-ang_zpsgi237u8x.jpg) face tilted at a ponderous angle for a fraction of a second before she decided that she much preferred suits. Something about them.. it seemed more like an opportunity for unwrapping an exciting present, she supposed.

"That would be lovely.", she answered eagerly. "Mayhaps one of those little petit fours with the sugared flower petals? A purple one?"

[Varyan Starfallen]

Tag: Madeline

There was a lot of aspects of Hapan culture Varyan cherished and he was proud to belong to it, but being considered the mix between a delicious piece of meat and a fancy pet wasn't one of them. Oh, he had a very hard time not snapping to some of the women who thought they owned the place, which was true to a significant degree. In a way, it was why he didn't tolerate either societies that put women under men's boots, as he had witnessed on his few travels outside of the Consortium's borders. He was a fierce advocate for gender equality, but of course that was a point of view not to speak of so openly. Yet, if someone pushed him, oh he would make his ideas known.

Some men were willingly here to be handled however the ladies wished to, but not him. He had to be polite but very straightforward with some of the female guests who tried to behave in pure Hapan way. He rufled feathers but frankly had no interest in being some sort of brothel specimen. He would have gone that road already if he was inclined to.

Making his way by the buffet, he fetched a flute of champagne and wandered off as soon as he felt hungry eyes on him. As delightful as these's owner was, he casually left his standing spot. With a brief glance, he saw that the young woman pouted to see him go away but soon rushed to males awaiting like cattle.

"Good grief." He mumbled under his breath as he stood by one of the wall, so he would see hunters coming for him. Not far from him, he saw a woman who didn't seem ready to pounce any handsome male passing her. Now that was different. He bowed his head to her when he saw her look into the general direction where he was. He stepped a little closer to her. "Is that section of the wall free?" He inquired with a grin, his playful nature still existing beneath his good manners.

[Shyahwyn]

In truth, she was still getting used to the pomp of these gatherings, even though she had learned over the past ten years how to act and talk among them. A part of the witch wished for the peace of her father's home in the Minos Cluster as she took in the female nobles eyeing the variety of males lined up, though in their own small groups as well. Most young and handsome, Shyahwyn had no interest in inviting another stranger into her home on Sargon after the prize had so easily been won.

Bowing to her as he approached, a suited man in dark blue gained her attention as well the lady in waiting behind her. "My lady, I beg pardon. I happened to notice that you had no male suitor."

"My husband recently passed, so,' she replied through the porcelain mask, it's ruby lips unmoving.

"Forgive me and my condolences."

"Not at all," she replied, slowing her pace. "What's your name?"

"Ty Creston, milady."

"Hmm," she nodded, turned and seemingly disinterested, continued on. "If I have need of you, my lady shall notify you."

"I look forward to that, milady."

Sighing lightly, emerald eyes now focused more on the surface thoughts of those in attendance, knowing she couldn't be the only one in the Conrsortium with these gifts to touch the Force.

[Madeline Thane]

Tag Varyan:

It had been a bit of a twist, escorting the young Sarpin heiress through the tangle of guests. Eventually they emerged before the table where they were meant to leave their offering for the Ducha Bouyelle's birthday gift. In the case of House Sarpin, it was a flat square box excellently wrapped in gold foil, tied with a black velvet bow. Inside were two matching combs liberally festooned with rainbow gems from Gallinore. One of matching design adorned her own mask. A costly gift, but it was to be expected. No one wanted to be from the House that had stinted..

Once that business was concluded, Madeline gave the girl her blessing to go out and find a lovely male to entertain her. It was going to happen either way. That was when she took up her position. She had found a lovely chaise set against the wall. From there she could watch both her cousin, and the flow of male activity. With some divine intervention from Ereneda's Grace she might find the girl a match even her exacting aunt, the Countess, would approve of! With her spine straight, and her gown artfully arranged around her legs, Maddie considered whether it was a good time to read or not.

A complaining male voice made up her mind for her. Madeline sighed. Definitely not.

"Aside from the greenery and myself, it seems to be."

She responded before bothering to look up, prepared to tune him out and get to that book. When she did look up it was with a look of mild confusion, followed by excitement. She knew who he was! The answer to her prayers!

"Archon Starfallen, I believe?", she asked, already knowing the answer.

[Ageyra Drijenka]

One thing Ageyra appreciated about the path she had carved for herself - with her family's blessing - was not having to bother with finding a husband. She found satisfaction in not having to live up to virginity standards for some future suitor. As much as she liked how her civilization ensured that males were well-trained to pleasure their future spouses, she had thrown her own "purity" to the wind a good while ago. Her sisters were enough to forge alliances with other noble houses, while she served in the Hapan Royal Guard.

Her mother knew of her ways for once they had accidentally run into each other when seeking private entertainment. The whole thing had been more amusing than embarrassing.

Ageyra indeed had a few regular pleasure-providers in certain places in the Consortium, and so far they hadn't disappointed. They wouldn't make a good career if they showed lack of talents even after training anyway.

Admiring some males from afar, she found herself slightly bored and almost wished she could be on duty this evening, but alas, she had to play social butterfly.

At least, the champagne was exquisite.

[Varyan Starfallen]

Tag - Madeline

Varyan quirked a brow at the snappy answer that came his way, though there wasn't the usual "holier-than-thou- vibe most Hapan women possessed. The mere fact this beautiful woman wished to play wallflower bewildered him. And frankly, it intrigued him more than he'd like to admit.

"Well, at least I know who's the carnivorous plant between both of you," he jested with a chuckle. He might get himself in trouble for such pleasantries, but it was in his nature to be as such. He had got himself in trouble before, when leaving his homeworld and coming to more traditionally Hapan planets in the consortium.

When the woman looked at him, the change in her expression made him wonder whether he had misjudged her and she was going to really be a carnivorous plant trying to snag him with some ornate leash.

He straightened his posture a bit and bowed his head when she inquired about his identity. "Indeed, my lady. I wish I could return the honor but I am at a loss about your name and title."

[Basil d'Archais]

Delighted feminine laughter spilled forth around the pristine white material of dainty gloved (http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/Drakania/angel-dress_zpsordixbz6.jpg) fingers. "Truly, Bazzy? Did my grandmama ever tear the loin cloth off a pretty boy?", the songbird voice inquired without a hint of shame at the topic of conversation. "You perhaps?"

"Oh, absolutely. Men should be seen but not clothed, that was her motto."

Basil smiled, vulpine. The Lautrec boy returned, carrying a tray laden with white flutes, and Basil waved him over. "Marche, marche, boy! I'm absolutely parched."

Dantalion handed the Dukat a glass and Basil greedily sipped at the contents.

"The unfortunate truth, my dear angel," he said, gesturing his cigarette at Angelique and favoring her with a conspiratorial grn. "Many of my contemporaries have become... prudish in their old age. It falls to your illustrious generation to return Hapan society to it's former glory."

[Dantalion Lautrec]

With a tray of wine glasses in one hand and a plate of petits fours balanced on the other palm, Dantalion struggled to maintain the balance of both as the Dukat of Archais snatched away one of the glasses. Almost right away, another of the guests waved for his attention, mistaking Dantalion for a member of the household staff. Pressing his lips into a thin line, he suppressed a sigh and held out the tray of wine to a passing madelle.

"What do you make of the idea, Dukana'da Maureau?"

[Madeline Thane]

Tag - Varyan

The handsome young Archon's humor was tragically lost on Maddy. She looked at the plant as though she were not quite sure if she were in mortal danger, but then decided he was just male, and therefor not very bright.

Rising from her strategic location along the far wall, Madeline approached the Archon with an air of purpose, linking her arm through his without asking if he minded.

"Me?", she looked truly perplexed at his point. "No, no.. You don't want to get to know me. I'm no one. No you want to dance with her." Madeline watched in mixed pride and horror as the lady in question went spiraling by in the hands of a Hapan noble - one of insufficient standing to mingle the Sarpin family.

[Angélique Maureau]

A quote like that did not seem reconciled with Angelique's grandmama, but then it was as Bazzy had said, his contemporaries had become somewhat prudish in their twilight years. A great deal of emphasis had been placed on Angelique and the keeping of her precious virtue, a commodity that could not be purchased anew should she lose it unwisely. Yet, at the same time she'd been raised to indulge whatever whim that took her fancy.

It was maddening really, the balancing act of being a proper Hapan lady..

"I'll endeavor to blaze a trail, Bazzy.", she lifted the glass offered by Dantallion, with a wink toward Basil.

"I think my family are traditionalists, Mr. Lautrec. You should be advised.", Angelique teased.

The music changed, and Angelique's dark head angled toward the dancing, as though she were listening for something specific. The moment passed. Angelique pulled the sugared petals loose from the little cake, popping them into her mouth and leaving the rest untouched.

"I'm ready to dance." She announced this, with the expectation that someone would accommodate her. Immediately.

[Varyan Starfallen]

Tag - Madeline

Now Varyan was truly intrigued by the young lady. He was inwardly a little perplexed by how his humor seemed to puzzle her, but she seemed either shy or dedicated to be in a subordinate position to another lady, which made sense given how their culture worked. He also knew how to remember his place, despite how certain things were a little more lax on his home world by the Consortium standards, which had earned him some trouble at times.

He looked at the other woman he was pointed to. His attention promptly returned to his nameless companion. He liked how her arm felt interlinked with his. He was about to say something when he was put back in his place by the other lady. He was here to mingle and make his family and planet proud. He knew he had to oblige, but he also knew where his interest laid for now.

He briefly leaned into the nameless woman and whispered into her ear. "I will return to you, Shakal Lady."

Then he freed his arm and bowed to the other woman, before offering his hand. "Archon Starfallen of Theselon at your service, my lady."

[Madeline Thane]

Tag - Varyan

When he leaned in to whisper to her, Madeline inclined her head to listen, thinking him quite clever to ask advice on how to woo the lovely Vergill heiress! She was about to offer her suggestions just as his words reached her brain, and his breath tickled her ear enough to make her turn a grin into her shoulder.

She met Archon Starfallen's eyes for a moment, and was not at all disappointed. He was rather splendid. Madeline smiled, just briefly, before her head snapped back toward the dancers, chin held high enough that she was forced to look down her nose to see anyone.

He was not for her.

"That is a terrible idea." She announced, but there was a laugh in her voice.

Madeline lingered, just long enough to make sure they danced away, like a perfect fairy tale couple. They did. She inhaled deeply, exhaled, and walked away to find a drink and a new location to hide, and hopefully read..

[Dantalion Lautrec]

The tray of drinks still balanced on his upturned palm, Dantalion caught the eye of a serving boy who was circling about with a platter of fingerfoods and flashed him a look of irritation. A few of the women skirting the edge of the room seemed to be tittering at Dantalion's misfortune and the prospect that he might spend the entire evening being mistaken for a member of the serving class was enough to ruin his evening.


"I'm ready to dance." She announced this, with the expectation that someone would accommodate her. Immediately.

“I would be honoured to dance with you, Dukana'da,” he said, a meaningful glance at the serving boy urging him to hurry up and relieve Dantalion of the tray.

[Basil d'Archais]

“You can leave that here,” said Basil, nodding at Dantalion’s burden then tipping the point of his still-smoking cigarette towards the empty table beside his armchair. When Dantalion deposited the trait, Basil smiled like the cat who had got the cream.

“Go on, then. Dance,” he said, smiling over the rim of a freshly acquired glass of bubbly. “It’ll be the first real entertainment this party’s seen.”

[Angélique Maureau]

"Yes.", she agreed wholeheartedly. He should be honored! She was an excellent person to be seen with.

Once Dantalion had rid himself of the tray, and was available for her pleasure, Angélique took his arm, wasting no time sauntering away from their company.

"You seemed to require saving just then, Mr. Lautrec.", she teased.

[Dantalion Lautrec]

“I’m so grateful for your assistance.”

There were dozens of couples dancing already and with practised skill, Angelique lead the way into a space among them all. In almost all aspects of Hapan life, it was the woman who lead. Dancing was a notable exception to that rule. Dantalion wrapped an arm around Angelique’s waist and took her hand in his, setting their pace and direction. Like all young men of Hapan descent, he had been drilled in all aspects of Consortium culture, to the point that he scarcely needed to think to dance.

Dantalion cast a quick glance about, noting the faces of the other dancers.

“Have you spoken with Ta’din Bouyelle yet?”

[Angélique Maureau]

Angélique did not require her thoughts to be on the dance either. Being perfect at everything had always been required of her, happily she was up to the task. Her dark eyes flitted among their fellow dancer's quickly ascertaining who was among them. Who it was they were being seen with, and who was not there to be seen.

The first noted absence was expected. Maddie would not be dancing, as usual. She would have disappeared into the greenery by now, with her nose in a book until the moment she was needed elsewhere, only to then seemingly pop out from thin air at the right moment.

The next item of note was that the Archon of Theselon was in attendance, escorting about Madelle Sarpin. She wished them.. good fortune. The lady was rumored to be on a level with herself, insofar as eligible Hapan heiresses went, and there it ended. Angélique knew her own worth and it was vastly superior to that... She narrowed her eyes, trying to think up a suitable derogatory term for the other heiress. ..That nobody. To be nobody in Hapan society was practically a death sentence.

Smile once more in place, she answered Dantalion, as the dance spun her first away, and then back into his arms. "Not as yet. I thought she might enjoy her festivities a while.."

[Madeline Thane]

Having just narrowly escaped, Madeline wasted no time in removing herself from the scene. She did not wish to be found again when the Archon, handsome as he was, returned. It was not to be, and there was no point in dwelling on it a moment longer. At least she would have time to read. Her fingers tightened around the spine of the book, stuffed into the reticule hanging on her wrist. It was too heavy for the dainty little bag, it was practically bursting at the seams.

Maddie grinned.

One hand on the banister, the other cradling the weight of the book, she cautiously mounted the stairs, to observe the dancers from above..

[Dantalion Lautrec]

“A while?” Dantalion echoed, doing his best to conceal a flicker of frustration. Whether he liked them or not, parties such as this were part and parcel of Hapan society.

“We shouldn’t wait too long to wish her well, should we?” he asked, pausing a moment as the dance dictated they part and skim past one another, back to back. Again, he scanned the crowds, looking for… anything unusual. Anything that might suggest they weren’t the only pair who might be unusually interested in the whereabouts of Lady Bouyelle. As they twirled back into place, face to face once more, he went on.

“Too late and she might be… too far into her cups to take note of what wonderful guests we are.”