Aurelio's return smirk was free of guile, but full of deeper things all the same. "I could think of a few times," he murmured as he took her hand and pulled her a hair closer than necessary. "To be free of thought in this setting is to be nothing more than decoration, my dear, and I am never just ...

The secretary had been replaced. She had tried, with one last desperate move, to save her position; it said something of her current status that she was so willing to debase herself for the job. It said something of her that she had even failed at that last attempt. Aurelio had been scathing of her ...

Aurelio approached Felice, offering the barest inclination of his body towards her. "May I have this dance, madame?"


Gyles was not, inherently, a kind man. He was successful in the manner that often precluded kindness, but he was also expansive. As were many of Marn's peacocks, he was admiring of ...

Aurelio's eyes followed Ivone as she moved to the door, but soon returned to see Andras and Haneul leave. "I would like to arrange a strategic meeting with you, both of our schedules permitting. I must check with my secretary," new secretary, "but I will return to you with a date and time. Does that ...

Mohler did not pursue Ivone. On the contrary, he smiled and bowed, and then drifted over to Rafe and Reese.

"I would rather --" Rafe was saying, as Mohler approached.

"There is a game afoot, gentleman, but it shall not intersect with the one we are playing."

Reese's smile was like the sun. "As I ...

"Who knows?" Aurelio looked askance at Sparrow, his tone amused. "Can't say I've made many plans. I'm surprised you have." Not that he looked surprised.


Mohler would draw closer yet to Ivone if she gave him the chance. "I think perhaps you have expected to find the field ripe for sowing, this ...

"Of course," Aurelio murmured. "A woman's touch is always needed." His voice was low, throaty. He swept his eyes across the room, his expression turning haughty and commanding. Yes, they were the king and queen, the supreme rulers, the ones who stood head and shoulders above the rest.

He turned to ...

Aurelio had been looking at Ivone when she saw him. He winked. At least two pairs of eyes had seen that wink, though not who , precisely, he was looking at.


Mohler had not seen. "Does Malastrast still bind you in your mannerisms, Lady? You seemed quite ready to participate in the teasing, but now ...

"I cannot help but admire the way you handle a room, milady. Truly, you flit about with the grace of your namesake, while putting it to shame with your allure. It is easy to see why you are one of the premiere hostesses in the city. You certainly do have a way with people, putting even those of ...

"Come now, dear -- I am flattered by your praise, but think you that there is only one way in which a woman might be beautiful?" Sparrow's giggle was airy. "You are, yourself, a jewel. How else might you have caught Aurelio's eye?" She tsked.

She listened to Ivone, and there was interest in her ...

"I was -- we all were -- so sorry to hear that." Sparrow murmured at the mention of death. Automatic response. She didn't interrupt further.

"Jaime is quite like a hunting hawk, isn't he? I could not possibly blame you for remembering sad tidings in his presence. He does bring about a fugue like a ...

Sparrow tittered, hand held over her mouth in a mannerism that bespoke femininity and class. "This trifling thing? Oh no, darling, this is but a brief amusement between the grander sets. It is likely someone's servants secured the details while the rest of us who enjoy throwing parties attend to ...

Sparrow giggled. "Never you mind that -- though it is, of course, a pleasure, my dear Lady Ivone." Sparrow pressed down on Ivone's shoulders to settle her onto one of the cushioned benches that lined the rectangular alcove. The curtain they'd disturbed upon their entrance stilled, and for the moment ...

"There are those who do enjoy those who prefer to simply lie abed and take what is offered, I suppose, but I am not one of them. More's the pity." Aurelio's voice was lethargic, though it did not carry into his eyes as he looked at Jaime. There was no disinterest there. "Besides, I always welcome a ...

The musical number ended, and Aurelio escorted them off the dance floor. First, to drinks. They had danced for a long time, and both could use the breather refreshments provided. If they played their timing right, they would have a few minutes before anyone approached them, and hopefully before that ...