Behind the High Society Veil

[addied]

Danai snorted. "Ha. No. Suspicions that my family hates and rejects one of their daughters."

[Cʀʏsᴛᴀʟ]

Artis raised an eyebrow. "And is it true?" he asked. As parties were half of a noble's life, hating them would certainly irritate most parents.

[addied]

"Every word." Danai shrugged off the jacket and offered it to him. "Thank you." She said gruffly.

[Cʀʏsᴛᴀʟ]

"Done hiding already?" he asked as he took the jacket. "I was so enjoying our tense, hostile conversation."

[addied]

Danai sorted a little again. "Gods no. I'm simply going further into hiding."

[Cʀʏsᴛᴀʟ]

"I could aid you in that," Artis said, sounding just a bit too cheerful. "I do know this keep quite well."

[addied]

Danai stared at Artis for a long time. "Is that so?" She finally said quietly, her voice a deadly hiss.

[Cʀʏsᴛᴀʟ]

"Indeed," Artis replied. This was far too much fun. "Would you like a tour?"

[addied]

Danai cocked an eyebrow. "Consider me intrigued."

[Cʀʏsᴛᴀʟ]

"Lovely," Artis said. He gestured her toward the door, though didn't go so far as too offer her his arm.

[addied]

Danai watched him warily but made for the door, hitching up the sheath of her dress a little to walk faster.

[Cʀʏsᴛᴀʟ]

Artis slipped back on his jacket and followed her inside. He slipped past her then to lead the way, away from the ballroom and toward the stairs.

[addied]

Danai easily kept up, she was small but strong and quick. She watched the way he moved, intrigued. He moved sly and smooth like a thief but also collected like a royal. Who exactly was he?

[Cʀʏsᴛᴀʟ]

They reached a lavish staircase--though not quite as impressive as the one in the ballroom--and Artis started up it, his footsteps nearly silent.

[addied]

Danai was right behind him, growing more curious by the second. Just where was he taking her exactly?