Anxiety... It was such a small piece of the emotions welling up within her. 

He was determined, she knew that ever so much from the look in his eyes, but even though it was an order she was still apprehensive to obey it. But he was right, they needed information more so now than ever before, especially with the ball coming up the next evening. She could hide in the shadows, she could still keep him safe in her current state, but at the ball... No, she wouldn't be able to protect him like that. 

Her lips thinned, silence reigned over the room as she contemplated her next words and steps very carefully. It'd be risky... But she could still hide her face, especially if they could stop by a shop or two whilst they were out. 

A heavy sigh of defeat escaped her lips as Iris' eyes turned to Olosse's own, her right hand going up to adjust her mask ever so slightly to help it stay on. The full faced white mask had been heavily damaged, exposing more skin than ever before... Luckily she always had back ups waiting for her in her belongings. 

"My liege... I can assure your safety at the tavern, especially with the help of my fellow shadows. But this ball, if you are correct and they choose to retaliate... I need to be closer to you than in the shadows." 

Iris hesitated on her next words, the slightest hint of a blush showing through the cracked and missing portions of her mask exposed to his sight. 

"Permit me to be your companion to the ball tomorrow evening... I know obtaining proper attire on such short notice will be difficult, you can dock my wages for however much it will cost but I... I will not leave your side tomorrow night, request or order be damned." 

Iris' eyes were filled with determination, her heart racing as she thought of everything that could go wrong... But all of those things she could prevent as long as they were together. 

"When we go out tomorrow... Will you permit us to make a detour to the shopping district afterwards?"