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[H1][color=#8D3B72]Kalliope[/color] & [color=1E90FF]Sjan-dehk[/color] Part Two[/H1][/center]

[color=#8D3B72]Date:[/color] Sola 26th
[color=1E90FF]Time:[/color] Evening
[color=#8D3B72] Location:[/color] Estate of lesser nobles merchant Lord Edric
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She didn’t stop until they were safely out of sight, tucked away in a quiet hallway up past the stairs. Once she was sure they were alone, she released his hand and let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. Her shoulders relaxed slightly, though her emerald eyes still carried a flicker of excitement.

[color=#8D3B72][I]“Well,”[/I][/color] she said, glancing up at him with a sly smile, [color=#8D3B72][I]“we can breathe for a moment, though I imagine this is only the beginning of the fun.”[/I][/color] She stepped closer, her voice softening, this time devoid of her flirtatious persona. [color=#8D3B72][I]“You know, you’re quite good at this. I know this is kind of out of your comfort zone and for that, I truly am grateful to you.”[/I][/color] Kalliope’s smile softened as she looked up at Sjan-dehk, her usual playful edge dimming to something more genuine. For a moment, she let herself linger in the quiet between them, her eyes tracing the lines of his face and her thoughts slipping past her carefully crafted walls.

Sjan-dehk flashed her grin. [color=1E90FF][I]“Glad that you are, though I think you’re doing most of the work here. I’m just following along.”[/I][/color] They weren’t idle words; he was quite impressed by how quickly Kalliope could think on her feet, and how expertly she went about her business. 

It was unspoken, the way her heart beat faster when he was near, the way his steadiness anchored her chaos. She knew shouldn’t be thinking about the warmth of his hand in hers or the way his voice, even awkward, stirred something deeper within her. And yet, she found herself speaking before she could stop the words. [color=#8D3B72][I]“You make it far too easy to forget this is all an act,”[/I][/color] she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper as her gaze dropped to his lips for the briefest of moments before snapping back to his eyes. 

Kalliope’s words didn’t go unnoticed by Sjan-dehk. He intended to pretend as if he had missed them, but then as luck would have it, he caught her gaze just as she looked at him. He wasn’t sure whether it was because of the blood still rushing in his head, or his still-drumming heart, but something about her captivated him, and for a moment stole all the words he had in his mind. Were it her eyes, bright as they were in the low light of the hallway? Or perhaps her face, pretty and alluring as it was?

Or maybe it was because of memories of her hand in his, and the way her lips parted–

Sjan-dehk put a quick stop to those thoughts. [color=1E90FF][I]Enough.[/I][/color] This wasn’t the time for any of that. In fact, he was quite certain that there wasn’t any time for such thoughts. Kalliope was a friend, and a good one at that. He couldn’t, he shouldn’t start thinking of her in such a manner just because excitement got his blood pumping and his heart racing.

[color=1E90FF][I]“Oh, well,”[/I][/color] he said at last, bashfulness laden in his voice. [color=1E90FF][I]“Glad…Glad to be of service. And you, ah, you are very convincing as well. But I suppose if even I can forget it’s an act knowing it’s one, it just shows how good you are.”[/I][/color]

Realizing what she’d said, her breath caught, and she quickly added, [color=#8D3B72][I]“You know, for the crowd’s benefit, of course.”[/I][/color] But the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her, and she found herself wishing she could take a step back from the strange, unfamiliar vulnerability that had slipped through.

[color=1E90FF][I]“Yes, for the crowd,”[/I][/color] Sjan-dehk replied quickly. Almost too quickly. [color=1E90FF][I]“But it was…It was fun,”[/I][/color] he added without even thinking. [color=1E90FF][I]“And ah, for what it’s worth, I…Uh, I don’t think I could’ve done it with anyone else.”[/I][/color] Then, realising what he had just said, he hastily added again, [color=1E90FF][I]“I mean, you acted and reacted really fast to everything, you know? I, ah, I just that you…You offset my uh…”[/I][/color]

Mentally, he cursed himself for stammering and tripping over his words like a fool. He stopped, drew in a deep breath, and tried again. [color=1E90FF][I]“What I’m trying to say is, you’re good at this. That…That probably made things a lot easier for the both of us.”[/I][/color] His words came out sounding far more awkward than he would have liked, and probably didn’t even sound convincing, but they would have to do. Any more, and he would simply be digging himself a deeper pit. 

He looked back the way they had come, partially to avert his gaze out of embarrassment, but also to make sure that they hadn’t been followed. [color=1E90FF][I]“Looks like we slipped away,”[/I][/color] he said, turning back to face Kalliope. His eyes fell upon her face, and those unwanted thoughts from earlier drifted into his mind once more, teasing him. Redness tinged his cheeks, and he swiftly looked away. [color=1E90FF][I]“So, ah, where are we going? There’s a lot of rooms here, by the looks of things.”[/I][/color]

Kalliope’s breath caught again as she watched Sjan-dehk stumble through his words. His awkwardness, his earnestness, it was all so disarming in a way she hadn't quite anticipated. For a moment, she simply stood there, her thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind. His gaze, his voice, the way he made her feel like the world outside of them didn’t matter—it all pulled her in deeper. She was acutely aware of the fluttering in her chest, and for the briefest second, she thought she might not be able to keep her mask in place much longer.

But then, like a wave crashing against the shore, reality pulled her back. She shook her head slightly, focusing once more on the task at hand. She couldn’t afford to lose herself in her feelings, not now. Not yet.

[color=#8D3B72][I]“Ah, well,”[/I][/color] she began, her voice steadier now as she found her footing again, [color=#8D3B72][I]“Thank you, years of practice I suppose. However, I’m afraid we don’t have time for any more distractions.”[/I][/color] She straightened slightly, her usual confidence returning with a practiced ease. [color=#8D3B72][I]“Earlier today, I managed to steal the blueprints for this house. After reviewing them, I’ve narrowed down the two most likely rooms for study. Though, there's one I'd put my money on being the right choice as it's a bit more secluded.”[/I][/color]

Kalliope’s eyes gleamed with a mix of determination and intrigue as she began to move toward the corridor beyond them, the air between them now thick with purpose. [color=#8D3B72][I]“I’ll lead the way. Just stick close, and we’ll be in and out before anyone notices.”[/I][/color]

Her footsteps were silent as she made her way down the corridor and she blended in with the shadows incredibly well. A few turns later and they were in front of a door. She listened for a moment just to make sure there was no one inside before attempting the door. [color=#8D3B72][I]“Damn.”[/I][/color] She said as it didn't budge. [color=#8D3B72][I]“Good thing I brought these with me.”[/I][/color] She said with a grin as she looked at Sjan-dehk and pulled out a small set of lockpicks hidden within her hair. 

[color=1E90FF][I]“Convenient,”[/I][/color] Sjan-dehk quipped before standing back, using his body to cover as much of Kalliope as he could while she worked. He threw glances up and down the hallway, keeping a vigilant eye out for anyone that might stumble across them.

She dropped to her knees and started working at the door. Kalliope’s heart beat just a little faster as she watched the door swing open, her grin widening when the lock gave way with ease. She’d always had a talent for getting past locked doors, and tonight was no different. [color=#8D3B72][I]“Bingo,”[/I][/color] she murmured, pushing the door open with a flourish as she stepped into the room. It was dimly lit, shadows pooling in the corners, but it was exactly what she’d hoped for—quiet, secluded, and well off the beaten path. Perfect for what they needed.

She looked over her shoulder at Sjan-dehk, her emerald eyes gleaming with determination once more. [color=#8D3B72][I]“Alright, let's start looking for anything unusual. Letters, notes, anything that might give us a clue as to what’s really going on here.”[/I][/color] She gestured vaguely around the room, her voice steady, though her mind was still buzzing with the rush of the break-in. [color=#8D3B72][I]“Be thorough, but quick. We don’t have much time before someone comes this way according to that group.”[/I][/color]

Turning her attention to the desk at the far end of the room, Kalliope’s gaze sharpened as she approached it. The desk was large and ornate, but to her trained eye, it was simply another place where secrets might be hidden. She ran her fingers over the surface, examining the drawers first, but there was nothing unusual. They were locked, of course, but she had anticipated that. The thief in her smirked as she went about unlocking them as well.

Her thoughts wandered for a moment, but she pushed them aside. There was no room for distractions now, not when she could feel the weight of their mission pressing down on her. She flicked open the first drawer, her eyes scanning the contents—a few papers, a sealed envelope, a delicate silver letter opener. She ignored the letter opener for now and pulled out the papers, rifling through them quickly. A brief glance at the writing revealed nothing of interest, just mundane correspondence. 

With Kalliope picking through the back of the room, Sjan-dehk decided to focus his attention towards the area around the door. That suited him perfectly – it allowed him to keep a close eye on the door, as well as a close ear on the hallway outside, while they worked. 

There wasn’t much for him to investigate, however. A few shallow stacks of papers sat near the foot of a cabinet, but they turned out to be nothing more than either blank, unused sheets, or scraps with only a handful of jagged lines scratched across them. He stood up from them, his lips pressed into a thin line cutting between his jowls, and went on to examine the cabinet. A few tugs on the beautifully carved wooden handles told him that its doors were locked. He let out a low grumble, and was about to call for Kalliope’s help when he pulled a little harder.

As it turned out, they hadn’t been locked, but had simply been jammed. For a brief moment, he felt a little pleased with himself, but that feeling quickly disappeared when he realised that if the closer had been left unlocked, then it was unlikely that he would find anything useful in it. 

A rack of clothes greeted his eyes. Coats, jackets, shirts, all of them seemed to have been left where they were for a long time, but none of them seemed out-of-the-ordinary. And as Sjan-dehk cautiously pushed them aside, he found only more ordinary things. Folded trousers on a shelf above, mothballs collecting in the corners, and a pair of shoes left messily on the closet’s floor. Nothing that shouldn’t belong in such a piece of furniture. 

He frowned and knelt to pull out the drawers at the bottom of the closet. They slid out easily enough, and were mostly empty. One contained a few pairs of socks and nothing else, whilst the other didn’t have anything at all. A frustrated huff left his nose, but just as he was about to shut them, something about the empty drawer stopped him. It didn’t look right, and when he reached in to give the drawer’s bottom a few raps of his knuckles, he realised why.

The thing had a false bottom.

She moved on to the next drawer, and again, the contents seemed harmless. More papers. Nothing that screamed “secret plans” or “hidden agenda.” She opened each drawer methodically, checking behind objects, flipping through documents, but there was nothing here.

[color=#8D3B72][I]“Damn it.”[/I][/color] She grumbled as frustration bubbled up in her chest, but she fought it down. This wasn’t over yet. There had to be something. She glanced up to where Sjan-dehk was, hoping he was doing better than she was. [color=#8D3B72][I]“Any luck on your end?”[/I][/color]

[color=1E90FF][I]“Aye, I found–”[/I][/color] Sjan-dehk started, but then cut himself off abruptly when he heard the low thumps of approaching footsteps outside. [color=1E90FF][I]“Fuck,”[/I][/color] he swore, his voice suddenly dopping to a hushed, but clearly urgent whisper. He swiftly slid the drawers back into place and shut the closet. [color=1E90FF][I]“Someone’s coming, and they’re coming fast,”[/I][/color] he said in a voice just loud enough to be heard by Kalliope.

Kalliope froze for half a second at Sjan-dehk’s warning, her mind racing. The sound of footsteps echoed faintly down the hallway, growing louder, closer. [color=#8D3B72][I]“Shit.”[/I][/color] She cursed under her breath, her hands already moving to straighten the desk. Each item was carefully placed back exactly as she’d found it, her movements quick but precise.

As she picked up the last opened letter she’d discarded as mundane earlier, something caught her eye—something she hadn’t noticed before. The handwriting, though tidy, had subtle irregularities. Certain letters were slightly slanted, others unusually bold. Patterns. It struck her like a bolt of lightning. This wasn’t just a letter. It was a code.

Her breath hitched, her mind screaming at her to hurry, but she couldn’t just leave it. Without another thought, she snatched it up, folded it swiftly, and slipped it down the front of her bodice, tucking it securely between her skin and her corset. Whatever it was, it was coming with her.

[color=#8D3B72][I]“Alright,”[/I][/color] she breathed, her voice low and urgent as she moved towards the door. The footsteps outside were growing louder, closer. They had three options, go out the front and talk their way out, hide in the small closet and risk being stuck there for who knows how long, or go out the window and risk not being able to get back in and getting caught. She didn’t have time to think it through, only to act. Turning back to Sjan-dehk, she made a split-second decision. [color=#8D3B72][I]“We’re going out the front.”[/I][/color]

She grabbed his arm, and tugged him toward the door. Gently, she eased it open just a crack, peering out into the hallway. The footsteps were nearly upon them, but she judged they had mere seconds before whoever it was rounded the corner. It was a risk, but it was the only chance they had now.

[color=#8D3B72][I]“Come on,”[/I][/color] she whispered sharply, and without waiting for him to reply, she slipped out into the corridor, pulling him along behind her. The door clicked shut softly behind them, and she pressed herself against the wall just to the side of the door. Kalliope’s pulse thundered in her ears as she listened to the approaching footsteps. She knew they were going to be caught, there was no getting around it, she was just trying to formulate a plan to talk their way out. Her mind raced for a way out, a way to salvage the situation.

And then it hit her.

She turned to Sjan-dehk, her expression suddenly filled with a mix of determination and regret. [color=#8D3B72][I]“I’m sorry,”[/I][/color] she murmured, so softly it was almost drowned out by the sound of boots hitting the floor just around the corner.

Before he could respond, she grabbed the front of his coat and pulled him toward her. Her back pressed firmly against the wall as she tilted her head up, and in one fluid motion, her lips found his. The kiss was bold, urgent, and entirely unhesitating. Her fingers curled into the fabric of his coat as she held him close, her body flush against his. Every muscle in her tensed, bracing for the inevitable.

Sjan-dehk’s eyes went wide. He barely had time to voice his surprise. One moment he was following closely behind Kalliope, and the next, she had him pinning her to the wall, with her lips pressed upon his, and their bodies tight against each other. His first instinct yelled at him to pull away, but he could catch a glimpse of an approaching figure from the corner of his eye. There wasn’t time to think. 

And so, he leaned into the kiss, bracing himself against the wall with an arm just above her head. He had his eyes closed, but still the fingers of his other hand managed to find their way to brush against her chin. For what reason, however, he didn’t know. It was just something he thought lovers did with one another, and really, he was hardly thinking by this point. All he could feel were the frenetic beats of his heart, pounding so hard in his chest that it felt as if it would shatter a few ribs.

The footsteps slowed, then stopped, just a few feet away. Kalliope’s heart pounded in her chest as she leaned into the kiss, pouring every ounce of her performance into the moment. Her mind screamed at her to stay calm, to sell the act, not like it was hard as a small part of her mind betrayed her and threatened to lose herself in the kiss, Her lips moved softly against his, coaxing a response, her fingers loosening just slightly as if they had forgotten their earlier urgency. She prayed to every god she didn’t believe in that this gamble would work.

[color=1E90FF][I]Just an act. All just an act.[/I][/color] Sjan-dehk repeated those words in his head like a meditative mantas. But he still found them difficult to believe. Not with the way her lips shifted ever-so-slightly against his, or with the way her hand only just gently rested upon his chest. He tried to tell himself that it was all just to make their performance really, [I]really[/I] convincing, but part of him couldn’t help but wonder just how much of it was an act. Another part of him wondered why he would even wonder about that. 

Without thinking, he slowly slid his hand on her chin up to her cheek, caressing it in a way that could only be described as lovingly. His thumb circled slowly and gently over her skin, and he felt his body relax, as if they weren’t in the midst of infiltrating an estate. It just felt so easy, so [I]desirable[/I], even, to just lose himself to the kiss.

A low cough broke the tension, and Kalliope’s eyes fluttered open just enough to catch a glimpse of a figure standing at the edge of her peripheral vision. She broke the kiss with a soft gasp, her cheeks flushing a believable shade of pink as she turned her head to look at the intruder.

[color=#8D3B72]“Oh!”[/color] she exclaimed, her voice breathless and feigning embarrassment. [color=#8D3B72]“I-I didn’t realize anyone was—”[/color] She cut herself off, biting her lip and lowering her gaze, her hands still resting lightly against Sjan-dehk’s chest. Her performance was flawless, but inside, her stomach churned with nerves. This had better work.

Her heart raced as she realized it was the man who had shushed the group in the ballroom. His sharp, calculating eyes flicked between her and Sjan-dehk, narrowing slightly. He didn’t look amused and there was certainly suspicion in his eyes. She had one shot to sell this. For his part, Sjan-dehk did his best to appear like an embarrassed guard caught in the act. He averted his gaze – something easily-done with the help of his hat – and pretended to look busy straightening his clothes. The flush colouring his cheeks, however, was very much real.

[color=#8D3B72]“Oh dear,”[/color] she giggled lightly, staggering slightly to emphasize the bold, tipsy persona she had adopted earlier. Her hand slid from Sjan-dehk’s chest to her lips, as if trying to hide her faux embarrassment. [color=#8D3B72]“I must apologize,”[/color] she said, her words slightly slurred but still carrying a playful edge. [color=#8D3B72]“I didn’t think anyone would come wandering down here at this hour. My escort and I, well…”[/color] She trailed off, glancing up at Sjan-dehk with a sultry smile before looking back at the man, her cheeks flushing in what she hoped looked like tipsy, flirtatious guilt.

The man’s expression remained unreadable as he crossed his arms. [Color=seagreen]“This is a private wing,”[/color] he said, his tone clipped and even. His gaze lingered on her a little too long for comfort before flicking over to Sjan-dehk. [Color=seagreen]“Guests aren’t supposed to be here. Surely you were informed of that.”[/color]

[color=#8D3B72]“Oh, you’re absolutely right!”[/color] Kalliope chirped, waving her hand dismissively. [color=#8D3B72]“But you see, I simply couldn’t resist. These grand estates are so boring sometimes, don’t you think? All stuffy ballrooms and pretentious conversation. I needed some air, some adventure!”[/color] She giggled again, swaying just slightly as she took a small step forward, drawing his attention back to her. [color=#8D3B72]“And my dear escort here,”[/color] she gestured toward Sjan-dehk with a dramatic flourish, [color=#8D3B72]“was just helping me find a quiet spot. You know, to…escape the noise.”[/color]

Her emerald eyes met the man’s again, sparkling with feigned innocence and mischief. [color=#8D3B72]“But don’t worry, darling, we weren’t doing anything too scandalous. Just a little harmless fun.”[/color] She placed a hand on her chest, feigning mock sincerity. [color=#8D3B72]“I do hope you’ll forgive me. Surely you understand how dreadfully dull these parties can be and I simply couldn't resist getting my hands on my handsome escort.”[/color]

The man didn’t look convinced, but neither did he seem overly concerned. His eyes darted back to Sjan-dehk, lingering for a moment. [Color=seagreen]“Is that so?”[/color] he asked, his tone sharp and probing. [Color=seagreen]“And you, sir, what exactly were you doing wandering these halls with her?”[/color]

Her eyes flicked to Sjan-dehk, and for a brief moment, she silently willed him to follow her lead. Her lips parted slightly as if she wanted to intervene, to keep talking, but she knew it would only make things worse. That definitely would be viewed as suspicious. Sometimes speaking less was more. So instead, she settled for leaning lightly against him, her hand brushing his arm in what might appear as a tipsy, affectionate gesture. Inside, however, she was ready to spring into action if things went sideways.

There wasn’t much Sjan-dehk could think of to say. Nothing that wouldn’t make it sound too obvious that he was reaching for an excuse, at least. Experience told him to choose the easiest, most direct option, which was to simply incapacitate the man and make a rapid escape. But sense told him that he had to use finesse this time. There was still more in that room – and likely more in this estate as a whole – to investigate. A fight now would mean that they would have to leave all of that behind, and who knew when they would get a chance to return, if ever they could?

No, Sjan-dehk wasn’t about to let Kalliope’s efforts thus far go to waste. 

[color=1E90FF]“I apologise,”[/color] he said with a bow of his head. For the moment, he let go of the fact that he was Sada Kurau’s Captain, and instead imagined himself as a young midshipman. One that had only just been caught doing something very, very wrong, and now needed to think of a way to get his Commanding Officer’s attention off his back. [color=1E90FF]“This, it is all my fault. It shames me to admit, but as my lady says, we were looking for a place for privacy. You see, the two of us, we…”[/color] He trailed off and looked away as if he were embarrassed by what he was about to say.

He made a show of drawing in a deep breath. [color=1E90FF]“We are…Lovers, that is how you say it, yes? But it is not…It is not proper,”[/color] he continued, making sure to look at the man’s face every now and then. What Sjan-dehk was doing wasn’t something he had done often, but it was something that he knew could convince even the nosiest senior officer to stop prying any further if done correctly. The process was simple, really. All he had to do was just share so much information – the more useless, and the more unpleasant or impolite, the better – until the man decided he didn’t want to listen anymore.

Kalliope’s chest tightened, her heart thundering as Sjan-dehk’s words sank in. [I]Lovers.[/I] The word sent a thrill down her spine, even though she knew it was just part of the ruse. Still, hearing it from his lips, watching his awkward earnestness as he sold the lie with such determination, made her stomach flutter in a way she couldn’t suppress. He didn’t even realize it, but the way he’d defended her—and the slight flush that crept across his cheeks—only made her feelings for him crash against her like waves against the shore, impossible to ignore and leaving her more disarmed than ever. 

[color=1E90FF]“And earlier, in the ballroom, we were quite…Improper,”[/color] Sjan-dehk went on, putting on a look of both innocence – as if what he was saying was simply a statement of fact – and embarrassment – as if he had committed a grave social error. [color=1E90FF]“She had her hands on me, you see, and I…Well, I knew I had to take her away to…You know, take care of things. And then she said to find somewhere private, and I knew this part of the estate for today is…Is quiet and has nobody. I thought that this would be a good place for us to do what we want, so we came here.”[/color]

Sjan-dehk bowed his head again. [color=1E90FF]“I apologise, really. We should have been more careful.”[/color]

The man’s sharp gaze lingered on Sjan-dehk for an uncomfortably long moment, his lips pressed into a thin line as if deliberating on whether or not to press further. His eyes shifted back to Kalliope, scrutinizing her with the kind of disdain reserved for someone who had clearly overstepped their station…or at least his perception of it.

[Color=seagreen]“And your name, my lady?”[/color] he asked, his tone teetering on the edge of politeness, though it carried a distinct edge of condescension.

Kalliope straightened slightly, tilting her chin up just enough to feign an air of imperious grace. [color=#8D3B72]“Lady Alara Vayne,”[/color] she said, her voice dripping with aristocratic authority. [color=#8D3B72]“Of the House Vayne of Mariscia and Vayne Trading Company, if that wasn’t already clear.”[/color] If he dared to look into her, he would find there was a House Vayne on the continent of Mariscia and they were associated with a Vayne Trading Company. This persona worked so well for her because she had taken care to build it during several trips to the coastal country. She liked to have a solid disguise and Lady Vayne certainly fit the bill.

The man’s brows furrowed briefly as he turned the name over in his mind, but Kalliope’s delivery was flawless. He had no reason to doubt her, and after a tense pause, he gave a curt nod. [Color=seagreen]“Well, Lady Vayne, I suggest you and your… escort find your way back to the ballroom before someone else stumbles upon you. Next time, try to keep your indiscretions to more appropriate venues.”[/color]

He stepped to the side, his dismissal clear, but then hesitated, glancing at Sjan-dehk again with a sneer that made Kalliope’s stomach churn. [Color=seagreen]“Though, I must say, I’d have expected better taste from a lady of your standing. Perhaps next time, choose a companion who doesn’t look like he just stepped off the deck of some filthy barbaric merchant ship.”[/color]

Sjan-dehk bristled at that remark. It took every last scrap of his restraint to hold him back from telling the man that it was his ‘filthy barbaric merchant ship’ that was the cause of all his woes. The pointed words had even formed on Sjan-dehk’s tongue, but he forced them back down. There wasn’t a need for him to say anything, anyway. [I]Sada Kurau[/I] would certainly pay the man’s remark back in full, in the form of ships and his fellows sent to the abyss.

Kalliope’s blood boiled, her hands twitching as she fought the urge to reach for her concealed dagger. But instead, she smiled, a tight, saccharine expression that was somehow more cutting than any blade. [color=#8D3B72]“Oh, I assure you, good sir,”[/color] she said, her voice as sweet as poisoned honey, [color=#8D3B72]“the only thing filthy about my escort is how thoroughly he’s made me forget all those dreary, stuffy nobles. If only they had half his charm.”[/color] Her gaze locked with his, a silent challenge in her emerald eyes. [color=#8D3B72]“But I’ll take your suggestion under advisement. Thank you ever so much for your concern.”[/color]

Without waiting for his reaction, she grabbed Sjan-dehk’s arm and began walking, her steps light but purposeful, though her nails dug into his sleeve just enough to betray her lingering irritation. As soon as they turned the corner and were out of earshot, she let out a sharp breath. [color=#8D3B72][I]“That pompous little—”[/I][/color] She bit the rest of the sentence off, shaking her head as if to compose herself. [color=#8D3B72][I]“Let’s just get out of here before I do something I’ll regret. Care to spend some time somewhere away from insufferable nobles that's a bit more quiet and we could maybe read a certain letter?”[/I][/color] She asked him as she patted the spot she'd hidden the coded letter she found.

To say that Sjan-dehk was caught off guard by Kalliope’s reaction to the man’s words would be quite the understatement. Although it was true that the man had been incredibly rude, the bulk of his vitriol had been aimed towards Sjan-dehk. And while Sjan-dehk would be lying if he said that he didn’t feel vexed by the treatment, he knew that it was all just part-and-parcel of putting on an act. Besides, he had responded in the way he had with the intention of aggravating the man, and surely Kalliope had to have caught onto that. 

So why had she gotten so upset?

Sjan-dehk found no answer to that question, and he wasn’t even sure if he wanted to. Or if there was even a [I]need[/I] to. It felt nice – heartening, even – to have her speak up for him, and after spending so many years and so much effort defending others, it was strangely comforting to be himself defended by someone else. That alone was more than enough for him. 

And so, he simply followed behind Kalliope in silence as she practically dragged him away. Her nails, sharp and neatly filed, felt as if they were just moments away from cutting through his sleeve when they rounded a corner. [color=1E90FF][i]“Of course,”[/i][/color] Sjan-dehk replied to her question. The charms and quirks of high society had turned stale, and there weren’t many of those to begin with, in any case. [color=1E90FF][i]“I found a false bottom in one of the closets. Shame we couldn’t have a look inside, but I guess that’s just for another adventure in future, eh?”[/i][/color]

Kalliope slowed her pace slightly, a wry smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she glanced at Sjan-dehk. [color=#8D3B72][I]“Another adventure in the future, huh? Is that your way of saying you plan on sticking around and indulging in more of my harebrained schemes? Because I’ll admit,”[/I][/color] she leaned in just slightly, her voice dipping lower with a wickedly teasing lilt, [color=#8D3B72][I]“That’s just my type of foreplay. I’ve always found a man who’s ready for danger and mischief…quite irresistible.” [/I][/color]

She let her words hang in the air, her smirk growing as she began to descend the steps with deliberate, unhurried grace. Her fingers brushed the banister, her pace measured as if savoring the moment. She cast a sidelong glance at Sjan-dehk, her eyes glinting with mischief. So surprised was Sjan-dehk by her choice of words that he choked on air. Clearing his throat, he slowly met her gaze, his cheeks tinted by a flush, and looking as if he couldn’t quite believe his ears.

[color=#8D3B72][I]“So,”[/I][/color] she began, her tone deceptively innocent, [color=#8D3B72][I]“shall we go somewhere that’s quiet and private?”[/I][/color] She paused mid-step, turning slightly to look at him, the question lingering in the air as her gaze held his. Her lips parted ever so slightly, as if to say something more, but she let the silence stretch, teasing him with the unspoken. 

Sjan-dehk’s eyes widened, and his mouth hung agape. Every thought in his mind came to an abrupt, sudden halt. Was she really suggesting what he thought she was? Surely not – they had only known each other for roughly a week. It was too soon. But perhaps such affairs worked differently here, and she was indeed asking him for a dalliance? How should he respond? And why did a part of him – as small as it was – hope that she was indeed propositioning him?

He swallowed and tried to look over her shoulder; at the bannisters; at the ceiling, and even at all the fixtures lining the walls. Anywhere but her mischievous face and her lips. 

Then, with a wicked little smile, she added, [color=#8D3B72][I]“To look at this letter, of course.”[/I][/color] Her voice was sweet, but her grin made it abundantly clear that she was thoroughly enjoying herself. She continued her descent, her footsteps soft but purposeful, tossing him a playful look over her shoulder. [color=#8D3B72][I]“Unless you have…other suggestions?”[/I][/color]

At that, Sjan-dehk released a breath he hadn’t realised he had been holding. [color=1E90FF][i]“You really are a tease, you know that?”[/i][/color] He said with a chuckle. Some of it was out of amusement, but part of it was targeted at himself. What a fool he had been acting. The rush of excitement must have addled his senses, for him to have jumped to such a conclusion. [color=1E90FF][i]“Can’t say I’ve any suggestions. I’d suggest going back to [/i]Sada Kurau[i], but…”[/i][/color]

He swept a hand over himself. [color=1E90FF][i]“I didn’t exactly make it difficult for anyone to guess that she’s where I came from,”[/i][/color] he concluded. And also, his crew had worked terribly hard over the past couple of days and nights. The last thing Sjan-dehk wanted was to tire them out even more by leading unnecessary trouble to the ship. [i]Sada Kurau[/i] deserved the rest, too. For tonight, he would be on his own. [color=1E90FF][i]“But I’m sure you know one or two hiding spots where we can look over a letter, right?”[/i][/color]

Kalliope’s laughter bubbled up, light and genuine, as she caught the playful edge in his voice. Her eyes sparkled with delight, and she shot him a teasing grin as she continued down the stairs with a languid, almost cat-like grace. 

[color=#8D3B72][i]“I can't help but enjoy making you squirm a little.”[/I][/color] She mused, her voice tinged with wicked delight as she turned the corner. Her smile lingered for a moment before she began to ponder, her eyes scanning the surroundings briefly as she considered her options. Her mind wandered for a moment, sifting through various possibilities, before her eyes lit up with the perfect idea.

[color=#8D3B72][i]“Well,”[/i][/color] she began, drawing out the word as she looked back at him, [color=#8D3B72][i]“I have just the place. An inn, not too far from here. I've built quite the relationship with them over the years, and they have a little suite they keep just for me. Quiet. Private. Perfect for... confidential matters.”[/i][/color]

She gave him another sly, yet playful look. [color=#8D3B72][i]“No prying eyes, no interruptions,”[/i][/color] she added, her voice lowering just slightly with a hint of something more dangerous beneath the flirtation. [color=#8D3B72][i]"You might just like it there."[/i][/color] 

Without waiting for a response, she started heading towards the exit of the estate, more determined now. [color=#8D3B72][i]“Come along, then,”[/i][/color] she called back, her smile mischievous. [color=#8D3B72][i]“Let’s take a look at this letter in the comfort of my little hideaway. No distractions, I promise…unless, of course, you’d like a distraction.”[/i][/color]

Sjan-dehk chuckled with a shake of his head. [color=1E90FF][i]“No, I wouldn’t want either of us to be distracted when we’re going through something so…Well, something that might be important,”[/i][/color] he replied with a small grin. Then, with a glance at her dress and a glint in his eyes, he added in a playful tone, [color=1E90FF][i]“Besides, I’d think that you’re plenty enough of a distraction, Kali. I’m afraid you might’ve to do all the reading.”[/i][/color]

For him, and by his standards, those words were daring. Overly-so, even. But surely, if she was – as she put it – going to be a tease and make him squirm, then it was only fair for him to give her a touch of that as well, in return. It wasn’t as if it was that hard for him to say such words. With Kalliope, they flowed from his lips as naturally as a river meandering through a floodplain. It was strange, he had to admit, but it also felt strangely good. As if this was a fun game between the two of them. 

Kalliope stopped dead in her tracks, her eyes snapping to Sjan-dehk with an expression that could only be described as mock shock. For a moment, she simply stared at him, her lips parted in exaggerated disbelief, before a slow, mischievous grin spread across her face. 

[color=#8D3B72][i]“Well, well,”[/i][/color] she said, her voice dripping with amusement, [color=#8D3B72][i]“Look who’s learning how to tease me back. I’m proud of you, Sjan-dehk. Might even make me swoon a little.”[/i][/color]

She leaned closer, her emerald eyes glinting with wicked delight. [color=#8D3B72][i]“Though if it’s the dress that’s the distraction…”[/i][/color] Her voice softened to a conspiratorial whisper, just loud enough for him to hear, [color=#8D3B72][i]“I could always take it off.”[/i][/color]

Once again, Sjan-dehk was struck dumb by her words. His face flushed a deep scarlet, and it was all he could do to avert his gaze. The image left in his head by Kalliope’s suggestion made it difficult for him to look at her. [color=1E90FF][i]“That–”[/i][/color] he began, immediately interrupting himself by coughing into his fist. [color=1E90FF][i]“That won’t…Well, I-I don’t think that would be necessary, but thank you for offering.”[/i][/color]

She lingered for a heartbeat, just long enough for the suggestion to settle in the air between them, before pulling away with a laugh. Her steps picked up again as she linked her arm with his again and led the way to their destination.

Neither of them noticed the faint movement in the shadows, where a pair of cold, watchful eyes followed their every step. The figure lingered in the dark corner of the estate, obscured by the dim light of the hallway, before vanishing back into the depths of the mansion as quietly as a breath on the wind.