Alexander raised his brows at Finnegan. “As if everyone isn’t already thinking of it,” he pointed out. “Or at least those who have seen my festivities in the past. Or perhaps even those of the Minister of the Craftsman Guild, though I do believe his wife is behind most of the decorating. Lovely woman, Lady Chandler. We have tea once a month or so. I do hope to see her here this evening. Her children are simply wonderful as well, and they
adore me.” He sighed wistfully. “Anyway, it is quite clear that the Supreme Commander knows nothing about hosting an event, though I suppose it is through no fault of his own. You simply must forgive me for holding all hosts to the same standards I hold myself as host.”
However, this mention of a brother... Alexander was intrigued. “Are you saying that there is a younger
you running around, and I have never met him, nor heard much of him? Does he share your good looks and terrible taste in women?” He laughed lightly, patting Finnegan’s arm in jest. “Well, my sweet saffron, I will do my best to limit my flirting, but with a face like yours I can hardly be expected not to flirt at least a little.” He gave him a look, one of those puppy dog faces children make at their parents to get an extra piece of candy.
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Usually when Alexander made such comments, Finnegan depending on his mood would either press for further flattery or give a backhanded comment about Alexander's poor taste in men. However, this time, Finnegan drew in a breath with his lips slightly parted trying to best determine how to roundabout explain to the poor queer man that his haughty joking was crossing a line that had been invisible thus far into their very relationship, “I would not say he has been ‘running around.’ My brother has had poor health since childhood, and I cannot help but feel your very presence could cause to be some offense to his well-being, unless, of course, you could tone down your flattery and at least, see to it that he is one of the most rare individuals for whom I hold any sort of care for. However, you being one of them ought to show how prevalent my request of you is since my younger brother takes a much more important role in my line of duty than you have ever,” his hand raised, placing it upon Alexander's broad shoulder and breathing in whatever air surrounded them. He was not playing with his words as carelessly as he generally did. This much was very obvious for Alexander.
Alexander’s brows shot up, blue-grey eyes wide. Why on
earth was Finnegan so upset by his teasing? However, the craftsman recomposed his features to an expression more suited to his typical demeanor before allowing it to change with his words. “Why, Finnegan, you make me sound like a monster,” he said, keeping his voice down. “I should hope that you know me better than you seem to think. You make it sound as though you wish me to be cold, unfriendly, and unfeeling to your brother, and I simply cannot do that! Surely you must know that. I will only be polite, friendly, and very much so myself, even with your brother whom you seem to paint a very unflattering portrait of, but I have already agreed to...muffle, per se, my...flamboyance and flirtation. There is nothing more that you could ask of me. I will determine his constitution and from there determine just how much flirting he can take. You speak as if you think him too weak to even take one harmless compliment from my lips. My dear foxglove, while I admire your care and dedication to your brother’s wellbeing, I simply must remind you that he is his own person, too, and must grow a skin of his own. He cannot rely on yours all the time.” Alexander gave him a look. “Besides, he is most likely much stronger than you think, if you only give him the opportunity to express and implement it.” His words were decidedly harsher than usual, but so had been Finnegan’s, thus the adjustment was necessary. “I shall treat him more cautiously than I do usually, at your request, but you simply cannot ask me to be anything less than myself. For goodness’ sake, tiger lily, do you expect me to behave like a
normal person?!” Alexander laughed at the very thought, the dashingly absurd notion of himself as being considered “normal.”
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Alexander’s friend made a forcefully benign smile and drew in another whiff. His head motioned with the act, “You smell nervous, Alexy. Good, but nervous,” he toyed lightly with the man’s title for his own effect as Alexander had done with him, “I see I am making a fair point to you, then, and this, too, is good,” his hand continued resting on the taller man’s shoulder. His eyes left the finely sculpted face of Alexander and looked onward, admiring the chandeliers hanging from the library. The gold was intricate enough to be held with astute honor in a cathedral of sorts — of at least by appearance and not size. The glass lighting was finely cleaned despite what had been broken and most likely abused (due to neglect) and lying outside the long journey leading to the library’s entrance, “And, why Alexy, my good boy,” his eyes darted away from the light fixture and to Alexander, again, piercing through all the fabricated pompous gaunt that he wore like a man with no conscience, “You would smell absolutely wretched if you acted as anyone but yourself. Be
normal, by all means, and dare I say you have insulted me, now? No, no. I am not a dandy. I have too much wit for that. However, my brother, he is much different than I am, even if we do look very similar. Hair and other subtleties, aside, which is why I am forewarning you in such a manner. The family has almost lost him on numerous occasions, and I am afraid your shenanigans could ruin his faint of heart. If anything were to happen to him, I could never forgive you.
“Although, I thought to leave the last bit out and simply not warn you of any ill intentions I would take against you if anything was because of you, but I cherish our friendship enough to at least give you some time to ponder your own capabilities and restraints as a human being.” His hand slid from the dark fabric, and he raised his eyebrows, seemingly wanting to change the subject. His thumb pressed against his middle finger and then his ring finger, stretching them as he glanced back to Mademoiselle Evelyn and Lady Alyssana. It appeared Lady Charlotte Vernell and what appeared to be a child had joined them. His conversation with Alexander caught his attention, again, though, as he waited for the man’s reply.
Alexander nodded slowly at all the right moments. In the end, he simply said, “I see… Well thank you, then, my friend, for this warning so I did not have to go into the encounter completely unaware of any adverse reactions you or your esteemed brother may have to my…otherwise unfiltered self.”
He sensed Finnegan’s discomfort, but did not wish to leave the subject of this mysterious brother. “What is your brother like?” he asked innocently. “What is his gift? Does he have a nose like yours, or is he extraordinarily genius, or does he simply manipulate metal as I do? What guild has he sought membership of, if he’s even old enough for such an ambition? For that matter, how much your junior is he, this…Walter was his name, yes? Did he go to the astute Institute as we did, or did his health not allow such an ambition?”
Alexander paused, resting his hand on Finnegan’s arm. “You must forgive me, my dear foxglove, but I cannot help be curious. Between having no family of my own and only just now hearing mention of this brother of yours, one you seem to hold in such high regard even if you think him a tad fragile, I cannot help but desire to gather more information from your lips on him, on such an intriguing matter. I hate to walk into a situation knowing absolutely nothing or worse—all the wrong information—and I do not wish to use what I am more discreetly known for in the darker circles in order to gain such information, especially not on such a dear friend. I promised it to Rowena, and I shall promise it to you as well, that I shall not go spying or prying into your lives unless I deem it absolutely necessary, as in your lives are or my own life is at great risk of injury or ending, and even then I shall hesitate greatly before pursuing such a course of action.”
Alexander gave Finnegan a look, one where soon his lips curled into a smile. “Now please…do enlighten me about your brother. I do not wish to know everything just yet, but I do not wish to walk in knowing absolutely nothing, either.”
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“Understandable,” the man quickly replied, taking in what was said quite quickly, “But, yes — Walter, yes. I wish his talent lie in bed with mine, but it does not,” Finnegan began, “His is Mathematics," Finnegan began. He was obviously a man who had an acute sense with such numeric equations, but his brother was by far better in this field of study. It was obviously not in Finnegan’s interest to illicit any jealousy, however. “He has an uncanny knack for numbers,” he let out a soft sigh, “I fear it ruins him a bit,” his eyes looked downward, and off-offhandedly he elongated his comment, “Just a bit,” and again, his blue eyes were upon the man in front of him. “But, no, he never went to the Institute. As I have already stated, he has been sick for most of his life, and thus, he has had private tutors provide him with his what he knows and understands of the subjects. They were fine tutors. Do not be misinformed. Some of which were friends or colleagues of my professors.”
Alexander’s friend turned his face to glance at the large, pale hand that held his arm. He appeared to be studying the skin complexion or even taking in the scent, “So yes, he is extraordinarily genius like I am,” his smile twisted more concretely and playfully, wondering where Alexander could have ever gotten the idea he would get away with such a stupid comment, “And, he shall be part of the Scholar Guild, as his older brother is,” Finnegan’s face turned back to Alexander. Hiding behind his mouth seemed to be a mouthful of information he was chewing and adamantly measuring how to spit it out during the course of the next several immediate moments, “Your friendship is highly valued and appreciated. I would never want to harm you without thinking at least twice about it, you know. Of course, you do. Just look at you,” the man made a small chauvinistic jest of a scoff, moving his arm slightly.
“My brother is much different than me in personality, but that changes nothing between us, nothing really....” he trailed off, “Alexy, really. I am sure you will be fine, but I am always willing to be more than overly cautious with Walter. He is after all, my younger brother,” he drew in a breath of some relaxation, having gotten that course of action unburdened from his chest, “Now, this dance is
quite the masquerade. I would not say that a birthday party is the best of hats to wear in disguise, but I assume you know something about it? You are after all, more in
The Know than a silly perfumer who hardly has time to run his own shop since he is far too busy chasing and removing skirts from all the beautiful women that dare cross his path,” he shook his head lightly, sternly mocking his own rumors of himself, “I wonder how it feels for young Olivia to be the centerpiece of a such a show. She seemed too sad when I kissed her hand, like a withering violet, “his mind wandered slyly and gaily, “If Evelyn were not here, I would have tried to change that. The poor thing.” His head shook back-and-forth gently, again, disagreeing outwardly of his naughty imaginings.
He raised his brows. There was no jealousy in Finnegan’s tone. He was proud of his brother, though he also seemed slightly disappointed in his...more social shortcomings from such a gift. This Walter seemed a good man, if a bit shy and reclusive in ways. Alexander blushed a bit and looked down slightly at the remark about his appearance. Finnegan returned to Walter and Alexander nodded while frowning reassuringly. “Oh but of course,” he fed, “he
is your younger brother after all.”
The conversation switched back to the party and Alexander couldn’t help but laugh lightly. “My dearest tiger lily, you are positively the
worst tonight,” he teased. “This is not the greatest of masquerades. A
proper masquerade is not limited to just a fanciful mask, but an elaborate costume. You become a character for the evening.” He looked at Finnegan, brows narrowed. “I can’t believe you have not yet been to one of mine. You would absolutely love it. I’m quite positive of it.” He sighed. “But I’m afraid I am as clueless as you are to our summons. I did not even know my darling moonlace Rowena would be in attendance.”
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A small mockery of a sheepish laugh escaped Finnegan as he listened to Alexander boast and lecture him. It dwelled in his throat more so then his mouth, “Ah, I am uncertain as to why you have never invited me, but some questions are better left unanswered.” His head turned towards Lady Rowena, her scent was darling, as Alexander described her appearance. She was wearing something loud and proud but elegant and sleek all the same. She looked absolutely stunning in her daringly revealing dress. Evelyn also had a low-neck line style, but none of the attention would draw away from her mask or jawline. However, in Lady Rowena’s case, she had a much different and more exotic beauty to her, “Another one of those questions would be, ‘How am I ever to escape Lady Rowena’s presence if she is invited to all the same events to which I am invited?’ She smells annoyed, more than usual. What a shame. She probably knows more than we do... And, I would not mind asking her — to dance. I am certain she would brighten the ballroom floor quite easily. That is her true gift, if anyone wanted my opinion on the matter.”
Alexander raised his brows.
Escape his darling Rowena? “Finnegan my dearest, you cannot
possibly be suggesting I not invite my
very best friend
just so you can attend an event where she is not to be present. I simply could not do that to her. She would never forgive me. I would sooner end up like one of her fiancé’s than not.” He shook his head. “You would have to make a friend of one of her enemies, or otherwise secure an invitation to an event the Ministers have not been invited to if that is what you truly wish.”
The mustache-less blond sighed. “I do not understand how you two are not friends. You are so similar.” He shook his head. “Though I must respectfully request that you leave the first dance to me, my dear sunflower. I already proposed the idea to her earlier, and, well, surely you have seem the way the two of us dance.” He gave Finnegan a smile, patting his arm. We are practically in-synch.”
Alexander sighed wistfully. “Though it
is unfortunate I cannot dance with a member of my preferred sex. Nor do I think there is a man here who is interested in other men that I have not already spent time with, and they were all exceptionally rubbish.” He shook his head. “At least tonight
you can go to a warmer bed than mine. If, of course, that is not too bold to say.”
He looked around. “Perhaps you could assist me in finding a suitable partner for the evening? I
refuse to make waste of an evening such as this when surely there must be
someone here I can acquaint myself with.” He paused. “Unless of course your brother is to attend this evening, in which case I could always entertain him.” Alexander raised a hand. “Differently from how I entertain other men, of course my dear forsythia.” He frowned. “Though I suppose if your brother were to be in attendance with you this evening, he likely would already be here, unless of course you avoided the awkwardness of sharing the transport with both family and…er well…
friend.”
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“No, my brother shan’t be attending tonight. He has other things he needs to attend,” a bright smile dashed over Finnegan’s lips as he ran through the selection of cliched responses he could make next in line in further response to Alexander’s wit. Having gotten the news of his brother out of the way, he was not above mentioning his mind being quite enthralled with Lady Rowena. However, he had no such interest of courting her in all serious manner, as was usual with him. He would match rather spend time trying to fluff the skirts that Lady Alyssana rarely fancied over herself. Although, he had Mademoiselle Evelyn tonight, and why — he looked over judging her innocent character, she looked quite insecure and faint. It would be a shame if he did not come rescue her, now, seeing that she was left standing away from the very woman he had just been fancying in his mind, “And here, I thought you knew when I was joking, Alexy,” he let a jovial stout of air press from him, “It makes sense now that I have been replaced by the Minister of Merchant Guild’s niece,” his shoulders relaxed after making the comment. “I must say though, a good dance would put us in better step, do you not say?”
“My mustachioed blond, you must know that Rowena and I are far closer than you and I. I could not consider hosting an event where neither of you are invited. The fact that you have yet to attend one of my events merely means you have declined the invitations, or there has been some error in the delivery system.” He frowned. “Either that, or I did not invite you because I did not know you could at all be friendly with the lady, seeing as your interactions around me border on politely hostile!” He shook his head. “Nonetheless, you can expect an invitation next time. I will hand-deliver it to your shop myself.”
He paused, then allowed a teasing smirk to coat his lips and a mischievous air settled upon his brows. “Perhaps I should host something sooner rather than later, all to better meet this mysterious brother of yours.”
Alexander nodded slowly at the talk of dance. It was as good a dismissal as any. “Well then,” he suggested, “why don’t we gather our partners for a dance? Put something respectable on the floor.” He noticed, however, that Rowena’s attention was diverted to…well, in fact, she was nowhere to be seen.
Interesting…playing hide and seek are we, moonlace? Still, Alexander gave his friend a polite smile. “You should go to your guest. I am sure Lady Evelyn is missing her dear Finny.” He released Finnegan’s arm and bowed slightly. “You know where to find me.” He started to walk away. “Follow the hair…or perhaps in your case, the scent.” And with that, he walked away.
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