You called...

"Is there a reason for your actions tonight milord?"

They walked through the lit hallway of the mansion.

"Indeed.." Silas began "remember what i said about dancing Fredrick? Like i told you once before, the act of dancing is an expression of one self. I was once told that a person capable of keeping up with the changing tides and speed of a dance is capable of navigating their way through drastic changes.Better yet it shows their determination to not be bested. She passed very well, didn't she?" His hands were folded behind him as they pass the mirage of floor to ceiling window.

"She did, but mind if i ask what does that have to do with..." he trailed off. Up till the point of now, he still didn't understand the reason for his master's actions.

"...just because" Silas stated then came to a halt.

Suddenly Fredrick hand flew to his sword. He was stopped by Lord Silas's outstretched hand.

"You must be curious to meet me so early on" there was no threat or warning in his words, only amusement.

"You don't need to come of if you're shy young one. Your invite was received well. I came as you called" a smirk was playing on his lips, his words brought a raised brow from Fredrick. Apart from the fact he let his guard down, and didn't know someone was following them. It seems his master knew before hand.

When they were met with only silence and a slight shuffle a few feet away , Silas chuckled low "worry not young one. This won't be the last you hear from me. We'll be seeing very soon again."

The large eyes that peeked at them from behind a corner sparkled in curiosity. Before Silas and Frederick could take a step forward they heard a child voice whisper back cautiously with interest.

" i look forward to it".

Silas gave a simple nod and continued on. His steps echoing lightly as he disappeared further down the hall.

As they walked away and turned a corner, little Theodore came out from his hiding place and stared after them. So it was him. He actually came.

•••

The light breeze was cool on the open verenda. Lord Silas footstep sounded as he drew closer. The first sight that greeted him was the cool wind that blew against her long dark strands.

He knew she was aware of his presence, but she refuse to turn to him. Perhaps looking out for what he would do next.

"Should i presume i am being followed?" Her voice was light, carried by the breeze but had an edge to it.

"Well that would be an un-gentlemanly thing to do". Silas replied.

Only silence greeted him back. She didn't believe his words either.

"Well what would a lovely lady like yourself be doing here all alone?"

"Very much nothing that concerns you ". Lucinda stated, keeping her gaze below the railings with quite interest.

"Harsh i see" his words were laced in a smirk.

"The circumstance of this ball isn't an opportunity. Please refrain from treading further" He knew she was referring to the odd curiosity and his acting on it.

"Well I didn't come here on my own accord. I was invited. Won't you consider it rude to refuse an invitation lady Lucinda" the way her name rolled of his tongue felt odd to her. It wasn't malice or spite like the others; just a deep... dare she say sensual drawl.

"Like i said before, this ball isn't an opportunity for you or anyone else. We will likely never see each-"

"Dare i say it hurts my pride you couple me with the likes of them. I did hear some interesting things about you back in the ball".

"Their words do not faze me.Believe whatever you like".

"Oh believe me when i say I don't have the linenency to spread or listen to rumors. But i do gather some things from them. Besides I believe there is never a smoke without a fire"

The words exchanged between them was stiff and almost business like, but it was something he enjoyed. This woman made no attempts to coy him. He wasn't in no doubt full of himself, but he knew what his prowess brought.

"The ball today may be called for something. Maybe you should pay more attention to the reasons". He brought one folded hand from behind his back.

"See you soon my lady" he held onto her finger tips. Then descended to drop a kiss on her hand. His lips lingering and eyes closed. Then he pulled away an inch and his lips curved before he fully draw back.

His footstep echoed lowly as he walked away and lady Lucinda stared at her hand then him. The warmth of his lips were felt through her glove, lingering like a tingle, Her brows pulled together. No the heat was more like an itch to her. She just found a very stubborn but determined man. Well he will be hard to get rid off.

She turned back to study the ground below her. The guests has started dispersing from the hall, all retiring to their own carriages, The night air was cold and filled with the distant sound of insect, but what permitted the air was the low chatter from the socialites . She had no doubts they were leaving today with new rumors blooming on their lips. Dark words like black verminous veins hoping to coil and hang her. She would see the vicious words they have to spill soon.

•••

"So, who's gonna explain what happened yesterday ?" The morning was deathly silent as Lucinda walked down the length of the hall where her servants along with Theodore and Connor were lined up, confusion and fear permitting from the lot. She studied each of them with scrutiny and came to a halt in front of her son and guard.

"Milady-" Connor began to interrupt sensing the dreary silence.

"No, ",Lucinda held up a hand "you're not helping him out this time around". Her commanding tone left no room for interference.