the white fox

CHAPTER TWO,

THE WHITE FOX | TWO

  "THOSE ARE THE other three Saian guests," Louis commented, doing a good job of studying them without looking in the three girls' direction. Maximilian did much the same, watching them walk in through the mirror in front of him. All three were dark-haired, dark-eyed, as expected. He'd put all three's ages at around eighteen, though the prettiest one looked a bit younger.

The one who opened the door must be the leader. She walked before the other two, with a comfort the other two lacked. She was pale skinned, with cool eyes that regarded the room, landing on an empty settee in the corner. It took a minute for him to realise who she was.

"Asteria Lu. The Fox's daughter."

"That's her. The Countess of Ice."

"I can see why they call her that." Her gaze was steely. Her movements were elegant but gave off a certain air of arrogance and power. He tore his eyes away from her and landed on the second figure. Black hair was tied up in a tight bun with one of those hair sticks sticking out of it. This girl's skin was a tad darker than the other two, though he couldn't tell if it was because of a tan or if it hinted at the girl's mixed heritage. If Lady Asteria walked like a queen, this girl walked like a predator. Her expression was blank, eyes oddly cynical, mouth twisted slightly upwards as if she knew something no one else did.

The last girl was utterly unfamiliar. She had—

"I know the girl in pink." Louis didn't show his thoughts on his face, but Max could sense his puzzlement.

"Who is she?"

"That's the problem. I don't actually know her in the sense I'm aware of her name. But I've spoken to her before. Two years ago. When my family was in Sai. Caught her spying on us in a tree."

Max's eyes snapped to his. Mutual understanding passed through.

He took a moment to take in the girl's appearance again. She was beautiful, almost unnaturally so. He'd thought she was around seventeen upon first glance, but now that he took a more careful look, she looked far younger. Not her eyes, though, or the way she held herself, as if she'd be under attack any moment.

"Who are we studying with such intensity?"

He tilted his head to face the third—and unwelcomed—member of their entourage. Aleksandr Volkov. Six feet of strength and muscle, with chestnut hair, a hostile smile and calculating eyes. Max didn't trust him at all. But the Intelligence Bureau had assigned him to work with them, so he didn't have much of a choice.

Louis replied, "The newest arrivals."

Aleksandr's eyes flickered to the three girls, not settling comfortably on the settee, momentarily before turning back to them. "The Duke of Shui Xiang's little heir. Do we know who the other two are?"

Both shook their heads, wary and having good reason to feel that way.

With politeness, Aleksandr said, "We could ask."

"Quite suspicious. And since we haven't been introduced, it would be rude to approach them directly. Lady Asteria is known as the Countess of Ice among some circles, one doesn't get a title like that for no reason." Max crossed his arms. Anyone else would see three friends conversing comfortably. Someone careful would notice the tension brewing between them.

"Fair point." Aleksandr conceded the discussion with a tilt of his head.

Louis said, "I'm sure I've seen the third girl before. Keep an eye on that one. Last time I saw her she was dressed in peasant clothings and climbing trees with extreme skill. And only people in the upper class are invited to this event."