dangerously yours (masquerade)

Chapter three

"Evening, Count Estafan." The elevator operator spoke.

"Hello, Peter." He replied smiling, "I hope you're having a calm evening."
The elevator journey was filled with insufferable small talk. I internally rolled my eyes. Although part of me was in awe of Estafan's manners and kindness towards the staff. Who knew such a horrible and disgusting man could be so kind and thoughtful. Once reaching the ground floor he smiled at the operator and tipped generously.

"Thank you. Have a nice evening, Peter." He waved as he gracefully allowed me to exit first.

"Thank you, Count Estafan!" He said as the elevator doors closed.

"What a pleasant gentleman." I spoke.

"He is a lovely man. Replied Estafan. "He has been very kind to me during this whole trip and so I must only return that kindness as best I can." He smiled.

I returned it. A real smile. I thought about his words. It was not often such a well to do man would be so courteous. I shrugged the thought away as I quickly realised it was surely all a facade.

We reached the steps and he took my hand. I believed his hand would be coarse and rough but I was gravely mistaken. His hands were soft, warm, and welcoming. I smiled at his touch as he helped me down the stairs.

"Hello again, Count Estafan and Countess Roshela." Audrais spoke.

"Table for two, please."  I replied smiling.

Rudolph smiled at me. It was not often I would be allowed to speak instead of the man I was with. It was new. It made me appreciate this villainous man more. However every time I would feel appreciation toward him, I would speedily remind myself of his heinous plans and how he was trying to influence my country in the wrong direction. I needed to stop him.

"You will be seated here." Audrais smiled gesturing at the table.

The table was lovely. A candle slowly burned in the centre on top of the blood red table cloth. My ears were filled with classical music which the musicians were performing in the corner. Rudolph circled behind me and pulled out my chair, allowing me to sit comfortably. Never before had a man been so gentleman-like to me before. All the men in my home town would only pull a chair out for you if they were trying to pull a trick on you and cause you to fall.

"Thank you Count Estefan." I smiled as he returned to his side of the table.

"Please, call me Rudolph." He replied.

"And you can call me Catherine." I spoke, maintaining strong eye contact.

"What a lovely name!" he exclaimed. "From the Greek Katharos, meaning pure." He smiled.  "Catherine" he repeated murmuring to himself.

"I must say it is rather impeccable that you know that off the top of your head!" I laughed. "Where were you educated?" I questioned, hoping I would find out more information about this man.

"Ah. It's not very interesting. I was sent to boarding school throughout my entire childhood. It was insufferable, being constantly around all these snobbish boys. Anyway, enough about me! Tell me about yourself Catherine!"

He had a real genuine interest in his eyes about me. It was the first time a man had ever looked at me like that. I had to break eye contact as I was so taken aback.

"Oh. There is really not much to tell." I replied looking down. " I've lived in Hungary my whole life. I must say I had a very fortunate upbringing much like yourself. I understand much about snobbish boys."

We both laughed. Just then Audrais appeared back with the menus.

"Thank you, Audrais." We both said at the same time. We laughed at the coincidence.