Uproarium's Brightest

Chapter Nine: Dance Of Deception

Author's Note: This is my absolute favourite chapter so far. You'll understand when you've finished reading, I hope.

I opened the wooden closet at the side of the room, my muscles straining with the effort. The knob had got stuck again but I needed to get dressed for the main event. Impressions mattered suddenly- to me at least.

I took off the pullover I had been wearing, shivering when the wind smacked my window open for the third time today. I jumped, letting the cloth fall to the floor and rushing to lock the window again before I could freeze to death.

The snow height level had been growing rapidly, estimated to rise up to 9 inches by the end of the week- the most we've ever seen in a month like this. Worst of all, it wouldn't stop anytime soon either, so there wouldn't be any going in or out of places.

Jonathan had reached Vi's apartment. They were staying together with Kitty, enjoying each others' company while I was on my mission. But I wasn't complaining. Not at all.

I sound like I'm complaining, aren't I?

I picked a pearly white shirt to put on. It looked like a turtleneck and the fabric was airy and plain, like a garment you'd see a bard or a poet wear. I tied a belt around my waist. The silky red texture reminded me of a ribbon, like I was tying myself to a present. Finally, I wore brown dressing pants, that might've been a few sizes two low for me.

If anyone asked, I'd tell them they were capri.

I took a breath of confidence, leaving my room. The ballroom hall was majestic. Over my head, a golden chandelier decorated the ceiling like a celestial veil of light- a halo if I may. Its candles were very real, some of them lit up for the occasion.

Lady Isadora was helping Lord Thomas rehearse his speech, something he didn't seem too thrilled to do in the first place. I wouldn't be either if I was running on fifty shots of alcohol. The old man smelled of liquor and a scowl was forever etched on his peculiar face. Lord Silverguard's icy blue gaze watched over the hall.

Assistants with trays rushed to provide everyone with glistening champagne. They all wore ruffly white shirts and brown trousers. Oh, my cheeks burned with embarrassment. I looked like a butler, of all people, but it was too late to go back and change.

I picked up one of the free rainbow paper hats from the side, trying to at least seem glad to be there. Desperately, I tried to separate my appearance from the assistants' ones.

A young man approached me. He had slick-back brown hair and the same icy blue eyes I'd seen before. I instantly made the connection. This was Lord Silverguard's son- the Viscount.

I shook his hand debating on whether I should bow.

"May I interest you in a drink?" he asked, clicking open a bottle of gin and tonic. He poured some into his glass then into another. I watched the ice cubes in the drink slowly float, now positive it was safe.