Snowfall

27 - Intimate Friends

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'Welcome to the 43rd Gala Night of Orlov Empire. We would like to thank everyone for attending this event. All contributions tonight will go to our foundations and charities. Please do enjoy a night of fun and festivity.

To start with, we would like to welcome the Orlov siblings: Odin, Loki, Fenrir, Arthur, Orpheus, Hermes, Khalil and Snežana. Also please give in a big round of applause to the princess' fiancé, Lucca Rousseau Vasiliev. With him is our very own Duke of Muscova, Lord Dmitri Vasiliev and his daughter Lady Vivienne. Thank you for honoring us tonight with your presence.' The host announces as he began the event.

Idle chitchats float in the air as businessmen and aristocrats roam around. The brothers gathered around Ivana as she go around greeting people.

'Guys, I'll be okay. Go and enjoy the night.'

'Are you trying to die here?'

'No. of course not. But we need to be as casual as possible.'

'Guys, no worries. I was informed that they will not move unless they are sure that Svetlana is back as CEO.'

'See? So leave me for now. I am well aware of my safety. It will be more suspicious if anyone sees all of you hovering over me.'

'Fine. But be careful.'

'I will.'

'I'll stay with her.'

'Thank you, Orphie.'

The brothers spread as they move around greeting and chatting with their fellow associates and businessmen. Ivana and Orpheus stayed on one side of the hall watching everyone. She saw Lucca, Dmitri and Vivienne near the stage, where an orchestra is playing, speaking with some other aristocrats and businessmen. The media were busy interviewing. It looks like the usual gala but they know that something sinister is lurking behind the happy mood.

Ivana started walking towards the refreshment area when someone spoke to Orpheus. Curiosity got the better of her so she turn around and was surprised at what she saw. Luther is talking to Orpheus quietly. Nothing special with the talk but what got her attention is the way the two converse with each other. Luther is leaning against Orpheus intimately while her brother is holding something just behind him which she guess is Luther's hand from the way the two are standing.

She was on their side so they weren't able to see her. Deciding that they need distraction, she walk back towards them and greeted Luther.

'Brother, I didn't know that you and Luther are familiar with each other. How did you two meet?'

'Ivana, a pleasure to meet you again. Why did you change your name?'

'Long story. So would you like to answer my question?'

'We go way back.'

'Oh, really. How far back?'

'Princess,' Orpheus called her, his voice telling her to stop. Ivana just smiled at her brother.

'Would you care for a dance, milady?'

'Absolutely.'

Orpheus glared daggers at Luther when he took her arms while Luther shot him a playful grin as he led her towards the dance floor. When the dance began, they both swayed to the music.

'So do you want to tell me now?'

'I'm not sure I am following you.'

'Let's not tread around each other. You and my brother, what is your relationship?'

'Friends.'

'Then how come I saw you holding his hands?'

'Do I need to answer that?'

'No. I will just assume that what I saw is how I understood it but I want you to answer another question.'

'And that would be what?'

'Are you the assassin my brother is talking about?' Ivana leaned over Luther's side as she whispered to him so that only the two of them can hear it.

'So you know?'

'They told me.'

'Yes.'

'Oh. So that means you are going to kill me once Svetlana got back her position in the empire.'

'No.'

'No?'

'You have planned everything to a T. I don't think I need to do my job.'

'Is that so? Then will you just help me out?'

'Of course. I came here to support you.'

'And Orphie?'

'And Orphie. You know what? I didn't realize you are a nosy princess. He always talk about you when we were in college. So when you met again and started your plan, he immediately called me for help. Too bad that my boss already accepted Svetlana's deal.'

'God! She is so maddening. What did she offer?'

'Your hotels.'

'Damn the witch!'

'But don't worry now. Boss agreed with me revising the contract. If she didn't get the post back, the deal is off. We do not work for free so that is what we did. Besides, boss doesn't want to get in bad light with the duke. I think they are friends and he knows the duke can pull out his businesses here.'

'I see.'

'Your fiancé knows how to protect you well. He went to the very person who will not tolerate my boss.'

'I have to thank him for that.'

'So what is your plan after this?'

'You'll see.'

'You know I love being with mysterious women.'

'I know you also want to go back to your mystery man.'

'Funny you say that.'

'Well, I will not stop you from enjoying the night with him. Just please be discreet.'

'Ha! Ha! We are.'

'Of course.'

Luther sauntered back towards Orpheus who is still standing on the same place they were moments ago. When the two got together, she realized that Luther has the same height as her brother. A bit leaner but still muscular. The dark room hid the hands they are now holding onto. Cute.

She turn around and searched for Lucca. She missed having him beside her. She saw him just a few feet away from her when she landed her eyes to someone who just came in.