Dangerous Seduction {BOOK THREE}

4

~Dangerous Societies~

Days bled into one another and soon I found myself sharing a dressing room with Elizabeth. Tonight was the night. And I could feel the smug satisfaction radiating off of Veronica as she tightened my corset. She knew how I hated occasions such as this, mingling with noble society and the like. My dress held a more masculine style with a jacket and waistcoat type bodice. It was dark blue and black with pinstripes accenting on the cuffs of my sleeves and the underskirt of the gown. I wore black heels that clicked when I walked and short black gloves covered my hands.  My plum locks were placed into an elegant twist, jeweled combs holding it in place. My eyes shown bright against the dark charcoal outlining them. I turned to see Elizabeth in another Nina original. She looked stunning.

"Hurry Siren! We can't keep everyone waiting, that would be rude." She grasped my hand and dragged me to the First-Class Lounge. Once Ciel was spotted I was soon forgotten. Vincent and Veronica stood at my sides as we watched.

"They certainly make a fetching pair...don't you think young mistress?" Veronica whispered low enough so only I and Vincent could hear. I glared at her while we saw Elizabeth drag Ciel about, parading the young lord around the party. Mingling with other members of the upper class became boring, their patronizing smiles and subtle jabs at my age or stature were becoming harder and harder to ignore. Eventually I found an opening to escape when I noticed Ciel hiding near one of the stair cases. 

As I grew closer I heard Ciel grumble," I feel like a fool having traded in my work for this..."

"You could always accept your aunt's offer for fencing lessons, wasn't she gracious enough to offer in the first place?" I slide next to Ciel with ease shortly followed by Veronica and Sebastian. I make note that Snake is lingering a bit behind the two with Vincent.

"You sound like Sebastian..." Ciel sighed.

I let out a short laugh before replying, "Oh hush, none of that should matter anyway. We can't spend the night dallying about; we have work to do."

"The young lady is correct young master, tonight is the night." Sebastian spoke as he presented Ciel with a plate of food. Veronica followed shortly after presenting my own.

I watch Veronica and Sebastian turn, "That is the signal my lord, my lady..."

Within our line of sight we watch another guest stop a waiter for a drink, the man walks away with an empty glass.

"A waiter carrying and offering empty wine glasses is what signals the opening of the Aurora Society meeting." Veronica places my plate of food near an empty table while Ciel hands his to Snake.

"Now is our chance, we must follow..." Ciel and Sebastian move towards a staircase following the man.

I move after them but pause, "It is nice to see you Snake..." He looks at me with a soft expression, "I know it is hard to be in such large judgmental crowds but I'm sure Ciel brought you here so you could find confidence. You have nothing to be ashamed of..."

I let a smile grace my lips as I depart. Snake will be safe for now. Looking at Veronica she gives a small nod before leading me past the main dining area to a secluded hall. Ciel and Sebastian waited and watched the interaction between the man and the "guards" of the door. At our approach Ciel and Sebastian promptly threw on disguises before turning to Veronica and I.

"Well?" Ciel looked at me expectantly.

"Well what?" I turned to Veronica for an explanation.

"I believe the young lord is wondering about your disguise my lady."

My eyes lit up in realization before I snapped my fingers. In an instant my plum locks turned to a rich chocolate brown and my eyes shifted from their natural more vibrant heterochromia to a more subtle version.  One eye was a soft green while the other dulled to a muted blue. I took my hair out of its twist, allowing it to drape over my shoulders and down my back. When I turned to check on Veronica her hair is also a rich brown color but her eyes remained the same.