Masquerade [Kuskovo Estate]

[Jaxen Marveet]

Cyrena Marveet

Cyrena flippantly noticed his relief that Tarik was her brother, and she all but tuned out mention of Pavel. She did not get along well with any of the Vasilev children other than passing politeness and shallow flattery, but she did find Pavel the most detestable, if only because he was the godly first-born that Maksim was not.

“Yes,” she replied without second thought. When she stood, there was a subtle wobble to her steps. She was obviously more inebriated than her speech and expression let on. “For what is a masquerade if not also a ball?” Sarcasm dripped from her tongue like diamonds, but beautifully done. She slipped her arm into his, noting the muscle found within the sleeve, and wondered if this might be her choice of empty company for the night. “Does this mean a guest of Pavel did not bring a date to the ball?” She asked as they reached the dance floor, wrapping her arms around his neck.

It was near to then that she noticed Maksim walking Alina away, but something, or clearly someone, caught his attention. The oddity of it pulled Cyrena’s gaze into obvious investigation. She only glimpsed the man in question. “Who is that?” She assumed Kristian would notice her distracted glances.