12-18-2017, 10:12 PM
Nikolai was atuned to her every word. This girl had bewitched an entire country with her melodic words. It was easy to see why. In his long life he had never met anyone like her - an astounding accomplishment to be so unique a woman. He felt the tug of a smile begin to pull at his lips. One that was not forced in pleasantries. One that was not posed for the media. Something so genuine it stirred hesitation.
Until she spoke half a name.
What was the beginnings of a smile turned into dismissal. He waved a hand as she tried to smooth the slip of the tongue. Nicholas Trano was elevated among United States politicians, that was obvious. But it was not unsurprising. Neither was he worth the Ascendancy's thoughts. There were others in his employ constantly analyzing the developments abroad. For Evelyn to bring him up now only reminded Nikolai that she was indeed American.
He glanced at her, so American.
He learned more than about channelers tonight. He learned that he had to guard himself even more firmly. She was the sort of threat that would mole its way past his defenses and wield the very charm and affability that won him his own followers.
Full of charm and wit, certainly, but more importantly, Evelyn had the heart of the American people. The whisper of her lips in their ear and they would bend to her call. Whatever cause she backed, she won. It would take more than her, of course, but she was already leaning more pro-CCD than most in Congress. It was no mistake her presence on the delegation that visited. If she could be bent to his cause, if she could but see the purity of his ambitions, he may foster an unsuspected, yet influential, ally among the Americans. It was time to shape just such an ally. Evelyn was not the only one with charm and grace.
"Since we are awake and strolling the palace, would you like something of a tour? I am no historian, but I have lived here a long time and have grown fond of a few places in particular."
He gestured, raising an arm so to lead her along, blue eyes glinting with the smile of secrets soon to be shared.
Until she spoke half a name.
What was the beginnings of a smile turned into dismissal. He waved a hand as she tried to smooth the slip of the tongue. Nicholas Trano was elevated among United States politicians, that was obvious. But it was not unsurprising. Neither was he worth the Ascendancy's thoughts. There were others in his employ constantly analyzing the developments abroad. For Evelyn to bring him up now only reminded Nikolai that she was indeed American.
He glanced at her, so American.
He learned more than about channelers tonight. He learned that he had to guard himself even more firmly. She was the sort of threat that would mole its way past his defenses and wield the very charm and affability that won him his own followers.
Full of charm and wit, certainly, but more importantly, Evelyn had the heart of the American people. The whisper of her lips in their ear and they would bend to her call. Whatever cause she backed, she won. It would take more than her, of course, but she was already leaning more pro-CCD than most in Congress. It was no mistake her presence on the delegation that visited. If she could be bent to his cause, if she could but see the purity of his ambitions, he may foster an unsuspected, yet influential, ally among the Americans. It was time to shape just such an ally. Evelyn was not the only one with charm and grace.
"Since we are awake and strolling the palace, would you like something of a tour? I am no historian, but I have lived here a long time and have grown fond of a few places in particular."
He gestured, raising an arm so to lead her along, blue eyes glinting with the smile of secrets soon to be shared.