I wanted to argue my case. But I knew my memories were a little wonky tonight, for whatever reason. I'd just have to wait and see if she showed up again. I don't want to raise unnecessary alarm. Gaining a reputation for being a drama queen was really not going to go over well. Besides, I guess I couldn't blame Luceyado for not believing me when I had already disrupted the party once.
Although that was kind of your fault, too, buddy...
Unaware of my thoughts, Luceyado smiled in satisfaction, "I knew your dress would please the master."
"Are you all right?" Cassiopeia asked, noting the far off look in my eyes."Yeah," I said slowly. "Cassiopeia, do you—have you ever seen any children around here?""No, I can't say I have," the woman shook her head, "Have you?""I saw a little girl. She was in the back hall, down there," I pointed to the crystal doors, "but she ran into the courtyard when she saw me."
"Forgive me, am I invading your thoughts?" he asked."Nah, you—," I began. Then a thought came to me, "you rather completely overturnedthem, I'd say," I said, mimicking the twang in Clarence's voice. I tossed my hair, "Good lord, whatwasI thinking about?"I sent him a grin, and he accepted the challenge."The importance of a graceful intrusion perhaps?" he replied, thickening his voice with a Ru
The question flew out of my mouth before I could stop it. He seemed surprised at my offer. I felt surprised, too, especially because my mask didn't twitch like it usually did whenever I asked a question."I'm not certain if it is necessary that you help," he answered slowly."I know you don't want to crowd him out, but old people can feel safer around younger ones," I insisted, "and I'm good at small talk."He hesitated for a moment, th
He moved towards the drawing room and I followed close behind. As we entered, he murmured softly, "I suppose it is also coincidence that the piano is here.""Really? You play?" I asked, my delighted surprise making me forget to whisper.Some guests turned at the sound of my question. Keeping up with me, Masquerade answered modestly, "A few simple scales, nothing equal to the masterpieces of great composers.""I don't believe that," I retorted
My heart was pulled to both extremes. I wished I could have asked Masquerade what was on his mind when he looked at me. But I knew entertaining the guests was probably more enjoyable for him than talking to me again.Besides, I was overreacting anyway, I told myself. He probably wasn't even thinking about me when his eyes got intense. After all, he calmed down as soon as he noticed I was looking at him.Come on, Jenna, calm down. One little thing doesn't mean he's crazy. Let the guy have his own thoughts.
Her claim came as a surprise to me."...it's yours?""Yes, my brother gave it to me," she insisted."Really? What's his name?""Robert," the girl said, "His name's Robert."
She held up the ace of hearts, and I looked over her shoulder. Slowly, the mist obscured the face of the card. This image was much crisper, but the angles were still awkward and odd. This place was darker than the last two memories."No, no, please! I have no money to give!" a woman's voice pleaded."Here, sir, the last one," a gruff man said.The image thumped heavily, then grew still. It seemed whoever held the
The sudden shift in his tone piqued my interest."I'm just wondering if you know a young man named Robert?" I said."Here? Well, I suppose there's a few fellows with that name...um...Is Robert his real name or just his name?"Now it was my turn to be confused."What's the difference?""Wel