@medicus-mortemâ // continued.
The party infiltration was almost - almost - a success. Just as theyâd suspected, the host had ties to the underworld, just another flea riding on the success of a mad dog. But, despite their efforts to disguise themselves as a wealthy couple, Robin quickly found out that they were under suspicion.
It began when she danced with the host, and dared to converse with him. A slow melody played from the live band at the time, the host guiding her into a waltz. Of course, she was elegant and as graceful as could be - Professor Fyodor Anna belonged to that party, she breathed royalty just as naturally as she read, or as she could slip poison into his drink. But the conversation with the host had turned sour when sheâd pulled away from his advances.
There was a time she would have accepted using her body for information - or perhaps even an assassination. But she reacted on instinct, and Professor Anna and Doctor Herz were such a lovely couple, adored by all but yet out of mind of the entire party; such a scandal would draw too much attention to them.
She excuses herself from the host, apologizing for any inconvenience with a polite courtesy, and finds her partner in crime. The music continues on its slow waltz as she and Law share a kiss and a dance under one of the chandeliers.
âEager to be rid of me so quickly?â she whispers into Lawâs ear, hot breath blowing down his neck. Her own mask is that of a bird - ironic, she had mused at the time she bought it. âKeep up the appearance. Our dear friend is looking at us.â
A wistful sigh passes through her lips.
âI managed to gather enough about the next shipment, but nothing we couldnât have discovered elsewhere,â Robin says, feeling the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. âHe offered to take me upstairs. Sadly I rejected his advances.â She pulls back from Law. âAs much as Iâd love a chance to, it would put us under suspicion when his servants discover his body.â
Had it been a mistake? Who knew. But as far as the party was concerned, Anna and Herz were two fools desperately in love, and to see Anna with the host alone while Herz didnât bat an eye - eyes. Eyes would be on them.