Bouche à Bouche
Starter for @2kyears
It was good work, all things considered. It paid well. These balls served royalty and those noble enough to share a room with them, and that meant they could afford fineries: the best food, the best furnishings, and the best musicians. These dances were more than just entertainment, after all. Dynasties were expected to be made or broken as the heirs of the most important families waltzed together.
In truth, Nicolas had not paid much attention to the actual guests. He didn't know the names and faces, which family was which and what drama was between them. All that had nothing to do with him, after all. He wasn't titled, he wasn't getting married, he wasn't here to wine and dine and dance. He was here to play. So he played, letting the violin speak for itself in elegant, precisely rhythmic notes.
When there was a break, he made himself disappear. These aristocratic types didn't want to see the hired staff, and he didn't care much for their company either. He made his way along the servants' passageways to the kitchens to grab a glass of wine, and then outside. The fresh night air would do him some good.