tiddly winks | NYB
{ @udcathal }
♞ - Any proper courtier worth their salt knew that the very best parts of balls were the action behind the scenes. In smoky drawing rooms away from the mind numbing chatter and waltzes, they gathered, a shadowy force with sacks full of teeth. People were made or broken in these games and the Seymour heir was glad to give his best effort to uncover the kinds of secrets and ambitions the opposition might hold in the name of the One True Queen, even though it meant sacrificing his own enjoyment of vastly more charming company.
Bending over the cherry wood table, mossy hues lined up his shot, carefully gauging each centimeter between his wink and the target. At last they glanced up to his opponent, brow arching above though his mouth remained firmly lacking in any humorous upturn. “Just what are we wagering here old chap? Obviously pride is on this table, but it’s downright dull if that’s all!” With measured care, the knave straightened slowly only to lean forward with palms against the cold surface. A chuckle threatened to tumble from the recesses of a lean throat as he admitted, “I have the distinct feeling everyone in this room, nay land, would greatly appreciate the loss of your— Can that even be rightfully called attire?”
With a disdainful shake of his head that set unruly locks tumbling and several tongue clicks more in line with a nagging mother than a rambunctious twenty year old, Jack swept a long appraising stare over the other. “All right then, name your bet. I’ve got mine.”
