Kaira

“If you’re getting yelled at by more than one person all evening then it must have been something you’ve done,” she sighed. “I think it’s harder and more effort to be such a..” she pauses and tries to collect herself. “What have you done that makes everyone yell at you? Besides myself.”

Seeing her pride about her work prompted the princess to stand taller as well, her curiosity always getting the best of her. "I still have not seen everything here. Would it be too much to ask to visit your modiste in the morning? Maybe even commission a gown almost as beautiful as the one you wear now?"

She gives a grateful nod, flushed a little from the dancing. “Of course you can. My shop is always open and I can show you all of my work and some I’m still working on. That's more of some personal experiments. I don’t like to have free time,” she blushes, “I can’t sit still but my work is only improved from it.”

His face scrunched, and he looked at her. "Well, I can greet you however I like," he didn't know her at all- why does he have to be kind? He's sure it was written all over his face how much of a bad mood he really is in. he slightly lifted his nose.  “Is that how you talk to people you don’t know? scolding them as if you have the right to.”

She can’t help but scoff at him. “You bumped into me. I’d have ignored it if it weren’t for your attitude. I can’t even think what would put someone in such a mood. What was it?”

“It must feel extraordinary to see your creations among the glittering lights.” The theme of the night’s ball has been woven through everything with thoughtful touches here and there. Everyone has donned their finest and under the shimmering lights they seem to be having a splendid time. “I have taken a turn or two already,” he comments with a smile. He’s looking forward to dancing some more with his wife, and others. “Is the next song to your liking?” The band has been playing quite a repertoire of dances. Aiming to tailor to everyone is a task, but perhaps the song and dance style scheduled next is familiar to them  both. “Perhaps we shall dance?”

Kaira was glowing in orange, as glittering and perfectly done as the citrine was. It was a lovely fit. "Did you make this yourself? I heard you are a modiste, and if you did, your talent knows no bounds, Miss Kaira."

Proudly, she beams and stands a little taller. “I did! I inherited my fathers modiste and he taught me all I know. I think I knew how to handle a needle before I ever did a pen!”

Kaira had tried her best not to stand out after her past, opting for simple colours that would balance between suiting her and not standing out. It was hard to do as business owner whose entire reputation would fracture if she wore something terrible or that made her looked bad. It was finding that balance between the two. 

“The orange is much bolder than I normally pick and I was going to pick a simpler one but seeing everyone excited for theirs and the rich colours, I couldn’t miss out! Envy? Oh no! I don’t want that! Although if it takes them to my shop I wouldn’t mind too much!”

“Your work is exquisite and I truly do mean it. I can see the different greens and how it changes in the light. I think you have dressed yourself to be the best of the evening.” It wasn’t a shallow compliment or false words, she meant it and thought such good work should be praised. “I would be honored to dance with you.”

Dancing with her felt effortless, she laughed with glee and spun in tune with the fanciful music. Kaira made for a wonderful dancing partner. “You dance beautifully yourself,” she complimented with a graceful curtsy, smiling before laughing. “Well, none that I care yet for beside yours. Oh, a pink diamond!”

She gave a slight twirl to emphasize the way her dress skirt shaped under the movement. “It is not conventional, but I adore it. You are the citrine, yes?”

“A pink diamond suits you! It’s better to break away from convention when you’re at a beautiful ball like this. Why shouldn’t diamonds be pink? I think they should be every colour! Yes, I’m citrine today. I adore the colour and think it suits me as a stone.”

Frederic took a few steps into the ball alongside his brothers. His clothes made him stand out- red and a bit flashy. He thought he looked rather good in the ruby-colored suit. What he hadn't expected was seeing a glimpse of Mary, and she was also wearing red, and because of that. It felt like his brother had him on a tight leash. He was not going to have a good time if this kept up

He only barely managed to slip away from him while he was stuck talking to some women about their daughter being a match for him. He could finally breathe now that he was alone. His eyes weren't forward, and he had glanced behind, making sure Dominic was far enough away. He bumped right into someone. He made a noise, and he glared at the other- He actually managed to bite his tongue and not say anything rude. He’s sure his glare spoke for him. “Hello to you too,” He said as he crossed his arms. He took this as a chance to speak with someone- maybe if his brother saw, he’d leave him be....maybe he could act a little less cross...

Later on, that thought quickly changed when she felt one of them bump into her. “Excuse me?” she says in shock, giving him a stern look. “If that is how you say hello, even at an event then you should find a different way!”

"i  figured  that  modistes  must  stick  together  on  a  night  like  this.  tomorrow,  we  can  return  to  our  competition."  the  younger  bessette  breathed  deep,  calming  a  running  heart  from  the  high-energy  dance.  truthfully,  he  wished  to  learn  more  of  the  newcomer,  and  whether  she  would  pose  a  risk  to  his  father  ---  or  be  a  tremendous  asset.

he  takes  a  step  back,  releasing  her  to  hold  the  end  of  the  sash  around  his  waist.  "a  different  hue,  but  .  .  .  "  raising  it  closer  to  her  dress,  ramón  offers  a  small  smile.  "it  seems  we  were  of  the  same  mind  tonight."

She can’t help the smile that pulls up on her face seeing they wore the same gemstone for their inspiration. “You do look excellent in the citrine, I can’t fault your choice or the work on your clothing. You might competition afterall.”

"I think...I felt better with that thinking. with hope, I get carried away," He hummed. He snorted. "Well, just know that I didn't care that much-" he paused. "though I did tell him I had other lords I could bed," He admitted. which was true- he's rather good at getting into a lord's bed...maybe not so much their hearts sadly.

"No?" He had never worn clothes like this before, and did make him feel good. "Well, luckily for you, I only wear dark clothes…." He rather liked how it looked on him. It was bold, but he could see himself wearing it on his days off. " Well, you certainly did make it," He tells her.

"Oh, thank you." He should be used to complaints, but it does make him give a small smile. "Thank you," He snorted.” Well, he did think I was desirable. He bedded me many times," He pointed to her with a slight, sly smile on his face. “Maybe, I’d find someone else,” He hummed at the thought. He didn’t want to be hopeful, but he really can’t help it….

She looks over the suit and gives a nod almost like she’s assessing if he does suit the darker colours and finds that he is correct. “People think darker colours can’t be bold but I disagree! It depends on who wears them and how they’re made. You don’t have to use it for the ball but I hope you wear it at least once. And in view of someone you want to make jealous,” she adds a little wickedly but hoping it could be something he might use to show whoever his past flame was that he was missing out. 

“Do it! Maybe some high status lord or rich man so he can see you’re someone who has the attentions of important people and that would have him seething with jealousy.”

At least he had always loved dancing.

"If I look presentable it is your doing." He told the modiste, resisting the urge to smooth his soldier's uniform (still the nicest thing he owned) and its new pocket square. Her repairs had made him look presentable again. "It is agate, I think. Or something similar."

“Miss Thanvi, it’s a pleasure to see you in attendance.” He greets her with a warm smile. Their paths had crossed weeks prior when he shopped at Thanvi Silks. The modiste’s shop was smaller than others but he found no qualms with the quality of the items. He believed that in time to come, she would certainly make her mark upon the Ton, and possibly grow to rival the other modistes. “Are you happy here in wallflower land, or do you plan on getting a dance card?” He teased.

"He likes to watch the birds, there's some nests nearby I think."