Dorian quirked an eyebrow at her as she allowed a response to flow from her freely, almost as if she hadn't meant to. Why would such a thing not be easy? He inwardly mused that if she were too shy, as she first appeared, or too calculative, as she had switched to being, that perhaps she may indeed have a difficult time enjoying the ball. That was, of course, if she didn't have his attention. A grin slid onto his face, pleasant outwardly, but with a sly motivation. Dorian was all too proud of the reactions he was capable of drawing from her, regardless or not of her words. She was giving him just enough signals for him to know that she certainly held an interest in him. Or she at least held an interest in dancing with a handsome man.

As he was alerted that she had heard stories of him, a sheepish chuckle left his lips. Of course she would have. If anything, he assumed this may just hinder his progress with her, but her next words surprised him. It was alright with her that he enjoyed mischief? Was it, truly? His insides twisted with confusion. They were only to twist themselves up further as she smile and proceeded to tell him to 'be careful'. Had anyone else spoken those words to him, he would've simply scoffed. Yet, they were a sensitive and sweet gesture towards someone as himself, especially when she had heard of him. Perhaps she had heard wrong, or had the wrong name in mind. No-- on second thought, mischief was typically a realm all of his own, so the petite miss couldn't have been mistaken. A slow, charming smile swept onto his face as he understood her acceptance of him. "I will only divulge in little bits of fun. No worries about me, my dear. I would hate to trouble that mind of yours." He spoke sweetly, voice soft as his gaze skimmed over her features in admiration.

Dorian's eyes sparkled as she stammered once more in response to his gestures of dipping her just so, and kissing the back of her hand, enjoying the flustered look he was able to draw out of her. Suddenly, a number of other ways he could draw out such a reaction came to mind, none of which at all suitable for a ballroom. He chuckled as he noted her free hand drawn close her chest, as if she may overheat and pass out. Dorian played this off as his pleasure in her allowance of his presence later in the night, smiling as he nodded once at her in understanding.

"Then I presume I should no allow another gentleman the pleasure of dancing with you. I look forward to seeing you later in the evening, Mademoiselle Aurelie Vallette." He spoke slowly, the emphasis of his words like silk as he spoke her full name with charm. Then bowing briefly once more, he would turn swiftly to exit the dance floor. As he did, his smile took on a sinister curl and his golden eyes once glistening with curiosity seemed to darken with a sense of dark pleasure. He would indeed be seeing her later on in the evening, that he was sure of. How he would love to simply devour the little darling, though.

After that much time spent dallying with a girl of such a Summer air, he first grabbed a glass of deep red wine before making his rounds about the room quietly. He did catch bits of female attention, and made some casual conversation with others of his court at times, but the person he sought was not to be found. Instead, he did note with some curiosity the presence of Adelaide Beaulieu as she was approached by the Prince Julien. Eyebrows raising slightly at the sight of the pair, he wondered of the other comte. Had he made contact with her yet? He hadn't even taken notice. Curious, Dorian continued to casually search for the other, not finding a trace of him until he stepped out of the main room to slither through a hallway further back. The other had just stepped out into the hall from a private room, the scent of a female distinct in the vicinity. It didn't take much for Dorian's mind to paint its own picture of what the other man had been up to.

"Evening, Comte. How do you fare?" He spoke up, head tilting slightly as he stopped where he stood near the hall's opening to lean casually upon the wall. Feet crossing beneath him, he tapped his cheek with a thoughtful finger as his amusement clearly played across his face. "The little lady was quite a treat. It appears you just found yourself one, as well." He commented lightly, voice musical yet suggestive as he was released from his earlier act.

. _ . ______________ . _ .


As the comte pressed his lips to her hand, a gesture she was familiar with, she fund herself blushing regardless of her experience with such a thing. "Of course." She managed softly, her free had rising to her cheek as she took in his words and the look that had crossed his face while he closed his eyes. It seemed so serene, so peaceful. Did he truly hold a noble interest in her? Adelaide couldn't help but wish that this was the case, though a part of her was still unsure of whether he was just after another tail to chase. Then again, he would not choose a Summer lady to chase if he simply wanted that, would he?

After she had retreated, Adeliade couldn't help but wander over the man. He was marvel to her, in action and words, regardless of reputation. Besides, reputation did not matter if propriety proved otherwise. Comte Marcel was surely proving otherwise thus far. The warmth she still felt from his chaste kiss of her hand tingled, making her heart leap as she attempted in a futile effort to calm herself. Aurelie wasn't here to help her do so, so it was her own duty to work things out herself.

A firm, distinctly warm hand pressed itself firmly to her back, startling her from her thoughts as her gaze flew up from its focus upon the ground to find the form of the Summer prince suddenly near beside her. His chest brushed her shoulder with a sense of familiarity that only he truly seemed to feel, drawing Adelaide to wish to reel away. Yet, she didn't. Realizing the obligations on her part, she forced herself to remain put and deal with the intense warmth of his presence. Deal with. They spoke at some short length before Adelaide found reason to excuse herself as she caught sight of the russet curls of her young friend. Face lighting up, she hurriedly provided the prince with the excuse of needing to find her friend before dashing in the direction of Aurelie.

Her heart still pounded, mind heavy with thoughts of her interaction with the comte, despite her moments with the prince. The prince whom was showered in female attention, adored by all, and loving of only her. Her prince that she could not bear to stand beside, though she knew she must. Adelaide needed to dish on these events, and who better than her closest companion? She needed Aurelie. At the thought of Aurelie, however, she drew an image in her head of the girl waltzing off with the red haired man from earlier. Seeming to clam and forget her own strife, Adelaide would smile a bit smugly. She would also need the details on that devil of a man.

After a few minutes of searching, Adelaide would finally approach her friend, gently grabbing her arm with a small rush of excitement. "Elly!" She greeted her warmly, regaining her composure nearly immediately as she gently let her friend's arm go. "So, tell me. How did it go?" Her eyes sparkled with the delight of the details she was sure she'd eventually hear, and also the story of which she had to tell. It was a fantastic beginning to the night, indeed. "Did you enjoy herself? He was handsome, no?" She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, a little laughter coming from her as she meant to tease her just a playful bit. Adelaide was happier than anything to have seen her go to dance with the man, to think that she may have found fun in attending the event after all. At least, she'd certainly been right about the fact that Aurelie would indeed have no problem finding a dancing partner.

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