02-23-2024, 12:35 AM
He took the time to greet each member of Konstantin’s family that were present, extending finally his congratulations to the couple whose anniversary they were there to celebrate. He was struck by how much Konstantin’s daughter, Sofia, had matured since last he remembered. It seemed she had grown up overnight, or perhaps the passage of years were blurring too much for him of late.
Myshelov happily agreed to dance with her, but only on the promise that her mother also spared one. As they engaged in light-hearted negotiation, Nikolai’s gaze wandered over the crowd. His eyes were searching, filtering through the faces until they landed on one in particular – Noémi. She was surrounded by a group of men, engaging in what appeared to be an animated discussion. Among them was Mr. James, a detail that did not escape Nikolai's notice. He leaned closer to Myshelov, murmuring a comment about his presence.
Sofia’s mention of dancing snapped Nikolai back to the present conversation. Despite the Custody’s efforts to brand him as the quintessential social butterfly, Nikolai preferred his socializing to be more conversational. Dancing, to him, was a performance, one he seldom indulged in unless the occasion demanded. Yet, the realization that dancing with Noémi required him to participate more broadly tonight nudged him towards acceptance.
“Very well, Sofia,” he conceded with a polite smile, “it would be my honor.”
Shortly after Scion approached, Myshelov broke away from the group to see to it that Mr. James’ presence was summoned, though the Patron would deliver the message through an intermediary. Nikolai greeted Scion with a nod, inquiring after his health and his children. It was a question filled with unspoken understanding, a subtle check-in of their previous agreement.
Myshelov happily agreed to dance with her, but only on the promise that her mother also spared one. As they engaged in light-hearted negotiation, Nikolai’s gaze wandered over the crowd. His eyes were searching, filtering through the faces until they landed on one in particular – Noémi. She was surrounded by a group of men, engaging in what appeared to be an animated discussion. Among them was Mr. James, a detail that did not escape Nikolai's notice. He leaned closer to Myshelov, murmuring a comment about his presence.
Sofia’s mention of dancing snapped Nikolai back to the present conversation. Despite the Custody’s efforts to brand him as the quintessential social butterfly, Nikolai preferred his socializing to be more conversational. Dancing, to him, was a performance, one he seldom indulged in unless the occasion demanded. Yet, the realization that dancing with Noémi required him to participate more broadly tonight nudged him towards acceptance.
“Very well, Sofia,” he conceded with a polite smile, “it would be my honor.”
Shortly after Scion approached, Myshelov broke away from the group to see to it that Mr. James’ presence was summoned, though the Patron would deliver the message through an intermediary. Nikolai greeted Scion with a nod, inquiring after his health and his children. It was a question filled with unspoken understanding, a subtle check-in of their previous agreement.