Twenty-Three - Two Face

"HATRED IS A SHADOW. HIDES BUT FOLLOW." -Ms. Premrose Go

Downcaster

It is a tradition for noble families to introduce their daughters to the society when they reached proper age. Proper age to find a suitable husband from the same social class. A strategic way to have their daughters be paired to the most sought after bachelor. A lot of people were disappointed with the list of visitors publicly released by the Samira family. The queen was, of course, on the top of the list, but due to schedule difficulties, she regrettably declined the offer sending her private secretary to attend on her behalf.

It was not the queen's attendance that made the night uncomfortable. It was the people that followed her majesty on the list. Next important visitor had confirmed his attendance for the evening. Romeo Alfred St. James Clement Alderige arrived at Downcaster with only Arthur Smith and Aberdeen Alderige as part of his entourage. He was not heavily guarded for someone who has the highest seat in the council.

Inside the enormous ballroom of Downcaster, everyone dances with the melodic tone played by the orchestra near the debutante's chair, up on the stage. Every woman inside wears their fashion and family statement, not allowing the night to be wasted solely for the celebrant. They all attended in full splendor. Sparkling with their jewelries. Dance until the evening is concluded.

The rest of the Samira line of succession were seated next to the lady of the night. Octavia Samira, the youngest of the family felt the attention all to herself. Her father, Renard Samira was seated next to her while her mother, Allison Samira sat on her right side. Devonne and his wife have yet to be seen, but the Constantine were already on their respective table.

The festivity pauses every time an important guest arrives. The Astors came with pride, Hawthornes with their elegant facade, and De Lutherberghs arrived in grandeur. The magnificent rhythm of the orchestra was ordered a pause. The most awaited visitor has arrived. Mr. Mercer cleared his throat nervously. Beside him were the people everyone expected.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Alderige."

"Clement-Alderige, if you may." Mr. Smith strictly whispered to the butler.

"Pardon. Clement-Alderige." Mr. Mercer anxiously repeated.

The dancing crowd was cut into half, making a way for their visitors. Curious eyes, controversial whispers and cheerful applause welcomed the Alderige. Renard immediately descended from the stage and approached the family. Viktor was quick to assist. He was quite sure his nephew will be overwhelmed. Romeo nodded to the crowd motioning the orchestra to continue the affair they interrupted.

"Mr. Romeo Alderige, Ms. Aberdeen Alderige. A pleasure to have you two this evening." Renard warmly greeted them.

"Aberdeen is enough," She stretched her right hand for Renard to kiss which he reluctantly accepted. "Shame, I never had this celebration when I came of age."

"The pleasure is ours, my lord. We are most delighted to be invited in such occasion." Romeo replied with a handshake. "I'm sure you know our very own Mr. Smith. He's been my grandmother's aid to all her affairs."

"Sir," Renard nodded to Arthur as acknowledgement.

"My lord." Mr. Smith returned the courtesy.

Renard looked around to find his uncle and his son. Viktor was on the Constantine table near the stage. He walked towards his newest rival. Renard smiled, "Mr. Alderige, Ms. Alderige. Lord Viktor Samira."

"Pleasure," Romeo accepted the handshake but Aberdeen ignored them and pretended to have an interesting conversation with Mr. Smith. Romeo had no choice but to carry on despite Aberdeen's deliberate effort to disregard the humiliated Lord Viktor of Samira.

"I'm glad you found the courage to be part of your family's legacy," Viktor stated pretending not to take notice of Aberdeen's attitude.

"He had no choice." Aberdeen suddenly intervened. "Oh, forgive my manners, Lord Viktor. I almost did not notice your presence here. Our position has the finest view and I had a very indulging topic with Mr. Smith."

Romeo gave his aunt a firm warning with his eyebrows curling in rage. They are guests in this ball and they don't want to impose anything to the council. The old Samira accepted the childish banter. He cackled in response.

"It's quite fine, really, my lady. Who am I to warrant such importance?" Viktor sarcastically said, though it was covered with a playful gesture.

"I will make sure to acknowledge you immediately on our next encounter." Aberdeen replied with sass.

"Next? I was hopeful this would be the last." Viktor smirked and held Romeo's arm. "Come, young man. I will introduce you to the council."

Aberdeen was left fuming with Mr. Smith. They started eating the food delivered by the well-groomed waiters. The old butler was wise to attend. His students were new to the playing field. One wrong move and the Alderige will expose their weaknesses.

Expensive wines filled the glasses in the ballroom. Hypocrisy was at its finest. People who only see each other tonight exchanged pretentious gestures to one another. The ball was alive. The ruling elites dance the night.

***

Francesca Constantine Samira was late. With her personal aid, she rushed downstairs. Her husband, Devonne, left their chamber to be with his sister on her memorable moment. She regretted attending an online conference to the Constantine Holdings in behalf of her grandfather.

Gown smudging the carpeted floor of Downcaster, Francesca walked elegantly to the hallway. Her personal aid, Monica, tirelessly fixing any wrinkles on her violet gown. She was to dash her way out when a quiet but firm discourse can be heard in the hallway. Monica was too occupied in perfecting Francesca's look that she never noticed the growing conversation inside the library.

"Monica, go on," Francesca stopped outside the library. "I forgot something in my room."

"I'll get it for you, my lady."

"Don't bother. I can manage. Besides, I think we are short staff tonight. You can help with the guests." She smiled.

There was hesitation in Monica but she comply. She hurriedly went to the door after she was instructed by Francesca to tell Devonne that she will be there shortly. Francesca was left standing curiously. The conversation can not be fully heard from her position but the tones of those having it were full of tensions. She leaned closely. Placed her ear on the door. She can now hear some details of the discussion but it was unclear.

The manor was built with secret doors and tunnels. One of the privilege of joining the family was knowing which way to enter those secret places. There are observation gaps on the walls on certain rooms, and luckily for her, the library has one. She looked sideways to check for anyone, especially Mr. Mercer. The butler is the eyes and ears of Downcaster. She reached the wall of the library. The conversation echoed.

"What about Luthor's hostage? Did anyone find him inside the Sinister Palace when they raided the bloody place? We can't afford to let him fall into the wrong hands."

Francesca almost lost her composure when she comprehended whose voice she heard. It was her husband. She swallowed hard. Took the courage to peek on the holes of the portrait she's fearfully hiding behind. Devonne was with an unfamiliar man.

"Unfortunately, my lord, we never found such person, or the Constantine took the prisoner to their possession since the raid was headed by Lord Francis."

"I want you to keep an eye on their headquarters, their chateau or even Francis himself," Devonne took his coat from the couch. "And remember, this is between the two of us."

The man bowed down. He retreated to the door, but before he could open it, Devonne said something that shivered Francesca's spines. "If you happen to find that particular man. Make certain that he can no longer share the valuable information he possesses. Capisce?"

Francesca ran back to the foyer. On her way, she came face to face with the man she thought she knew all along.