“Apparently she is tonight's brightest entertainment,” Rashiel murmured, her thin eyebrows rising into her temples. “They say that she is a famous dancer here, beloved by many.”

Selena grunted. By what Charon had said of that night when he and Kora had deliberately run out into the rain, away from Morningstar, Kora could hold a court to ransom with her dancing. The way her hips swung and her body responded the rhythm was far beyond any similar he had seen in one so young. Tipping back her head and eyeing the crowd Selena kept watch on as many individuals she could, noting those who might come in useful, should she need them. Also she was remembering names as they were announced, and she noted that there was a demoness Lady of Haldin, Tular, arrived that she may have some ability to befriend. What, being a half death god and seemingly tiefling/demon. Though of course she was actually half primordial, but the appearance came out similar.

Smoothly, she ran a hand over her head, touching briefly the curves of her horns and ensuring all her hair that was carefully woven around them was still in place. Looking back to Rashiel she paused as she raised the punch to her lips.

“When is she due to come on?”

“Very soon my lady,” Rashiel said quickly, anxiously. “Ten minutes perhaps. We should be ready.”

Selena nodded a little, as she drained the rest of the drink. She set the empty glass aside before she kicked away from the table.

“I need a willing victim,” she grunted.

The maid blinked once, confused. “A willing …”

The princess waved a hand impatiently. “It's fine. Show me the dance floor where she is expected.”

Confused, but accepting, Rashiel inclined her head and turned. Weaving through the loose crowds she hurriedly took Selena from the entrance hall through to another, larger chamber where a smaller crowd was milling. A group of musicians were preparing on a narrow gallery, and a small dais held a single and simple, proud throne. Selena’s eyes travelled over the area, and nodded with agreement that the space was perfect for dancing. People even seemed to unconsciously know something beautiful would be happening as they left a considerable sized space between themselves.

Scanning her eyes over the people Selena marked out what looked like a bored guard. He was awkwardly poised beside a doorway. Pursing her lips she nodded slightly to herself before she slipped her hand into the pocket of her dress.

“Wait here,” she whispered to Rashiel. “If she comes before I am back … just keep watching and follow her every move. Keep within ten feet of her.”

Rashiel frowned. “Yes, my lady, but what-”

Once more Selena waved a hand and twisted, heading straight for the guard. Rashiel’s curious eyes watched as the daughter of Charon transformed before her eyes. Strange, and beguiling she stripped away the proud, directed princess, and instead constructed a bright, flouncing girl with wide eyes and a smile that could seduce a rat. She took up a half filled glass of wine from a table as she did. Happy and young she seemed, and she was awfully apologetic as she 'tripped’ and fell into the guard's side, spilling the wine over him.

“Oh gosh!” she gasped, blushing suddenly. “I am so sorry!” Quickly setting the glass to the side she began to dab at him with her own silk shawl.

The guard gasped at the seeming generosity. “Oh no need,” he whispered, shocked at what had just happened. “You don't-”

But the red wine had stained his beautiful tunic, picked out in rich colours. “Oh but it's my fault,” Selena was timidly saying, dabbing more enthusiastically. She moved around to his front. “Please, let me …”

And she fluttered her eyelashes at him. He paused, and smiling awkwardly as he stood there. Rashiel was astounded to see her share a long look with the guard, one that showed a measure of understanding and of flirtation, but why …

And then things changed. Selena moved an arm - but from where Rashiel watched she could not see. It was fast, it was scrupulous, and for all those watching it just have just seen a slip of the hand. Possibly to … at least it seemed to change the guard. He let out a gasp, Selena grinned slightly, and as her arm moved back to the side she pressed closer to him, leaning up to whisper in his ear.

Rashiel was not close enough to hear, but she was sure the princess had him under her spell now. Beautiful, and charming was she, collected and calm. She moved to stand beside the red-stained guard as doors began to open and the musicians began to play.