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faded_laceEverything same as the last part~
Dragomir paced the annex anxiously waiting for Niles to emerge from behind the two large doors that barred him from watching the proceedings of Niles’s promotion. As the circumstances surrounding the promotion were to be kept a secret, the ceremony was being held in private. Dragomir knew that only a few generals would be in attendance, but he still felt it was unfair that Niles had to go through it alone. He would’ve at least liked to watch…and really, he hated leaving Niles alone with people he so thoroughly distrusted. Still, the ceremony was scheduled to end at any moment, and Dragomir had all ready gone through the necessary procedures to get Niles’s new uniform. As soon as Niles emerged from the auditorium, he would be an officer—a Second Lieutenant—and no longer in danger of being transferred from the command of the Lt. Colonel.
Niles was relieved to see Dragomir when he stepped out of the darkened room and shut the doors behind him, and smiled widely at him. "Oh, I'm so glad you're here!" he sighed, running forward and throwing his arms around Dragomir. "I was terribly afraid something scary was going to happen while I was trapped in there...but nothing did, thank goodness." He looked up into Dragomir's eyes with a grin. "Can you believe it, Dragomir? I'm an officer now! I just can't believe it!"
Dragomir grinned broadly down at Niles and pressed the parcel containing his new uniform in to his arms before taking his hand. “I was worried too,” Dragomir admitted as they started down the hall again, not wanting to be around when the Generals emerged. “But I’m really happy for you, and you most definitely deserved it.” He nodded affirmingly and looked back down at Niles again. “So what happened? Did they say anything?”
Niles thought for a moment, walking along beside Dragomir. "Well, they said that the reason I was being promoted couldn't be talked about...and everything was really hush-hush seeming. They told me I'm not allowed to tell anyone about it, either. Only that they were investigating who did it and who sent them and things." He blinked. "What do you think it means, Dragomir?"
“I don’t know,” Dragomir said warily, “But I don’t think it was good of the Commandant to have gone away and left you there to pretend to be him.” He paused for a moment and bit his lip. “I wonder if anyone knew about it? Any of the other Generals, or something. He shouldn’t have put you in danger, though, so I think that’s why they want it to be a secret.” Dragomir was really just making guesses at everything; the situation seemed very unusual, so there wasn’t much he could really go off of, anyway. “I’m just glad they’re rewarding you. You could’ve been killed because of that bastard.” Dragomir steamed.
"I don't know..." Niles said slowly. "They didn't say much in front of me, but it seemed like I was the one being kept out, so they must have known something..." He brightened. "But it's so cool~! Now I'm an officer and I get to wear the pretty uniform, like you! Isn't that exciting?" For the moment, he could forget the danger, the fear of the Commandant, and just be pleased with his promotion.
“It is,” Dragomir agreed, “Your uniform is in the package,” he added with another grin. His expression returned to one of seriousness though, and he glanced around hastily to make sure the hall was empty. “You don’t think that they were quiet because they’re suspicious about the story of how it happened, do you?”
Niles blinked a moment, then shook his head. "No, I don't think so. They didn't ask me any questions about it at all." He giggled, smiling. "Besides, I'm the one who almost killed Donavan D'Aubigne, right? So I have some credit when it comes to shooting, even if I really am no good at it. So don't worry about it, Dragomir, okay?" It seemed as if Dragomir was really worried, but Niles was still a little excited. "We'll try to figure out more later, right? But right now, I don't think we're in any trouble."
“That’s true,” Dragomir laughed. Niles certainly wasn’t to be discredited by any means, but Dragomir couldn’t help but worry about how the even had played out. He could only hope that during the investigation the story wasn’t questioned and the wounds and the order in which they might have taken place wasn’t examined. “We can look into it, and we can wait and see what their investigation turns up as far as the assassin goes.”
Niles’s excitement helped to reassure Dragomir, and his mood brightened. When they reached the door back to the office, he waited for Niles to open it, then led the way back inside, bowing to the Lt Colonel and taking a seat on Niles’s desk. When Dragomir looked down at the pile of paperwork waiting for them however, he noticed something unusual. An envelope with a familiar curlicue handwriting and wax seal had been left on top of the documents, and when Dragomir glanced back at his desk, he noted that he too had an envelope. “Does it say ‘Invitation?’” Dragomir asked with a smirk, passing the envelope to Niles for confirmation. There was no way he could possibly decipher the handwriting, but he was quite certain that the General was long overdue for one of his massive parties to which he invited all the officers of his brigade. Now that Niles was an officer he too had received the invite.
Niles took the envelop, looking over it. "It does!" he agreed brightly, carefully, peeling open the seal. "And it's addressed to me! From the Brigadier General!" He couldn't help but smile again. "I feel so special, Dragomir!" He laughed a little, feeling ludicrous, before looking over the invitation. "It's next weekend. And you won't have to bring me as your guest now!" After a moment to calm down a little, he lowered his voice and added, "We can see if the general does anything suspicious, too, right?"
“Right,” Dragomir agreed, his smirk widening. With Niles being invited in his own right, Dragomir hoped it would mean they’d get less of a scathing look from the General; in fact, with any luck, they would be ignored entirely and have free rein to do some looking around.
The next weekend came quickly enough, and Niles was brimming with excitement. Not only would they get a chance to look around for leads, but this would be the first of the General's parties to which he was formally invited, and he was thrilled. He had dressed up his best in all shades of purple and gold from the embroidery on his cravat to the bows on his shoes, and he felt as if he had confidence enough to face anyone. It was a foreign sensation, and he liked it.
As they pulled up to the front of the General's manor, Niles allowed the servant who arrived to get the door for him before he moved around to the other side of the car to meet Dragomir with a bright smile. "Shall we?"
“Let’s,” Dragomir grinned, offering Niles his arm and leading him up the steps. Another servant meet them at the door and lead them down the hall to the massive ballroom where General Rousseau waiting to greet the all of his guests as they arrived.
“Ah, Captain!” the General smiled brightly, though his voice was tight and he obviously wasn’t happy to see him at all. Then, as if he’d only just spotted Niles, he put his hands together excitedly and walked to him. “And Second Lieutenant!” Rousseau exclaimed, as if testing out the new title. “I’m so glad you were both able to come.” He didn’t look nearly as glad as he implied, but he also didn’t seem suspicious in the slightest, and Dragomir was glad when he left them apologetically to visit with a few of his other guests.
With the general gone, Dragomir took a moment to take in vast ballroom and its latest decorations. The electric lighting shone warmly from the chandeliers, and the cut crystals reflected it back playfully as little rainbows dispersed throughout the room. Some of the light reflected back off of the crystal champagne glasses elegantly arranged around the champagne fountain, while other rainbows glinted on the glass panes of the windows overlooking the formal garden. The sun was setting later and later as summer set in, the fiery late evening sky only served to brighten the room and add to the summer feeling.
The food that adorned the long table was just as colorful and summery as everything else in the room. For this party, it seemed the General had gone for a more exotic flavor; Dragomir had never even seen most of the fruits laid out in extravagant sculpture-like designs, but all of them looked absolutely delicious.
While Dragomir didn’t particularly care for the General at all, his parties were always so extravagant that he couldn’t help but enjoy every moment of them, especially since he had Niles at his side. “So,” Dragomir began almost deviously, “do you think we should take advantage of the party before we start looking into things? Can I get you a glass of champagne?”
"Sounds good to me," Niles replied with a grin, following Dragomir over to the champagne fountain. He waited patiently while Dragomir got him a glass, glancing around the room idly, looking over all the people. Just as he was about to turn back, however, he noticed two familiar figured moving towards them and smiled broadly. "Lt. Colonel! Viorica!"
Corinne ginned back at Christian and she and Viorica made their way over to where her two subordinates stood. "Good evening, Christian, Hirlea," she greeted cheerfully. "Quite a party, isn't it? Though even with this amount of people, we do always seem to run into one another."
Niles blushed at the memory of one of their previous run-ins with the Lt. Colonel at a party, and nodded, turning to Viorica. "I didn't know you were coming, too, Viorica! It's nice to see you again."
"She's my date," Corinne informed them, as if there was any question, and took Viorica's hand in her own.
Viorica grinned broadly and Dragomir, as if daring him to say anything about her presence. He took the bait, though it was obvious he was trying very hard to be delicate around his superior.
“I didn’t know you were coming, either, Viorica. But it’s good to see you…” he trailed off as he glanced down over her very elaborate and elegant party dress. It was obviously not something the family could have afforded—probably a gift from the Lt. Colonel. Dragomir clenched his teeth into a smile and bowed to the two women. “You both look beautiful tonight,” He complemented honestly. Really, he was happy to see Viorica enjoying herself, it was just difficult for him to accept the fact that she was no longer a child who needed looking after.
“Well it’s not as though I should be expected to detail what I’m doing to you, Dragos.” Viorica giggled, shooting a knowing look to Corinne. “And,” she continued, her voice cheery and teasing, “I distinctly remember you telling me not to take such an interest in your activities and relationship. It’s only fair that you pay me the same courtesy.”
Dragomir blushed slightly and chuckled—she had caught him on that one, and she had a point. “You’re right, I’m sorry.”He offered his apology, then crossed his arms, regarding them both. They certainly did look happy together, and that was what really mattered. Then, remembering the champagne he was getting, he handed the two cups he’d originally prepared for Niles and himself to the Lt. Colonel and Viorica, pausing as he passed the glass to his sister, unable to resist recommending moderation. Viorica laughed at him once again and turned to Niles as Dragomir returned to filling glasses of champagne.
“It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Has anything new and exciting happened lately?” Viorica asked eagerly lifting her brows and leaning forward to inspire the disclosure of secrets. Dragomir snorted at her question; she seemed to be fishing for details about he and Niles’s relationship, despite her previous reprimand, but she ignored his reaction and her smirk broadened.
Niles blushed slightly and blinked. "Well, I--I got a promotion," he offered blandly with a smile. "I'm an officer now, which is really exciting. Though..." he trailed, realizing maybe he shouldn't go into the nature of his strange and secretive promotion with Viorica and the Lt. Colonel, not to mention in a public setting, without knowing who could be eavesdropping.
“Oh wow, that is exciting!” Viorica agreed, looking back at Corrine and grinning. Her expression changed slightly however, when she realized that Dragomir was looking around nervously, the way he always acted when something incriminating was being discussed. “Though?” Viorica questioned, “Though what?” She looked to Corrine, wondering if she knew something about the provision.
"Yeah..." Niles replied, lowering his voice, "I... I had to sit in for the Commandant while he was away, and an assassin showed up and tried to kill me... It was terrifying." He hesitated, glancing back to Dragomir. "Dragomir killed him for me, but he wasn't supposed to be there, so I had to pretend I did it, and Dragomir thinks that the Commandant knew someone was going to try to kill him and intentionally left so that I'd get killed instead." He shrugged apologetically. "I don't really know..."
“Oh wow!” Viorica exclaimed clasping her hand over her mouth, both shocked and intrigued by the scandal. “You didn’t get hurt, did you?” She asked, realizing the danger Niles had been in. He looked alright, though, and she quickly latched on to a potentially much more interesting topic. “But why would they want to kill the Commandant? You didn’t see anything suspicious, did you? What’s his office like?” As usual, Viorica loved a good story and good gossip, and she was practically bursting with curiosity. “Is it creepy?”
"I-I don't know why," Niles stuttered, shaking his head. "We saw some things that were a little suspicious, and it was a little creepy..." he trailed, glancing to Dragomir again, not knowing into how much detail about the event he should go.
“Really, Viorica.” Dragomir laughed, struggling to keep himself sounding normal and teasing, “It’s just what you’d expect an office like his to be like. Lots of paperwork…some personal stuff, the usual.” He decided the newspaper clippings had to be of the personal sort, and the information on the Hispanian woman, however odd, was obviously work related. As unusual as any of it seemed, it was all just speculation on their part, and Viorica honestly didn’t need to know.
Viorica made a face of dissatisfaction at him and took a sip of her champagne, leaning into Corinne affectionately. “This is really something.” She commented, changing the subject as she looked around the room. “Are the General’s parties always this extravagant?” At a nod from Dragomir, she continued to muse. “I don’t think I like him very much, though… I know he’s the one that helped Dragos with everything, but he seems really insincere every time I’ve heard him say anything.” She paused and grinned playfully. “and I don’t think he likes you very much, either, Dragos! When Corinne mentioned I was your sister, he looked at me with even more distain.” She laughed, obviously more amused than offended, glancing up at Corinne for her opinion on the General.
Corinne nodded. "I don't really think he cares for anyone. It's all fake. I don't understand him at all." She shrugged it off. "Anyone who can dislike you must have bad taste."
At all the talk of the General, Niles was reminded of his earlier suspicions and bit his lip. "Dragomir," he said quietly, turning back to Dragomir. "We have to look into the General, remember? Especially after what Julian said... I think it would be best, don't you? You know, see if we can find anything linked to Donavan..."
“Yeah,” Dragomir murmured lowly, nodding and trying to be discreet. Now was probably the best chance they’d have to say anything without attracting Viorica’s interests; she was very distracted by the Lt Colonel, and even Dragomir had to strain to keep from being distracted by the two of them together. “I think the sooner we leave the ballroom, the better. While he’s still engaged in greeting guests…” As long as the General stayed out on the ballroom floor, the only thing they had to worry about was the servants, who, Dragomir hoped, would be engaged in managing the party and would not notice two guests looking around the house.
"All right," Niles replied softly. "As soon as we can, then."
Corinne raised an eyebrow. She usually wasn't one to snoop, but she was curious as to Christian and Hirlea's secretive and rather suspicious conversation. "As soon as you can what, Christian?"
Niles blinked, starting. "Um--nothing!" He didn't know, but he didn't think it would be such a good idea to let their suspicions out just yet.
“You’re not planning on sneaking off together, are you?” Viorica pressed, smirking deviously.
Dragomir never thought it could have been possible for Julian, of all people, to save him, but his appearance served enough distraction to get out of answering either of the questions. “Good evening, Lt Colonel,” Julian bowed sweepingly to both women, waiting to be introduced to Viorica before addressing her. He smiled to Niles as he straightened, and ignored Dragomir completely. Dragomir didn’t care, though; he was just relived for the temporary distraction.
"Good evening, Captain," Corinne replied smoothly, nodding. "May I introduce my guest, Mlle. Viorica Hirlea. Viorica works as a medic for the military, and is my own personal doctor." She smiled, gesturing to her date. "Viorica, this is Captain Julian Kaiser, who works under me."
Niles also smiled, glad for the distraction. "Hi, Julian! How are you?"
“It’s nice to meet you, Mlle. Hirlea,” Julian bowed to Viorica once more, though not nearly as low as he had before, his expression of surprise and dismay eliciting a little giggle from Viorica. He ignored her and turned to Niles, bowing lowly to him and nodding curtly to Dragomir. “I’m all right…” Julian sighed his answer to Niles’s question, admitting internally that he would never be ‘good’ or ‘fine’ so long as Niles was with Dragomir. He could however, be ‘all right,’ as long as he knew Niles was happy with Dragomir, which he’d come to admit was true.
“I’ve heard a lot about you from my brother, Mr. Kaiser.” Viorica smirked, amused by how obviously he was pinning for Niles. Dragomir had told her the whole story about Julian when she’d bandaged his hand after the fight, and she was very prepared to hate him as much as her brother did, but seeing him now, pitiable wretch that he was, she couldn’t help but be amused and almost sympathetic. Additionally, she knew she owed him her brother’s freedom, and so she decided to reserve judgment until later.
“Yes, I’m—I’m not surprised.” Julian smiled tightly. Now that he knew Dragomir had a sister that was close to the Lt. Colonel, he couldn’t help but fear for his job; after all, if Dragomir told her too much about him, and intern the sister complained to the Lt. Colonel, his position could be on the line. Hopefully, though, he was overreacting. Perhaps the two women weren’t quite as close as they appeared. “How did you meet, if you don’t mind me asking? Through Dragomir?” He asked, turning to the Lt. Colonel somewhat nervously.
"Oh, no," Corinne replied with a laugh. "A while ago I was injured in a Berceuse Malheureuse raid. Viorica was my doctor then, and fixed me up. After that, we spent more time together and became really close." She smiled. "Are you enjoying yourself at the party, Kaiser? It's quite an ordeal, don't you think?"
As much as Niles would have liked to stay and chat with Julian, he knew now was an opportune moment to make their discrete exit from the conversation. Glancing to Dragomir, he made a motion away from the group, looking questioning.
“Yes, it really is something,” Julian agreed, beginning to grow more and more agitated by the fact that Dragomir had such a close connection to the Lt. Colonel through his younger sister. “This is my first time at one of the General’s parties. It reminds me a lot of a Royal Ball.” Julian smiled slightly, noticing out of the corner of his eye that Dragomir and Niles seemed to be attempting to communicate secretly. A wave of jealousy swept through him, but with another smile, he was able to contain it. He knew that to protect his job, he would have to impress upon the lt. Colonel and the Hirlea girl his eloquence and personality—he believed, after all, that Dragomir had probably been unable to describe him in a fair light at all, what with his bias and his limited vocabulary. Since she was a medic, he reasoned, she was bound to be more intelligent than her brut of a brother, and thus hopefully more understanding of his condition.
Dragomir nodded back to Niles, all too happy to get away from Julian, and not wanting to miss their opportunity. Taking Niles by the hand, Dragomir started to edge away, hoping Julian would again serve as enough of a distraction so that they could make their way unmissed by Viorica and the Lt. Colonel.
“Where are you two going without saying anything?” Viorica laughed, looking away from Julian as she saw Niles and her brother inching away.
Julian frowned and looked down at the floor, remembering the last time they’d left the crowd together and he’d had the misfortune of following them into the bathroom. Probably that’s why they were leaving, and he knew better than to follow or interfere this time.
“We’re just going to have a look around the party, is all!” Dragomir said defensively with an uneasy laugh. “We’ll be back shortly.”
Niles nodded vigorously, staying close to Dragomir. He breathed a sigh of relief when the Lt. Colonel laughed and said, "Let them go, Viorica," before turning back to Julian and continuing their conversation. Glancing back to Dragomir with a small smile, he allowed himself to be led away to a secluded spot off to the side. "So... what now, Dragomir?"
“I think…” Dragomir trailed, looking around for their host. “We should go outside first, to the garden—like we’ve done before—and look for a way in from there?” Dragomir smiled back at Niles questioningly to make sure he agreed to the plan before looking back out into the crowd, this time spotting Rousseau socializing stiffly with a few other high ranking officers.
"Okay," Niles replied blandly, following Dragomir outside. "I bet we can get in somewhere. I don't think they're really thinking about people breaking in right now, right?" He laughed a little as they stepped out into the warm night air. "I'm going to follow you, because I don't think I'd be very useful..." he smiled awkwardly, stepping back and watching Dragomir.
“I hope not,” Dragomir laughed as well, leading the way into the garden with the intention of making a circle around the house to avoid the windows where guests might notice them. “Keep an eye out for anyone that could spot us,” Dragomir instructed Niles as they reached an elegant fountain. There gardens were, as Dragomir could have easily guessed, immaculate, and he stepped carefully around a multitude of meticulously placed plantings as he cut back across the grounds to another terrace-like entrance towards the back of the estate.
Upon reaching the door, he hesitantly tried the knob to discover that it was locked. “Locked,” he announced to Niles, as he glanced around at their surroundings. They appeared to be alone, and after pressing his face to the glass and looking around inside, Dragomir confirmed that there were no servants inside.
“It’ll just be a minute, hold on.” Dragomir smirked at Niles, extracting his smallest dagger and kneeling in front of the door. He hadn’t picked a lock in a very long time, but old habits die hard, and he was quite sure it would be a piece of cake.
Niles stood back, glancing around to make sure no one was coming, before watching Dragomir work. He couldn't help but smile, Dragomir just looked so cool while he was doing something illegal, and Niles was captivated. However, he was suddenly reminded of his job, and looked around again, making sure no one was there to see before turning back to Dragomir and watching the show.
Dragomir felt the lock slide open and gave the door a firm press to confirm it. Sure enough, it slid open, and when Dragomir removed the knife from the keyhole, there wasn’t even a tiny scratch on the polished metal to betray his activities. He reached around the knob quickly and relocked the door as he pulled it open, holding it for Niles. “After you,” his grinned, feeling the rush of adrenaline pump through his veins as he stepped inside the manor.
Niles found himself holding his breath as he stepped into the illicit space, stepping to the side and waiting for Dragomir. Once Dragomir was inside and the door was safely shut behind them, the two headed off stealthily down the corridor. They appeared to have found servants quarters, and since all of the servants were likely to be working at the party, they were fairly safe from sight. After a few random right-left choices, however, they found themselves once more in the main part of the house, in a rather grande-looking hallway. There was plush carpeting all along, and the walls were lines with portraits and prestigious-looking things. Niles looked at all of them awedly until a chart caught his attention.
"Dragomir..." he said quietly after a second, "Dragomir, look at this. This is... this is the D'Aubigne family tree. This is Donavan's family." He turned back to Dragomir, confused and excited. "Why would that be here, Dragomir? They must know each other!"
“What?” Dragomir asked, “D’Aubigne? Are you sure?” He asked, looking at the tree intently though he couldn’t even hope to decipher the script, especially not in the limited light. “Even if they knew each other, that’s way too weird.” Dragomir knew from his time working with Donavan that the D’Aubignes where a very old and respectable family, but still, why would the Rousseaus have any connection to them whatsoever? It was too unusual, and Dragomir was worried that, as unlikely as it ways, Niles may have made a mistake in his reading.
"I know what it says! It says D'Aubigne!" Niles insisted, looking closer at the tree. He was a little short, and standing on his toes, he still couldn't make out much beyond halfway in the dim light, but he read what he could. "Look, here's Donavan's dad, Laurent D'Aubgine, right? Yeah, Donavan's on here, too!" He paused. "I didn't know Donavan's dad had a sister..." His eyes moved to the name, Brigitte D'Aubgine, and then to the line that connected her to a husband of the last name Rousseau. Wait... Rousseau...?! Niles hurriedly then looked down the line to their one child together, and sure enough, there it was, right beside Donavan D'Aubgine: Perceval Rousseau. "Dragomir!" He turned back to Dragomir urgently, fighting to keep his voice down. "Donavan and the General are cousins!"
“What!?” Dragomir blurted loudly, “But—you’re sure?” In all the years Dragomir had spent working with Donavan, he’d never heard anything about a cousin. Sure, he’d heard the name “Rousseau” before, he was sure, but never in any sort of direct connection with Donavan. Hopefully that meant they were estranged, but Dragomir’s suspicions were mounting fast. The General, it seemed, could very well be conspiring with Donavan, his cousin, which would make almost the entire Berceuse Malheureuse at his fingertips. “Niles…” Dragomir said slowly, after the information had begun to sink in. “Do you think…do you think that means they could be working together?” For a while now Dragomir had been wondering if they had a connection, but to discover that they were related, cousins, even was almost too frightening to believe.
Niles paled, trying to figure out what was going on. Donavan D'Aubigne... the man who had kidnapped and tortured him to the brink of death... related... cousins with his employer, his superior? It seemed impossible, but yet, there it was on the family tree, and why would one want to seem related to Donavan if they could help it at all? No... it had to be true. It had to be.
He looked up at Dragomir again, and then nodded slowly. "It... it would make sense. Donavan's file being changed, the Berceuse Malheureuse always being one step ahead of us..." Another example struck him, and he began to tremble slightly at the terrible reality of it. "Dragomir... it could be... the General is the one who let that information leak...! He... he could have set you up to be arrested!"
Dragomir opened and closed his mouth slowly. It fit so well, in fact, it made perfect sense. But he didn’t want to believe it. Rousseau was the one that helped him get away from Donavan in the first place, so why then would the General sell him out? And how could someone related to a known conspirator be allowed to progress so far in the ranks of the military? Everything was and had always been a little corrupt, Dragomir knew, but to know that the military and the Berceuse Malheureuse could be working together, possibly all along, shook his foundations to the core. “But how could—why would he do that? Does no one know they’re related? Surely…?”
"I don't know why," Niles replied, taking Dragomir's hand in an attempt to steady himself. "Maybe... maybe he just needed a scapegoat and it happened to be you. I don't know. But... but, Dragomir, if it's true... what are we going to do? They're related! Should we tell someone? What should we do? What if he puts you in danger again!?" His voice was becoming more and more shaky as he spoke, and he stopped abruptly, closing his mouth and trying to keep a hold over himself. "Dragomir, what are we going to do?"
Dragomir bit his lip hard as he tried to think things through. “If we tell anyone, he’s going to find out, and then I know he’ll find a way to have Donavan take us out. The General’s got to do everything he can to keep this a secret… I bet we’re the only people that know.” It was a nerve-racking feeling to know that they alone knew and could know—at least for now—the truth about the General. “We need to see if we can find anything else… like more proof, or something, about the two of them working together.” Dragomir gulped. “Maybe…maybe even though they’re related they aren’t actually cooperating?” Dragomir highly doubted that possibility, but he wanted to hope that the General wasn’t actually so corrupt. “If we can find some concrete evidence…” Dragomir began slowly, “then we can prove what we know, and you can tell the Commandant.” He hated putting Niles in the position of having to go anywhere near the Commandant, but it was their only hope; as things were now, if they tried to do anything, the General would simply have them tired for insubordination, or worse; he would give Donavan the go-ahead to kill them.
Niles swallowed and nodded, trying not to think about it, trying not to be frightened. He followed Dragomir down the hall until they came to a large, dark wooden door, obviously a private room. Neither were feeling so bold as to try and enter, and they were just turning away when a high-pitched cry from within stopped them in their tracks.
"What-- what was that?" Niles asked, startled. Dragomir seemed to be as in the dark as he, however, and so, quietly, Niles crept back towards the door, listening. There were more sounds coming from inside, sounds that, Niles realized, could only be from one thing. Blushing a little, he moved to leave, but a voice caught his attention.
"Is there something you'd like, Percy?" The voice belonged to the General Commandant, and Niles was not only disturbed but very confused. Why was he... why was he having sex in the General's house?
However, he realized too late what the nickname stood for when the response came: "Ah-- Algernon! ... faster...!" There was no mistaking it, that was the General's voice. Niles' mind was on overdrive now, what was going on?
The Commandant spoke again, his voice low, husky. "Now, now, Percy, ask nicely if you want something." Next came a high pitched whine, and Niles heard rustling, as someone squirmed against bedclothes. He didn't have time to think before a reply came, and he didn't want to think about it, anyway.
"Please, I need it--! Algernon!" At that, Niles had really, definitely heard enough, and stumbled away from the door, disturbed beyond words. He stared at Dragomir, not sure what to say, unable to un-hear what he had just heard.
Dragomir was blushing furiously, and he took a slow, somewhat unsteady breath. His entire world view, it seemed, had just been turned entirely upside down; all along, he thought he’d escaped the Berceuse Malheureuse, only to find that his own superior was actually related to Donavan. Then, the only one in the military that could possibly put a stop to whatever the General and Donavan might be plotting is found to be sleeping with the General. In the middle of the General’s party. “Let’s—let’s leave right now. Back to the party…” Dragomir said under his breath with a glance to Niles. He sounded slightly disoriented and quite confused as he spoke, already heading back the way they’d come, and he squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head, trying to get rid of the imagery he’s unconsciously filled in to go a long with the voices.
Niles followed Dragomir wordlessly back to the party, trying to figure out what was going on, and, more importantly, trying to get the mental image of the Commandant and the General out of his head. After all, he knew the Commandant could be scary, and he could see, in his mind, him forcing himself on the General. Still, it had sounded consensual enough, and Niles could picture the two men together, bodies entwined in the most aesthetic fashion, and, for some reason, in his mental image, there were roses in the background, and petals scattered about. He had never imagined that the General or the Commandant might be in a romantic relationship with anyone, not to mention one another, but now that he did know...
As they got back to the party, Niles tugged at Dragomir's sleeve, finally speaking, though in a low murmur to keep anyone from overhearing. "Dragomir... does this mean... the Commandant is working with Donavan, too?"
“I don’t know,” Dragomir sighed, leaning against a pillar and looking out into the crowd of dancers. “It means…that the Commandant at least knows they’re related…I don’t know if all of them are working together, though.” He ran his hand through his hair and turned to Niles, laughing uneasily. “I don’t want to think about it…” Really, Dragomir didn’t want to think about anything relating to their two superior officers at the moment; he was already distracted enough as it was by the image of the two men—naked, together—as it was. Naked, though not entirely; probably, since they were in the middle of the General’s party, neither of them had fully undressed. And…Dragomir shuddered, if the General was anything like his cousin…he probably preferred quantity over quality. The sex would be fast and loveless; possibly even violent…but he didn’t want to think about it! Dragomir shook his head again and put his hands over his eyes, almost wishing they hadn’t gone looking around. But he had to admit it was much better to know what they were up against, and the truth of the matter was that they couldn’t trust anyone. “But it seems like…” Dragomir picked up his earlier though, in spite of his effort not to consider their superiors at all, “It seems like the Commandant wouldn’t just turn a blind eye to anything the General is doing in cooperation with Donavan, so it seems like he has to be in on it…”
Niles nodded slowly. "I know what you mean..." he finally managed to shake the thoughts of sex from his mind, and something struck him. "Maybe... maybe that's why the Commandant does things to me...? Because Donavan... he tortured me to get at you, right...? So maybe...and that would go along with them sending you to jail, if Donavan wants to get back at you...I don't know." He really didn't, but all of a sudden, it seemed as if things previously left blank could have answers, multiple, even; the possibilities were boundless now that they had found out two things so major, and it made Niles' head swim.
Dragomir chewed his lip and took another deep breath, banishing all the mental images he’d created and focusing on Niles’s proposal. “I’d hate to think it was all about me…” Dragomir admitted slowly. “But I’d also hate to think that there could be any other…bigger reasons they’re working together.” Like somehow incorporating the Berceuse Malheureuse and the military. The implications were terrifying, and left Dragomir praying the involvement really was some misguided vendetta. “We have to be very careful.” Dragomir concluded. “If any of them find out we know about any of this… It’d be easy for them to get rid of us.” And that, so it seemed to Dragomir, had been their plan all along. The recent assassination was surely a plot with the Berceuse Malheureuse to get rid of Niles, and framing was obviously to destroy him. Though for what reason, Dragomir couldn’t say. All he knew was that if any of them found out that they had learned about their involvement, they’d be even keener to get rid of them.
Niles was about to respond when a sudden exclamation distracted him. "Dragos! What's wrong? You look worried!" He turned to see Viorica and the Lt. Colonel approaching with Julian in tow, and Niles smiled uneasily, knowing he had to keep everything they had just learned a secret. "Everything's fine," he lied, smiling and hoping it wasn't entirely obvious that he wasn't telling the truth. "How have you guys been?"
Viorica’s eyebrows rose skeptically, but she decided to let Niles and her brother’s suspicious expressions and excuses slide. “Julian’s been entertaining us.” Viorica smirked. “We got enough champagne in him that he’s been reciting some impromptu poetry, and it’s really pretty good.” She laughed and turned to Julian, who blushed vividly and looked down at his sixth glass.
“Where did you go?” Julian asked carefully, trying to divert the conversation from him. He was glad that Niles was back, but wished Dragomir would have just stayed away; now that the ignorant dolt was back, poetry would probably no longer be the topic of discussion, and he would have liked to continue to show off. Additionally, with Niles’s mere presence, he knew his poetry would have become infinitely better. Niles was, and always would be, his one and only muse, after all.
"Oh, you know..." Niles stalled, "Just to... look around." He tried his hardest not to look guilty, and glanced to Dragomir before trying to change the subject with an awkward smile. "You were reciting poetry, Julian? I'd love to hear you! The one time you did it for me in Albionian, it was really amazing!" He hoped Julian, as he was prone to do, would get excited by the complement and take the attention away from Dragomir's and his own guilty behaviour.
“Why thank you, Niles.” Julian smiled gratefully as his heart soared at the complement from Niles. He felt giddy and blushed, and knew that it wasn’t from the alcohol; Niles always made him feel simply wonderful, and he decided he cut put up with even Dragomir if it meant being close to Niles. “There are few who can appreciate the true beauty of Albionian poetry, and I’m sure that were I to recite some more, you would like it even better now that you’ve been taking lessons.” He beamed at Niles, his student--pride and joy—then turned to Viorica and the Lt. Colonel, explaining as an aside how Niles had been studying with him.
“You’re learning Albionian, Niles?” Viorica asked enthusiastically. “That’s so cool! Dragomir hasn’t been studying with you, has he?”
“No,” Julian replied haughtily. “One has to have a basic understanding of Gallian first before attempting a new language.” Viorica glared at him in a way she usually only reserved for Pierre, and Julian instantly deflated, looking down at the floor. Viorica didn’t find Julian nearly as obnoxious as Dragomir seemed to, but his demeaning comments and rather childish jealousy of Dragomir really bothered her.
“Dragomir knows Dacian, you know, Julian.” Viorica informed him to shut him up.
“No I don’t,” Dragomir corrected quickly, relieved Julian had managed to completely divert the conversation.
“Yes, I know,” Julian replied tersely, ignoring Dragomir and having learned in the worst possible way. “Do either of you speak any other languages?” Julian asked, turning to the two women. He wanted to get off the subject of Dragomir right away; it was simply too distressing for him to bear.
Corinne shrugged. "I studied Hesperian and Hellasian when I was in school, but I'm not fluent in anything." Tell me, how many languages do you speak, Kaiser?" She was more interested to see her subordinate go off on a rant or something else amusing; he was much more fun drunk than sober and mopey.
“Five,” Julian stated proudly before draining his glass. “I know Hispanian and Hesparian, though not as well as I know Albionian, and I grew up speaking both Gallian and Allemangnese.”
Dragomir tuned Julian out easily as he went on to explain about his father, the ambassador, and how he was actually a citizen of both Gallian and Allemange as a result of his father’s position. Discreetly, Dragomir took Niles by the hand and began to edge away again, murmuring, “Let’s get something to eat, or something.” Anything not to have to listen to Julian brag about all the useless things he knew.
Niles nodded, following Dragomir away from the group. Just as they were getting to the food table, however, he noticed movement, and glanced up to see the Commandant and the General descending the stairs back into the ballroom. To Niles' dismay, he noticed that the General's normally-immaculate hair was now a bit mussed, though it appeared that he had attempted to straighten it out, and his usually perfect clothing was all askew. The Commandant, too, looked rumpled and messy and incredibly pleased with himself, the last part being the most disturbing to Niles. "Dragomir... look," he breathed, nodding towards them.
Dragomir turned to follow Niles’s gaze and caught sight of both the General and the Commandant as they stepped off the stairs and descended into the crowd of dancers. Dragomir looked away again quickly, as if afraid they might catch him staring. “And they don’t think anyone will notice? Or they don’t care?” Dragomir asked, forcing a laugh though he was really still somewhat disturbed by their discovery. Neither of them looked nearly as pristine as they had at the beginning of the party, and it was difficult for Dragomir to imagine that they other guests would be totally unsuspecting.
"I... don't know. I really... don't know," Niles murmured back, not really wanting to think about it. "Come on... let's get something to eat or something... I don't want to think about it right now..."
Algernon surveyed the crowd as he submersed himself into them, smirked and following Perceval through the clusters of people, smiling and greeting until they reached a secluded spot to the side. He knew Perceval had to go back to being a host soon, since they had only just gotten back from their little break, but he was reluctant to let him go, and was eager for the party to end. Now that they were out of plain sight, however, he would at least be able to have his last few minutes, and so he pulled Perceval into his arms, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "I don't want to let you go."
Perceval griped at Algernon’s clothes desperately and looked up into his eyes sadly. “I don’t want to leave…” he whined. Perceval knew he had to; it was his party, after all, but he made no effort to move just yet. Right now, he was far too content in Algernon’s arms. As much as Perceval loved showing off his manor and socializing, he loved being with Algernon even more, and he too was growing impatient for the party to be over.
Algernon tightened his arms around Perceval's waist and niped lightly at his neck just below his collar. When blood prickled beneath the surface, he pressed his lips to the spot, sucking before pulling away with a soft kiss. "There," he announced, catching Perceval's eyes with a smile. "So you can think of me while you're off with your little guests. Can that tide you over until the end?"
Perceval let out a stifled gasp of pleasure at the bite and closed his eyes, melting into Algernon as he kissed the spot. He then opened his eyes slowly to meet Algernon’s, nodding weekly. “Yes, thank you,” Perceval breathed, “it will have to.”
Dragomir paced the annex anxiously waiting for Niles to emerge from behind the two large doors that barred him from watching the proceedings of Niles’s promotion. As the circumstances surrounding the promotion were to be kept a secret, the ceremony was being held in private. Dragomir knew that only a few generals would be in attendance, but he still felt it was unfair that Niles had to go through it alone. He would’ve at least liked to watch…and really, he hated leaving Niles alone with people he so thoroughly distrusted. Still, the ceremony was scheduled to end at any moment, and Dragomir had all ready gone through the necessary procedures to get Niles’s new uniform. As soon as Niles emerged from the auditorium, he would be an officer—a Second Lieutenant—and no longer in danger of being transferred from the command of the Lt. Colonel.
Niles was relieved to see Dragomir when he stepped out of the darkened room and shut the doors behind him, and smiled widely at him. "Oh, I'm so glad you're here!" he sighed, running forward and throwing his arms around Dragomir. "I was terribly afraid something scary was going to happen while I was trapped in there...but nothing did, thank goodness." He looked up into Dragomir's eyes with a grin. "Can you believe it, Dragomir? I'm an officer now! I just can't believe it!"
Dragomir grinned broadly down at Niles and pressed the parcel containing his new uniform in to his arms before taking his hand. “I was worried too,” Dragomir admitted as they started down the hall again, not wanting to be around when the Generals emerged. “But I’m really happy for you, and you most definitely deserved it.” He nodded affirmingly and looked back down at Niles again. “So what happened? Did they say anything?”
Niles thought for a moment, walking along beside Dragomir. "Well, they said that the reason I was being promoted couldn't be talked about...and everything was really hush-hush seeming. They told me I'm not allowed to tell anyone about it, either. Only that they were investigating who did it and who sent them and things." He blinked. "What do you think it means, Dragomir?"
“I don’t know,” Dragomir said warily, “But I don’t think it was good of the Commandant to have gone away and left you there to pretend to be him.” He paused for a moment and bit his lip. “I wonder if anyone knew about it? Any of the other Generals, or something. He shouldn’t have put you in danger, though, so I think that’s why they want it to be a secret.” Dragomir was really just making guesses at everything; the situation seemed very unusual, so there wasn’t much he could really go off of, anyway. “I’m just glad they’re rewarding you. You could’ve been killed because of that bastard.” Dragomir steamed.
"I don't know..." Niles said slowly. "They didn't say much in front of me, but it seemed like I was the one being kept out, so they must have known something..." He brightened. "But it's so cool~! Now I'm an officer and I get to wear the pretty uniform, like you! Isn't that exciting?" For the moment, he could forget the danger, the fear of the Commandant, and just be pleased with his promotion.
“It is,” Dragomir agreed, “Your uniform is in the package,” he added with another grin. His expression returned to one of seriousness though, and he glanced around hastily to make sure the hall was empty. “You don’t think that they were quiet because they’re suspicious about the story of how it happened, do you?”
Niles blinked a moment, then shook his head. "No, I don't think so. They didn't ask me any questions about it at all." He giggled, smiling. "Besides, I'm the one who almost killed Donavan D'Aubigne, right? So I have some credit when it comes to shooting, even if I really am no good at it. So don't worry about it, Dragomir, okay?" It seemed as if Dragomir was really worried, but Niles was still a little excited. "We'll try to figure out more later, right? But right now, I don't think we're in any trouble."
“That’s true,” Dragomir laughed. Niles certainly wasn’t to be discredited by any means, but Dragomir couldn’t help but worry about how the even had played out. He could only hope that during the investigation the story wasn’t questioned and the wounds and the order in which they might have taken place wasn’t examined. “We can look into it, and we can wait and see what their investigation turns up as far as the assassin goes.”
Niles’s excitement helped to reassure Dragomir, and his mood brightened. When they reached the door back to the office, he waited for Niles to open it, then led the way back inside, bowing to the Lt Colonel and taking a seat on Niles’s desk. When Dragomir looked down at the pile of paperwork waiting for them however, he noticed something unusual. An envelope with a familiar curlicue handwriting and wax seal had been left on top of the documents, and when Dragomir glanced back at his desk, he noted that he too had an envelope. “Does it say ‘Invitation?’” Dragomir asked with a smirk, passing the envelope to Niles for confirmation. There was no way he could possibly decipher the handwriting, but he was quite certain that the General was long overdue for one of his massive parties to which he invited all the officers of his brigade. Now that Niles was an officer he too had received the invite.
Niles took the envelop, looking over it. "It does!" he agreed brightly, carefully, peeling open the seal. "And it's addressed to me! From the Brigadier General!" He couldn't help but smile again. "I feel so special, Dragomir!" He laughed a little, feeling ludicrous, before looking over the invitation. "It's next weekend. And you won't have to bring me as your guest now!" After a moment to calm down a little, he lowered his voice and added, "We can see if the general does anything suspicious, too, right?"
“Right,” Dragomir agreed, his smirk widening. With Niles being invited in his own right, Dragomir hoped it would mean they’d get less of a scathing look from the General; in fact, with any luck, they would be ignored entirely and have free rein to do some looking around.
The next weekend came quickly enough, and Niles was brimming with excitement. Not only would they get a chance to look around for leads, but this would be the first of the General's parties to which he was formally invited, and he was thrilled. He had dressed up his best in all shades of purple and gold from the embroidery on his cravat to the bows on his shoes, and he felt as if he had confidence enough to face anyone. It was a foreign sensation, and he liked it.
As they pulled up to the front of the General's manor, Niles allowed the servant who arrived to get the door for him before he moved around to the other side of the car to meet Dragomir with a bright smile. "Shall we?"
“Let’s,” Dragomir grinned, offering Niles his arm and leading him up the steps. Another servant meet them at the door and lead them down the hall to the massive ballroom where General Rousseau waiting to greet the all of his guests as they arrived.
“Ah, Captain!” the General smiled brightly, though his voice was tight and he obviously wasn’t happy to see him at all. Then, as if he’d only just spotted Niles, he put his hands together excitedly and walked to him. “And Second Lieutenant!” Rousseau exclaimed, as if testing out the new title. “I’m so glad you were both able to come.” He didn’t look nearly as glad as he implied, but he also didn’t seem suspicious in the slightest, and Dragomir was glad when he left them apologetically to visit with a few of his other guests.
With the general gone, Dragomir took a moment to take in vast ballroom and its latest decorations. The electric lighting shone warmly from the chandeliers, and the cut crystals reflected it back playfully as little rainbows dispersed throughout the room. Some of the light reflected back off of the crystal champagne glasses elegantly arranged around the champagne fountain, while other rainbows glinted on the glass panes of the windows overlooking the formal garden. The sun was setting later and later as summer set in, the fiery late evening sky only served to brighten the room and add to the summer feeling.
The food that adorned the long table was just as colorful and summery as everything else in the room. For this party, it seemed the General had gone for a more exotic flavor; Dragomir had never even seen most of the fruits laid out in extravagant sculpture-like designs, but all of them looked absolutely delicious.
While Dragomir didn’t particularly care for the General at all, his parties were always so extravagant that he couldn’t help but enjoy every moment of them, especially since he had Niles at his side. “So,” Dragomir began almost deviously, “do you think we should take advantage of the party before we start looking into things? Can I get you a glass of champagne?”
"Sounds good to me," Niles replied with a grin, following Dragomir over to the champagne fountain. He waited patiently while Dragomir got him a glass, glancing around the room idly, looking over all the people. Just as he was about to turn back, however, he noticed two familiar figured moving towards them and smiled broadly. "Lt. Colonel! Viorica!"
Corinne ginned back at Christian and she and Viorica made their way over to where her two subordinates stood. "Good evening, Christian, Hirlea," she greeted cheerfully. "Quite a party, isn't it? Though even with this amount of people, we do always seem to run into one another."
Niles blushed at the memory of one of their previous run-ins with the Lt. Colonel at a party, and nodded, turning to Viorica. "I didn't know you were coming, too, Viorica! It's nice to see you again."
"She's my date," Corinne informed them, as if there was any question, and took Viorica's hand in her own.
Viorica grinned broadly and Dragomir, as if daring him to say anything about her presence. He took the bait, though it was obvious he was trying very hard to be delicate around his superior.
“I didn’t know you were coming, either, Viorica. But it’s good to see you…” he trailed off as he glanced down over her very elaborate and elegant party dress. It was obviously not something the family could have afforded—probably a gift from the Lt. Colonel. Dragomir clenched his teeth into a smile and bowed to the two women. “You both look beautiful tonight,” He complemented honestly. Really, he was happy to see Viorica enjoying herself, it was just difficult for him to accept the fact that she was no longer a child who needed looking after.
“Well it’s not as though I should be expected to detail what I’m doing to you, Dragos.” Viorica giggled, shooting a knowing look to Corinne. “And,” she continued, her voice cheery and teasing, “I distinctly remember you telling me not to take such an interest in your activities and relationship. It’s only fair that you pay me the same courtesy.”
Dragomir blushed slightly and chuckled—she had caught him on that one, and she had a point. “You’re right, I’m sorry.”He offered his apology, then crossed his arms, regarding them both. They certainly did look happy together, and that was what really mattered. Then, remembering the champagne he was getting, he handed the two cups he’d originally prepared for Niles and himself to the Lt. Colonel and Viorica, pausing as he passed the glass to his sister, unable to resist recommending moderation. Viorica laughed at him once again and turned to Niles as Dragomir returned to filling glasses of champagne.
“It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Has anything new and exciting happened lately?” Viorica asked eagerly lifting her brows and leaning forward to inspire the disclosure of secrets. Dragomir snorted at her question; she seemed to be fishing for details about he and Niles’s relationship, despite her previous reprimand, but she ignored his reaction and her smirk broadened.
Niles blushed slightly and blinked. "Well, I--I got a promotion," he offered blandly with a smile. "I'm an officer now, which is really exciting. Though..." he trailed, realizing maybe he shouldn't go into the nature of his strange and secretive promotion with Viorica and the Lt. Colonel, not to mention in a public setting, without knowing who could be eavesdropping.
“Oh wow, that is exciting!” Viorica agreed, looking back at Corrine and grinning. Her expression changed slightly however, when she realized that Dragomir was looking around nervously, the way he always acted when something incriminating was being discussed. “Though?” Viorica questioned, “Though what?” She looked to Corrine, wondering if she knew something about the provision.
"Yeah..." Niles replied, lowering his voice, "I... I had to sit in for the Commandant while he was away, and an assassin showed up and tried to kill me... It was terrifying." He hesitated, glancing back to Dragomir. "Dragomir killed him for me, but he wasn't supposed to be there, so I had to pretend I did it, and Dragomir thinks that the Commandant knew someone was going to try to kill him and intentionally left so that I'd get killed instead." He shrugged apologetically. "I don't really know..."
“Oh wow!” Viorica exclaimed clasping her hand over her mouth, both shocked and intrigued by the scandal. “You didn’t get hurt, did you?” She asked, realizing the danger Niles had been in. He looked alright, though, and she quickly latched on to a potentially much more interesting topic. “But why would they want to kill the Commandant? You didn’t see anything suspicious, did you? What’s his office like?” As usual, Viorica loved a good story and good gossip, and she was practically bursting with curiosity. “Is it creepy?”
"I-I don't know why," Niles stuttered, shaking his head. "We saw some things that were a little suspicious, and it was a little creepy..." he trailed, glancing to Dragomir again, not knowing into how much detail about the event he should go.
“Really, Viorica.” Dragomir laughed, struggling to keep himself sounding normal and teasing, “It’s just what you’d expect an office like his to be like. Lots of paperwork…some personal stuff, the usual.” He decided the newspaper clippings had to be of the personal sort, and the information on the Hispanian woman, however odd, was obviously work related. As unusual as any of it seemed, it was all just speculation on their part, and Viorica honestly didn’t need to know.
Viorica made a face of dissatisfaction at him and took a sip of her champagne, leaning into Corinne affectionately. “This is really something.” She commented, changing the subject as she looked around the room. “Are the General’s parties always this extravagant?” At a nod from Dragomir, she continued to muse. “I don’t think I like him very much, though… I know he’s the one that helped Dragos with everything, but he seems really insincere every time I’ve heard him say anything.” She paused and grinned playfully. “and I don’t think he likes you very much, either, Dragos! When Corinne mentioned I was your sister, he looked at me with even more distain.” She laughed, obviously more amused than offended, glancing up at Corinne for her opinion on the General.
Corinne nodded. "I don't really think he cares for anyone. It's all fake. I don't understand him at all." She shrugged it off. "Anyone who can dislike you must have bad taste."
At all the talk of the General, Niles was reminded of his earlier suspicions and bit his lip. "Dragomir," he said quietly, turning back to Dragomir. "We have to look into the General, remember? Especially after what Julian said... I think it would be best, don't you? You know, see if we can find anything linked to Donavan..."
“Yeah,” Dragomir murmured lowly, nodding and trying to be discreet. Now was probably the best chance they’d have to say anything without attracting Viorica’s interests; she was very distracted by the Lt Colonel, and even Dragomir had to strain to keep from being distracted by the two of them together. “I think the sooner we leave the ballroom, the better. While he’s still engaged in greeting guests…” As long as the General stayed out on the ballroom floor, the only thing they had to worry about was the servants, who, Dragomir hoped, would be engaged in managing the party and would not notice two guests looking around the house.
"All right," Niles replied softly. "As soon as we can, then."
Corinne raised an eyebrow. She usually wasn't one to snoop, but she was curious as to Christian and Hirlea's secretive and rather suspicious conversation. "As soon as you can what, Christian?"
Niles blinked, starting. "Um--nothing!" He didn't know, but he didn't think it would be such a good idea to let their suspicions out just yet.
“You’re not planning on sneaking off together, are you?” Viorica pressed, smirking deviously.
Dragomir never thought it could have been possible for Julian, of all people, to save him, but his appearance served enough distraction to get out of answering either of the questions. “Good evening, Lt Colonel,” Julian bowed sweepingly to both women, waiting to be introduced to Viorica before addressing her. He smiled to Niles as he straightened, and ignored Dragomir completely. Dragomir didn’t care, though; he was just relived for the temporary distraction.
"Good evening, Captain," Corinne replied smoothly, nodding. "May I introduce my guest, Mlle. Viorica Hirlea. Viorica works as a medic for the military, and is my own personal doctor." She smiled, gesturing to her date. "Viorica, this is Captain Julian Kaiser, who works under me."
Niles also smiled, glad for the distraction. "Hi, Julian! How are you?"
“It’s nice to meet you, Mlle. Hirlea,” Julian bowed to Viorica once more, though not nearly as low as he had before, his expression of surprise and dismay eliciting a little giggle from Viorica. He ignored her and turned to Niles, bowing lowly to him and nodding curtly to Dragomir. “I’m all right…” Julian sighed his answer to Niles’s question, admitting internally that he would never be ‘good’ or ‘fine’ so long as Niles was with Dragomir. He could however, be ‘all right,’ as long as he knew Niles was happy with Dragomir, which he’d come to admit was true.
“I’ve heard a lot about you from my brother, Mr. Kaiser.” Viorica smirked, amused by how obviously he was pinning for Niles. Dragomir had told her the whole story about Julian when she’d bandaged his hand after the fight, and she was very prepared to hate him as much as her brother did, but seeing him now, pitiable wretch that he was, she couldn’t help but be amused and almost sympathetic. Additionally, she knew she owed him her brother’s freedom, and so she decided to reserve judgment until later.
“Yes, I’m—I’m not surprised.” Julian smiled tightly. Now that he knew Dragomir had a sister that was close to the Lt. Colonel, he couldn’t help but fear for his job; after all, if Dragomir told her too much about him, and intern the sister complained to the Lt. Colonel, his position could be on the line. Hopefully, though, he was overreacting. Perhaps the two women weren’t quite as close as they appeared. “How did you meet, if you don’t mind me asking? Through Dragomir?” He asked, turning to the Lt. Colonel somewhat nervously.
"Oh, no," Corinne replied with a laugh. "A while ago I was injured in a Berceuse Malheureuse raid. Viorica was my doctor then, and fixed me up. After that, we spent more time together and became really close." She smiled. "Are you enjoying yourself at the party, Kaiser? It's quite an ordeal, don't you think?"
As much as Niles would have liked to stay and chat with Julian, he knew now was an opportune moment to make their discrete exit from the conversation. Glancing to Dragomir, he made a motion away from the group, looking questioning.
“Yes, it really is something,” Julian agreed, beginning to grow more and more agitated by the fact that Dragomir had such a close connection to the Lt. Colonel through his younger sister. “This is my first time at one of the General’s parties. It reminds me a lot of a Royal Ball.” Julian smiled slightly, noticing out of the corner of his eye that Dragomir and Niles seemed to be attempting to communicate secretly. A wave of jealousy swept through him, but with another smile, he was able to contain it. He knew that to protect his job, he would have to impress upon the lt. Colonel and the Hirlea girl his eloquence and personality—he believed, after all, that Dragomir had probably been unable to describe him in a fair light at all, what with his bias and his limited vocabulary. Since she was a medic, he reasoned, she was bound to be more intelligent than her brut of a brother, and thus hopefully more understanding of his condition.
Dragomir nodded back to Niles, all too happy to get away from Julian, and not wanting to miss their opportunity. Taking Niles by the hand, Dragomir started to edge away, hoping Julian would again serve as enough of a distraction so that they could make their way unmissed by Viorica and the Lt. Colonel.
“Where are you two going without saying anything?” Viorica laughed, looking away from Julian as she saw Niles and her brother inching away.
Julian frowned and looked down at the floor, remembering the last time they’d left the crowd together and he’d had the misfortune of following them into the bathroom. Probably that’s why they were leaving, and he knew better than to follow or interfere this time.
“We’re just going to have a look around the party, is all!” Dragomir said defensively with an uneasy laugh. “We’ll be back shortly.”
Niles nodded vigorously, staying close to Dragomir. He breathed a sigh of relief when the Lt. Colonel laughed and said, "Let them go, Viorica," before turning back to Julian and continuing their conversation. Glancing back to Dragomir with a small smile, he allowed himself to be led away to a secluded spot off to the side. "So... what now, Dragomir?"
“I think…” Dragomir trailed, looking around for their host. “We should go outside first, to the garden—like we’ve done before—and look for a way in from there?” Dragomir smiled back at Niles questioningly to make sure he agreed to the plan before looking back out into the crowd, this time spotting Rousseau socializing stiffly with a few other high ranking officers.
"Okay," Niles replied blandly, following Dragomir outside. "I bet we can get in somewhere. I don't think they're really thinking about people breaking in right now, right?" He laughed a little as they stepped out into the warm night air. "I'm going to follow you, because I don't think I'd be very useful..." he smiled awkwardly, stepping back and watching Dragomir.
“I hope not,” Dragomir laughed as well, leading the way into the garden with the intention of making a circle around the house to avoid the windows where guests might notice them. “Keep an eye out for anyone that could spot us,” Dragomir instructed Niles as they reached an elegant fountain. There gardens were, as Dragomir could have easily guessed, immaculate, and he stepped carefully around a multitude of meticulously placed plantings as he cut back across the grounds to another terrace-like entrance towards the back of the estate.
Upon reaching the door, he hesitantly tried the knob to discover that it was locked. “Locked,” he announced to Niles, as he glanced around at their surroundings. They appeared to be alone, and after pressing his face to the glass and looking around inside, Dragomir confirmed that there were no servants inside.
“It’ll just be a minute, hold on.” Dragomir smirked at Niles, extracting his smallest dagger and kneeling in front of the door. He hadn’t picked a lock in a very long time, but old habits die hard, and he was quite sure it would be a piece of cake.
Niles stood back, glancing around to make sure no one was coming, before watching Dragomir work. He couldn't help but smile, Dragomir just looked so cool while he was doing something illegal, and Niles was captivated. However, he was suddenly reminded of his job, and looked around again, making sure no one was there to see before turning back to Dragomir and watching the show.
Dragomir felt the lock slide open and gave the door a firm press to confirm it. Sure enough, it slid open, and when Dragomir removed the knife from the keyhole, there wasn’t even a tiny scratch on the polished metal to betray his activities. He reached around the knob quickly and relocked the door as he pulled it open, holding it for Niles. “After you,” his grinned, feeling the rush of adrenaline pump through his veins as he stepped inside the manor.
Niles found himself holding his breath as he stepped into the illicit space, stepping to the side and waiting for Dragomir. Once Dragomir was inside and the door was safely shut behind them, the two headed off stealthily down the corridor. They appeared to have found servants quarters, and since all of the servants were likely to be working at the party, they were fairly safe from sight. After a few random right-left choices, however, they found themselves once more in the main part of the house, in a rather grande-looking hallway. There was plush carpeting all along, and the walls were lines with portraits and prestigious-looking things. Niles looked at all of them awedly until a chart caught his attention.
"Dragomir..." he said quietly after a second, "Dragomir, look at this. This is... this is the D'Aubigne family tree. This is Donavan's family." He turned back to Dragomir, confused and excited. "Why would that be here, Dragomir? They must know each other!"
“What?” Dragomir asked, “D’Aubigne? Are you sure?” He asked, looking at the tree intently though he couldn’t even hope to decipher the script, especially not in the limited light. “Even if they knew each other, that’s way too weird.” Dragomir knew from his time working with Donavan that the D’Aubignes where a very old and respectable family, but still, why would the Rousseaus have any connection to them whatsoever? It was too unusual, and Dragomir was worried that, as unlikely as it ways, Niles may have made a mistake in his reading.
"I know what it says! It says D'Aubigne!" Niles insisted, looking closer at the tree. He was a little short, and standing on his toes, he still couldn't make out much beyond halfway in the dim light, but he read what he could. "Look, here's Donavan's dad, Laurent D'Aubgine, right? Yeah, Donavan's on here, too!" He paused. "I didn't know Donavan's dad had a sister..." His eyes moved to the name, Brigitte D'Aubgine, and then to the line that connected her to a husband of the last name Rousseau. Wait... Rousseau...?! Niles hurriedly then looked down the line to their one child together, and sure enough, there it was, right beside Donavan D'Aubgine: Perceval Rousseau. "Dragomir!" He turned back to Dragomir urgently, fighting to keep his voice down. "Donavan and the General are cousins!"
“What!?” Dragomir blurted loudly, “But—you’re sure?” In all the years Dragomir had spent working with Donavan, he’d never heard anything about a cousin. Sure, he’d heard the name “Rousseau” before, he was sure, but never in any sort of direct connection with Donavan. Hopefully that meant they were estranged, but Dragomir’s suspicions were mounting fast. The General, it seemed, could very well be conspiring with Donavan, his cousin, which would make almost the entire Berceuse Malheureuse at his fingertips. “Niles…” Dragomir said slowly, after the information had begun to sink in. “Do you think…do you think that means they could be working together?” For a while now Dragomir had been wondering if they had a connection, but to discover that they were related, cousins, even was almost too frightening to believe.
Niles paled, trying to figure out what was going on. Donavan D'Aubigne... the man who had kidnapped and tortured him to the brink of death... related... cousins with his employer, his superior? It seemed impossible, but yet, there it was on the family tree, and why would one want to seem related to Donavan if they could help it at all? No... it had to be true. It had to be.
He looked up at Dragomir again, and then nodded slowly. "It... it would make sense. Donavan's file being changed, the Berceuse Malheureuse always being one step ahead of us..." Another example struck him, and he began to tremble slightly at the terrible reality of it. "Dragomir... it could be... the General is the one who let that information leak...! He... he could have set you up to be arrested!"
Dragomir opened and closed his mouth slowly. It fit so well, in fact, it made perfect sense. But he didn’t want to believe it. Rousseau was the one that helped him get away from Donavan in the first place, so why then would the General sell him out? And how could someone related to a known conspirator be allowed to progress so far in the ranks of the military? Everything was and had always been a little corrupt, Dragomir knew, but to know that the military and the Berceuse Malheureuse could be working together, possibly all along, shook his foundations to the core. “But how could—why would he do that? Does no one know they’re related? Surely…?”
"I don't know why," Niles replied, taking Dragomir's hand in an attempt to steady himself. "Maybe... maybe he just needed a scapegoat and it happened to be you. I don't know. But... but, Dragomir, if it's true... what are we going to do? They're related! Should we tell someone? What should we do? What if he puts you in danger again!?" His voice was becoming more and more shaky as he spoke, and he stopped abruptly, closing his mouth and trying to keep a hold over himself. "Dragomir, what are we going to do?"
Dragomir bit his lip hard as he tried to think things through. “If we tell anyone, he’s going to find out, and then I know he’ll find a way to have Donavan take us out. The General’s got to do everything he can to keep this a secret… I bet we’re the only people that know.” It was a nerve-racking feeling to know that they alone knew and could know—at least for now—the truth about the General. “We need to see if we can find anything else… like more proof, or something, about the two of them working together.” Dragomir gulped. “Maybe…maybe even though they’re related they aren’t actually cooperating?” Dragomir highly doubted that possibility, but he wanted to hope that the General wasn’t actually so corrupt. “If we can find some concrete evidence…” Dragomir began slowly, “then we can prove what we know, and you can tell the Commandant.” He hated putting Niles in the position of having to go anywhere near the Commandant, but it was their only hope; as things were now, if they tried to do anything, the General would simply have them tired for insubordination, or worse; he would give Donavan the go-ahead to kill them.
Niles swallowed and nodded, trying not to think about it, trying not to be frightened. He followed Dragomir down the hall until they came to a large, dark wooden door, obviously a private room. Neither were feeling so bold as to try and enter, and they were just turning away when a high-pitched cry from within stopped them in their tracks.
"What-- what was that?" Niles asked, startled. Dragomir seemed to be as in the dark as he, however, and so, quietly, Niles crept back towards the door, listening. There were more sounds coming from inside, sounds that, Niles realized, could only be from one thing. Blushing a little, he moved to leave, but a voice caught his attention.
"Is there something you'd like, Percy?" The voice belonged to the General Commandant, and Niles was not only disturbed but very confused. Why was he... why was he having sex in the General's house?
However, he realized too late what the nickname stood for when the response came: "Ah-- Algernon! ... faster...!" There was no mistaking it, that was the General's voice. Niles' mind was on overdrive now, what was going on?
The Commandant spoke again, his voice low, husky. "Now, now, Percy, ask nicely if you want something." Next came a high pitched whine, and Niles heard rustling, as someone squirmed against bedclothes. He didn't have time to think before a reply came, and he didn't want to think about it, anyway.
"Please, I need it--! Algernon!" At that, Niles had really, definitely heard enough, and stumbled away from the door, disturbed beyond words. He stared at Dragomir, not sure what to say, unable to un-hear what he had just heard.
Dragomir was blushing furiously, and he took a slow, somewhat unsteady breath. His entire world view, it seemed, had just been turned entirely upside down; all along, he thought he’d escaped the Berceuse Malheureuse, only to find that his own superior was actually related to Donavan. Then, the only one in the military that could possibly put a stop to whatever the General and Donavan might be plotting is found to be sleeping with the General. In the middle of the General’s party. “Let’s—let’s leave right now. Back to the party…” Dragomir said under his breath with a glance to Niles. He sounded slightly disoriented and quite confused as he spoke, already heading back the way they’d come, and he squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head, trying to get rid of the imagery he’s unconsciously filled in to go a long with the voices.
Niles followed Dragomir wordlessly back to the party, trying to figure out what was going on, and, more importantly, trying to get the mental image of the Commandant and the General out of his head. After all, he knew the Commandant could be scary, and he could see, in his mind, him forcing himself on the General. Still, it had sounded consensual enough, and Niles could picture the two men together, bodies entwined in the most aesthetic fashion, and, for some reason, in his mental image, there were roses in the background, and petals scattered about. He had never imagined that the General or the Commandant might be in a romantic relationship with anyone, not to mention one another, but now that he did know...
As they got back to the party, Niles tugged at Dragomir's sleeve, finally speaking, though in a low murmur to keep anyone from overhearing. "Dragomir... does this mean... the Commandant is working with Donavan, too?"
“I don’t know,” Dragomir sighed, leaning against a pillar and looking out into the crowd of dancers. “It means…that the Commandant at least knows they’re related…I don’t know if all of them are working together, though.” He ran his hand through his hair and turned to Niles, laughing uneasily. “I don’t want to think about it…” Really, Dragomir didn’t want to think about anything relating to their two superior officers at the moment; he was already distracted enough as it was by the image of the two men—naked, together—as it was. Naked, though not entirely; probably, since they were in the middle of the General’s party, neither of them had fully undressed. And…Dragomir shuddered, if the General was anything like his cousin…he probably preferred quantity over quality. The sex would be fast and loveless; possibly even violent…but he didn’t want to think about it! Dragomir shook his head again and put his hands over his eyes, almost wishing they hadn’t gone looking around. But he had to admit it was much better to know what they were up against, and the truth of the matter was that they couldn’t trust anyone. “But it seems like…” Dragomir picked up his earlier though, in spite of his effort not to consider their superiors at all, “It seems like the Commandant wouldn’t just turn a blind eye to anything the General is doing in cooperation with Donavan, so it seems like he has to be in on it…”
Niles nodded slowly. "I know what you mean..." he finally managed to shake the thoughts of sex from his mind, and something struck him. "Maybe... maybe that's why the Commandant does things to me...? Because Donavan... he tortured me to get at you, right...? So maybe...and that would go along with them sending you to jail, if Donavan wants to get back at you...I don't know." He really didn't, but all of a sudden, it seemed as if things previously left blank could have answers, multiple, even; the possibilities were boundless now that they had found out two things so major, and it made Niles' head swim.
Dragomir chewed his lip and took another deep breath, banishing all the mental images he’d created and focusing on Niles’s proposal. “I’d hate to think it was all about me…” Dragomir admitted slowly. “But I’d also hate to think that there could be any other…bigger reasons they’re working together.” Like somehow incorporating the Berceuse Malheureuse and the military. The implications were terrifying, and left Dragomir praying the involvement really was some misguided vendetta. “We have to be very careful.” Dragomir concluded. “If any of them find out we know about any of this… It’d be easy for them to get rid of us.” And that, so it seemed to Dragomir, had been their plan all along. The recent assassination was surely a plot with the Berceuse Malheureuse to get rid of Niles, and framing was obviously to destroy him. Though for what reason, Dragomir couldn’t say. All he knew was that if any of them found out that they had learned about their involvement, they’d be even keener to get rid of them.
Niles was about to respond when a sudden exclamation distracted him. "Dragos! What's wrong? You look worried!" He turned to see Viorica and the Lt. Colonel approaching with Julian in tow, and Niles smiled uneasily, knowing he had to keep everything they had just learned a secret. "Everything's fine," he lied, smiling and hoping it wasn't entirely obvious that he wasn't telling the truth. "How have you guys been?"
Viorica’s eyebrows rose skeptically, but she decided to let Niles and her brother’s suspicious expressions and excuses slide. “Julian’s been entertaining us.” Viorica smirked. “We got enough champagne in him that he’s been reciting some impromptu poetry, and it’s really pretty good.” She laughed and turned to Julian, who blushed vividly and looked down at his sixth glass.
“Where did you go?” Julian asked carefully, trying to divert the conversation from him. He was glad that Niles was back, but wished Dragomir would have just stayed away; now that the ignorant dolt was back, poetry would probably no longer be the topic of discussion, and he would have liked to continue to show off. Additionally, with Niles’s mere presence, he knew his poetry would have become infinitely better. Niles was, and always would be, his one and only muse, after all.
"Oh, you know..." Niles stalled, "Just to... look around." He tried his hardest not to look guilty, and glanced to Dragomir before trying to change the subject with an awkward smile. "You were reciting poetry, Julian? I'd love to hear you! The one time you did it for me in Albionian, it was really amazing!" He hoped Julian, as he was prone to do, would get excited by the complement and take the attention away from Dragomir's and his own guilty behaviour.
“Why thank you, Niles.” Julian smiled gratefully as his heart soared at the complement from Niles. He felt giddy and blushed, and knew that it wasn’t from the alcohol; Niles always made him feel simply wonderful, and he decided he cut put up with even Dragomir if it meant being close to Niles. “There are few who can appreciate the true beauty of Albionian poetry, and I’m sure that were I to recite some more, you would like it even better now that you’ve been taking lessons.” He beamed at Niles, his student--pride and joy—then turned to Viorica and the Lt. Colonel, explaining as an aside how Niles had been studying with him.
“You’re learning Albionian, Niles?” Viorica asked enthusiastically. “That’s so cool! Dragomir hasn’t been studying with you, has he?”
“No,” Julian replied haughtily. “One has to have a basic understanding of Gallian first before attempting a new language.” Viorica glared at him in a way she usually only reserved for Pierre, and Julian instantly deflated, looking down at the floor. Viorica didn’t find Julian nearly as obnoxious as Dragomir seemed to, but his demeaning comments and rather childish jealousy of Dragomir really bothered her.
“Dragomir knows Dacian, you know, Julian.” Viorica informed him to shut him up.
“No I don’t,” Dragomir corrected quickly, relieved Julian had managed to completely divert the conversation.
“Yes, I know,” Julian replied tersely, ignoring Dragomir and having learned in the worst possible way. “Do either of you speak any other languages?” Julian asked, turning to the two women. He wanted to get off the subject of Dragomir right away; it was simply too distressing for him to bear.
Corinne shrugged. "I studied Hesperian and Hellasian when I was in school, but I'm not fluent in anything." Tell me, how many languages do you speak, Kaiser?" She was more interested to see her subordinate go off on a rant or something else amusing; he was much more fun drunk than sober and mopey.
“Five,” Julian stated proudly before draining his glass. “I know Hispanian and Hesparian, though not as well as I know Albionian, and I grew up speaking both Gallian and Allemangnese.”
Dragomir tuned Julian out easily as he went on to explain about his father, the ambassador, and how he was actually a citizen of both Gallian and Allemange as a result of his father’s position. Discreetly, Dragomir took Niles by the hand and began to edge away again, murmuring, “Let’s get something to eat, or something.” Anything not to have to listen to Julian brag about all the useless things he knew.
Niles nodded, following Dragomir away from the group. Just as they were getting to the food table, however, he noticed movement, and glanced up to see the Commandant and the General descending the stairs back into the ballroom. To Niles' dismay, he noticed that the General's normally-immaculate hair was now a bit mussed, though it appeared that he had attempted to straighten it out, and his usually perfect clothing was all askew. The Commandant, too, looked rumpled and messy and incredibly pleased with himself, the last part being the most disturbing to Niles. "Dragomir... look," he breathed, nodding towards them.
Dragomir turned to follow Niles’s gaze and caught sight of both the General and the Commandant as they stepped off the stairs and descended into the crowd of dancers. Dragomir looked away again quickly, as if afraid they might catch him staring. “And they don’t think anyone will notice? Or they don’t care?” Dragomir asked, forcing a laugh though he was really still somewhat disturbed by their discovery. Neither of them looked nearly as pristine as they had at the beginning of the party, and it was difficult for Dragomir to imagine that they other guests would be totally unsuspecting.
"I... don't know. I really... don't know," Niles murmured back, not really wanting to think about it. "Come on... let's get something to eat or something... I don't want to think about it right now..."
Algernon surveyed the crowd as he submersed himself into them, smirked and following Perceval through the clusters of people, smiling and greeting until they reached a secluded spot to the side. He knew Perceval had to go back to being a host soon, since they had only just gotten back from their little break, but he was reluctant to let him go, and was eager for the party to end. Now that they were out of plain sight, however, he would at least be able to have his last few minutes, and so he pulled Perceval into his arms, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "I don't want to let you go."
Perceval griped at Algernon’s clothes desperately and looked up into his eyes sadly. “I don’t want to leave…” he whined. Perceval knew he had to; it was his party, after all, but he made no effort to move just yet. Right now, he was far too content in Algernon’s arms. As much as Perceval loved showing off his manor and socializing, he loved being with Algernon even more, and he too was growing impatient for the party to be over.
Algernon tightened his arms around Perceval's waist and niped lightly at his neck just below his collar. When blood prickled beneath the surface, he pressed his lips to the spot, sucking before pulling away with a soft kiss. "There," he announced, catching Perceval's eyes with a smile. "So you can think of me while you're off with your little guests. Can that tide you over until the end?"
Perceval let out a stifled gasp of pleasure at the bite and closed his eyes, melting into Algernon as he kissed the spot. He then opened his eyes slowly to meet Algernon’s, nodding weekly. “Yes, thank you,” Perceval breathed, “it will have to.”
