Dante seemed to notice her distress.
“You are too silent today. This doesn't look like you,” his words didn't immediately reach Violette's consciousness, her mind was flying in the clouds.
She slowly turned her head to him, and blinked, pondering over his words.
“Are you nervous about the ball?” he asked.
“No,” she let out languidly, her fingers toying with the wrinkles on her dress. “I–Do people here believe in bad signs?”
Dante pulled his brows together, surely surprised by her question.
“Depends. Mostly, yes. Because of the old tales people are disposed to believe in some portent or augury,” he voiced meekly.
“For example?”
“As absurd as it could sound, the thunder before an important day…I don't know, coronation, used to be considered that witches are up to something bad. Or it is believed that crows and eagle owls are servants of the evil sorcerers,” he waved carelessly like it was nonsense. “Suddenly extinguished lanterns indicate the presence of evil spirits.”
“What about a black dog?”
“A black dog?” His eyes turned into two matte black stones, jaw straining.
“Tinieblas to be precise,” Violette suppressed a worried look.
Dante stared at her for some time and then finally responded, “It's an image of gloom and despondency. Not a good thing to see.” A line drew between his brows. “Why are you asking?”
“I was just curious, we have the same belief in my lands. Most of the tales originated from here, I was wondering if it's one of them,” she tried to sound nonchalant. Her eyes rushed to the window again. He only confirmed her fears.
She didn't know if she assured Dante with her calm wave, most likely not, but he didn't continue this conversation. Likewise, he switched the topic.
“Let's repeat your steps today.” He leaned back, crossing his legs.
Violette's eyes broke away from the altering landscape. Her fingers stuck into the delicate fabric of the dress.
“Well, I have to start a conversation with the Lord, be nice but a bit haughty. Then smoothly change the flow of the talking to the magic objects and charm him to make him show me the trophy room. Then I'll put him to sleep with the potion and take the map,” she finished, thinking if she forgot something to mention.
“Very good. Let's hope you won't tip over while dancing,” he said with a too serious voice to take his words as a joke and it made Violette pout.
“What are you going to do while I keep Lord Adrogans busy?” She raised a brow.
“I’ll make sure nobody will interfere with you,” he replied placidly.
The corners of Violette’s eyes creased, a silent question froze in her eyes.
“I'll take care of the guards,” he condescended to explain, “and will make sure the way to the trophy room will be clear so nobody will see the Lord in your company. We don't need any curious eyes.”
“How will I make my way back?”
“Signal me out of the window.”
“A window? Do you want me to climb out?”
He looked at her as if it was an obvious answer. Well, it wasn't a bad idea, after all she could just conjure a staircase out of vines or branches.
“And don't use magic,” Dante stated, as if hearing her thoughts.
“Excuse me?”
“It may attract unwanted attention. I'll bring the rope,” he said at last.
