Board Thread:Roleplay/@comment-25808351-20200326185554/@comment-28358106-20200327004044

As Dorian is led away, Bailey's hackles rise and she shuffles uncomfortably. It isn't possible to see, but she is blushing deeply at watching Dorian go where she can't follow. A minuscule whine leaves her throat as Juno puts a comforting hand on her arm.

"It's all right, Bailey. He'll be all right."

"I know! I just hate it when he goes off like this..." Bailey whinges, half mumbling. With a pout she plops down on the bench cushion at the entrance.

Dorian says nothing as he follows the madame, but makes note of their direction. By the time the door to the room is opened and he is ushered in, he has made a mental map of where they had come from, as well as any possible points of egress. His eyes linger on the balcony for a fraction of a second---he knew that balcony. He had spotted it from the outside the night before, and had considered where he might have to escape to if he had to use that balcony in a sudden and dramatic way.

"I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage, good lady."

He walks in with an easy gait, keeping his eyes on Imperia and her attendants. His smile is polite, and it's made clear that it's meant for her.

"I wouldn't want you to presume anything. This man you've named...perhaps I've robbed him of his invitation and have come before you an impostor."

He eases himself into a chair opposite Imperia and carefully sets his hat on the table beside him. As if it were his right to do so, he picks up a piece of fruit from the tray and draws his dirk, carefully peeling it. He gives her a glance and a grin, shaking the fruit slightly to call her attention to it.

"Cleanses the palate before a meal."

His eyes still on her, his smile still apparent, he pops a slice of fruit into his mouth and begins to chew.