Chéri had to admit it: the man knew his way around with words. And since the other one had some pep in his step, so did Chéri, perfect mirror of every movement they could see. Chéri wrinkled their nose and batted their lashes. “Orchids are more delicate, less common, harder to make bloom and they are more beautiful on their own, while you need either one or lots of roses to produce a good effect. Orchids are just better.” Someone had lots of opinions apparently.

Darius was confused, as expected, but did not display right away the kind of disappointment Chéri had been expecting -and still sort of expected. Chéri nodded in approval. It sounded pretty bad and they were glad they didn’t have to deal with it. Darius kept holding their hand and Chéri placed their eyes on that. The hand came backand Darius did not seemed as worried. Chéri smiled slightly. But he naturally felt he had to do something to avoid their beauty being spoiled. They knew the kind of protective instinct they could manifest in people. The following words chilled them to the bone and made them less comfortable. Calliope turned their full head to Darius and was now concerned. Maybe they ought to stay as little as they could in this town after all.

They looked in the distance, trying to eye the manor.