Lesson 17 – The Lion’s Lair

Friedrich had called it the social event of the season, and Alain had never been one to refuse an invitation.

Julien had delivered it personally at White’s days earlier.

“A masquerade ball in honour of my sister’s debut.”

Alain had inclined his head, though his jaw had tightened.

Maison Marguerite.

The house his great-grandfather had purchased for his second wife — now paraded as Marceau’s triumph.

The lion’s lair.

Extravagance dripped from every chandelier. Masks blurred faces into anonymity. Laughter rose beneath the swell of the orchestra. Wine flowed freely.

Alain did not come for diversion.

He watched.

“We’re leaving, Alain.”

Friedrich had spent the evening in easy conversation with Julien and the gentlemen flanking him. Exposure. Influence. Advantage.

Alain listened without hearing.

Julien’s voice cut through the din. “Care to join us for a drink at the club?”

Alain went still.

No.

Not now.

When he did not answer, Friedrich nudged him. “Well?”

Alain forced a smile. “Perhaps another time.”

Julien’s eyes glinted beneath his silver mask. “As you wish. Gentlemen.”

They began to move.

Friedrich hesitated only a moment before following.

“Are you quite alright?” he asked lightly.

Alain leaned closer. “Don’t go.”

“For heaven’s sake, it’s a drink, not the gallows.”

“With him?” Alain’s gaze flicked toward Julien and his companions. “I don’t trust him.”

“You see enemies everywhere.”

Perhaps.

But Alain did not miss the subtle exchange of glances between the men, nor the direction they took. Not toward the main doors.

Toward the deeper corridors.

Away from the music.

Alain moved at once.

The crowd resisted him. A couple spun into his path. A servant intercepted him with a tray of brimming glasses. Masks blurred. Laughter swallowed his voice as he called Friedrich’s name.

For a moment, he lost sight of him entirely.

Then he saw him—already at Julien’s side.

Too far.

Alain quickened his pace.

Until—

“Oh, I’m so sorry.”

The girl in green collided with him.

By the time he looked up again—

Friedrich had vanished beyond the archway.