Lajoya
It was long past midnight now. Frederick and Lajoya had drunk into the night, heedless of the hour. Jorjet had excused himself an hour earlier, and Lajoya guessed she had surprised Freddy when she, too, excused herself shortly thereafter and retreated down the halls.
She walked now down the deserted hallways, somehow balanced despite the copious wine she'd consumed. She watched behind her as a shadow slid against the edge of the passage. Her lips curled into a sly smile, knowing it was one of two visitors, come to seek her. As if stealth had ever succeeded on her, the lady of manipulation. It always amused her how her underlings still thought their subtlety would escape her notice. It was best that way, actually. Lajoya's pride was hurt to be given credit for so much less expertise than she possessed. But it was useful to be thought dumber than one was. It sealed her success, so she bore it.
Regardless of which visitor was trailing her just now, she knew the perfect place to receive them was in one of these sitting rooms off the main hall. Some of them led to suites, complete with beds, wash basins and even servant's bells, though she likely would not use that. Still, if she was lucky, she would select one of those rooms and be prepared for either eventuality. And she was usually lucky.
The first door she tried was unlocked, and she entered the dark space, stepping slowly till her eyes adjusted to the lack of light. A comfortable chaise lounge met her, with a small side stand, she was delighted to discover, had a bottle of wine and goblet atop it. Only one goblet. Oh well, she grinned to herself. She and her guest would just have to share.
As if on cue, she heard the door open behind her and she spun in her tiger-skin dress, the layers of petticoat gracefully settling in a cloud around her as she sank to the chaise to greet her visitor with utter collect and calm. Lajoya gave the pretense of allowing the individual time to adjust to the darkness while she rapidly scanned every aspect of the personage to inconspicuously identify them. The broad silhouette indicated masculinity, but that did nothing to narrow the possibilities. He said not a word, but approached the chaise cautiously, which either visitor potentially might do. But then Lajoya could hear the labored breathing, barely suffusing raw primal panting.
Only the slight lift of one eyebrow betrayed her reaction to the identity of the one who crossed the threshold. And she met him with the poise of one who'd awaited their announced visit.
"Come for me already?" She trailed the tip of one perfectly manicured nail along her bottom lip, though her motion was likely not visible in the darkness. She filled her lungs with air, deliberately, noisily, knowing the rise and fall of her breasts could not be seen, but knowing the sound would remind the other that this was the motion occurring and tantalize his already crazed mind.
He seemed finally to gain his bearings, and advanced quickly to the chair, dropping to his knees.
Lajoya instantly held out her arms to fend off the start of anything, instead grasping the outstretched hands and guiding them to the bottle.