[@ineffable][@Sleepyhollows][@Belle][@cloudystar][@SilverFallen]

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[i]"My apologies, Madame, but it seems we will be arriving a tad late." 
[/i]

The pearlescent sheen of the elegant carriage shined amidst the light of the evening sun sinking below the hills with a gilded shimmer and bathing any and all in its soothing warmth as it rose to signal the end of yet another day, but the beginning of what would be a lovely and memorable night for the redheaded woman.

Claudia, who sat quietly and entranced in thought, her soft, pale cheek resting upon her hand, a few dainty fingers drumming against her skin, she sighed a tad bothersome and batted her eyelashes a few times as the city scenery passed her by and the prestigious palace came into view of her languishing sapphire eyes.

[i]"Madame?"[/i] The chauffeur Winston, a man in his mid thirties, wearing the proper attire of a personal driver and escort, glanced back at her, whispering smoothly yet courteously to gain her attention. [i]"Madame, I said we shall be arriving late. My sincerest apologies for being the cause of your tardiness, my lady."[/i] 

To this a soft smile crept across Claudia's plump ruby lips, parting to answer softly with quite the refined giggle, [color=ed145b]~"Oh please, Sir Winston, there is no need to punish yourself for a mere fraction of time.   After all...there is such a thing as arriving...fashionably late, is there not?"~[/color]

The driver's cheeks reddened a little, precocious as always Claudia was.  The carriage came to a halt, out first stepping Winston to open the door for his lady....and then....into the beaming light of the sun she emerged, robed in such lovely and elegant attire, again fitting more of a princess or a refined, sophisticated young woman, rather than the owner of a...[i]notoriously[/i] raunchy nightclub.

[i]"It is rather bright still, Miss.  Would you care for your parasol?"[/i]  Winston asked as Claudia stepped down from the carriage. 

Yet with a sincere gesture of her hand she replied, [color=ed145b]~"No need for that."~[/color]  Winston nodded and soon departed from her, leaving her at the entrance.

She glanced around at all the partygoers, quite a few handsome chaps, and quite a few lovely ladies as well, all of aristocracy or nobility no less.  She curtseyed to the guards and presented her invitation to them, a soft yet mischievous twinkle to her eyes beneath her exquisite porcelain mask.  [color=ed145b]~"Miss Claudia DeFeren, gentlemen.  Forgive my tardiness, but the traffic was so dreadful coming here."~[/color]  Claudia smiled softly.  

The guards smiled back, one replying, [i]"Ah yes, Miss DeFeren.  We've been expecting you.  His Majesty has said many wonderful things about his evening escapades at your establishment.  Please, if you would, welcome.  The party has just begun.  Ah, but before you enter, are you perhaps carrying any weapons on you, Miss?"[/i]


[color=ed145b]~"Why heavens no!"~[/color]  Claudia giggled, her tone quite sensual as a wry smirk found its way to her lips, her dainty fingers reaching to brush through her long, voluminous crimson locks.  [color=ed145b]~"Hehe~  Honey, the only [i]trouble[/i] I'm looking to cause is after the party~.  Maybe you [i]strong[/i], [i]handsome[/i] fellows would like to join me, hmm?"~[/color]

[i]"Haha, eh...n-no need for that, Miss DeFeren."[/i]  The guards laughed quite sheepishly, both men blushing heavily.  Claudia grinned rather coy.  The men gave her a courteous bow and opened the door for her shortly after.  [i]"Please, enjoy your evening, Miss."[/i]

[color=ed145b]~"Ah, thank you, darling."~[/color]  Claudia cooed and strolled inside to the main ballroom, a light yet bold smack on the bottom of the flustered guard.

Men weren't much her forte frankly, but she [i]enjoyed[/i] toying with them as much as she did women.  Speaking of women, there were indeed a lovely few her wandering, languid eyes fell upon.  Ah yes, quite the few beautiful dames she was hoping to charm tonight, all the fine, aristocratic women of dear Afterclaw.

One in particular had caught her by her sweet, fanciful giggle, an adorable blonde woman in a slightly revealing dress exposing her midriff.  Claudia's lips curled into a decadent smirk.  She was absolutely stunning, this young beauty, and...she was absolutely Claudia's.

[color=ed145b]~"My, aren't you an adorable thing, sweetie!"~[/color]  The redhead purred strolling elegantly up to the blonde, still present that oh so mischievous glint of sapphire blue.  [color=ed145b]~"Lovely night, isn't it?  Though not as lovely as you, my dear.  Pray tell, what is your name?"~[/color]  Claudia inquired with a soft, warm smile in greeting.  Her first catch of the night hopefully.  This woman was indeed quite gorgeous to her.