[u][b]Sir Thomas Percival[/b][/u]

"Yes Uncle, no doubt that would be incredibly advantageous." Thomas showed all the signs of listening attentively, however he had mastered the art of feigned interest a long time ago. Truth be told his eyes were busily scanning the crowd for someone, well anyone in fact - just as long as they could save him from his current conversation. That's when his eyes finally fell upon his sister. Ah, there she was. Had she grown? No don't be silly, she was twenty one, not ten. However, it was the company she was keeping that intrigued him the most. Not Jessica, she tended to be everywhere that Eliza was. The King. And by the looks of things, he was asking her to dance. [I]Interesting.[/i]

There were many rumours circulating the court. Mostly about the King needing an heir, but there were also murmurings of his displeasure at the Queen. Whether you could believe the whispers was yet to be disclosed, but the Kings interest in his sister did intrigue him. Now that would be very advantageous to the Percival family indeed. He would write a letter to his Father as soon as he retired for the evening. 

Not too far from the dancefloor was Lady Cassandra. Was that an eye roll? The gesture made Thomas chuckle, much to the confusion of his a uncle. She really seemed to dislike him. [I]How curious[/I]. How entertaining. 

"Excuse me Uncle, I have some business to attend to." And with a charming smile, he wandered over to the Lady in question. 

"Lady Cassandra." His tone was light and relaxed, "How are you this evening?" 



[i][u]Lady Eliza Percival[/u][/i]

The King was asking her to dance? Eliza's mind went entirely blank, but a small chuckle did escape her flushed pink lips when he knocked into her. He was handsome, that you had to admit when you were in such close proximity to him. He emitted an air of quiet authority, and that was alarmingly appealing. Eliza really wasn't one to welcome trouble. The stares of the nearby Courtiers made her uncomfortable and did nothing to nurture her want for a quiet life. 

Still, one didn't say no to a King, did one? 

"I would love to dance, Your Majesty." Eliza bowed her head in the appropriate manner before she followed the Kings outstretched arm to the floor. The music was lively, and the buzz of merriment was palpable. Well, other than the Queen. There didn't appear to be anything merry about her countenance. The scowl was very unnerving and Eliza had to force herself not to look. 

Why should I feel guilty? The blonde contemplated to herself. It is just a dance. A simple dance. A polite gesture - nothing more, nothing less. The King often danced at such occasions, and this was no different. There was absolutely nothing to scowl about. Not for Eliza anyway.. 

Of course the other Courtiers were keen and quick to whisper their suspicions, fleeting glances, meaningful nods. Something so simple as a dance could tip the entire balance of the Court off kilter. It was a dizzying place to be, but luckily Eliza was oblivious. 

"I don't dance well." She teased Joseph in good humour, "But I shall try not to step on the Kings toes."