I had been in the company of enough jealous, aristocratic women to know her look and meaning. However, luckily Sel decided to retreat before there was any real issue. Then again, maybe her presence would have kept me in line, because despite my best efforts, I felt Baroness Arsenault looked particularly lovely tonight. She had certainly dressed for the occasion, and if the men flanking her were any sort of relation, they hid their distaste well. I pulled my hat off and inclined my head. "Please excuse Corporal Sel, ours is an oddity of a company. Not many in the guard have mixed sex units, it can be a bit tricky you see. But they handle themselves well so far, by my estimation." 

"Yes, very strange." She agreed, but seemed to no longer dwell on it in accordance to her own desires. "But you seem to handle it well, and yourself, for that matter. Oh, you were so heroic on the holo!" I kept my posture strictly in accordance with an officer's step, but she could afford to be more casual, placing a dainty hand on my forearm. She led me into the manor, passing into the long gallery, where baroque paintings and ostentatious ornamentation hung, the tapestries and curtains lined with gold filigree. A bust of a long dead ancestor sat proudly beside a small statue in the likeness of a kneeling Sanguinius, the primarch deep in contemplation. We stepped past an enfilade of rich apartments, and reached a Grand Hall fit for a planetary governor's banquet. A number of white-clad servants went about their business, and the Lady Arsenault gave me small anecdotes of when the last painters and artisans had completed the various neo-romantic academic painting, formed the unique stylized pillars, or installed the latest set of cushioned dining chairs. I adopted a thoughtful pose, or laughed when applicable, and gave witty remarks when called for, slipping back into the role of Count's son like a glove. Eventually, she waved away her aides. The one who shared a modicum of her features gave me a measured look, but said nothing as he departed. The lady guided me out of the Grand Hall and into a small study with a brilliant view of the mountainous valley. The snow flitted past us like angels falling from grace.

"Is that man related to your lineage, by any chance?" I dared ask, glancing back in the direction of the banquet area. 

"He is my second cousin, Beauford." She remarked with a hint of indignation. Somehow, the vexation on her face only added to her beauty. "He does his part, but he resents my claiming of my father's fortune. He cannot stand a woman can own the estate and our many holdings. Of course, he does not lack complete honor. When the will was announced, he promised to serve me, but if you ask me, he merely wishes to curry favor so I might place him in the will." 

I nodded, and for the first time it was not an act. "Most don't appreciate a woman's worth. I'm glad to be serving in a unit that does." I said, and slid out of her grasp to gaze out of the window, all white and black. I was about to make the segue of needing to return to the men, but she struck first. 

"My lord, I am reminded of my earlier thoughts," She said, approaching to gaze with me, a dramatic look to her classical visage. Lips pursed, she said, "Even if it serves its purpose, it must be difficult with so many men and women together. I imagine fraternization is looked down upon. You would not, of course. You're a man of iron will." She flattered me, and I hate to admit I felt my breast swell. "The scandal alone would be a mark on your promising career." 

"Luckily, I have no attraction to those of the ranks." I said, lying through my teeth. "It simply would not do, even if I were to break our unspoken rules. I am of house Caladwarden." 

My lies and my pride, as in most tales, became my downfall. She hid her smile well, instead espousing a coy, demure look. "Of course, you have more refined tastes..." She remarked huskily, and before I realized her vanguard action, the swell of her full bosom pressed against my arm. I felt both dread and a thrill pass through my body, and I glanced behind me quickly, in fear of prying eyes. "I imagine a man in your position must find it arduous to be without equal company. Without succor, without release."

I felt a scream rip through my mind, telling myself to back away, to give some modest platitude and resume looking out the window. I almost wished for the bolt of a longlas to rip through the window and strike my leg. However, despite the obvious ploy and her banal words, they still rang true. None of my intellectual reasoning could penetrate the wall my body had erected between my mind and my desires, and as if our lips had been infused by gravity, we leaned forward to kiss. 

Until the manor shook like it was struck by an Astartes Thunder Hammer. The Baroness squealed in surprise and horror, and I kept both of us steady with my arms. Outside the window, there was a flash of light to the north, and took her hand and let the lady to the Grand Hall, ordering the servants to protect her as I left the room, sprinting outside. It was not the time for it, but as I ran, I was not worried about an impending attack. I was scolding myself for nearly getting involved with the damn woman! Once outside, I was hot enough to not notice the sudden chill at first, but gradually I came to realize the void shields had been destroyed. The next few minutes were followed by a flurry of activity as I ordered men and women to take positions and keep steady as I sent Sel and a small squad to check the damage. So far nothing else had deigned to attack. Perhaps it was a simple malfunction, but I waited for Sel and the rest to report back. 

"Crispin, swing two squads left of the far wall to guard the flank! Brodlock, keep your squad to the right, near the vehicles! Elara, sit tight and keep the guns up. I need eyes on the road!"