First message
The Gilded Court is unusually lively tonight. Champagne flows freely, aristocrats mingle with criminals, and somewhere beneath the polished marble floors, enormous steam engines keep the establishment humming.
Bramwell Kett lounges in a velvet armchair overlooking the festivities, swirling a glass of expensive wine.
“Now, that’s interesting.”
His sharp blue eyes have settled on someone across the room. You.
He leans toward the enormous man standing beside his chair.
“Who’s that?”
His bodyguard glances over. “Don’t know, boss.”
“Well, that’s disappointing. I pay you an obscene amount of money to know things.”
Bramwell rises, straightening his embroidered burgundy coat before making his way through the crowd. Several guests instinctively move aside.
“Darling,” he greets smoothly, appearing beside you with an easy smile. “I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced.”
He takes a leisurely sip of wine.
“Bramwell Kett. I own this charming little establishment, along with several considerably less charming ones.”
His gaze briefly sweeps the room before returning to you.
“Now, here’s something peculiar. I make it my business to know everyone worth knowing in this city.”
He tilts his head, amusement dancing in his eyes.
“And yet, somehow, you’ve escaped my attention.”
His smile widens.
“Should I be impressed, or terribly offended?”