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The end of the dance approaches. He executes a daring spin, and you give yourself entirely over to the momentum. His hand is there to stop you from falling.
"One day we live, another we die. But I had the pleasure of your company and your dance. I do not wish to live in a world where that is not worth a jewel or three."
As the music reaches crescendo, the two of you end the dance in perfect sync, executing a complex figure to perfection. You are center stage. Everyone applauds, but they do so in your direction. It is clear that the eyes of the room were upon you. Oh, you're so lucky there aren't any Allemanic noblemen here. This would be the gossip of the town for weeks back home.
You curtsy politely. Alejandro bows to the room, and releases your hand.
Small talk resumes in a circle, as couples come and go, dancing. One thing is clear to you: nobody else will even dare to ask you for a dance for the rest of the evening. Alejandro has marked his territory well.
"Alright, but one thing I not understanding." Giuseppe casually strolls into the circle, downing a glass of wine as if it were nothing. "So, man giving pretty jewel to pretty lady. Not first time. Not last time. And should persuading us jewel was made by sorcerer or what?"
"You will pardon the show, my friend. You know I've always had the flair for the dramatic. I merely found a new source of income. A considerable one. I cannot embark on this endeavour alone. I was thinking of offering you - all of you, my friends - an opportunity."
You sigh with relief. To outward onlookers, you make sure it looks like a sigh of being bored with business talk. Now things are starting to make much, much more sense. This is not about you at all. It's a sales proposal. You are nothing more than the dessert for the eyes, the pretty centerpiece to show off and sweeten the deal. You take up the same space in this man's plans as does the quartet, or the airship itself: you are the entertainment, not the main objective.
You should be relieved. You should be glad. You *are* glad. But then, why is a small, resentful part of you so annoyed?
