Jack Vessalius isn't stupid.

He just prefers to ignore most things concerning Lacie.

He loves her too much.

So when he hears a girl, with hair as dark and as long as hers, tell Oswald that her sister never was considerate, he loses it.

He sees red.

Upon hearing his enraged shout, the girl merely turns to him, eyes cool, and he knows that's where the difference starts. Her eyes are a clear, light blue, with rings of azure in between; like the sky on a summer day. Her skin is almost white, and her lashes are long and thick and dark, and her lips are pink. She is dressed in a heavy black cloak, and underneath he can see the skirt of her gown. It's a fading blood red, and the hem is maroon. Her neck is adorned with delicate black lace, and she is smiling in amusement.

She is amused by his fury.

It takes a few moments for Jack to comprehend this. People—aristocrats—do not show their amusement, especially when it is because of one's fury. But she might not be a noble, though even then common people fear a nobleman's wrath.

Oswald watches, tense. He is aware of what damage this girl can do.

The girl makes her way over to Jack, and places a slender hand on his cheek. She raises herself on her tiptoes, and lets her lips rest by his ear. The blonde has long frozen at the proximity, and his thoughts have become hazy and jumbled. She smells of camellias, a light, delicate scent, not like Lacie's roses or Miranda's heavy perfume. It is different.

The girl smiles wickedly, and whispers in the blonde's ear.

"Do not forget your duty, for you will be rewarded."