Chapter 3

Whoever this Rajan guy was he really knew how to have a party, it wasn't like that you'd find in night clubs. Mayura was grateful for that, to be honest she preferred the social gatherings like these. Quiet but not so because so many people came, chatting away, gloating about their wealth and what not. Still to see the woman adorned with jewelry and gorgeous dresses, handmade around the world. Wine was being served on silver plates being carried around by waiters.

It was a fairytale, Cinderella Ball, that which only existed for the wealthy. It almost made her feel like an outcast but her eyes landed on a large statue with wings. They were no doubt those of Clockwerk, Sly's enemy. Scanning the room she finally found Sly talking with someone, probably Constable Neyla, it was part of his job after all. Now they were dancing and after a while it caught Carmelita's attention, apparently she was picky about her dance partner. But Sly won her over, despite it just being a job, it stung a little.

" Miss, the Lord instructed me to give you this, his special wine," the waiter seemed a bit frightened but smiled when she took the glass." It's quite odd that he's given you such a treat and not his other guests. Well, good day Miss, please enjoy your evening here."

" O-oh, thank you very much!" Red crept into her cheeks as he walked away. A Lord gave her his special brew of wine? It was turning into a fairytale after all! But Mayura couldn't help but blush, did this Lord take an interest in her? Oh! What did it matter, she loved Sly Cooper, speaking of had left the party to complete other missions at hand.

Sloshing the contents of her drink around in the glass she continued to walk towards the statue, while taking in the sounds and smells of the night. Now that she realized it more than half the guests were staring at her, some were even whispering and laughing. They were all talking about her, the only one there that didn't look normal. An outcast after all, tears stung her eyes as she looked away. No matter where she lived she was different, an outcast that belonged nowhere.

" This is a special event," came an assuring voice." Enjoy it, do not let what the others think bring a cloud of darkness over your happiness."

Instinctively she wiped away the tears and smiled," Thank you for your concern b-but I'm really okay. It's a wonderful ball, the palace is just as beautiful as the sky outside."

" I try to please my guests."

Then it dawned on her, the Illegal Spice Lord! The Lord that had given her the drink and of whom she was now speaking, it was him! It was Rajan! Stuttering Mayura bowed, spilling her drink," Oh! I'm so sorry, it just stunned me! I didn't realize who you were and—and I just spilled the wine! I'm terribly sorry! I'll clean it right awa—"

" Do not worry yourself over it," Straightening, Rajan clapped his hands and a waiter immediately came running over." I'd like another glass of wine and send for someone to clean this spill."

" Yes Lord Rajan."

Mayura was sure her face was beet red, she expected a criminal to be rugged and, well, not the least bit charming." T-thank you but it's not ne—"

" I insist, come now, I hope to enjoy your company," The massive tiger extended his hand." If you will allow me the honor."

Taking his hand the dark haired girl blushed even deeper," O-of course, it would be rude to refuse, Rajan—I mean, Lord Rajan!"

He chuckled and led her to where the statue stood, demanded for a chair to be brought so that she could sit, and took his place at his 'throne' of sorts." You are most unlike any creature I have ever laid my eyes upon. I should dare to say...it is that which makes you beautiful. Ah, where are my manners, you know my name but I have not asked for yours."

" Mayura..." She smiled and humbly took the wine he offered." Thank you, I feel so overwhelmed by your hospitality though. No offense intended...Lord Rajan."

" None taken—ah, it appears we have a very talented couple dancing, perhaps after this song is finished you would allow me the chance to dance with you."

Eyes beaming with happiness she looked to where he pointed and froze, it was Sly with Carmelita. Yes it was his job but the way he spoke and danced, not to mention the way he stared into her eyes made needles prick at her heart. It seemed only suiting, she thought trying her hardest not to cry, the officer that always tries to catch him...it's only obvious that he'd fall for her. Rajan seemed to enjoy their dance while Mayura cringed inside, feeling her heart beat faster and faster. Envy. Jealousy. Grief. The fleeting moments of joy she had with him and the thought of feeling safe in his arms, the way she felt for him.

While the audience applauded, Rajan included, Mayura stood to walk off when the Lord realized the Clockwerk Wings were missing." The wings! They've been stolen!" It was their job...she stiffened as he approached, knowing full well that tears were coursing down her pale cheeks. Whatever he had been meaning to say vanished," What's happened, Ms. Mayura? Is something—"

" Nothing's wrong!" She cried quickly leaving the palace, running down the stairs and towards the hideout. The sirens were bouncing off the walls, indicating that Sly and Murray were still attempting to get away. Her heart was broken, maybe she was jumping to conclusions—no, she wasn't. Deep down she knew the truth, Sly and Carmelita both had feelings for eachother, even if they both didn't realize it.

Awww...so much for Sly and Mayura-chan, you should have known better. But it looks like Rajan has taken an extreme liking to M-chan! Isn't that cute? I think it is—then again Rajan is my favorite Klaww Gang member. Unlike the others he's a cutie! Arpeggio is too, his accent is so cute(like Rajan's)! Don't get me wrong I love little Cooper but he's taken and we all know that. Sad as it is.

We basically skipped the first chapter about Dimitri and now we're on the third chapter in the game, the second part with Rajan. I hate The Contessa! Ewwww! I just hate her and her chapters! But onto Chapter 4!

———————————————————————————————————