-I think something's happened,- Sofia said at one point. Everyone turned around and saw movement on the other side through the crystal walls. The guests, trying to pretend they weren't doing so, crowded closer and closer, craning their necks to see something. In addition, in the silence that followed, it seemed as if someone was screaming.
Draco knew all too well what might be happening. He gently pulled James aside. His friend seemed to suspect the same thing, so he didn't resist.
-I'm not fond of crowds,- whispered the dragon. -Especially crowds that include the master's enemies and just some loudmouths.- The elf simply nodded. -I'll go out to the garden to look at the flowers. If anyone looking for me asks, you don't know where I went.- The crooked smile said more than any confirmation, so Draco just turned gently and was outside in the next moment. The fresh air was invigorating, and being alone allowed him to relax even more.
-You slipped away so smoothly that even we almost lost you,- Ari said reproachfully.
-Indeed, you could have given us some kind of signal. If James hadn't told us, we would still be standing with the rest of the escorts.- Forth also seemed to feel better away from the crowd.
- I preferred that no one pay attention to me. It seems that Gizel has begun to carry out her plan. - The dragon rolled his eyes. -Knowing life, someone will soon want to ask about what's going on, and since it's easier to find me than my master or the duchess... Anyway, it seems that they both exhibit quite a specific impression, and I'll be an easier target for extracting interesting details.
-Yeah, I can see that.- Ari pretended to look around and spoke into the void.
- That's nice of you.- Draco tried to remain serious.
- I would expect that a botherer trying to get something out of you would have to get quite close to Gler'thys.- Forth shrugged, and the dragon wondered if it made sense to get into any kind of argument with
