His question silenced her for a moment. Years of adults turning a blind eye to various obvious marks on her had left Beryl jaded and embittered. It was just the life she lived and the painful badge she wore that grazed the surface of the soured darkness her mother rained down upon anyone within her presence behind locked doors. It had taken her ages to even enlighten the girls to her at home plights, and in the years since it had been that very turning point of intimate divulgence that at times would leave Beryl wondering what her life would have ever become if she’d not swallowed her childhood rage and let them in. Probably a mirrored embodiment of her own boogeyman’s rage. “Don’t worry little snake.” A more forced smile pulled at Beryl’s features, as the often unspoken question perplexed her slightly. “Didn’t I already tell you I’ve spent my whole life being asphyxiated by worse?” Why did he even care? No. He didn’t. This was the feigned interest of a man with an agenda.

Tightening the grip she had on his shoulder as they complimented each other's dancing skills quite beautifully, Beryl couldn’t help but find herself glad that the social climber had set his sights on her as a genuine smile continued to grace her face. She’d been dreading her Coming Out Ball since she’d first been dragged out to France weeks ago, and until Mr. Iago had followed her out onto that balcony, Beryl had been certain that her dread had been justified. The whole parade of men before him had been miserably boring that it was a miracle she hadn’t stabbed her own eardrums out with her wand. “Besides,” She danced her tightened fingers playfully on Mr. Iago’s shoulders, caressing small trails with her fingertips into the fabric of his suit in a way that vaguely mirrored her previous fun with his snake form. “Shouldn’t you focus on the task at hand?” Elegantly twirling, Beryl gave a slight sweep of her hand as if to remind him of the display they were putting on. “It’s your moment after all.” She teased between them, changing the subject from his attempt to slither into the more intimate parts of her personal life.

“Tell me, Mr. Iago.” She nipped at her own curiosity now, as he wasn’t the only one with lingering questions festering in their mind. “How does one so out of his status make it to such an event? You seem far too intelligent to scale your way in through the estates cracks on a whim, and while bold,” Her eyes devilishly glanced downward before reconnecting with his as she smirked at him toyingly. “I’d argue even you’d know better than to put your life in my mothers grasp so foolishly.” Inquisitively, Beryl narrowed her gaze on Mr. Iago as she thoughtfully looked at the riddle of a man. Just what kind of secrets and connections were hidden behind those watchful green eyes?