Ivona had gone with the plum. As well as Cynric's gifted bell resting against her breast, tied on a black silken cord. She'd also allowed the Joker liberties with her long hair; it swept up and cascaded in loose ringlets down her back, with small silver bells fetchingly braided in. Her mother had been aghast, but Ivona ignored her, deposition her matron at the bar and immediately heading for the dance floor, cajoling a few of the more stalwart Cards into a dance or three.

No stranger to soirees, the Spade ambassador danced with practiced ease, fully able to enjoy herself completely, all the while maintaining perfect decorum. Yet another mask, when all was said and done. But at least she looked as if she was having a good time. When the band finished and took a small break, she headed for the bar, needing a bit of liquid nourishment to round things off.