Mistborn Trilogy - Brandon Sanderson [137]
Vin fought down her paranoia, reminding herself that everyone saw the dress and the rank, not Vin herself. She looked up into Lord Liese’s eyes and saw, surprisingly, apprehension.
The music began, as did the dancing. Lord Liese’s face took on a look of consternation. She could feel his palm sweating in her hands. Why, he’s just as nervous as I am! Perhaps even more.
Liese was younger than Elend, closer to her own age. He probably wasn’t very experienced with balls—he certainly didn’t look like he’d danced much. He focused so much on the steps that his motions felt rigid.
It makes sense, Vin realized, relaxing and letting her body move in the motions Sazed had taught. The experienced ones wouldn’t ask me to dance, not when I’m so new. I’m beneath their notice.
But, why is Elend paying attention to me? Is it simply what Sazed said—a ploy to annoy his father? Why, then, does he seem interested in what I have to say?
“Lord Liese,” Vin said. “Do you know much of Elend Venture?”
Liese looked up. “Um, I…”
“Don’t focus so much on the dancing,” Vin said. “My instructor says that it will flow more naturally if you don’t try too hard.”
He blushed.
Lord Ruler! Vin thought. How fresh is this boy?
“Um, Lord Venture…” Liese said. “I don’t know. He’s a very important person. Far more important than I am.”
“Don’t let his lineage intimidate you,” Vin said. “From what I’ve seen, he’s pretty harmless.”
“I don’t know, my lady,” Liese said. “Venture is a very influential house.”
“Yes, well, Elend doesn’t live up to that reputation. He seems very fond of ignoring those in his company—does he do that to everyone?”
Liese shrugged, dancing more naturally now that they were talking. “I don’t know. You…seem to know him better than I, my lady.”
“I…” Vin trailed off. She felt as if she knew him well—far better than she should know a man after two brief encounters. She couldn’t very well explain that to Liese, however.
But, maybe…Didn’t Renoux say that he’d met Elend once?
“Oh, Elend is a friend of the family,” Vin said as they spun beneath a crystalline skylight.
“He is?”
“Yes,” Vin said. “It was very kind of my uncle to ask Elend to watch over me at these parties, and so far he’s been quite a dear. I do wish that he’d pay less attention to those books of his and more attention to introducing me, though.”
Liese perked up, and he seemed to grow a little less insecure. “Oh. Why, that makes sense.”
“Yes,” Vin said, “Elend has been like an older brother to me during my time here in Luthadel.”
Liese smiled.
“I ask you about him because he doesn’t speak much of himself,” Vin said.
“The Ventures have all been quiet lately,” Liese said. “Ever since the attack on their keep several months back.”
Vin nodded. “You know much about that?”
Liese shook his head. “No one tells me anything.” He glanced down, watching their feet. “You’re very good at dancing, Lady Renoux. You must have attended many balls back in your home city.”
“You flatter me, my lord,” Vin said.
“No, really. You’re so…graceful.”
Vin smiled, feeling a slight surge of confidence.
“Yes,” Liese said, almost to himself. “You’re not at all like Lady Shan said—” He stopped, jerking slightly, as if realizing what he was saying.
“What?” Vin said.
“Nothing,” Liese said, his blush rising. “I’m sorry. It was nothing.”
Lady Shan, Vin thought. Remember that name.
She prodded Liese further as the dance progressed, but he was obviously too inexperienced to know much. He did feel that there was a tension rising between the houses; though the balls continued, there were more and more absences as people didn’t attend parties thrown by their political rivals.
When the dance ended, Vin felt good about her efforts. She probably hadn’t discovered much of value to Kelsier—however, Liese was only the beginning. She’d work up to more important people.
Which means, Vin thought as Liese led her back to her table, I’m going to have to attend a lot more of these balls. It