The Empress looked spectacular in her black gown, a very nice contrast to himself. She was quite the poised woman, as he'd expected her to be at such an event. He gave her a soft smile, her compliments pandering to his ego.
Failing was not an option. Therefore, when he felt that familiar jolt run up his ankle he ignored the sharp pain, though he'd start to favor his left leg by the end of the night. The shoes were new, and between all the commotion, it came as little shock that that weakness would flare now. At the greatest height of glory, that infamous part of him was forever branded.
His eyes cast downward, locking with with Elisabeth's, a brow raised. "You speak as though I am unaware of such things," he threw her another pleased look. She didn't need to keep complimenting him, though he did appreciate the positive vibe.
He'd seen Absinthe from a distance, having brought her newest toy as her prize. He'd yet to speak to the green goddess, considering her temperament of him prior--he felt he would let her fester a little. Therefore, his attentions stayed on Elisabeth, his date for the night.
For a moment he stopped and looked around for Patroclus, as he seemed to have slipped out of sight after leaving the theater. There were many faces yet to see, and once wading through the reporters, photographers and celebrity guests he would speak to those that he intended to.