Chapter 9: Deserea
Many of the nobility of Luthadel struggle to find appropriate female companionship for the various social functions they are expected to attend. Many of these lack the confidence, charm or influence needed to entice a Lady that would serve to raise their status. What many of them do have, is money.
That's where Deserea comes in.
Deserea Entrone is quite the catch in social circles, and any young noble seen with her (and they do tend to be young) is held in high regards.
Deserea holds imperial coin in high regard.
It is by now an open secret that her company can be bought, but she is careful to ensure two things: It is not bought cheaply, and it is bought only when she chooses it to be. This ensures that an evening with her still grants a certain social cachet to the lucky man, and therefore ensures her continued employment.
Many of her contracts are with the parents of noble debutants to ensure their first ball goes smoothly. Others, from nobles looking for a little extra glamour on a night when they have a major business deal planned. Still others, particularly her regulars, just for the pleasure of her company. But in each case Deserea is selective, and wealth is no guarantee she will acquiesce.
It's a fine line to walk. Accepting too many offers would devalue what she is selling. Too few might leave her unable to maintain herself in the manner to which she has come accustomed.
As to how and when the evening ends for her clients…. well, a lady would never kiss and tell.
Though many may suspect, very few people know that Deserea is a skilled and subtle rioter, and uses her powers not only to make a marked impression on her clients and ensure they have a suitably magical evening, but also to heighten the emotions of those around her client to improve their standing. And perhaps just a little when negotiating prices…
Deserea is careful and delicate with her zinc, and so most clients don't even know they're being manipulated. The only clients who know for sure are two bronze mistings who were among her first customers. One of them promised his discretion, and is now a regular, enjoying the experience in full knowledge that his emotions are being played with.
The other turned up in an alleyway with his throat slit.
And he's not the only one.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
-- Power
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