Claude had nearly forgotten his own glass, as well; the mystery woman's voice was simply enchanting, and truly befitting of the angelic appearance her costume conveyed. He didn't realize he was staring upon her until she looked over her glass and their gazes met directly. He felt a near-jolt through him as something struck him as oddly familiar, yet distant about this young lady. Those azure orbs hypnotized him for a moment, until she looked away. He imagined she must be blushing beneath that mask, as he felt a similar flush rising to his cheeks.<br/><br/>He laughed along with her as she made her little jest, nodding to her words. "Indeed, though the Midsummer is quite merry, milady, I do say it could be a touch cooler."<br/><br/>The Murnau had forgotten about his compatriots that may have been wandering about. He'd forgotten about his family, most likely dealing power back and forth amongst the shadowed corners of the palace. While Claude had met many a lovely lady in his time, never had he been so entranced by one such as this. Perhaps it was to be attributed to the mystique and wonder of the masquerade, but her eyes, that voice, her overall demeanor; the words he spoke seemed to flow from his lips of their own accord.<br/><br/>"Perhaps the lady would like to join me upon the balcony for a whiff of fresher air and a view of the night?" he offered.<br/><br/>The possibility of her refusal did not seem to even shadow Claude's mind. He turned to offer his arm to the mysterious female, the most charming of smiles crossing his features without even realizing it. His family had urged him to attend the party, which he met with mild disdain. Now he found himself believing that coming to the palace may not have been such a poor idea, after all.