Dekka nodded, keeping her hand hooked with his as he guided her away, though with leisure, as they headed back towards the ball. He noted a dark figure looming in the shadow, but ignored it as they continued their walk.
"Perhaps you could point out the best tarts," he said, and truly, he was craving some. Perhaps the real Duke Calent did as well? "And truly, I feel humbled by your gesture, but I feel it is only that I had drawn attention due to my tardiness, which," he forced an actor's frown. "I am still regretful for. Your mother's birthday is a grand occasion. Perhaps I should make myself an offer to her for a dance."
As they neared the open mouth door that lead back into the dance, it was revealed the Phillipe was waiting, appearing hunched over and dark, like a vulture as he watched them, then stepped forward, to hinder their stride as Dekka paused in mid step to stare at the gentleman before them. For a moment, the two only looked at one another, then Phillipe exposed a curl on his lips, a smile perhaps? and then his teeth.
"Oh, Lady Kathryn, there you are, I had been so worried," he said, moving to her other side. Dekka kept his eyes upon the other man as Phillipe offered out his arm. "My lady, shall I escort you inside? Offer you my jacket? To think, you had been outside with this night air chill!"
Dekka kept his tongue, standing tall and imposing at Kathryn's side, eyes daring the other man's to keep at it.
But Phillipe did, though it was evident there was some waver beneath his gaze.
"And the desserts have been displayed! I'd like to escort you there, if I may." His eyes flickered to 'Calent's' but once, then backt o Kathryn's as his lips curled widely like a snakes.