Christophe vaguely motioned to the leather chair in his office that faced his desk once they had stepped inside. His eyes were already on the short, trim pile of paperwork on his desk. He didn't even bother to look over to see if she had followed, or if she had sat down already. "Well," he sat down and randomly filtered through the small packet of her contract, "as you said before, your contract isn't up for another year." Finally looking up to see Katarina stiffly sitting in the leather chair across from him, he smiled, "Have you enjoyed your time here with the RhyDin Troupe?"

In her impatience, her fingers were randomly drumming on the arm of the chair, stopping only when she caught the act, "O' course I hav' been." A smile of all innocence brushed her lips as she forced herself to look relaxed in the chair, "I dun thin' tha' I would'a turn down Th' Royal Academy if I didn' lov' wha' I was doin' here."

"Right.. right..." he tapped his fingers on the contract, "There is nothing keeping you from auditioning and accepting positions with other ballet groups, with the proper arrangements."

She gave a one-shouldered shrug, "We didn' know o' th' success th' troupe was gonna hav' when it started. Duncha 'member? Oh, tha's righ', ya weren' 'round fer all th' beginnin's of it." Another simple smile as her words were meant to insult, "Bu' dun worray, I hav' absolutely nah intention o' movin' er leavin'."

The Count didn't flinch or look away from Katarina until she was done talking. His smile was just as sweet as her own, "Of course, I realize the circumstances of your contract. I was actually wondering if you would consider auditioning for another group." When he saw an instant protest, he held out his hands to stop her and continue, "I understand that it is not something you're considering, but heed my words. You would not have to move, only travel when necessary. This troupe is growing, particularly with the younger age of those just finishing school. They will be strong competition for you."

"I am not interested." She made sure to carefully say the words as she moved her chin just slightly up and away from Christophe, "I have said that I'm not moving. I will continue to work hard and earn my role as principle like I already am."

"You would not even consider it? I can tell you now that the pay will be better. You would work less. I'm more than positive you could bring Locke to travel with you, if that is a hinderance in your decision."

She flexed her jaw as he sought for her personal reasons, "My family's here, my home's here. If I was interested 'n joinin' anotha group, it would'a been wit' Th' Royal Academy, th' bes'." She sat further on the edge of the chair, "If tha's all?"

"Katarina," He placed his hands flat on the desk and leaned forward, "I own this troupe. I can give you a contract that suites you best. I would be more than willing to work with your situation."

"Duncha already practically own this troupe?" She finally stood, and made sure to calm her features even if anger was still warming her blood, "Look, I 'preciate th' offer, an' I know tha' ya've been kind ta me bafore. I jist 'm nah interested. I's nothin' 'gainst ya."

He handed her a piece of paper like he didn't even hear her, "The auditions are in January. That's plenty of time to prepare. Why don't you audition, and then see what opportunities are available for you?"

She huffed a sigh, and took the paper only to set it back down. "I wun be available to audition in January."

"Why not?" Christophe frowned, "You are free from this troupe for the whole month. Of course you can."

"No, I can't." Irritation at his persistence broke her accent, "I'm getting modifications done in the beginning of the new year. I won't be in the proper shape to audition." It was not exactly how she had anticipated telling him, if at all, but it was cornering her into an uncomfortable place.

"Modifications." He repeated the word in a hollow tone, before he stood as well, "Katarina you can't possibly-"

"It is not up for discussion, and there is nothing against it in my contract." She pushed the contract and audition paper towards him on the desk, "I will be in proper shape for when the troupe meets up again in Feburary. What I choose to do before then is none of your business."

As she walked out of his office, there was a nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach about his reaction. That it was a good thing, and that the modifications were somehow going to save her from something. But when she tried to think of why she felt this way, her head ached and her memory was blank.

Katarina could barely hear the gentle rain hit the roof of the theatre over the gentle music that filled the auditorium during rehearsal. In the beginning, Katarina usually stalked off into the practice rooms during the scenes that she was not involved in, but now she sat in the theatre to be near and aware of what was going on. She wasn?t going to strain her body further for no reason than her own doing. Now, she sat halfway from the stage to the door where a long desk spread across several chairs and had dimly lit lamps for each sit. Usually Madame, the Count, or other instructors would sit here and watch in silence while they took notes. Now, Katarina would bring various packets of paper on the modifications and reinforcers she had requested from various surgeons and institutions that had been recommended to her.

The process was slow and long as she squinted at the small writing in the dim light. Trying to understand the different processes, administrations, recovery time, and any long-term changes in her life required re-reading sentences over and over again. Still, sometimes she just had to mark the uncertain area and go on. Despite the packets being meant for the consumer, the jargon gave her a headache. Soon, she was just going to have to make consultations to feel like she had a better grasp of all that she needed to prepare for. And it was a lot. The possible consequences of this choice could have both physical and emotion repercussions if something went wrong.

The one thing she understood was money. No matter which procedure she was going to choose, it was going to be costly. After buying a house, and a recent trip back to Hope, Katarina couldn?t see having spare or free money for quite some time. In fact, that might be the better outcome. She bit back a sigh and rubbed her temples.

It took a few moments for Katarina to realize that she no longer heard music playing and to notice that Andy was walking towards her. He leaned companionably against the large desk, ?Hey, we?re all going to go out for lunch. Want to come??

She pursed her lips as she considered, before briefly shaking her head, ?Hmm, nah thanks. ?m nah really hungry righ? now.? At his look, she held out her palms defensively and shrugged, ?Wha?? ?m nah hoppin? ?round as much. Dun take lots?a energy ta read borin? thin?s. Nex? time, I promise.?

?Okay, suit yourself. You?ll be stuck here with Crazy and Bossy.? Andy had developed new code names for Madame and the Count.

Her lips twitched into a grin, ?I thin? I kin handle ?em, er a? th? leas?, fin? a place to hide.? She wiggled her fingers as he walked back to the stage to meet with the rest of the troupe before they all went out. In truth, she was too mentally exhausted to think too much about food. She sighed gently and looked down at the thick stack of paper, before folding her arms above it and resting her head. Maybe if she napped over the material, she would understand it better.