[ the parties in mirth don't hold his interest, and laurent finds himself abandoning the noise for a quieter alcove, hoisting himself onto the ledge of the window to snatch down the mistletoe before he sits, straight-backed, and watches the swirl of dancing guests. something presses against his side, and he reaches into his pocket to extract an object that wasn't there before — something unfamiliar that doesn't belong to him. ]

if you don't like someone, gift them one of those berry tarts the woman in the marketplace is selling. they'll fall asleep within the hour and they won't wake up unless someone kisses him. it's a lot simpler than attempting to commit murder.
all you have to do is make sure no one kisses them and they're as good as dead.

even after death, the hierarchy will come back and haunt the remaining restless here? there must be more than a handful of us who believe this organization does not serve the people and could use some changes.