[color=lightgray][h1][center][color=BBC7E1]Charlotte[/color] & [color=7ea7d8]Delilah[/color][/center][/h1] [color=BBC7E1]Location:[/color] Vikena Household [color=7ea7d8]Time:[/color][b][color=lightblue]2pm![/color][/b] [color=BBC7E1][sub][right]Mentions: [@Silverpaw] Wulfric [/right][/sub][/color] [hr] [color=7ea7d8]”Lottie.”[/color] Charlotte paused at the knob of her door, her hand hovering uncertainly. She had been about to retire with her books for a moment of solitude when the voice of her devoted maid, Delilah, called out to her. There was concern etched on the maid’s face that made Charlotte straighten her posture. Delilah came closer, her gaze searching, assessing. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly as she took in Charlotte's countenance, her hand reaching out to gently touch her cheek. [color=7ea7d8]” What’s going on?”[/color] Charlotte placed her hand on top of Delilah's, grateful for the comforting touch. With a sad smile, she answered wearily, [color=BBC7E1]"I don't know where to begin to answer that."[/color] [color=7ea7d8]"You're worrying me, Lottie,"[/color] she said, her voice soft but firm. [color=7ea7d8]"Though I had hoped for you to make friends and find a stunning hunk to share our company, I fear…This situation may be beyond such trifles."[/color] Charlotte’s brows lifted in surprise. She had never characterized Delilah as much of a worrywart; that had usually been Charlotte herself in most cases. [color=7ea7d8]"This man is speaking of witchcraft,"[/color] Delilah continued, her voice now tinged with concern. [color=7ea7d8]"I even overheard him discussing it with the doctor. Please, my dear, do not involve yourself with such foolishness."[/color] Charlotte closed her eyes briefly, attempting to assimilate Delilah's words. The weight of her concern pressed down on her, causing her discomfort. [color=BBC7E1] "I... There's no need to worry, Delilah. What precisely did the doctor say?"[/color] Delilah's expression grew grave as she responded, [color=7ea7d8] "He inquired if there was a way to detect if someone had been under the influence of magic. He believes that is why no one can recollect the events of last night, as you had discussed with him earlier. But, Charlotte, I implore you to heed my words."[/color] She grasped Charlotte's hands, her tone urgent as she continued, [color=7ea7d8] "Magic is real, and it is dangerous. You must steer clear of it, Charlotte. Avoid anyone who speaks of it and even the mere notion of it."[/color] Charlotte creased her forehead, taken aback by Delilah's sudden seriousness. The maid had always been upbeat and bubbly. This behavior was entirely out of character. As Charlotte considered Delilah's warning, she felt a sense of unease settle in her chest. She had been playing with the idea of magic earlier that day, but she hadn't had time to fully process everything that had been happening. Lady Violet Damien could be dead, and Calbert Damien could be involved in her mother's death. Then there were two fugitives she was harboring in her basement… And what about Lorenzo? Was he hiding something from her? Even if the curiosity and intrigue towards the idea of magic did remain under all that, she knew she had enough problems to deal with already without adding magic to the mix. With a reassuring smile, she replied, [color=BBC7E1] "I understand Delilah. I'll do my best to avoid anything connected to magic… Please don't concern yourself with me."[/color] Delilah nodded, but Charlotte detected the worry in her eyes. [color=7ea7d8] “... Is anything else going on that you want to talk about?”[/color] [color=BBC7E1] “....Delilah, perhaps later we can talk more. I need a moment to rest. I’m sorry…”[/color] [color=7ea7d8] "No need to apologize, but before I forget, a letter came in for you."[/color] Delilah handed her a sealed envelope. Charlotte accepted it then tore open the envelope and pulled out the folded piece of paper inside. Holding it in her hands, she began to read the words written on it, her eyes scanning the page quickly. Delilah scooted behind her to read over her shoulder, as she often did [hider=Wulfric's Letter] [hr][center]The First Prince to the Lady Vikena Sorian, Sola 21.[sup]st[/sup] 1739[/center][hr] Madam, as I was enjoying a very early afternoon cup of excellently prepared tea, I happened to recall our conversation at the ball. Last night, I issued your Ladyship an invitation to tea, which to my delight, you accepted. We did not yet discuss the details for a potential meeting, which I wish to rectify. If you have no other obligations, and so desire, you may find me at The Oasis Tea Cafe, Today, at [i]4 pm[/i]. I realize I am notifying you of this on discourteously short notice, so I will understand if you are unable to send a return letter, or if you cannot join me. In the latter case, I am confident we will be able to arrange another, better time to meet. If we do not see each other for the rest of today by happenstance or otherwise: I wish you a good day. My blessings, too, for the challenging evening I expect you may have. Do recall, you can rely on Auguste. Nor should you forget your own valour; you have shown it in an exceedingly difficult situation. Believe that you will be able to face future demands, whether today or any other day – I do – and hold yourself with confidence. Respectfully, [right]Prince Wulfric A. Danrose[/right] [/hider] Delilah's demeanor changed and she let out a squeal. [color=7ea7d8]"[i]Lottie![/i] The crown prince? [i]Wow [/i]. Can you imagine it now?"[/color] She poked Charlotte arm repeatedly,[color=7ea7d8]"Can you imagine it? Queen Charlotte! I can!"[/color] Charlotte did smile, comforted to see Delilah back to her usual self. [color=BBC7E1]"It's not like that, Delilah."[/color] [color=7ea7d8]"Oh come now. Of course, it is! It's barely been a day since the ball and he's already inviting you. [i]He's smitten![/i]"[/color] On the contrary, Charlotte felt quite certain that wasn't the case, especially considering past interactions with Wulfric. Nonetheless, she'd let Delilah enjoy the fantasy. [color=BBC7E1]" I suppose we'll just have to see then, won't we?"[/color] She gave the maid a smile and nod. Then without further adieu, Charlotte retreated into her bedroom. She stared at the door after the young woman before her gaze wandered over to a nearby portrait on the wall. Delilah stepped over to the painting of Duke Walter Vikena and gently ran her fingers near it, just barely touching it. Her eyes seemed to meet that of the late Duke. [color=7ea7d8]” …It won’t be in vain, Walter.”[/color] [/color]