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[color=CBCBCB]Leo’s fingers scratched at the now smooth skin of his freshly shaven face as he studied his reflection in a mirror. The growth from his last adventure was now gone, his thoughts were occupied with wondering if a full shave had been a mistake. He found his face now looked too youthful, boyish even. He tried to picture himself with a grand set of side whiskers or a dignified mustache, wondering what would be most becoming for a future Duke. It was far too late to debut such a look for tonight’s ball, so such thoughts would have to be revisited. He did not want to be late for tonight's occasion. 

Returning to court had been something he’d thought over with even more consideration than what sort of facial hair would be most fashionable. Since his father's disappearance, he had spent his time looking for any escape from dwelling on grief. Most recently had scaled a grand mountain in the frozen north, but even when his body reached absolute physical exhaustion his mind stayed consumed by Duke Feralt’s mysterious disappearance. It was upon the snow-drenched peak of the mountain, gazing upon one of the most beautiful sights his eyes had ever beheld, that he realized there was that would distract his mind from this grief. 

So back to court in Caesonia, it was. A place filled with secrets ready to be uncovered. If there were answers to be gleaned this would be the place for it. Then word had reached his ears that for the very first time Alidasht would be in attendance, and so his fate was sealed. Leo would simply never miss his chance to be among the first to greet those from such a mysterious and exotic land. His thoughts were all finely focused on making the best possible impression; a good scrubbing to remove months of time in the wilderness, a trip to the barber, and a fine new suit for the occasion. He wore a dark shirt, dark gray trousers, new shoes, a red and gold embroidered vest, and [url=https://i.etsystatic.com/11192853/r/il/0c7e42/2080606543/il_794xN.2080606543_q273.jpg]a dark velvet coat[/url] with shiny gold buttons and embellishments on the sleeves that echoed his vest. He tipped his matching top hat at his reflection before heading off to the palace. Being late, after all, was far from the impression he wanted to make.

[hr] 

He entered shortly after his mother, Dutchess Alice, and her, well whatever his mother’s mistress was these days, but Leo would be damned before he ever referred [i]Valerie[/i] as a Dutchess. The pure joy that rolled off the pair as they danced was nauseating. Not because his mother had chosen a lesser as a companion, not even because his mother had chosen another woman, but the fact that she had chosen anyone at all and flaunted it in front of the entire court made him sick. His father had barely been gone a year, there were no assurances he was even dead, and it made such a display a slap in the face. Leo still grieved his father. Thea, no matter the brave face she wore or the lengths she went to in order to hide it, grieved too. All while his own mother couldn’t even be bothered to fake an ounce of grief for her own husband. 

Thankfully before the anger and disgust could reach his face, the grand spectacle that was the entrance of the Alidasti began. A breathtaking procession of exotic flowers and animals proceeded the Sultan and his family as they made their way into the ballroom. Everything about them enthralled and enchanted, the show of wealth and power, the seemingly effortless confidence, and, of course, the beauty of these strangers. Then there was the most magnificent creature he’d ever seen, a massive dark and sleek cat who let out a roar that shook him to the core. [color=9AF781][i]Hope ol’ Lorenzo has not brought the ferret tonight.[/i][/color] He thought because what now stood in the royal ballroom was clearly a beast who had perfected the art of the hunt. 

Despite the burning curiosity, now was not the time to approach the foreign royals. Even as the son of a duke they outranked him by miles and Leo would show them no signs of disrespect. So he made his rounds around the room, bowing to those he ought to and exchanging pleasantries. For Leo servants were basically invisible until he wanted something and eventually he sent one to bring him a glass of wine. The feasting tables were currently far too crowded with lesser nobles, including a fellow who appeared to have put no effort into taming a horrendous cowlick atop his golden hair. He had no intention of being seen around that bunch and, glass in hand, he set off to find someone interesting to talk or dance with. [/color]