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Time: Early Evening
Location: Caesonia Castle Ball Room
Interactions: Lady Charlotte[@Princess], Shehzadi Layla[@Potter]
Mentions: Lady Thea[@Tae], Prince Felix[@Mole]
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Leo only gave a slight nod to Thea as she spoke of their mother, he didn’t discuss such things around prying ears, but his mother really ought to know better than to try and control Thea with such a strong hand. He waved and smiled as Thea left to disobey their mother, and Leo could see no harm in enjoying wine at the ball tonight. He paid no mind to her request to tell Prince Felix she had died, a strange joke he chalked up to some cold feet regarding the pair’s arrangement. Leo had paid some rather unsavory men to search for any sort of dirt on the young prince shortly after his mother had spoken of the arrangement. Nothing had been found. Felix, by all accounts, was a good and kind man, someone whose station could only improve Thea’s life, and found this to be one of his mother’s few discussions he found no fault with.  

The intricate display by the Alidashti royals continued, Thea even clapping alone as the glorious tiger roared. This only made him smile with pride as many in the court looked at the tiger with fear, his sister only saw the great beast with wonder. Truly a brave and remarkable woman, it would likely be Prince Felix who would be kept on his toes. Soon his sister’s lone clapping was joined by Felix’s, quickly followed by many from Varian, including Leo, to show how marvelous the introduction to the Alidashti was. All clapping, and most conversation, stopped abruptly at the entrance of Duke Lorenzo. 

Leo supposed he should be thankful for the presence of Duke Lorenzo, his absolute display of buffoonery ensured no one would have to worry about making a fool themselves now. It would now be tough for anyone to compete with the level of scandal and embarrassment that man had just put forth. In Leo’s mind, Duke Lorenzo was a perfect example of why the noble class must steer clear of those beneath them. He lacked both the bloodline and upbringing that were necessary to conduct oneself in these situations, and would only ever continue to embarrass the house he’d married into. This also happened to be one of the opinions he held that was known only by those within his own family. Despite his low opinion of Duke Lorenzo, he held only the highest respect for Lady Charlotte. 

Now it appeared Charlotte was placed in a position where she would again suffer the brunt of repercussions for her guardian's mistakes. Lottie had been a dear friend of both he and Thea’s, caught up in her own family's tragedy in recent years, and was now thrown to the wolves that lurked in court without any elder siblings or even her true family to look out for her. If the fates had been crueler to his own house he would hope someone would watch over Thea, and so Leo intended to look out for Lottie as well, no one should face these wolves alone. 

But buried beneath such chivalrous ideas was the interior motive, as Lottie’s proximity to the Alidashti royals provided an opportunity for an introduction. He approached with little hesitation, armed only with a charming smile amongst uneasy guards with their hands near bladed weapons. Fortune favors the bold after all, and all he’d seen of the Alidashti made him think they held a similar sentiment.

Leo presented the very same bow that was Alidashti custom; arms crossed at the wrist, thumbs facing the floor, and bowing his head low to the foreign royals. He had spent the days before practicing in front of a mirror, ensuring that his movements would be flawless and second nature. It would not do to disrespect a people known for their grace to approach them with awkward movements and flawed signs of respect. 

[color=9AF781]“Your majesty, royal highness, and esteemed royal serpent, peace be upon you. Tales of your magnificence wane in comparison to the visions before me. It is an honor to be in your presence.”[/color] He spoke, addressing both the Sultan and his daughter who had a charming snake wrapped around her. He was careful to not let his eyes linger too long on any one of them. 

[color=9AF781]“I must say never before have I seen such unparalleled beauty and power displayed with impeccable grace, a shame the servants have over-polished the floor. It is difficult to find competent help.”[/color] He added with a smile towards Shehzadi Layla. An attempt to worm the idea in that it was more the servant's fault than anything.

[color=9AF781]“Lady Charlotte, delighted to see you in court once more, I hope you have time this evening for an old friend.”[/color] He continued, offering a modest bow to Charlotte as well. 

[color=9AF781]“Leo Smithwood, Heir of Stravy.”[/color] He added, introducing himself to the Shehzadi. And now he had cemented his place, as among the first to greet these royals, a bold introduction and far less embarrassing than Caesonian’s Duke had done. Even if they chose to dismiss his presence he hoped he had been memorable.[/color]