[h1][center][color=9AF781]Leo[/color] & [color=BBC7E1]Charlotte[/color][/center][/h1]

[hr]

Leo smiled and took Charlotte’s hand, leading them both towards the dance floor. Having parted ways from Wulfric, Leo let out a breath and relaxed more. When holding an audience with a prince, even one he considered a friend, he had to stay guarded; he represented not just himself, but his house and his country, and weakness in himself would reflect poorly on that which he held most dear. Similarly, when dancing with a shehzadi he had to remain a proper gentleman; collected, chivalrous, kind, a worthy representative of Varian. Now, with just Charlotte, he could be much more of himself. The music, and the steps of the waltz, were slower this time, which only put him more at ease. 

[color=9AF781]“Looks like someone has managed to turn their night around rather stunningly. Tea with the crowned prince, dinner with the sultan, and the best dressed Caesonian in the room. Tell me, Lottie, how do you manage to be so fabulous?”[/color] Leo asked with only the slightest bit of teasing as he pulled Charlotte into a dance. Muscle memory allowed the simple box step to fall into place with as little thought as walking. Throughout countless balls and dances what remained true was that it was always the people that made these events most engaging rather than the events themselves. Leo’s words, partially meant to lighten the mood, were also true, and he found himself impressed at how well Charlotte had turned an unfortunate situation around so quickly. 

Charlotte set her hand on his shoulder and her other in his his as they began moving in time to the music. Her shoulders relaxed as he spoke and she smiled at his words. It was a lucky thing that Prince Wulfric wanted to have tea on her. Women were always clamoring with each other for time with the well-esteemed crowned prince. Though, she had no idea why he had expressed interest in spending time with her of all people. She had initially thought perhaps Wulfric wanted friends, but she also wondered if he just pitied her. 

When it came to the notion of eating dinner with the Sultan, she did not feel so lucky. Charlotte had a feeling they weren’t getting away with what happened as easily as it had seemed. [color=BBC7E1]”Well. What can I say? Drowning in all this charisma over here. “[/color]She replied teasingly with a smile. [color=BBC7E1]”Maybe it’ll rub off on you and you too can be fortunate enough to sit down with Sultan and his ever-so-friendly offspring for supper.”[/color] Her tone grew a bit sarcastic with this statement, but it remained playful nonetheless.

[color=9AF781]“And here I was counting myself fortunate to have merely danced with one royal from Alidasht, and you’ve already secured dinner with the entire family. I am so filled with envy I fear my eyes have turned green.”[/color] Leo replied with a grin. He could understand Charlotte’s reservations, some of the Kadir’s had publicly called for the spilling of her step-father’s blood, and expecting an amicable dinner after all of that probably seemed far-fetched. 

[color=9AF781]“I can’t speak for the rest of the siblings, but Shehzadi Nahir holds a warm and adventurous spirit.”[/color] Leo spoke with full confidence on this one, though a single dance was not long enough to know much about a person, he believed his first impression to be accurate. [color=9AF781]“I believe I also spotted one Lady Blackwood having an engaging conversation with the younger Shahzade, she seems to like very few people so maybe he’s not so bad as well.”[/color] Leo continued, offering a bit of his optimism about the situation. [color=9AF781]“What an experience the sultan has granted you, to get to dine with his family, I’m sure very few here have had such an intimate view into their culture. To get to learn from the experience rather than to only read of it holds so much value.”[/color] Leo held a dreamer's look as he spoke before lifting their clasped hands to beckon Charlotte to spin. 

Charlotte spun around slowly in tune with the song and smiled once she came to meet his eyes again, [color=BBC7E1]”Oh my. They are indeed green just as they always are. You must be constantly envious then. But they’re a very nice green at least. ”[/color] She had not interrupted and waited until Leo was done speaking to comment further.

[color=9AF781]”Oh yes, I am envious of everything I have yet to experience for myself. It is what propels me forwards.”[/color] Leo answered, half a joke, but having said it he found it truer than he had realized.

It was great to see Leo get so excited about Alidasht and their culture. Seeing her old friend happy after knowing what he must have been through the last year made her smile. Charlotte herself loved reading books about Alidasht and the other kingdoms, dreaming of one day exploring the world. It was easy to relate to the longing in his eyes. She had been so busy being afraid she had gotten how excited she had initially been to meet the Alidasht. 

[color=BBC7E1]”It should be quite exciting to be so up close and personal with them. Their culture is rather extraordinary. I’d actually love to visit there someday-Oh I have a book!”[/color] Her eyes lit up as the memory resurfaced, [color=BBC7E1]”It’s called the Sun-Kissed Alidasht and it has all these lovely paintings of their land and architecture. It would be so amazing to see it in real life…Maybe I can ask them questions at your behest?"[/color] She paused then with a little gasp, she said excitedly, [color=BBC7E1]"Better yet! Maybe you should come with me to the dinner!”[/color]

Leo’s eyes immediately lit up, both excited and surprised by the offer. He opened his mouth to immediately accept the invitation, only to pause.

[color=9AF781]“Hmm,”[/color] Leo frowned as he thought more about the offer, [color=9AF781]“I’m not sure if it would be proper to show up uninvited by the host. I wouldn’t want to cause further trouble for you or make an ass of myself by, oh pardon my language Lady, by showing up uninvited. But that is very generous of you.”[/color] Leo grimaced slightly at his slip of using improper language in front of a lady. Such things might’ve been easily shrugged off as children, but now they only showed that he’d spent a little too much time away from official events like these. 

She had heard enough curses in her lifetime to not even flinch at the sound of one. [color=BBC7E1]”Oh and introducing yourself in the midst of chaos was not making an ass of yourself? Thought you were feeling adventurous tonight. ”[/color]Charlotte teased. She had not been too certain of his motive for going into the fray as he had, but it had been comforting to not be alone up there. [color=BBC7E1]”... But not to fret, I will find out if I can bring a guest and get back to you so you feel more at ease.“[/color] 

[color=9AF781]“I could only imagine that it must have been rather terrifying to stand before all those people, alone, during such a volatile situation. The alone part was the only thing I could alter. My deepest apologies if I appeared like an insufferable donkey, maybe it made you seem better by comparison? But if they grant you a guest, I will gladly attend, and I will find a far nobler animal to imitate.”[/color] Leo replied with a smile to show her words had inflicted no wound. 

Charlotte was quick to assure him otherwise, replying, [color=BBC7E1]”No need to apologize; it was simply a jest. You did great.”[/color]She then said genuinely, [color=BBC7E1]”I wanted to thank you for coming up there. Things were a little less scary with you with me.”[/color]

[color=9AF781]“Glad I could help. How did your first dance fair? I didn’t catch who it was with.”[/color] Leo asked, making an effort to keep the conversation on more positive topics to keep Charlotte’s mood up. 

[color=BBC7E1]”I danced with Sir Matthias, a royal guard of the Varian Kingdom. Perhaps you know him? He is a very sweet person.”[/color] Charlotte replied. Her gaze was stolen momentarily by the sight of Matthias and Crystal happily dancing together. She giggled before turning her attention back on Leo. [color=BBC7E1]”And how was your dance with the Shehzadi ? You said she was warm and adventurous?”[/color]Charlotte gave Leo a playful look, grinning, [color=BBC7E1]”You seem fond of her… Perhaps you’ll get to see the Alidasht Kingdom before I do.”[/color]

[color=9AF781]“I am familiar with Sir Matthias though even in Varian he remains a bit of mystery, a true gentleman though, any time I’ve encountered him, and a good father.”[/color] Leo said, keeping his words respectful towards Captain of the Varian royal guard. Of course, anywhere there was mystery, normally there was rumor to try and fill in the gaps, but the rumors around Matthias were scarce, and Leo found that a bit strange. 

[color=9AF781]“Shehzadi Nahir was both a skilled dancer and stunning conversationalist. We did, in fact, exchange offers to host one another in our respective lands, and she expressed a love of travel and adventure. Kindred spirits, maybe, but both very much tied to our own homes. However, I did offer to help make her time here a memorable one, maybe you help. We can find some Caesonian adventures to embark on and maybe you’ll have made a friend for dinners. That is if you’re not too busy having romantic tea parties with Wulfric.”[/color] Leo did smile a little brighter as he spoke about Nahir but as always kept himself practical in his thoughts and words.

[color=BBC7E1]”Oh I doubt those tea parties will be romantic in the slightest. He is just trying to be nice...”[/color]Charlotte had told him though she was distracted. 

His words had said much but his smile as he spoke about the Shehzadi Nahir had said more. She too had smiled though her eyes had saddened as she had felt a sharp pang of something that she did not expect to feel. Perhaps it was the remnants of the free-spirited child who had run amuck in costume wings and had proclaimed herself to all that she was a butterfly princess. She had longed to encase the younger Leo at the time in a pair of them as well to be the butterfly prince, though she could not recall if she had ever summoned up the courage to ask him to do so. As for part of her that was the adult now, she knew what she wanted was for him to be happy. Charlotte put on the biggest smile she could as she said, [color=BBC7E1]”Of course I can help! You simply must come to the dinner and then we can make sure you sit by her. Distance cannot separate kindred spirits!”[/color] 

[color=9AF781]“Distance, responsibility, limited freedom; that is future, for most of us. Something, recent events, have made far clearer. It is time for me to start practicing putting the needs of Stravy before my own. But it is always good to keep powerful friends, and I appreciate your help in making a new one. Speaking of, Wulfric is never just being nice, and don’t get me wrong, I hold the prince in the highest esteem, but he has little free time, and he does not waste it. If he wishes to meet with you he finds you worthy of his time.”[/color] Leo noted the forced smile he caught on Charlotte, as he had the momentary distance in her eyes as she seemed to drift away from the conversation a moment ago. Clearly, he had committed the gravest of ballroom sins; he was being boring. 

Charlotte admired that Leo strove to do good for his family and his people. One day she could become the Duchess of Veirmont. Despite the awful start to the night, she had experienced positive conversations with two princes of Caesonia and with two heroes of the Varian Kingdom. Maybe it was time she started taking responsibility as Leo was. 

The sight of Lorenzo in her peripheral vision made her briefly turn her head as he had approached. She mirrored his smile and let go of Leo’s shoulder to open her palm up to meet her father’s as he passed them. The smile fell as she saw who his choice in partner had been. Nonetheless, her gaze turned back to Leo as he spoke once again, her hand returning to where it had been.

[color=9AF781]“I have to admit, mingling is not the main reason I’m here. An event, lasting all summer, with every important noble and their guardsmen, seems the ideal place for investigating. Surely there is at least someone here who might hold a clue in solving my father’s disappearance.”[/color] Leo spoke barely above a whisper, and despite the difficulty of the topic, he knew Charlotte would not be bored by a mystery in need of solving. 

Charlotte was surprised by his words, but she was quick to answer. [color=BBC7E1]”It is quite possible, but if your father disappeared in the Varian Kingdom, I do believe more answers may lie with the Varian people…”[/color] She mused softly. After a hesitation, she met his eyes, whispering, [color=BBC7E1]”I saw the body of my mother after she supposedly took her own life, but I always felt in my heart she was much too prideful a woman to do such a thing…”[/color] She could not recall ever voicing that opinion out loud before. Charlotte drew in a breath before continuing, [color=BBC7E1]”I have also made it a goal of mine to find out the truth… So perhaps we could work together.”[/color] The two of them had both lost a parent around a year ago, but it was fortunate that Charlotte at least knew her mother was resting in a graveyard currently. Not knowing whether someone dear was dead or alive… She could not imagine how stressful that would feel. She squeezed Leo’s hand gently as she said with firm resolve, [color=BBC7E1]”Either way, I promise I will help you find him.”[/color]

Leo’s eyes fell as she mentioned answers probably lay in Varian, where investigations had already been extensive and fruitless. With all the secrets held by the nobles here, he was sure one of them held a clue that could at least point in the right direction. He was about to simply agree with her and just ask her to forget the matter, but she continued to share her own suspicions about her mother’s death. 

[color=9AF781]“I don’t think your mother would have ever chosen to leave you, her greatest source of pride. It would be an honor to help.”[/color] Leo said with sincerity. He was glad to hear Charlotte was still as interested in solving mysteries as she had been when they were children. [color=9AF781]“Consider the Vikena and Smithwood detective agency back in business, a slightly more important pair of cases than the missing cake caper or still unsolved mystery of who put all those toads in my mother’s shoe trunk. Well, the toad one was me, I thought we need some more exciting cases back then, and I suppose I should own up to my criminal past.”[/color] He added with a grin, remembering spending summers solving silly mysteries where more than a few of them had been orchestrated by him just to have something exciting to do when the palace got boring.  

Charlotte was grateful he had voiced he had felt that way about Emina. She knew most others had simply believed that Lorenzo had been so unbearable that her mother couldn’t take it any more. His next statement made her laugh and she gave his shoulder a playful poke. [color=BBC7E1]”Oh I can’t believe that was you! You had us on a wild goose chase for so long over those toads.”[/color] She shook her head, smiling, [color=BBC7E1]”Ah nonetheless… If we are opening the Vikena and Smithwood detective agency back up, we will need to share what information we have so far.”[/color] 

Charlotte then made a fist with her hand and moved it up to her face, pretending to hold a magnifying glass in hand as she widened one eye, [color=BBC7E1]”You looked disappointed over my initial statement of the Varian Kingdom, so I can infer that you’ve already scoured it clean, but perhaps you might know more than you think. ”[/color]She returned her hand to where it belonged as their dance slowed in time with the decrescendo of the music. [color=BBC7E1]”Probably best we discuss this not out here under other eyes and ears. We have yet to know the nature of all this…We’ll need a safehouse to convene.“[/color] She then reminded him before he made the next possible joke, [color=BBC7E1]”Better than a makeshift tent with a sheet and the dining room chairs… My house might be ideal?”[/color]

Leo chuckled as Charlotte poked his shoulder and shrugged. [color=9AF781]“I can’t believe you didn’t figure it out, who else had the motive? But it was a fun wild goose chase, along with a few others. Though perhaps I made a better criminal mastermind than I do a detective because I have,”[/color] Leo paused and made a zero with his hand, [color=9AF781]“nothing. Or Almost nothing which isn’t much better. But I have a good feeling about this, we won’t let them down.”[/color] He added with a smile, barely noticing how soft the music had gotten.

[color=9AF781]“And I think you're right, your house seems best. If we were seen trading secrets beneath a tablecloth tent, folks around here might get suspicious. Plus, your house always has the best snacks.”[/color] He said releasing her hand as the dance ended, and offering a formal bow. [color=9AF781]“Thank you for the dance, I look forwards to meeting with you soon, Detective Vikena.”[/color] Leo added, smiling. 

[color=BBC7E1]”I have a good feeling about this too! Come over tomorrow afternoon and I’ll make sure we have the best snacks ready.”[/color] Charlotte then gave him a curtsy, [color=BBC7E1]”Enjoy your evening, Detective Smithwood.”[/color]