[color=darkgray] [center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/220513/dc6f332f946c5ac99a0689d1ae55f571.png[/img] [h1][color=salmon]Lorenzo[/color] | [color=1e4fff]Crystal[/color] | [color=c29e85]Felix[/color][/h1] [/center] [b]Location:[/b] Ballroom [color=salmon][i]Off of the dancefloor! Off of the dancefloor! Off of the dancefloor! Off of the dancefloor! Off of the dancefloor![/i][/color] Lorenzo walked as briskly as humanly possible while clumsily turning and weaving through those that continued to dance or were simply in the way of his escape from the crowd. [color=salmon][i]Off of the dancefloor! Off of the dancefloor! Off of the dancefloor! Off of the dancefloor![/i][/color] And of all people he could have accosted, it was the precious and innocent Crystal Damien that had been in his path. Crystal was also making her way off the dance floor, a small smile on her face. It was time to find a nice corner to take a moment to rest. She wasn’t paying attention to her surroundings when Lorenzo’s haste, clumsiness, and inebriation rallied together to have him unintentionally run right into her. Giving a little squeak of surprise as she did. The force of it nearly knocked her off her feet, but she managed to catch herself by gripping a chair. [color=salmon]“Oh dear! Crystal!”[/color] Lorenzo shouted. She looked up to apologize when she heard the familiar voice. Her eyes finally registered it was indeed who she thought it was. [color=1e4fff]”Oh! Uncle Enzo!”[/color] She smiled brightly, completely forgetting about almost being knocked over. She was at a loss for words, she wanted to pop up on him before and give him a scare, but it would seem she had lost that opportunity. So she raised her hands, palms upwards with a shrug almost and said [color=1e4fff]“Surprise!”[/color] With a giggle. Before hugging him. He embraced her immediately. [color=salmon]“Goodness Crystal, I am incredibly sorry! I… I just… I should have been paying more attention.”[/color] Lord Lorenzo and Lady Emina had always been so kind to her during her visits to the capital…with her spending as much time as she could in their home with Charlotte, she felt at times that they were her second family. It was her time spent in their home that kept her sane… the chance to escape her prison once a year. It was never said openly, but Crystal was the member of the Damien family he’d been fond of. [i]The black sheep amongst… amongst wolves in sheep’s clothing.[/i] As he sighed with some relief, she could smell a bit of alcohol on his breath. Despite its presence, she said nothing about it. They were at a party after all. She pulled back and asked [color=1e4fff]“How have you been? I hope better…”[/color] [color=salmon]“I… I’m here and I’m back! So, much better!”[/color] Lorenzo did not want to worry her, but she noted the hesitation. Fathers always had that hesitation when they were not saying the…Entire truth. Something she picked up on with her own father quite often. But she said nothing about it as she smiled warmly. [color=1e4fff]”That’s good! I’m happy for you!”[/color] [color=salmon]“And how are… Wait a minute! Wait a minute… You’re… [i]here[/i].”[/color] She was about to tell him how she was doing when he suddenly stopped and seemed to fully realize the situation before him. At which she giggled and nodded with each step his brain made to come to the present. Lorenzo took a step back and scanned her from head to toe. She stood up tall as he looked her over, not that she could get much taller while on her toes. [color=salmon]“You’re really here! Crystal… [i]Did you sneak out?[/i]”[/color] He whispered the last bit. [color=salmon]“Is your evil- is your father searching for you?”[/color] Crystal sighed when he mentioned her father, she knew they were not ‘friends’ and were always civil when she was around. But she knew they did not get along. But she smiled anyway, ignoring the ‘evil’ part. She looked to her father who was still busy talking and meeting with other nobles when she nodded. [color=1e4fff]“Yes yes I am here, I finally worked up the courage to sneak out. But no he is not searching for me. He and mother did find out I was here a little bit ago. They said nothing about it…[/color] She gave him a nervous smile. [color=1e4fff]Though… I feel like I am going to get it when I get home tonight.”[/color] She shrugged. [color=salmon]“Oh…”[/color] [color=1e4fff]“But, I finally made it to a ball. So I don’t care right now…”[/color] She looked at him and continued. The man could not help but smile. [color=1e4fff]“I am doing great myself, I haven’t had an episode for a while now, I feel stronger than I've been in a long time.”[/color] [color=salmon]“Well… Then you’re happy, right?”[/color] He genuinely wanted that for her. Crystal nodded, [color=1e4fff]I am. Really happy…[/color] She said softly while looking down. Gripping her hands together in her lap. [color=salmon]“And you look stunning, Lady Crystal! [i]Don’t tell Charlotte, but you’re giving her a lot of competition tonight. She might not want you going to too many of these.[/i]”[/color] She smiled and blushed at his compliment. [color=1e4fff]I-um…Thank you…I- I doubt it though. Charlotte is absolutely beautiful tonight. She is better at these social things than me.”[/color] She said softly. Wringing her hands together as she said so. While she did hear she had a rough start, at least she didn’t have two mess-ups for the day. [color=salmon]“I believe you’ll get there. I am sure people will get the chance to see what Lottie and I see in you.”[/color] Crystal looked up at him and smiled. She felt comfortable now, with his words of encouragement but Lorenzo had been more focused on her previous body language that lacked confidence. [color=salmon]“And…”[/color] Lorenzo started to look around the room as if looking for something or [i]someone[/i] specific. [color=salmon]“...Perhaps that chance is now!”[/color] She gave him a confused look. His eyes were locked and deadset on a young royal. [color=salmon][i]A prince! Not a despicable Danrose either![/i][/color] He waved his hand at the gentleman. [color=1e4fff]“Wait…what do you-”[/color] [color=salmon]“Ehem! Prince Felix Camilia! Prince Felix Camilia! I humbly request your presence!”[/color] Lorenzo called somewhat embarrassingly. Her eyes went wide when he mentioned a prince. [color=1e4fff]W-w–w-w-w Wait Uncle E-[/color] She grabbed his forearm to try and stop him. But the pathetic attempt didn’t work as he called over the Varian prince. [color=salmon]“Yes, over here Prince Felix Camilia! Over here!”[/color] While she managed to talk to Prince Callum easily… he did not act like a prince… And he was sweet. She did not know how Prince Felix would act. She probably would have acted the same way if he called over Prince Wulfric or Auguste. [color=1e4fff][i]“What are you doing!?”[/i][/color] Crystal whispered intensely to Uncle Enzo. As she repositioned herself somewhat behind him, trying to hide from the prince in some pathetic attempt to hide her crimson face. [color=salmon]“Fear not, Lady Crystal, I will present you as if you were my very own daughter. Trust your Uncle Enzo.”[/color] He smiled with that double-edged pride of his. She gave him a quick glare. As angry of a glare as an embarrassed young lady could give. Despite the sweetness in his words. [color=1e4fff]“Th-that’s NOT what I meant. Wh-why are you calling him over?!?”[/color] [color=salmon]“To prove the Damien’s wrong. Yes. You’re the best of them, so you deserve the best, Lady Crystal. What is better than a prince?”[/color] He paused for a brief moment. [color=salmon]“A Varian Prince.”[/color] He chuckled at his own bad joke. [color=c29e85]“Ah, If it is not Duke Lorenzo —,”[/color] Prince Felix announced with a slight grin. The prince’s thoughts of Lady Thea Smithwood were quickly evaporating, and yet, he found himself pulled into another conversation with a drunkard. [color=c29e85]“whatever has granted me the honors of an invitation to your merriment?”[/color] He asked with self-possession while ignoring the curtain that Duke Lorenzo was casting over Lady Crystal. He did not have time for this. Crystal froze when she heard the prince walk over and speak up. She stood as still as she could. She didn’t know why, she was clearly not well hidden. Her face would grow even redder as Uncle Enzo started the introduction…growing redder with each flourish. [color=salmon]“What has granted you the honors of an invitation to my merriment? A splendid question young prince!”[/color] Lorenzo puffed his chest out. [color=salmon]“In fact, I call your attention to someone as precious as the gems that adorn your father’s crown. In fact, you may call them a gem yourself. [i]In fact[/i], the woman I present to you… [i]her very name is synonymous with what I describe.[/i]”[/color] Lorenzo paused for dramatic emphasis. [color=salmon]“Rare to the eyes of even the well-traveled. Delicate, yes, but beautiful like a water lily floating on the surface of a still quiet lake. Noble in blood, but she’s an avatar of creation. Whether it be delicious sustenance or intricate keystrokes, she finds no difficulty when it is for those she cares for. And as far as knowledge goes, she graces the world with her ideas painted in words across paper… Prince, I do not simply present a woman to be desired. I bring forth, most humbly, a creator to be admired.”[/color] She wanted to reach out and stop him, but she couldn’t. She never heard anyone compliment her as he did just now… while surely over the top, it…it was nice. Right up to the part when he started to reveal she was a writer. She stood straight up and reached out, but it was too late. He smoothly sidestepped out of her way and left her reaching out while looking up at the Prince of Varian. [color=salmon]“I introduce you to Lady Crystal Damien.”[/color] She stood there, lost for words. The prince was handsome, and here she was standing, red as a perfectly ripe tomato. She dropped her hand quickly and gripped her other hand as she looked down as she tried to push her nervousness to the side. [color=1e4fff]”I-um… It is a pleasure to meet you… Your Highness.”[/color] She said before curtsying to him. Glancing up at him afterward. [color=1e4fff]”P-please ignore Lord Lorenzo…H-h-he likes to flourish things far too much when he has had one too many drinks...[/color] Before falling into his automatic routine of greeting nobility, Prince Felix had swiftly examined Lady Crystal and the Duke as she spoke,[color=c29e85] “What an honor it is to meet such an admirable creator,”[/color] he paused, as his eyes, noticing her blushing cheeks, met hers. The prince felt a small flurry of innocent curiosity about her situation all of a sudden. For such an instance, he felt there must be [i]something[/i] of merit in the woman, in which he could spare several moments with the drunk Duke and his repertoire. A broken clock was right twice a day, after all. And, with that, he decided to test the Lady. [color=c29e85] “What type of words does my lady write? They must be quite refined to have such a handsome and alluring opening from the Duke of Caesonia.”[/color] Crystal blinked as she looked up at prince Felix. She looked away immediately. She was never greeted for her writing. It was really odd. But she couldn’t stop it now…. Uncle Enzo will surely pay for giving up her secret so easily. He spoke again and she hesitated, men often found romance novels a bore and silly. She reddened somehow, even more, when she realized she would have to tell the prince this.[color=1e4fff] “I-I write about romance, your Highness. ''[/color] She said, bowing her head. “And they are quite wonderful, Prince Felix. Not the tellings of an amateur but a true architect of an emotional tale. Love is not easily written, your highness for it is a passion that cannot be simply put into words, Your Highness.” Lorenzo quickly added with a slight slur in his speech. Crystal looked to Lorenzo quickly as he built her up even higher. She was not one to brag about herself, a trait that she excelled at…too much at times. She was a best-selling author of five books within almost said amount of years. As much as she appreciated it, she felt he was laying it on a bit thick. She reached out and touched his arm as if to say that was quite enough embellishment. She gave him a certain smile and looked like a polite ‘please stop’. As Lady Crystal’s blush painted over her face while she explained herself, the prince felt a small laugh escape from his lips. She was a lovely creature, and her feminine demeanor was quite refreshing. [color=c29e85]“Ah? Romance novels?”[/color] Prince Felix looked at Lord Lorenzo with clever amusement. He felt himself relax a bit, unexpectedly. He had never heard of Lady Crystal and found her interesting, to say the least. She was quite exquisite — not in kind as Lady Thea, who everyone noticed whether they wanted to or not. Although, comparing them brought nothing noteworthy to him, and he dropped the thought as he had his pocket watch earlier in the evening. Crystal's heart fell when he laughed. Just what she expected, she looked down and wrung her hands in silence. This was partly why she didn’t use her real name. She honestly didn’t know what else to say. His hand clutched his rapier, and continued discussing with the two, now [color=c29e85] “Perhaps, I should pick up one or two of your novels, if they are so admirable.”[/color] He spoke in an unassuming way, taking aim to now charm the both of them. [color=c29e85]“I may be able to get some pointers, hm? Especially, if they are written by such a fine lady such as yourself,” [/color] Another small laugh escaped from him. [color=c29e85] “I happen to quite enjoy reading and would not mind putting one of your works in my library. It could be of no consequence that I am sure,”[/color] his smile catered to Duke Lorenzo, as he began feeling the need to exit the conversation. She looked up in surprise as she misunderstood the laugh. She smiled softly, even if he was just being nice, the thought of the possibility he would read her book was amazing to her. [color=1e4fff]“I-I am honored, your highness.”[/color] She said with a bow of her head. [color=1e4fff]“Though I am sure you do not need any pointers, I do hope you enjoy them, even if you do not get any..um.. Pointers. Maybe just a different perspective?”[/color] She said softly. While she heard most men are dense in the ways of romance. She surely wouldn’t expect the prince to be that way. As much as he was interested in Lady Crystal, he felt his making acquaintance with her was starting to become an inappropriate topic. He had better political propositions to make with other guests rather than sprout compliment after compliment to a pretty damsel other than his betrothed. [color=1e4fff]“I would be even more honored if they are added to your library. But..um.. There is one slight issue…[/color] She said raising a finger. [color=1e4fff]“You might find it difficult finding any under my name. I-I use a pen name…I’ve never been one to do well in the spotlight…”[/color] She said, dropping her hand again and looking shyly to the side. [color=1e4fff]“You will find them under Violet Columbine. My two most popular ones are ‘The Princess and her Unorthodox Prince,’ and the sequel. ‘Shattered Oaths’”[/color] There was a pause after Lady Crystal spoke, in which Prince Felix remained silent. His hand loosened against the hilt. [color=c29e85] “Interesting,”[/color] he admitted. Prince Felix was under the guise that anyone who believes he has made excellence is wrong, for there is always room for improvement or else stems a lack of mobility, which was only for idol statues or silly gargoyles. Of course, he made his comment threefold. He tilted his head sideways a bit, examining her attire. It was conservative and beautiful; twinkling around the white of her skin. Her hair draped down her shoulders. Crystal remained silent as the prince looked at her, glancing away and to the side as he continued to do so which only caused her to blush a bit more. She was very modest. However, the names of her novels seemed quite the opposite. Still, with all that he had gathered, the pale flurry of innocent curiosity continued to flicker in his thoughts. It was time he left the conversation to let the moment diminish. The Lady was also flushed with a rosy color, and he had not the desire to continue saturating her emotional state any longer, despite the flame slowly burning through his long-hidden sorrow. [color=c29e85]“Thank you for informing me,” [/color] Crystal nodded, wringing her hands in nervousness. He looked to Duke Lorenzo by casting a pompous gaze,[color=c29e85] “And thank you, Lord Lorenzo, for the humble introduction. It was quite enlightening,”[/color] he bowed again to both guests. [color=c29e85]“It has been nothing but my pleasure to enjoy your presence, Lord Lorenzo, Lady Crystal,”[/color] as he stood up, he ended his farewell, [color=c29e85]“However, there were several others I have not had the opportunity to make my regards. Please, may the rest of your evening be lovely.”[/color] [Color=salmon]“You as well your Highness.”[/color] Lorenzo performed a quick bow but blinked a few times as he was struck with dizziness from speedy movement. [Color=salmon]“Oh my…”[/color] Crystal bowed to the prince after he did. Noticing immediately uncle Lorenzo getting dizzy and grabbing his arm to help him [color=1e4fff]“T-Thank you, your highness, I hope you enjoy the rest of your night as well. Thank you for sparing your valuable time.”[/color] When he would walk away she would relax very visibly, her shoulders dropping with a sigh. [color=1e4fff]“You’re going to owe me big time for that embarrassing moment uncle. Possibly ten of your famous hot chocolates…”[/color] She said softly looking at Lorenzo. As she started to lead him away from their position. [color=1e4fff]“Come on let’s get some water in you before you pass out…no more drinks for you tonight.”[/color] [color=salmon]“Yes! Water would be lovely! As lovely as my pairing of you and that dashing young prince! [i]He liked you…[/i]”[/color] Lorenzo grinned. [color=salmon]“Mhmm, I could tell, I could tell. Ooh, I can’t wait to pair Charlotte with the love of her life as well!”[/color] Lorenzo seemed to go on and on. she saw a passing servant and said softly. [color=1e4fff]“Excuse me, can we get some water for the Duke?…. Or perhaps a horse trough?”[/color] she said, giving her dear uncle a look. The servant furrowed his eyes at the duke who wore the face of a happy drunk. [color=salmon]“Horse trough?!”[/color] The duke laughed, but the servant was on Crystal’s side. “Young lady, may I?” A second servant arrived on the scene moving between Crystal and Lorenzo. “Help me get the duke to one of the other rooms. Away from any more alcohol.” The second servant said to the one Crystal had initially addressed. His tone held a strong sense of urgency. With Crystal’s approval, both servants proceeded in guiding the drunk Lorenzo toward one of the ballroom’s exits. [color=salmon]“Enjoy the night Crystal. I will keep coming to these things if you do!”[/color] He called as walked backward through the exit. The second servant shot a glance over to none other than Count Damien who gave the man a slight nod. Lorenzo was now exactly where Calbert wanted him. Gone. [/color]