[h2][center][color=ab274f]Wulfric,[/color] [color=#EEDC5B]Auguste,[/color] [color=00F8FE]Callum,[/color] [color=E77298]Anastasia,[/color] [color=9DCC68]Ezra,[/color] [color=95AA71]Zarai,[/color] and [color=9354FF]Ryn[/color]
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From a corner of his eye, Wulfric saw that Anastasia was once again on top of a table, and was waving…towards him? [color=ab274f][i]What could it be this time? She shouldn’t have had the opportunity to get drunk…[/i][/color] Regardless of the reason, this was something he needed to deal with before she caused a greater scene than she was already causing. To Mayet, whose company he’d been enjoying, he offered a quick apology, [color=ab274f]“Excuse me, but it seems my sister is once again up to something inadvisable. I must go, but we shall be seeing each other soon, as promised.”[/color]

That said, the prince quickly departed. His stride was as swift as could be while still counting as a walk rather than a jog. Thus, he was at Anastasia’s side in no time. He eyed the scene; a dessert laden table, Anastasia standing on an empty one besides it. Wystan was there too, presumably distressed that the princess had acted so willfully. Then there was an unknown commoner man; a baker, by all accounts. He was grinning as he held a hand out for Anastasia. Wulfric cut in, physically interrupting the stranger’s attempt to help as he moved between them, offering his own hand instead.

[color=ab274f]“Let me guess,”[/color] he drawled as he raised his arm for his sister, [color=ab274f]“this fellow here was desperate to advertise, and you were so impressed by his creations you decided [i]this[/i] is how you should help?”[/color] Raising an eyebrow, he crooked his finger in a come-hither motion. [color=ab274f]“Now, please, if you’d step down. Carefully,”[/color] he cautioned.

Auguste promptly excused himself one more time from Lady Saiya’s presence as he eyed Anastasia stumbling onto a table and climbing it. It appeared that she was calling to him, as well as his brothers. The second prince took quick, striding steps towards Anastasia, Wystan and the unknown man that accompanied them. [color=#EEDC5B]“Now, now, brother, he was simply trying to help.”[/color] Once he had arrived, he crossed his arms and waited for Anastasia to safely step off the table. He still felt more comfortable at having Wulfric help Anastasia rather than a stranger, however. [color=#EEDC5B]“Yes, please step down carefully dear sister.”[/color]

Auguste also took a quick glance at his parents’ reaction. Given that it was Anastasia, it was likely to be waved off, but King Edin was at his wit’s end from earlier observations.

[color=00F8FE]“Perfect timing Wolfy, without you around some of us might actually have fun. Imagine the scandal.”[/color] Callum spoke as he approached the table, making no effort to hide any bitterness in his tone. Cal had no idea why Anastasia was standing on a table, but it did seem to bother both of his older brothers which meant it suddenly seemed like great fun. He paused and took a drink from a nearly full bottle of wine that he’d grabbed on his way over to his sister.

[color=ab274f]“Callum,”[/color] Wulfric warned, eyes narrowing in irritation. [color=ab274f]“I know there’s an after-party you’ll surely attend, so do feel free to cease with the dramatics,”[/color] he snarked.

[color=00F8FE]“Ana, hold this for me will ya.”[/color] He added with a grin as he held up the bottle of wine to her. Then, he proceeded to not so gracefully climb up onto the table as well. [color=00F8FE]“So, what are we doing up here? People watching? Table dances? Causing a ruckus?”[/color] Cal asked looking around, table shaking some beneath his own unstable footing. 

Auguste unclasped his arms and wordlessly drew closer towards Callum’s side of the table, ready to catch him at a moment's notice should he lose his footing. He was sure Wulfric or Wystan would catch Anastasia. [color=#EEDC5B]“While the woodworkers who made this fine table are of high repute, I’m certain they weren’t made with a person standing on them in mind, nevermind two.”[/color]

[color=00F8FE]“See, Auguste knows we aren’t going to break the table.”[/color] Cal said with a nod, proving his point by stomping his foot a couple of times on the table, only drawing more attention towards them. [color=00F8FE]“And the view from up here is much better. I can see just about everyone.”[/color] Unlike his two brothers, Cal was very much acquainted with negative attention, so a room full of nobles staring in shock, disapproval, and confusion didn’t bother him. 

Anastasia did indeed take Wulfric’s hand, however, she did not climb down. [color=E77298]”Wolfy, I just wanted you boys to taste this cake. He didn’t ask me to advertise or anything.”[/color] She then leaned on her knees to whisper down to him,  [color=E77298]”It’s the beeest caaake eeeeverrr. “[/color] Afterwards, she excitedly pointed at Ezra, [color=E77298]”This man’s a genius!”[/color]

Wulfric briefly glanced at the baker, but didn’t have the time to spare him much attention just then. Instead, he gently tugged on Anastasia’s arm, trying to convince her to descend. [color=ab274f]“I don’t particularly care for sweets, but if you come down, I will give it a try,”[/color] he said. At least with Anastasia, she could be convinced, bribed, or otherwise lured to do the sensible thing. The more worrisome one was Callum, who in each and every situation strived to cause the utmost chaos.

She proceeded to take a moment to wave to Auguste with a smile, [color=E77298]”I am so happy you walked over! Oh-oh and I know you probably won’t eat this since it’s unhealthy. I just waved you down since I missed you!”[/color] Auguste had always been very kind to her and she genuinely enjoyed his company despite the fact he was a goody-two-shoes. 

Anastasia then noticed Callum approaching as well…  with a [i]wine bottle[/i]. [color=E77298]”Oh yeah!”[/color] She exclaimed as the beautiful gift from the heavens was suddenly bestowed upon her.  [color=E77298]”Hey Callum!! Thanks! …I called you over to eat cake.”[/color] Anastasia grinned at her brother as he joined her upon the table.  She had been about to get down, but she decided it would be rude to ditch her favorite younger brother all by himself.  Without much delay, she took the opportunity to begin to chug some of the wine straight out of the bottle.

Wulfric twitched when his sister received the wine bottle. [color=ab274f]“Anastasia…”[/color] the prince was evidently harried. [color=ab274f]“Can you not save this for later?”[/color] he questioned. If they had to have an outlet for their wildness, at least the after-party would be the proper event for it. [color=ab274f]“Come now,”[/color] he motioned for her to come closer. While she remained standing, however, he didn’t have much hope of removing her from the table. If she at least sat down he could reach her waist, and lift her down. [color=ab274f]“The ball should be ending soon enough, so you need remain patient and sober for only a short while yet.”[/color]

Anastasia had glanced down at Wulfric and considered his words, only to be distracted by Callum’s words as he spoke up.

[color=00F8FE]“Sober? Are there [i]sober[/i] people here? With all this fine wine? What a waste.”[/color] Cal offered a smug smirk as he replied to Wulfric. This was the perfect opportunity for a bit of harmless chaos; draw some attention to a baker and, if Ana was to be believed, his incredible cakes, while embarrassing both Wulfric and Edin.  

[color=00F8FE]“So we’re here to eat and advertise cake?”[/color] He nodded slowly at Anastasia, looking from her over to the baker that she had called a genius. [color=00F8FE]“Quick, sir, what’s your name, and where is your bakery located?”[/color] He asked Ezra before clearing his throat and shouting across the ballroom.

[color=00F8FE]“Attention guests, we have here the finest cakes in all of Caesonia. A delightful treat and personal favorite of Princess Anastasia, do yourselves a favor and try some tonight.”[/color] He paused, making a grand gesture with his arms towards the other nearby table covered in cakes. He waited for Ezra to answer his question, planning to encourage everyone to pay a visit to the man’s bakery. 

Ezra watched Anna’s brothers approach, each with a unique reaction. First, Wulfric, the one he kept an eye on the most, was standoffish and mistrusting. That didn’t surprise him at all and he knew he’d likely take Wystan’s side; however, even the strongest fell sometimes. However, Auguste, forever the people pleasing bitch of the family, was friendlier and kind. This was something Ezra knew he could capitalize on. He had noticed from his observances he and Anna were closer. Then, came the world’s disappointment, Callum. Why the King bothered to keep this child alive was beyond him. That wasn’t his concern, as he too was closer to Anna, and was aiding him rather than hurting the situation. Anna being drunk before the party… It took all his self control not to grin. 

Nonetheless, he remained calm and quiet, observing rather than acting. Callum standing on the table would embarrass King Edin and would give him unfavorable attention. He smiled shyly when Anastasia, the world’s angel, called him a genius. He would forever remember that compliment. When Callum spoke to him, now asking his name and advertising his food, he bowed while gratitude split smoothed his facial features from smiling. 

[color=9DCC68]”Your majesty, I am honored to be of your service. My name is Ezra and my bakery is located on 5th street.”[/color] He straightened up as he glanced over at Prince Auguste and Wulfric apologetically, [color=9DCC68]”Your majesties, I extend my deepest apologies that Princess Anastasia climbed onto the table. She was delighted by my cakes and wanted to share them with you. I do not want either of you to fall and hurt yourselves. I do think we’ve gathered enough attention.”[/color] 

Ezra gulped as he glanced over to find people staring. His gaze darted around as he shifted his feet to indicate nervousness. This was, however, key, because now everyone would be tired from the ridiculous dancing and have a hunger for his sweets. Could his luck continue? [color=9DCC68]”I do appreciate you advertising my bakery, it was very kind of you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”[/color] His voice was quiet and meek as he pretended to dare glance up at Prince Callum. [color=9DCC68]”I’d like to give whatever’s left over to the non royalties as well. I would hate for this to go to waste. Is this something you could help with?”[/color] [color=9DCC68][i]In more ways than one…[/i][/color]

Callum gave Ezra a nod before adding, [color=00F8FE]“Stop by the Bakery on 5th street, right near the tavern with my very own name on it, and pick up one of Ezra’s many finely crafted treats.”[/color] He gave a mock bow to those who were still watching, his grin only widening at the increased annoyance of those around him. 

[color=#EEDC5B]“Sir Ezra is right.”[/color] Auguste said, still looking up towards Callum with his ever-present smile. [color=#EEDC5B]“Please notice that you are causing him discomfort.”[/color] Despite a majority of his attention being commanded by his rebellious siblings, he still paid some attention to Ezra and his introduction. Auguste had peripherally caught his body language. He eyed Anastasia and then Callum before speaking. [color=#EEDC5B]“Surely you wouldn’t want to trouble the dear baker any longer?”[/color]

Auguste gave Wystan a passing glance. From the years he’s known his ward and personal bodyguard, he likely had already formulated an initial impression of this Ezra. Wystan had that look about him. Auguste had spied the trio speaking with each other whilst conversing with Lady Saiya. He’d hear more from Wystan later. As of now, the man seemed normal enough- a pleasant sort that felt uncomfortable around royalty. There were many he had met during his ‘outings’ that were like that.

Such spectacles weren’t uncommon for Callum. Being around the court whilst accompanying Wulfric had made him accustomed to attention from nobility. Still, it did not make dealing with Callum’s antics any easier as his brother frequently took any small opportunity to cause as much disruption as possible. Talking him down proved to be a difficult endeavor at times.

[color=#EEDC5B]“I see no issue with your work being distributed to everyone.”[/color] Auguste replied to Ezra with a quizzical look. [color=#EEDC5B]“Surely these cakes weren’t made only for royalty?”[/color]

[color=E77298]”Hehe it’s okay, guys. We’re just having a little fun. We’ll come down in a moment.”[/color] Anastasia was glad that the baker was getting his well-deserved attention and that her brothers were kind enough to help a stranger. Though, she could tell the three men below were upset about them being on the table. Callum undoubtedly thought it was hilarious and she kind of did too. She patted Callum’s head, [color=E77298]”Should we get down?” [/color] 

Anastasia paused as she watched some of the other guests coming over to try some cake. [color=E77298]”Hehe. I wonder if we jumped in the crowd if they’d catch us and carry us.”[/color] She whispered to Callum with a mischievous giggle. [color=E77298]”Actually… If we get down soon, we might be able to get lost in the crowd and get out of here so we can get ready for the real party… “[/color]

[color=00F8FE]“Augs makes a good point, we don’t want to embarrass the baker, but I think jumping into the crowd would make it harder to sneak out of here, and they’d certainty drop us.”[/color] Cal said, considering Anastasias offer for second. Then Cal jumped down from table, feet hitting the ballroom floor and stumbling only a bit into Auguste. He gave Auguste a couple of pats to the shoulder as he regained his footing. [color=00F8FE]“Now let’s eat some cake.”[/color] He said, reaching a hand up towards Anastasia and gesturing for her to give him the wine bottle back. Anastasia handed the bottle to him and then hopped off the table.  She was quick to then pick up her plate of cake and continue her progress of consumption.

Wulfric sighed near-silently. The situation was now dealt with, though not at all how he’d planned for it to happen. It took too long, too much attention was on them, and a veritable crowd was now approaching the dessert tables. The baker got everything he wanted, and more. But he’d be damned if he contributed any further to his madness; if nothing else, he wouldn’t have it said that he had directly assisted in this marketing scheme. Thus, he turned to leave without further ado.

Auguste felt himself relax as both his siblings safely stepped off the table, untensing with each pat of the shoulder. He exhaled softly, mostly in relief. Now that the spectacle came to an end, he stepped away from the front of the table to give the approaching crowd leeway. Unlike Wulfric, Auguste stayed. Figuring that he had a moment to watch his siblings enjoy their cake before he needed to fulfill his obligations of greetings and socialization.

Zarai had spotted Anastasia up on the table waving down her brothers shortly after departing from her mother. She pulled Fritz along towards the growing crowd around the Danrose children with a grin. It was refreshing to see Anastasia continuing the tradition of being the chaotic sibling that kept all of the brothers on their toes. She was about to call out to her when she noticed Wulfric's perfectly styled hair leaving the scene. 

[color=95AA71]"Wulfy- ah fuck, he's leaving."[/color] She cleared her throat and cupped her hands around her mouth before calling out to the eldest Danrose. [color=95AA71]"Woohoo, His Royal Highness, Prince Wulfric!"[/color] She wasn't sure if she called out to him loud enough; all of the sounds around here were starting to mash together, and at the same time, she could hear her own heartbeat. Even so, she pulled Fritz along towards the other Danroses and the baker.

Wulfric did indeed hear and recognize his [i]dear friend[/i]’s voice. A frown briefly marred his façade of indifference, but by the time he turned around, his annoyance wasn’t visible any longer. That Lesdeman was accompanied by Count Hendrix was a pleasant surprise, however, and the prince eyed the man curiously. Though he felt resistant to the idea of rejoining the crowd, he did turn back, and headed towards his acquaintance so as to intercept her. 

[color=ab274f]“Lady Zarai,”[/color] his tone was as polite as the public venue called for, though he did raise a sardonic eyebrow at her. If they’d not been within hearing range of someone else, he might have commented that Zarai being attracted to the presently chaotic situation was entirely too predictable. As it was, he merely turned to greet Fritz as well. [color=ab274f]“And Count Hendrix. A pleasure,”[/color] though he genuinely meant that, his words were rather perfunctory.

Udo once told Ryn that words held power: the utterance of a thought, no matter how big or small, breathed life into it. Experience taught Ryn that this was true to a certain extent, but rarely did he bear witness to its effects in such a short duration. Apparently, he did believe that this party would be [i]strictly[/i] formal, giving little leeway for mistakes, because the last thing he expected to see was the Caesonian prince and princess standing on a table advertising cake. Now he was confident that his dance with Luz would be a mere speck in the guests’ memories by the end of the night. With one exception, of course. Ryn spared a few seconds to watch the King and Queen of Caesonia, wondering how similar their parenting styles were to those of the Duke and Duchess of Puerto Vira.

As the count allowed himself to be pulled to the crowd by Luz, he felt his back automatically straighten at the sight of Prince Wulfric. Ryn bowed as deeply as he could with his arm still locked with Luz’s, [color=9354FF]“Good evening, Your Royal Highness. It is an honor.”[/color] With the amount of guests far more important than him, Ryn was surprised that the First Prince even made the effort to remember the name of a foreign upstart noble. He turned his head to the crowd. [color=9354FF]“I hope we did not catch you at an inconvenient time.”[/color]  

Wulfric nodded in acknowledgment at Hendrix’s greeting. When the count looked at the gathering mob of people, the prince did so too. [color=ab274f]“Well,”[/color] making false assurances wasn’t his style, but he was still politic. [color=ab274f]“I will not claim it’s convenient, but I prefer to meet you than not, regardless of the situation.”[/color] He tilted his head to watch the other man’s expression. [color=ab274f]“Due to my interest in business, I have been looking forward to the opportunity to make your acquaintance,”[/color] he explained. [color=ab274f]“If you are staying here for the summer, perhaps you’d agree to meet with me for a more in-depth discussion?”[/color] Though the invitation was casual enough that the count had the leeway to refuse it, Wulfric stared at him intensely. 

Ryn cocked his head to the side, mirroring the man in front of him. As he pondered whether Prince Wulfric was extending the invitation out of courtesy or from a genuine desire to learn how businesses operate, he noticed how intently the prince was staring at him —and that Ryn was also mimicking his expression. 

The gray blue eyes bore into him, searching for something. Like the twins when they tried to beat him in a game of cards. In the process of trying to find his tell, the analytical scrutiny gradually turned into a staring contest and then ultimately devolved into a “try to make Ryn laugh” contest. In this instance, Prince Wulfric won. Ryn covered his mouth when the memories of the twins surfaced in an attempt to suppress a chuckle. He managed not to laugh, but he was unable to wipe the smile off his face so he decided to redirect it to the prince. 

[color=9354FF]“That sounds like an excellent proposition, Your Highness.”[/color] Though the count did not know the prince enough to discern his true intentions, this was an opportunity to get closer to the Danrose family. It would be imprudent not to accept. [color=9354FF]“I am at your service. Please summon me at your earliest convenience.”[/color] Ryn slightly bowed his head. Then his eyes glanced over to Luz, mostly to see if she wanted to say something, partially to check if she was still with them.    

Zarai had been staring at one of the buttons on Wulfric's coat, her eyes distant and void of any emotion. It wasn't until she noticed that both men had finished talking that she snapped out of her trance and took a deep breath. After a few blinks, she looked at Fritz and gave him a thumbs up. [color=95AA71]"It was an honor to see you again, Your Highness"[/color] She swallowed down the giggles as she gave a curtsy. Zarai did not want to mess up Fritz's first impressions with any of them, especially now that Wulfric had invited the count over for some talks.  A second later she glanced over to the other three siblings and gave them a wave. Auguste caught her wave and returned with a wave and a smile of his own. Anastasia had blown her a kiss as she was sneaking through the crowd

Wulfric noticed the count was either amused or pleased by his invitation. He nodded, and replied, [color=ab274f]“Then I shall.”[/color] He followed Hendrix’s cue, and turned his attention to Zarai. She was a bit out of it, and that look in her eyes…He furrowed his brows at her, but didn’t comment. It was mildly surprising that the count’s presence motivated her to attempt to appear courteous. She usually did that only for his or her mother. [color=ab274f]“I appreciated it as well. I must take my leave now, but I am certain we will speak to each other soon,”[/color] he told her. Then, he said his farewells to the both of them, [color=ab274f]“I hope you will enjoy your stay here, and wish you a wonderful rest of the evening.”[/color] Then, he did as he’d intended to before Zarai called out to him, and departed. While he did not leave the ballroom proper, he did position himself in the vicinity of his parents, to help oversee the conclusion of today’s event.