[center][h1][b][color=BBC7E1]Charlotte Vikena[/color]
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[color=9354FF]Fritz "Ryn" Hendrix[/color][/b][/h1]
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Ryn ended up spending the remainder of the ball acting both as Luz’s party buddy and chaperone. When others paid no heed to them, he had a grand time with his friend conversing about silly, unimportant things. In front of the more esteemed guests, however, the count did his best to cover up the future duchess’s missteps that were becoming increasingly more prominent as time went by thanks to the effects of the drug. Though he derived some satisfaction from goading Luz’s mother, Ryn had no intention of marring Lady Zarai’s reputation. He may have not known Luz’s identity until tonight, but he was well aware months in advance that, like many of the other noble houses, Duke and Duchess Lesdeman were utilizing the annual summer gathering to find a husband for their daughter. Ryn had his own thoughts on the matter, but he knew it was not his place to voice them. All he could do was make sure Luz did not unintentionally limit her options by scaring off eligible bachelors.

When the party finally came to an end, Ryn escorted Luz to the guest house outside and helped her to her room all while a furious Duchess Lesdeman watched with unconcealed disapproval. After properly bidding each other a goodnight, the count lifted Luz’s hand and planted a kiss on the back of it as a final [i]bras d'honneur[/i] to the duchess. [color=9354FF]“Te deseo dulces sueños, Lady Lesdeman.”[/color] Ryn smiled at Luz and turned to lightly bow at her mother before leaving the guest house.

Ryn could, and maybe should, have retired to his room in the guest house. However, as Peter pointed out, this may as well be the last night the palace's security would be as lax as it was. Ryn was going to take full advantage of this while he still could. The count wandered along the castle walls, comparing it to the map of it in his head, until he came across a figure sitting in the grass. He squinted his eyes to get a better look at the person. [color=9354FF]“Lady Vikena?”[/color] Ryn approached the woman slowly so as not to frighten her from his sudden appearance. 

The tears streaming down her face gave him pause. He stared blankly at her, eyes locked, before frowning slightly. The first words out of his mouth, [color=9354FF]"Is something the matter?”[/color] was rhetorical. Needless to say, something was wrong. Why else would Lady Vikena look so distressed? [color=9354FF]“Are you hurt?”[/color] He walked closer to her, checking if there were physical injuries. 

A mix of emotions had been overwhelming Charlotte as she had been rooted to her spot. Her countenance had been that of one who had seen a ghost as he had  Despite Ryn’s attempt to not startle her, she was still a little surprised to hear a voice as she had been so deep within the confines of her own mind. Her gaze slowly moved to meet him as she digested the questions he was asking. She shook her head, hastily wiping the tears from her eyes with the back of her palms.  [color=BBC7E1]"I’m so sorry-... I didn’t mean to worry you…Um, Count Fritz, right?”[/color] She rose to her feet, stumbling over her own dress in hurry to do so, however, the red-faced girl kept her balance. [color=BBC7E1]"I feel awfully embarrassed being found in such a way, but I am physically just dandy..”[/color] Charlotte brushed the dirt off herself and used the movement as an excuse to grip the fabric to hide her trembling hands. She met his eyes and managed a smile,  [color=BBC7E1]"I hope you are all right as well?”[/color]

Was [i]he[/i] all right? What a curious question to ask. He was currently not the one forcing himself to smile when a storm of emotions was tearing him from within. [color=9354FF]"I am doing quite well, Lady Vikena, so don't worry about me.”[/color] Her trembling hands made his voice drop to a softer tone. [color=9354FF]"In case no one has ever told you this before… there’s no shame in feeling what you are feeling. Ever. No matter what others may say.”[/color] 


[color=BBC7E1]"I am glad you are well.”[/color] Charlotte was grateful to hear kinder words after how her last conversation had gone. Old habits did indeed die hard as the ways of her mother’s teachings still did find a way to haunt her. It had always been taught to her that getting upset in public was rather improper; Emina would say that it simply just gave ammo to those who wants to speak ill of you. However, she herself had never thought that way. 

Ryn inched closer to her and put his hand in his pocket, ready to pull out a handkerchief, then stopped himself. There was only one handkerchief on his person, one which Duke Vikena already used earlier in the evening. His gaze dropped to the grass as he rubbed his neck bashfully, [color=9354FF]"I’d offer you a handkerchief, but I just remembered I’m out of stock at the moment... Who knew it would be in such high demand? Clearly, I’m losing my touch as a merchant. I’ll be sure to have a bundle of them at the ready next time I’m invited to a party.”[/color] The smile directed at Duke Vikena’s daughter lasted a short while before the worried expression resurfaced. Ryn quickly surveyed their surroundings, trying to spot any signs of the man who should have been close by. [color=9354FF]“Are you alone, Lady Vikena?”[/color]

His statement about the handkerchief managed to pull at the corners of her lips.  [color=BBC7E1]"Ah, it is the thought that counts..”[/color] His next question made her pause before confessing with a sigh, [color=BBC7E1]"Yes… Yes, I am alone.”[/color] Admitting such a sentence out loud brought forth a new wave of sadness that she did not expect. She rubbed her own arm, continuing as her gaze moved back to the exit way in the wall.  [color=BBC7E1]"My father seems to have left without me. It is rather unusual of him so I fear he may have perhaps drank too much.”[/color]

Duke Vikena leaving Lady Vikena behind in what he himself admitted to being a court of snakes was a thought Ryn had difficulty swallowing. After all that transpired, would he willingly have left his daughter here, alone? Was it possible that Ryn read the man wrong? He closed his eyes, recalling the conversation he and Dr. Williamson had with the duke. [i][Color=salmon]“You two are both absolutely right.”[/color] His voice was fueled with renewed determination and love for his daughter radiated from him. [Color=salmon]“She needs me… Lottie.”[/color][/i] When Ryn opened his dark eyes, he leaned in closer to Lady Vikena, careful not to miss a single microexpression. [color=9354FF]“Does he… have a habit of doing this whenever he drinks too much?”[/color]

Charlotte shook her head in reply, telling him, [color=BBC7E1]"He usually just goes to bed early.”[/color] Her expression saddened as worry overtook it,  [color=BBC7E1]”... Maybe I better ask around to see if anyone saw him leave.”[/color] She paused to watch as more guards came out of the castle and moved to ascend the stairs to take their positions. 

One man stopped curiously nearby the duo, seeing Charlotte catch his gaze, [color=B0C4DE]"Everything all right?”[/color]

 [color=BBC7E1]"Um, actually, I was wondering if anyone perhaps saw Duke Vikena leave… Do you know who was on duty while the guests were going in their carriages?”[/color]Charlotte told him. He paused thoughtfully and held up a hand to gesture for them to wait before hurrying away towards the other castle guards. The same man returned only after a moment and notified them, [color=B0C4DE]"The gatekeeper at the time saw Duke Lorenzo Vikena leave in his carriage.”[/color]

Charlotte let out a sigh of relief,  [color=BBC7E1]"Thank you so much… He must be at home then.”[/color] 

[color=9354FF]“Excuse me,”[/color] the count who had been silently observing spoke up. Ryn smiled at the guard, [color=9354FF]"I am sorry to bother you, but did the gatekeeper see anyone else in the carriage with him?”[/color] 

[color=B0C4DE]"Some servants led him to the carriage and helped him get in alone.”[/color]The guard answered him.  [color=B0C4DE]"They returned to the party afterward.”[/color]

Ryn ignored the prickling sensation in his chest, [color=9354FF]“His Majesty’s servants?”[/color] 

[color=B0C4DE]"Yes.”[/color] The guard answered blankly then turned on his heels to return to his post. 

The discomfort in his chest swirled and expanded into a larger mass. Something felt out of place, yet Ryn could not pin down what exactly was nagging him so. It could have been the way the guard answered his questions; maybe it was how he left without giving a chance for them to ask more. Perhaps he was just disappointed or it was his gut trying to warn him about something he was not consciously aware of. The count called out to the guard to thank him for the information, though even that was ignored by him. 

Charlotte had been thoughtful as the two had spoken. She had a feeling it had not been King Edin’s order for the servants to do so nor had they simply just led her father to his carriage on a whim of sympathy. The puzzle pieces all fit together. Maybe not perfectly yet, but she could make out the picture before her.  [color=BBC7E1]"I-... I think I better make my departure, Count Fritz. I’d like to make sure my father made it home.”[/color] Her gaze locked on the path that went down through the entrance to the round road. Her mother had never allowed her to freely walk through Sorian, especially outside of the noble district and at night. 

[color=BBC7E1][i]Who knew freedom could taste so bittersweet?[/i][/color]

She wondered if it was really dangerous to walk alone at night or if her mother had just told her tales to scare her. It was only now that she had the choice that she could realize just how sheltered her life had been up until this point.

Lady Vikena’s voice pulled Ryn away from his thoughts. [color=9354FF]“Yes… I agree,”[/color] was all he managed to say in response.

Her blue eyes met Fritz’s dark ones once more, giving him a genuine smile this time. There had been no need for him to wonder about her wellbeing or stand with her here all this time and she knew that very well. It had been a little easier to bear the crushing weight she felt with someone that seemed to care at her side.  [color=BBC7E1]"Thank you for worrying about me. You’re very kind.”[/color] Now that she felt a bit more grounded, she was able to take in his appearance and look at him without thoughts racing before her eyes. Count Fritz was a little shorter than her with a head of lovely dark hair to match his eyes. It was, however, difficult to pinpoint what kind of person he might be other than possibly a kind one. 

[color=9354FF]“Think nothing of it, Lady Vikena. Any person would’ve been just as worried. I simply got here earlier than the others.”[/color] Ryn’s eyes softened as he felt her gaze on him. He preferred this smile to the suspicious glare she gave him when he first approached the Vikenas. [color=9354FF]“Oh! Speaking of worried!”[/color] he exclaimed out of the blue, [color=9354FF]“Since you’re still here, am I correct to assume Duke Vikena took your only ride back home? Do you have another way to return home safely?”[/color] 

[color=BBC7E1]"If you count my legs.”[/color]Charlotte responded. 

The man glanced down at where he assumed her feet were. [color=9354FF]"Ah.”[/color] Though Ryn had not the faintest clue what kind of shoes Lady Vikena was wearing, it was not hard to imagine that neither her dress nor her shoes were made for long-distance walks. 

[color=9354FF]"I will gladly escort you to your residence if you’d like.”[/color] There was a pause as he weighed the options. Ordinarily, the proper course of action was to take a carriage from the stables. It was faster and arguably the safest choice. If the glimpse of curiosity he saw on Lady Vikena’s face when she stared down the road was any indication, however, Ryn suspected that she was more inclined to take a walk under the summer night sky. He would end up having less time to look around the castle, but ultimately one of Count Hendrix’s roles in the crew was to form and cultivate connections that were not normally accessible to commoners in order to open as many doors as possible. Connections like this one. [color=9354FF]“We can take a carriage or we can walk,”[/color] the count placed one hand behind his back and extended his other hand towards the younger woman in offering, [color=9354FF]“whichever you prefer, Lady Vikena.”[/color]

[color=BBC7E1]"Oh that’s kind of you…”[/color]She had replied thoughtfully, pausing before speaking again. [color=BBC7E1]"Truthfully, I was going to walk. I’ve never been through the town before and I’m dreadfully curious… But I’d feel guilty taking so much of your time.”[/color] 

[color=9354FF]“You’ve never been through town before? What a coincidence, neither have I!”[/color] Ryn grinned. [color=9354FF]“Ever since I saw Sorian from the carriage, I’ve been itching to see what’s in town. So excited, in fact, I was on my way to get a little sneak peek.”[/color] He held his hands out in defense, [color=9354FF]“Truly, a terrible way to spoil the surprise. I admit. A good guest would’ve patiently waited for the hosts to provide the grand tour… Alas,”[/color] he sighed longingly, [color=9354FF]"I simply couldn’t resist the allure of a small adventure under the stars.”[/color] The count returned his hands to their previous positions. [color=9354FF]“You would be doing me a great service by accompanying me, Lady Vikena.”[/color]

[color=BBC7E1]"A grand adventure under the stars it is then!”[/color]Charlotte agreed and joined him at his side to begin their walk. [color=BBC7E1]”... You’ve never been here before?”[/color] She asked. Charlotte could not recall seeing Count Fritz at gatherings before, though she might have had simply never run into him. 

[color=9354FF]"In Sorian? Technically I’ve set foot in the dock for business. Crosswinds Tradings has a warehouse down there and we’re renting space to serve as our office, but I’ve personally never ventured any further… Never had the courage to, if you can believe that.”[/color] Ryn’s laughed weakly. [color=9354FF]"I’ve visited other places in Caesonia many times, though, so I’m not a complete stranger to this country. What about you, Lady Vikena? Why have you never walked down these streets?”[/color]

Charlotte was thoughtful for a moment then smiled as she answered him excitedly, [color=BBC7E1]"Ah, how interesting! A businessman. I bet you’ve seen all sorts of places and have accomplishments with a story to each one... I have only ever been set foot here, Breoven in the Varian Kingdom and my home of Veirmont of course. I can’t wait to someday explore everything I can…”[/color]Her voice drew off for a moment as she stared up at the stars as they walked.

[color=BBC7E1]“...To answer you, I certainly can believe it…As I did not dare to disobey my mother all these years…  She would say always it’s too dangerous for a girl like me to wander about at night.”[/color] Sheltered and pampered up like a prized pig, the daughter of a Duke has been raised with almost infuriatingly care as if she had been glass. Ever since she had been a child, others had made decisions and planned her life out as if she was simply a piece on their chessboard. She had put up with their rules as she was able to spend time with her ever-busy parents the more she had done so. Even after her father had no longer been there to dictate her every move, her mother had doubled down on her goal for Charlotte. Lady Emina had wanted to raise her to be a well-mannered wife to some wealthy nobleman. However, she had known all her life that’s not all she wanted to be, even if she had not dared to yet admit it.

Nonetheless, knowing what one is not is easier to determine than what one is. With no one to breathe down her neck and tell her who to be or where she was allowed to go,  the world before her had felt as if she were immersed in her dreams. Each step felt forward felt unreal. 

[color=BBC7E1][i]What kind of girl am I, if not the one you saw in me?[/i][/color]

[color=9354FF]“Sadly, your mother’s concern was not without reason. It’s true that we live in a world where it’s… difficult for certain people to walk out in the open at specific times, if any time, of the day.”[/color] 

Straight ahead of them was Sorian, the less gilded part of the city just beyond the segregative walls that the aristocracy wanted nothing to do with yet could not exist without. [color=9354FF]“Even the richest kingdom has problems with poverty and when people are deprived… we tend to rely on more unsavory methods of survival.”[/color] He turned to look at Lady Vikena apologetically, [color=9354FF]“Which unfortunately includes mugging women wearing expensive clothing in the middle of the night.”[/color]  Fear briefly crossed Charlotte’s expression, but it was clear she tried to suppress it. 

He did not want to ruin her very first attempts to defy the rules that bound her, but he knew that ignorance had a way of putting people in danger. Some are more fatal than others. [color=9354FF]“The world outside the one you’ve been confined to is extraordinary in every regard, both bad and good. It is just as dangerous as it is beautiful. I don’t want to dissuade you from experiencing it and I even applaud you for mustering up the courage to do what [i]you[/i] want to do… but I can’t let you, in good conscience, walk out there without arming you with the knowledge that it can be dangerous. Even with me by your side.”[/color] The count stopped right before the border that separated the upper district from the lower. If his caution scared her enough to change her mind, now was the time for her to tell him. He waited for her to answer a question he did not ask: did she still want to walk back home?  

Her affirmation made Ryn beam, [color=9354FF]“Then let us be on our way without further ado!”[/color] As they proceeded through the gates, the count talked about how his family, especially members of the fairer sex, tended to carry themselves when they had to walk through the bad parts of town. [color=9354FF]"If we do get attacked, the best option is to run. It’ll be hard to do that if you have heels on, so it’ll be wise to take them off, but never leave them behind. They make excellent weapons.”[/color] He swatted at the invisible assailant with his equally transparent shoe. [color=9354FF]“Once you’ve mastered the art of shoe-chi, then any shoe will become deadly. That’s why you never mess with my grandmother if she gets her hand on a slipper.”[/color]

[color=BBC7E1]"Oh the protagonist in a book I read once did that. She took off her heel and stabbed it into her attacker’s eyes. Gruesome, right? …However, I am wearing a flat shoe so I suppose I’ll have to find another weapon or.... “[/color] Charlotte had smirked at him pretending to swat someone with a shoe. She pretended to hold a shoe as well and motioned her hand in a slapping motion, informing him firmly, [color=BBC7E1]"I shall slap them.”[/color] 

Ryn barked a laugh. [color=9354FF]“The next great shoe-chi master in the making!”[/color]

The two had continued chatting as they had passed through the walls of the noble district. The streets were alive with people, especially by the outdoor market outside. Fruits, jewelry, and all sorts of exciting things were being sold under lit-up tents. Most people were indeed dressed down compared to them and the duo of nobles did garner quite a few stares. Charlotte even heard her “Lady Vikena” get tossed around through the crowds nearby them. The street wasn’t so crowded as they came upon the Sorian Library. 

She had paused to marvel at the grand building in its beautiful architecture, her eyes lighting up like a child in a candy store. She could recall her late father taking her there once as a child, but it had been so long! It would certainly come to good use tomorrow with the task she had on hand. Charlotte took a moment to express to Ryn her interest in reading and how she’d be spending a lot of time there this summer, if not in her piano room at home. 

Charlotte paused before making the turn toward her own home, her curiosity pulled by the bustling tavern. She peeked her head in but regretted so as the gazes that met hers were not friendly at all. Someone was playing a violin but the tune was very upbeat and there were a couple of people joyfully dancing around the wooden room. One man with a large mug in hand did smile at her, perhaps an eerie one, but it was indeed a smile. She gave him an awkward wave and returned the smile, then followed her gut instinct to move out of view. 

She turned on her heels and stared down the road that would lead them to her house. They now would have to proceed and pass Count Calbert’s estate… [color=9354FF]“Lady Vikena?”[/color]

Ryn was staring at the estate just down the road when she turned her attention to him. Based on her reluctance to walk down this particular road, it was likely Count Damien’s. [color=9354FF]“Forgive me if I’m being too intrusive.”[/color] He hesitated if only for a brief second, [color=9354FF]"Is there bad blood between the Vikenas and the Damiens?”[/color]

Charlotte glanced at Ryn with surprise at the question, her body tensing for a brief moment. [color=BBC7E1]"Bad blood.”[/color]She repeated. Tasting the words brought about an unexpected feeling of anger. [color=BBC7E1]"...If there wasn’t before, there is now.”[/color] She had so much to say yet so little of it came out. Could she trust this man? Why would anyone believe that the beloved Count Calbert could do such a thing?

She sighed, letting go of her tension after some thought, [color=BBC7E1]"I have reason to believe Count Damien is not the man he presents himself as…However, it wouldn’t be very proper of me to say much of it until I collect my proof.”[/color] Charlotte met his eyes with an apologetic smile,  [color=BBC7E1]"I do not like to create gossip.”[/color]

Ryn nodded. Lady Vikena’s response cleared up another question he had rattling in his head. At some point, Ryn assumed Lady Vikena knew the cause of the animosity between the Vikenas and Count Damien, but the words she carefully curated seemed to imply that she was left in the dark by [i]both[/i] her step-father and the count. The feeling in his chest slowly returned. This was no family feud. It was more intimate.

[color=9354FF]“That sounds like quite the undertaking, Lady Vikena. Are you… sure that Count Damien left proof [i]to[/i] collect? If he’s managed to deceive everyone for so long, I’d assume he would’ve destroyed all tangible evidence long ago or has it especially well hidden somewhere. Though I cannot fathom why he’d preserve something so damning unless he intends to use it later.”[/color] The raven-haired man rubbed his chin and mumbled [color=9354FF]“unless the proof wasn’t left for him? Hm.”[/color] He waited a bit for his words to sink into the woman. [color=9354FF]“Ah, I’m sorry. I can get lost in my head sometimes. Terrible habit.”[/color]. It did not take much effort to see that his words upset her. As uncomfortable as it was to hear that there was no proof left, it was a possibility she, and to a certain extent he, had to consider. She was upset and what was fine. What Ryn wanted, needed to see, and hear was what Charlotte Vikena would do despite that. Validation that he was right to consider her a potential ally.

Charlotte was silent as he spoke, though her gaze saddened with his words. His last words did, however, get the gears turning in her brain. [color=BBC7E1]"...It is alright. No need to apologize.”[/color] It had been a long time and she knew tangible evidence of the event would be impossible to find, but she could not turn back now, even if all the odds were against her. [color=BBC7E1]"I… I’ve spent the last year alone with a gut feeling that very well could have torn me apart some nights. I knew that what I had been told could not be true, yet I think I tried to believe it anyway… However, now I know that I was fooling myself and I refuse to do so any longer.”[/color]

Her gaze set straight into his, the breeze picking up around them,  [color=BBC7E1]"Even if it takes me years, [i]I will uncover the truth[/i].”[/color] 

Whether it was the breeze or Lady Vikena’s intense gaze that gave him goosebumps, Ryn wasn’t sure. He stared back at her in silence for much longer than he intended. Ryn’s mouth opened, then closed before nodding. [color=9354FF]"I believe you will.”[/color] He somewhat reluctantly tore his eyes away from hers, [color=9354FF]“May I give a word of advice, then? Your investigation might yield better results if you have others to lend you a helping hand. You’d have to be careful of whom you choose, obviously. If the count is as manipulative and unpleasant as you and your father are suggesting he is, then there’s no telling who’s under his thumb.”[/color] It could be the entire kingdom if Count Damien was really good at what he did. All he had to do was charm the right people and coerce those who posed a threat. Having King Edin’s ear also worked in his favor, bolstering his influence without any additional burden of responsibility.

As they slowly walked passed the Damien estate, Ryn glanced up at the building. [color=9354FF]“Don’t hesitate to use whatever you have at your disposal… I know they won’t.”[/color]

 [color=BBC7E1]"I appreciate your faith.”[/color]Charlotte began as they passed the estate. Its large gates had more foreboding energy than usual. She bit her lip thoughtfully before speaking again after a long pause,  [color=BBC7E1]"Even after knowing nobility all my life, I’ve never really been sure whom I can trust. I’ve been forewarned more times than I can count to view this all as a pit of vipers. I don’t have as many close friends anymore, however, I do think I have at least one friend I can rely on.”[/color]  She had not been certain if Fritz had been offering passively, but she felt it would be too nervy of her to ask someone she had just met to help with such an ordeal. Perhaps foolish as well. 

Something about the way her lips twitched and moved during the weighty silence told Ryn that Lady Vikena was struggling between the options of asking or not asking Ryn for something. [color=9354FF]“One friend means that you have at least two people who are willing to assist you in your endeavors, no? I think that’s better than zero.”[/color] He placed one hand over his chest and lightly leaned forward. [color=9354FF]"I will help you wherever I can if you ever need it,”[/color] he clarified, in case his previous statement was not clear enough. He smiled weakly, [color=9354FF]“Though, I’ll understand if you don’t trust me.”[/color]

Charlotte had smiled, [color=BBC7E1]"I want to trust you. Maybe I’ll take you upon it.”[/color]

As they finally came upon the front of her estate, she halted and turned to face him. [color=BBC7E1]"I suppose after a conversation like that, maybe this won’t mean so much..”[/color] She knew it was possibly even more daunting for someone, especially a man new to nobility, to come all the way from the Varian Kingdom to stay in a “pit of vipers” for the summer. When Lorenzo had first become the Duke of Veirmont, it had been so nerve-wracking to watch him attempt to fit in without anyone to help him. Charlotte gave him a warm smile as she told him, [color=BBC7E1]"...But if you ever need anything, I will always be here to return the kindness you’ve bestowed me, Count Fritz. ”[/color] 

Charlotte suddenly blinked her eyes fast with a small gasp as she realized her possible rudeness, [color=BBC7E1]"Oh! Oh goodness. I just realized you’d have to walk home alone. I can arrange for our carriage man to come out and bring you. Y-You’re also welcome to come inside if you like for some tea.”[/color]

Ryn chuckled, [color=9354FF]"It’s quite all right, do not trouble yourself for my sake. Taking walks happens to also be one of my favorite pastimes. Although…”[/color] His eyes glanced at the Vikena estate. He couldn’t see from here, but from where they stood he saw no signs that the Duke returned to his abode. [color=9354FF]“A cup of tea for the road, does sound tempting…”[/color] He shook his head, [color=9354FF]“Ah, I forget myself. It would be improper of me to barge into your house at this hour if your father is not awake… or home. Maybe we should check?”[/color] 

Charlotte had nodded her agreeance and opened the iron gates. A cobblestone path led up to a [url=i.imgur.com/ZNoCyLy.jpg]brick manor[/url]. Her gaze moved toward the side of the house, where the carriage that had taken them to the ball was right where it should be. As soon as they were coming up to the front door, it swung open to the sight of a little woman with shoulder-length blonde hair. Her attire was what one would expect of a maid, however her behavior perhaps not. She was into her thirties but her excited smile lit up her face like a teenage girl.

 [color=7ea7d8]"Welcome home Lottie! I see you’ve brought a [i]fine[/i] gentleman…!”[/color] She moved to the side, gesturing for them to come in. Charlotte tilted her head to look over the maid’s shoulder at Nathaniel’s slightly-exasperated face in the background. It was easy to tell despite the well-groomed mustache that covered his lips. She didn’t have to ask to know he had been begging Delilah to get away from the window for the last ten minutes. 

[color=7ea7d8]"Come you two. It’s a breezy one out there!”[/color] She giggled as the duo had stepped into the [url=i.imgur.com/Lll0ul6.jpg]entrance hall[/url] and then she shut the door behind them. [color=7ea7d8]"Nathaniel! Won’t you be a doll and get them some tea?”[/color]Delilah had called to the man in the background. 

[Color=limegreen]"Certainly…”[/color] Nathaniel was a tall, well-dressed man.  He served Lorenzo and had been loyally serving the house since he and Emina had wed. The servant turned his body to face Count Fritz and gave him a bow. [color=7ea7d8]"Welcome, good sir. Please let me know if there is any way I can assist you.”[/color] His gaze then fell upon Charlotte with worry, [Color=limegreen]"Did… everything go well, Lady Charlotte?”[/color]

Charlotte managed a smile upon seeing Delilah and Nathaniel.  It was a comforting sight to see those she had considered family after such a long night. Things had certainly [i]seemed[/i] normal until Nathaniel’s question dawned on her. [color=BBC7E1]"Um, have you not spoken to my father yet about it?”[/color] 

[Color=limegreen]"No. Benjamin informed us that Duke Vikena had gone straight to his room after arriving home... He was feeling rather ill, my lady.”[/color] Benjamin was the name of their carriage man. As Nathaniel had spoken, she noticed the perplexed look in his eyes. He obviously wanted to ask why she had not accompanied Lorenzo home, yet he did not, and simply turned on his heels to fetch the tea. Charlotte furrowed her brows.

Ryn listened carefully to Lady Vikena and Nathaniel’s exchange. He was going to speak up before he reconsidered discussing what was on his mind in front of the servants. Soon after, Ryn was led to the drawing-room by the maid, to whom he made certain he properly introduced himself. While they waited for the tea, Ryn chatted with Delilah and Lady Vikena about mundane matters, and when Nathaniel brought in the tea, he continued to chat with the group a little longer. Only after the two servants had left the room did he dare to bring up the subject of Duke Vikena. [color=9354FF]“When we were at the party, he seemed adamant about protecting you from Count Damien. So, you can imagine my shock when I heard that he just…”[/color] He narrowly avoided using the word [i]abandoned[/i], [color=9354FF]“left you at the castle… alone, unsupervised. With Count Damien still around.”[/color] His reflection in the teacup stared back at him, [color=9354FF]"I can’t help but feel like something is amiss.”[/color] 

The count faced Lady Vikena, eyes asking, [color=9354FF][i]Is your father actually home?[/i][/color]

Charlotte looked at Fritz,  gripping the teacup in her hand. [color=BBC7E1]"I was shocked too.”[/color]She replied distractedly and stood up. [color=BBC7E1]"I apologize, but I need to check if he is all right.”[/color]  She made her way up the stairs and to Lorenzo’s room. Immediately, she knocked on the door, but alas there was no answer. After a moment, she jiggled the knob. The door was locked. After tapping her foot anxiously for a moment, she moved to a nearby painting and took a barely visible key that was stored in the frame. Charlotte then used it to unlock the door. She barely noticed Fritz at her side as she opened it.

Letting the door swing open, she moved into the center of the green bedroom,[color=BBC7E1]"Lorenzo?”[/color]Her gaze set onto the round, empty bed. Silence followed and she turned back around to look at Fritz. 

Ryn stared at the empty room as he placed a hand over his chest.

Maybe it was a warning after all.