[center][h1][color=ab274f]Wulfric[/color], [color=#EEDC5B]Auguste[/color] & [color=D8BFD8]Alibeth[/color][/h1][/center]
[right][sub][color=ab274f]Mentions:[/color] [@FunnyGuy] Lorenzo [@13org] Mayet [@Helo] Callum [@Tae] Saiya[/sub][/right]
[hr][hr][hider=Chunky collab]
It was late into the evening, though activity was not nonexistent. It certainly wasn’t unusual for select royal family members to meet for drinks. The setting was one of the smaller, more private tea rooms. It was done in warm colours; light cream walls, rustic gold curtains for the windows, brown damask armchairs, and a walnut table. Because early summer evenings still brought with them a chill, a small fireplace had been stoked for them. Due to this, it was warmer than Wulfric had anticipated, and he once again slipped off his cloak. Rather than call someone to have it taken away, however, he hung it on the engraved coat rack.

A serving cart was placed next to the table, laden with several pots of tea sitting on tea warmers, a selection of alcoholic drinks, and a variety of small snacks. A corner of his mouth twitched in displeasure when he noticed the portion of desserts, reminded as he was of that [i]baker[/i].

Nonetheless, he stepped to the cart, and – because the servants had been dismissed at this point to ensure their privacy – poured himself a drink. He mixed vodka, chamomile tea, and some honey, then took a seat.

[color=ab274f]“So,”[/color] the first prince turned to his conversation partners, [color=ab274f]“which topic of interest shall we cover first?”[/color] Raising a brow, he took a small sip of his toddy, enjoying its heat and flavour.

Auguste was found sitting across Wulfric, smiling around his teacup. Tea, dashed with a bit of ginger to give it that bit of zest. A soothing and calming drink to wind down from the ballroom dance. He changed into more casual attire, a loose tunic with black breeches and silk hose for leggings.

[color=#EEDC5B]“Well,”[/color] Auguste replied, [color=#EEDC5B]“Let us sift through the agenda… If I had to suggest, the Alidasht would be the most glaring… issue.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“Glaring,”[/color] Wulfric smirked. [color=ab274f]“An apt descriptor for the Grand Vizier, who was most displeased at Lorenzo receiving such a light punishment.”[/color] Another sip. [color=ab274f]“Ah, but you hadn’t been there for it, hm?”[/color] he turned to Auguste curiously. [color=ab274f]“No matter, it can be summarized shortly - after we assess our guests in general,”[/color] he agreed to Auguste’s proposal to speak about the Alidasht. 

[color=ab274f]“Firstly, the Sultan did restrain the Vizier from his aggression. Some tension there, perhaps?”[/color] He paused for another drink. [color=ab274f]“Though, if they’ve cooperated so far, perhaps we needn’t worry that the latter will kill the former. I’ve the impression that His Majesty Raif would be amenable to an alliance despite that [i]fiasco[/i] with Vikena.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“Unfortunate as it is, I did indeed miss the entrance of the Alidasht,”[/color] Auguste exhaled softly, [color=#EEDC5B]“Worry not, I have received an account of the ‘incident’ from one of our most trusted servants.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“From a second hand account, the Sultan may be more magnanimous than I previously thought. Especially given the other shehzade and shehzadi’s objections to the ‘punishment’.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“Yes, that surprised me as well. His leniency suits our purposes, however.”[/color] Wulfric then sighed, because he couldn’t quite count Edin in that ‘our’ despite the king’s role being vital in forming an alliance. [color=ab274f]“Now if only father were fully motivated to take advantage, and press for a formal accord,”[/color] he grumbled. Looking at his mother, he asked, [color=ab274f]“I believe you can take care of things on that front?”[/color]

And because that question had been mostly rhetorical, he added, [color=ab274f]“I realize it might be a stretch to convince him to agree, given his [i]tastes[/i],”[/color] he scowled, referring to Edin’s ideas on who a fitting woman to marry was, [color=ab274f]“but if Mayet and I become better acquainted…if we were to eventually court with the intention of marriage…well, it would be the simplest way of forming a strong bond between our kingdoms.”[/color] He didn’t mention that he was personally intrigued by the shehzadi; his focus on her had likely been noted by the other two. [color=ab274f]“As long as our hypothetical relationship were to be successful, of course,”[/color] he smiled wryly. It was a far-off concern, but one of the several risks of his endeavors with Mayet he was aware of. He drained his cup halfway slowly. [color=ab274f]“Well, it is too early for me to pin my hopes solely on her,”[/color] he admitted.

Alibeth had been seated between her sons, her gaze lowered down at her tea as she stirred sugar into the honey-colored liquid. She did not pick up her head until her eldest had looked her way. Only then did she meet his gaze, listening to his words. When she was certain Wulfric had said all he had wanted to, she took a long sip of her tea. Then she set her cup on its  plate, her gaze moving between her sons as she addressed them.

[color=D8BFD8]“The incident with the Alidasht’s arrival will become a reoccurring problem this season if the source is not handled.”[/color] Her tone was both soft and serious. Her stern eyes fell on Wulfric. [color=D8BFD8]“The Sultan wants Duke Vikena to accompany his family for dinner. Every supper they have together will be another opportunity for the Duke to pull our “bond” with their kingdom another step backward for every step we take forward.”[/color] She paused to make sure they both were following, but divulged further nonetheless, [color=D8BFD8]“For example, if I humor you and have the Sultan agree to a formal accord, he can very wear tear it in a fit of anger… If you make intention to marry his daughter Mayet, he can then call off the engagement.”[/color]

Alibeth then concluded, [color=D8BFD8]“I believe we need a way to either deter the Sultan from this arrangement or we need a way to control the Duke at these dinners, otherwise any further efforts will be for naught.”[/color]

Auguste nodded in acknowledgement. As much as he wanted to believe in the goodness of others, it was a real possibility that the Alidasht royalty were attempting to undermine and destabilize their kingdom. He sighed internally before speaking.

[color=#EEDC5B]“Regarding the dinner, mother… I made a pre-emptive decision to accompany the Vikenas during their dinners.”[/color] Auguste took a sip of tea, [color=#EEDC5B]“I should be able to keep some semblance of control and keep our nobility safe.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“My only worry is that father will not agree with this… given his predisposition towards the Vikenas.”[/color]

Alibeth gave Auguste an approving smile, [color=D8BFD8]“I can always count on you to think ahead… Though I feel reassured that the dinner will not reach the extremes this ball has with you there…”[/color] She paused to sigh. [color=D8BFD8]“I worry that Duke Vikena can be a difficult creature to contain. Duchess Emina would try and try to no avail, and now her daughter  has stepped into those impossible shoes.”[/color]

Wulfric inclined his head in agreement. Wherever Duke Vikena was involved, an incident was certain to follow. [color=ab274f]“A poor selection of choices. Given the Sultan made his decision after a very involved discussion involving multiple parties, questioning him now would come across as thankless at best. Though if it were to be done…”[/color] he tapped his fingers against the armchair thoughtfully. [color=ab274f]“Aside from yourself, Mina Blackwood’s appeal to him was intriguing, wouldn’t you say? Though I doubt you’d need anyone’s advice if you were to commit to convincing him.”[/color] He looked at the queen to assess her reaction.

Alibeth’s brows raised with intrigue. She was perplexed by this. Mina had been ready to help Charlotte sell her soul to the Alidasht. Had that been what her son had meant? Though one would have expected her to reprimand him for the less empathetic option, she felt more at ease than anything. Ruling a country was a notion idealized by many and truly understood by few. There had already been a multitude of instances that she had to be willing to make the lives of a few worse in the pursuit of protecting the rest of her kingdom At this point in her life, sympathy was a limited resource she could only afford to spare for her children. 

[color=ab274f]“As for controlling Lorenzo…Did not Count Damien attempt to rehabilitate him? And look how well that went,”[/color] he scoffed. He paused to imbibe more vodka-infused tea.

[color=ab274f]“Still, if you go to those dinners,”[/color] he turned to Auguste, [color=ab274f]“that will greatly alleviate the problem. You should also be able to glean further insight into our esteemed guests.”[/color] He raised his cup in a teasing salute to his brother. Then he drained its contents, leaned back into his seat, and crossed one leg over the other. [color=ab274f]“As for father, you can always decide to beg for forgiveness rather than ask his permission,”[/color] he uttered dryly. 

Auguste smiled and raised his cup in return, [color=#EEDC5B]“Anything for our family, brother.”[/color] He rested his arm on the chair, [color=#EEDC5B]“I hope my presence serves to alleviate the pressure off the Vikenas.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“You may be right regarding father…”[/color] He let out a sigh, [color=#EEDC5B]“It appears that I may peeve off father once more.”[/color] 

[color=ab274f]“I must have maddened him today as well,”[/color] his lips twisted in offense as he considered the likely petty reasons behind his father’s aggravation. [color=ab274f]“I’m sure he has grievances to take out on me, no?”[/color] at this, he looked at Alibeth. [color=ab274f]“Which shall it be? Is he in the mood for calling upon me as he would a recalcitrant child, or should I show some initiative, and come groveling like a dog seeking its master’s mercy? Would he prefer excuses or appeasement?”[/color] he laughed as he shook his head, but it was not a happy sound. 

[color=ab274f]“I do not know how you can [i]stand it[/i], mother.”[/color] He stared at her intently, expression fierce, fingers digging into the upholstery of the armrest. Then he looked away, some of the angry tension leaching from him in a forceful exhale. [color=ab274f]“Or how [i]Calbert[/i] can, for that matter. I wish I had the nonchalance to put on [i]that[/i] kind of act,”[/color] he sneered. [color=ab274f]“The very idea of praising that man so freely…”[/color] he trailed off, grimacing. Just being forced to act as subservient as he had to to such a vile king sickened him. His pride certainly prevented him from being as perfectly manipulating as the Count was. [color=ab274f]“Oh, but it serves his purposes well, doesn’t it,”[/color] he whispered darkly, staring off into space.

Alibeth had said nothing as she let him speak what he needed to. Wulfric had been her easiest child to understand. She was certain the weight he carried was crushing at times.[color=D8BFD8] [i]Oh my poor Wulfric. This is only but a fraction of what you feel, isn’t it?[/i][/color] 

Auguste unconsciously clenched his arm at the mention of Count Calbert. He was certain his brother and mother knew of his grievances towards the man. It was everything but pleasant.

Just as suddenly, Wulfric shook off his strange mood. He released the hold he’d had on his seat, and put on a pleasant smile. [color=ab274f]“You’ll warn me against impatience again, won’t you?”[/color] his tone was fond as he glanced at Alibeth. He did love his mother, after all, even though he doubted she had much tolerance for his darker impulses.

Alibeth had wanted to take up her son’s hand and squeeze it, perhaps kiss the palm as she had done when he was just a babe. But she did not. Instead, she met his eyes with her cold amber ones.  [color=D8BFD8]“I stand it by keeping control of my emotions as opposed to letting them control me.”[/color] Her tone was at first cold and her body stiff, but she did relent some of the tension as she added more gently, [color=D8BFD8]“But that will come with time. You are still young, Wulfric. There is no need to harbor such anger. Change your perspective. You’re both…”[/color] She looked at Auguste to include him, [color=D8BFD8]“You’re both very well old enough to know this is a game. All of it.”[/color] 

[color=ab274f]“I know that much,”[/color] Wulfric interjected calmly. He did, but when faced with an obstacle in the form of someone as worthless as Edin, he couldn’t help but feel enraged sometimes.

[color=#EEDC5B]“An odd and dangerous game indeed.”[/color] Auguste said, attempting to lighten up the situation. Although his tone was jovial, his expression betrayed his intention. [i]Where the life or death of your dearest family and closest friends  hangs in the balance. Perhaps Callum has the right idea regarding royal politics[/i].

[color=D8BFD8]“We are all able to control what the actions of others mean to us... Count Damien has changed his perspective on everyone around him. We are but chess pieces to him and to many others out there playing the game the way he does..”[/color] She had been possibly one of the few that had seen through Calbert in a heartbeat. How could she not when it was like looking in a mirror? She knew Calbert could see the same of her, no matter how many times the two pretended as if they fooled the other. [color=D8BFD8]“You can call him wicked for it yet you’ll see he tends to come out victorious in the end.  If you see your father as the one in control, so he shall be. If you see him for what he is, an imbecile with the luck to be born into royalty, so all he shall be as well.”[/color] She waved her hand dismissively, wanting to move on, [color=D8BFD8]“Nonetheless, I shall speak to your father and bear the weight of tonight’s occurrences. You need not worry about him. It is fine.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“It is not [i]fine[/i]. You should not still be covering for me so much - you will not always be able to,”[/color] he stressed. 

She had rolled her eyes, [color=D8BFD8]“Wulfric. Yes. [i] One day I will be dead.[/i]  But as long as I am alive, allow me to be your mother in the few ways I still can be.”[/color] The last thing she wanted was Edin laying a hand on him tonight, not in the state he  was in.

Wulfric leaned towards Alibeth, clearly to convey something of importance. [color=ab274f]“You may consider it radical, but there is another, simpler way of dealing with imbeciles undeserving of their power. Removing them,”[/color] he laid a palm on the table for emphasis, but after a short moment of staring at his mother, he pushed himself back into the armchair.

[color=ab274f]“Well. Simple in principle, if not in execution,”[/color] he admitted with a touch of humour lining his words.

A dry laugh escaped Alibeth’s lips before she leaned in to say softly to her son,  [color=D8BFD8]“Oh my darling Wulfric… There is a reason your father and I sleep in separate rooms. Given the chance to smother him with my pillow, I do not know if I could resist.”[/color] Wulfric gave her a look of surprised appreciation. She then said with more seriousness, [color=D8BFD8]“...Your father may be an imbecile, but he is intelligent in ways I do not enjoy admitting. The night after we had wed he let me know he had a fallback plan if I were to ever kill him, that he’d make sure everything I’ve worked for would be ripped away… Assassination is a tricky game, not as simple as poisoning his tea and pointing at a concubine to blame.”[/color] She leaned away and looked to Auguste, curious for his input as he was the kinder of the two of them.

Auguste could infer Wulfric’s intent, being one of the closest of the family to him. A dangerous proposition with the consequences unknown. Especially with a snake such as Count Calbert, and many others like him, slithering in the court. Patricide was something that did not sit well with him, even if their father was wholly and utterly incompetent, the boy still held some small love for their father. Removal of the position of power and senseless killing were different lines. Still, he would keep his thoughts to himself for now and commandeer logic.

[color=#EEDC5B]“A process not to be rushed, dear brother.”[/color] Auguste finally chimed in. [color=#EEDC5B]“We have many… many enemies in the court eyeing the crown. Corruption runs rampant within our kingdom, as attested by myself and Wystan. It will be a slow process to root out the rot-filled roots strangling our country, to which I am happy to serve…”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“Apologies, the point seems to have escaped me.”[/color] A small smile clambered onto his cheeks, [color=#EEDC5B]“What I am saying is it’s best we establish our foundation, as any big… ‘events’ may cause it all to come crumbling down.”[/color]
Hopefully in that time he is able to talk down Wulfric from capital punishment.

[color=D8BFD8]“You’ll notice, historically, whenever a King is dethroned in any form, others see it as an opportunity. Certainly with those of the other Kingdoms just a few paces away, it might not be in our best interest just yet.”[/color] Alibeth added to Auguste’s point.

[color=ab274f]“Indeed, the complexities of planning an assassination and dealing with the fallout is why I have not yet taken serious steps in that direction,”[/color] Wulfric acknowledged. [color=ab274f]“Perhaps we should ask the Alidasht royals for pointers sometime,”[/color] he joked caustically. 

[color=#EEDC5B]“The lady I danced with- Lady Saiya, she proved able to keep up with me in the ballroom.”[/color] Auguste replied, [color=#EEDC5B]“It is very likely they are very strong and dangerous fighters. I was able to glean such from movement alone.”[/color]

[color=D8BFD8]“Very well.”[/color] Alibeth exhaled. [color=D8BFD8]”So! Auguste, you will attend the dinners and attempt to control Duke Vikena. I will make certain aid is nearby if you so need it if the Alidasht are as you say. If this proves unsuccessful, we will need to revisit this problem and discuss… different options…”[/color] 

Alibeth turned to fully face her eldest once more, [color=D8BFD8]“Wulfric, I think pursuing this relationship with Mayet will only prove helpful. Continue your efforts.”[/color] Her son nodded in easy acceptance. She reached over and began to pour the vodka in her empty tea cup,  [color=D8BFD8]“Now then…We are going to converse over Callum and Anastasia.”[/color] The liquid continued to pour into the cup for perhaps too long.

She was silent a moment as she studied their reactions to the choice of topic. [color=D8BFD8] “I know they are taxing on you two. Their behavior was ridiculous tonight and always is.. However… I believe they are perhaps acting out.”[/color] Alibeth explained with a mix of exasperation and concern. [color=D8BFD8]“I… I need you two to look out for them better. I’ve had difficulty reaching them, especially since they disappear to who knows where in the night.”[/color] She frowned as she admitted with an exhausted sigh, taking a sip of her vodka, [color=D8BFD8]”Sometimes I’m not certain what night is going to be the one they do not return home.”[/color] 

When Alibeth was done with the vodka, Wulfric motioned for her to hand over the bottle to him. He poured a measure in his now empty cup as well. In consideration of the amount of alcohol he’d imbibed today, he took less than his mother had. However, he knocked back the whole shot in one go. Exhaling sharply, he offered the drink to Auguste as well, sharing a look of exasperation with him.

After that exchange, he finally said, [color=ab274f] “I do not have the time to be constantly looking over their shoulders,”[/color] his voice was cold, but there was a furrow of concern between his brows. [color=ab274f]“So aside from assigning them more guards and servants…”[/color] he sighed. [color=ab274f]“Have you considered sending them away?”[/color] he asked his mother. 

Alibeth simply gave Wulfric a look for that one, raising her brow ever so slightly.

[color=ab274f]“Callum fancies himself a scholar, so if we let him do as he pleases…Maybe he would even gain some of that wisdom he claims to value.”[/color] He crossed his arms over his chest, so as to prevent himself from getting another shot of vodka. [color=ab274f]“As for Anastasia…perhaps a short reprieve in the countryside? Some distance may do us all good.”[/color] He turned to stare out a nearby window. He was clearly unhappy with the suggestions he’d made, but he honestly felt at his wits’ end regarding his younger siblings.

Auguste sighed and took the bottle, spiking some of his tea with the vodka. [color=#EEDC5B]“I will take responsibility for our siblings, Wulfric.”[/color] He, too, downed what was left of the unholy concoction. This was an issue he would put his foot down for.

[color=#EEDC5B]“I can’t bear either being kidnapped again...”[/color] His voice was low. Perhaps the vodka was  revealing much too much of his internal thoughts. [color=#EEDC5B]“... Ahem. Logically speaking, keeping our siblings close is safer. A bargaining chip as valuable as royalty is one we must not risk.”[/color] 

[color=#EEDC5B]“Especially given Anastasia’s recent kidnapping…”[/color] Auguste clenched his fist unconsciously before relaxing. [color=#EEDC5B]“It’s not certain that the entity that kidnapped her was wiped out in its totality. They could very well still be lurking amidst our countrymen.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“I’m certain both will be able to find their own purpose- be it to serve our family or find their own calling. It is best we keep Callum away from politics given his rebellious and uncooperative nature and some freedom… Although it’s unlikely that father would permit such leniency.”[/color]

At the unusual show of genuine, negative emotion from Auguste, Wulfric was drawn to observing him. [color=ab274f]“Very well. Do as you best can, and I shall assist you when I am able. I am not convinced it will have any effect, as they have been this way for several years…But it is not as if I wish to give up on them, either.”[/color] He briefly tilted his head back to rest on the seat, closed his eyes, and breathed out a long, tired sigh. Trying and failing to get through Callum and Anastasia had that effect on him. Then he glanced at Alibeth, to see what she had to say on this matter.

[color=D8BFD8]“Auguste. Only bite as much as you can chew…”[/color] Alibeth first reminded him. Her thoughts moved to Callum, who had perhaps gotten away with being the youngest for too long. However, she had seen him try tonight, no matter what others had thought of him. As much as King Edin was often angry with Callum, she felt the opposite about him. No matter what he did, she was biased towards defending him and trying to protect him from her husband. [color=D8BFD8] “Callum… Callum was doing well up until the table fiasco. He was behaved and a kind gentleman to those he interacted with. He will mature. I believe Callum simply needs to settle down with a woman who can rearrange his priorities and ground him.“[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“I will heed your advice, mother.”[/color]

Then Alibeth turned to Wulfric. She agreed with him on many fronts and appreciated his ability to look beyond emotion toward the harder choices, but this was one of the times his opinion struck a chord in her. She narrowed her eyes as she said with thinly veiled intensity, [color=D8BFD8]“As much as you want to ship your siblings elsewhere… [i]Frankly I don’t quite care.[/i]. As we established earlier, one day I’ll be too busy rotting in the ground to help you. All you four will have is each other then. I never have understood much about Anastasia, but I do know at the end of the day, she’d die for you, Wulfric.”[/color] She shook her head with a sigh, leaning on her knees as she fell silent.

When addressed so sternly, Wulfric sat up attentively, hands in his lap as he matched her admonishment with somber focus. At her words, his brows slowly rose, but in the end, he smoothed out his expression, and offered a short nod. Though he had conjured up several counters to her statements, he remained silent. His brand of pragmatism would only cause further tension, and he neither needed nor wanted an unnecessary conflict with his mother.

[color=D8BFD8]“ …When she was only seven years old, I found her in the kitchen with a cloth tied to a stick. She…”[/color] Alibeth hesitated as if the memory was painting itself in front of her eyes, [color=D8BFD8] “...seemed to be rummaging about for some food to carry with her.  I asked her if she was trying to run away and she had ever so calmly told me she was going to find her home. Of course, I then told her she was already home. But she had simply smiled and said she didn’t belong here. Then she walked out of the kitchen as if I wasn’t there. [i]As if I wasn’t even her mother.[/i]”[/color] Alibeth wasn’t sure why she was telling them this story. She drank another sip of her vodka from her teacup. [color=D8BFD8] “I have tried since then to find her place here. Music lessons, whatever she wanted, I made sure she had… But she still runs away. I have always been able to understand you boys… But her…”[/color]
Alibeth’s gaze fell and she stared down at her cup. Genuine sadness and guilt filled her tone. [color=D8BFD8] “ I wish I could say I did… I don’t know if she’d come back if I sent her away. ”[/color] 

At his mother’s story, Wulfric blinked in surprise. [color=ab274f]“I see…I hadn’t realized…”[/color] he frowned at the table, deep in thought. [color=ab274f]“I always thought she was simply bored,”[/color] he said, more so to himself rather than to anyone else. Then, he looked back to his mother, though she was still facing away. [color=ab274f]“I don’t know why she feels that way…But if she genuinely believes that she doesn’t belong here, and never could, then I don’t see how we could change that.”[/color] He turned to Auguste, who might have a better idea as to how to resolve this problem. Alibeth’s expression loosened as if she had also given up on the girl. 

Auguste raised an eyebrow at Wulfric. [color=#EEDC5B]“A complex issue, our cute Anastasia.”[/color] He paused for a moment, in thought. [color=#EEDC5B]“... She clings onto me the most and then her brothers because she does not feel like she belongs.”[/color] He sunk into his seat and let out another sigh. He felt sympathy for his mother and her story, but he would have to say his next few words, if not for him, but for Anastasia. [color=#EEDC5B]“Mother… you, and especially father, have barely given her time of day. Father barely acknowledges her existence. No matter how much she tried to get either of your attention, she cannot.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“The remedy could not be any more simpler,”[/color] Auguste's eyes shifted to Wulfric. [color=#EEDC5B]“Make her home feel like home again. If we strived to such a standard, I’m certain she will be able to find herself.”[/color]

Alibeth raised her gaze to Auguste, digesting his words. [i]Attention?[/i] She was a grown woman. What more could she give her? The queen’s lips parted as if to defend herself. It was true that she had the least chemistry with Anastasia of all her children, but had she avoided her? 

The familiar pang of guilt she felt when her daughter came to mind answered that question. No matter how much she wanted to love her daughter as she had her sons, their relationship had always been strained. [color=D8BFD8]“Well. I suppose I can make an effort then.”[/color] She said after a while. Subsequently, her gaze fell on Wulfric as well.

Wulfric was still pondering Auguste’s words when there was a lull in the conversation. He glanced up, and was met with two pairs of hopeful, expectation filled gazes. [color=ab274f]“Yes,”[/color] he affirmed, but the word was drawn out. Inwardly, he was both doubtful and confused. How did one ‘make home feel like home’? How to find commonality where none existed? 

Thinking back on it, though, he might have neglected Anastasia. For one, he had plenty of other duties and tasks he tended to prioritize. For another, Anastasia was such a socialite, it had not occurred to him that she could be, what, lonely? However, it had become apparent during the course of this conversation that he lacked understanding of his sister, and that was certainly something he could rectify. After a pause, Wulfric visibly collected himself. [color=ab274f]“Very well. I will make time for her,”[/color] he concluded firmly.

The trio spent some time in companionable silence. Then, Wulfric spoke again. [color=ab274f]“There is one other thing we have yet to address. Today’s matchups for the first dance; specifically, Auguste’s and mine. Someone intervened with the pre-arrangements that are usually made on our behalf,”[/color] he spoke matter-of-factly. [color=ab274f]“Only Callum was spared. And [i]he[/i] was matched with one [i]Violet Damien[/i],”[/color] he noted pointedly. From this fact alone, it was natural to suspect Calbert’s involvement. He smiled grimly, and quirked an eyebrow at the other two, silently seeking to confirm if they’d arrived at the same conclusion.

[color=D8BFD8]“Ah.”[/color] Alibeth uttered curtly. Her head slightly nodded of its own accord and she took a long drink. She inhaled as if to prepare herself before meeting his eyes. [color=D8BFD8] “Calbert’s design.”[/color] She confessed to him as she folded her hands on her lap.  

[color=D8BFD8]“Count Damien and your father had a discussion. Your father, despite what ended up occurring, was most engrossed in keeping you boys from dancing with women not worthy of your time. Calbert on the other hand, is obviously interested in marrying his daughters into royalty.”[/color] She elaborated neutrally. [color=D8BFD8]“The two of them then united to have specific servants go up to Calbert’s daughter Violet with only your numbers in the bowl, so she was guaranteed a dance with a prince. Of course, Calbert did not tell King Edin the full plan. I believe once his daughter was secured Callum, the other servants then were instructed to tamper with who you two were paired with. I suspect he preferred one of you rather than Callum, since there would be less princes in the way of his daughter becoming the next queen.”[/color] Her head leaned back as she drank the last of her vodka. 

[color=D8BFD8]“Convoluted indeed.”[/color] Amusement was finding its way into her tone at this point. [color=D8BFD8]”It was planned in advance, [i]most certainly.[/i] His second daughter was left out of the plan.”[/color] She smirked at them as she continued, [color=D8BFD8]“Calbert not using one of his chess pieces? I think not. Crystal’s presence wasn’t expected. It was all really simple to understand from my position. …Alas, your father is slow on the uptake.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“And here I thought he had an agenda against us in particular.”[/color] Wulfric found the situation as humorous as his mother did. [color=ab274f]“Did you know he warned Mayet against me?[/color] he scoffed derisively. [color=ab274f]“Wystan informed me. He did not do it [i]personally[/i], of course, but who else would have had it done…He really must have hated it when she told him to shut up,”[/color] he smirked. [color=ab274f]“Unfortunately for him, that woman wouldn’t be deterred by such a thing.”[/color] He drummed his fingers against the armrest, thoughts lingering on the shehzadi briefly. His focus wasn’t long elsewhere, however. 

[color=ab274f]“Still…Things have gone exceptionally well for him. Since father is currently displeased with us, the count will be his uncontested favourite for a short while. Within that time frame, he can make a push for us to seriously consider Violet…And unexpected or not, Crystal approached Callum of her own volition, which he’ll surely make use of. The extent of his influence is quite vexing.”[/color] Though his voice had held venom, his expression had been on the razor thin edge between a smile and snarl. After his last remark, laughter rumbled within his chest, deep and dark.

[i][color=D8BFD8] Wulfric. You are too much like me too young.[/color][/i]

Wulfric cut his expression of mirth short, however, and sighed. [color=ab274f]“If anything makes this game worthwhile, it’s opponents like him,”[/color] he whispered. 

After a short moment, he looked up at the other two again. [color=ab274f]“By the by, shall we root out his spies from amongst our servants?”[/color] Once again, he was the picture of dignified professionalism.

Alibeth nodded finally, her chin now in her palm as she leaned on the table, [color=D8BFD8]“I tolerate Calbert, but I do not want his pets in this castle… Though it could take extreme measures that might weaken the constitution of our real servants.”[/color] 

[color=#EEDC5B]“It was indeed odd to find out Wulfric and I were not matched with the usual princesses.”[/color] Auguste chimed in, [color=#EEDC5B]“Especially after the speech he gave me and Callum when we entered.”[/color] His mother and brother both had that look about them. A look of amusement. He could not enjoy their mirth, instead worry pounded the back of his head. There were a select few that could pose a threat to the Danroses, and Calbert showed time and time again that he was one such adversary.

Auguste rested both of his elbows on the backrest of his chair and he exhaled. [color=#EEDC5B]“But to have spies within our servants… Calbert devised a complex yet crafty plan..”[/color] He lifted his elbow and pinched the bridge of his nose.

[color=#EEDC5B]“Rooting out a compromised servant?”[/color] Auguste said, [color=#EEDC5B]“Have you any methods in mind, brother, mother? The simplest would be through imparting false information.”[/color] Wulfric nodded in agreement.

[color=#EEDC5B]“Worst comes to worst, Wystan could be called upon. Although he has a lot on his plate.”[/color]

Alibeth’s eyes lit up at Auguste’s idea. [color=D8BFD8]“That’s much better than getting all the servants riled up over one or two spies. I would like to talk to perhaps Wystan about implementing this plan… Do hope he is quite alright right now.”[/color] Concern crossed her face for a moment then her gaze slowly slid to Auguste once again, [color=D8BFD8]“Auguste… Did you meet anyone you are considering to court? If not, I would like to move along that process. Ideally, before your father decides to simply arrange your marriage. I do know he mentioned he wants an open invitation for noble women to come line up to chat with you. Both of you. Tomorrow.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“I will do as you say, mother.”[/color] Auguste looked at Alibeth, [color=#EEDC5B]“I’m not currently pursuing anyone at the moment. Although I am open to the notion given my age. Anything for our family. ”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“A sequence of conversations? I do not mind,”[/color] he elegantly lifted then dropped his shoulder. Then he tilted his head at Auguste, mildly curios. [color=ab274f]“Auguste, as admirable as always. But I worry you do far too little for your own sake. Does it not get stifling?”[/color] In that regard, he understood Callum, though his youngest brother went about exerting his will in all the wrong ways.

[color=#EEDC5B]“Stifling? It would be a lie to say it did not at times,”[/color] a smile crept up on his face again. [color=#EEDC5B]“How did that one saying go… [i]‘The labour we delight in physics pain.’[/i] If it’s for our family and the kingdom… Well, I am glad to bear this burden.”[/color]

[color=D8BFD8]”Ever the masochist...”[/color] Alibeth sighed, shaking her head.  [color=D8BFD8] “As I said, I’d keep my eyes open for someone you can enjoy your time with. Both of you. The time for this to be a choice will be fleeting… Anyhow, where is Wystan? Did he report anything to you?”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“Ah yes I meant to broach the subject regarding Wystan’s reports,”[/color] Auguste said. [color=#EEDC5B]“I will summarize them in short.”[/color]

While Auguste did so, Wulfric stood up. He stretched his spine with a crack and stepped to the drink cart. He contemplated the selection, then took a glass, and prepared himself some absinthe. When pouring water into it to dilute it, he spilled a small amount, but ignored that. New drink in hand, he retook his seat.

[color=#EEDC5B]“The first report was regarding the merchant district. Wystan had found a connection between the unaccounted murders and a drug-smuggling ring. All of it point towards unlicensed doctors practicing medical malpractice.”[/color] Auguste inhaled for a moment, [color=#EEDC5B]“He is still in the middle of investigating but I believe either me or Wulfric can present the evidence to the council.”[/color] 

Alibeth’s brows raised. [color=D8BFD8] “Hm… That must be halted at once. I want nothing interfering with our trade district.  I will be placing high priority on this.“[/color] She commented sternly. Wulfric hummed in assent, having already decided to do the same.

[color=#EEDC5B]“The second report was regarding a strange warehouse his informants had heard about. It was said that the warehouse is being used for illegal and heinous crimes.”[/color] Auguste paused, [color=#EEDC5B]“I think there is also reason to believe that this warehouse was related to the man I spotted handing a letter over to a noble discreetly. Wystan is to follow Anastasia and Callum to this… ‘party’. for safety.”[/color]

Alibeth sighed. The warehouse was simply a place where degenerate youths could engage with substances and explore their sexualities in ways she did not wish to hear about. She grimaced at the thought of Anastasia and Callum going there, but she did not seem as concerned about it. 

Auguste turned to Wulfric, [color=#EEDC5B]“Finally, he has reason to believe that the baker- Ezra Turner,”[/color] He did not ascertain much from the baker due to limited exposure, but he believed his ward’s words. [color=#EEDC5B]“-has an odd, almost trance-like fixation on Anastasia during their brief meeting earlier. To the point that his own presence was ignored or disregarded. I believe we have sufficient reason to keep tabs on this… Ezra.”[/color]

[color=D8BFD8]“Who? … Who the hell is Ezra?”[/color] Alibeth asked incredulously.  She paused. [i]A baker... [/i] A memory surfaced before her eyes of her two younger offspring on top of a table. The table next to them had been covered in pastries.[color=D8BFD8] “Ah. Well, Anastasia is a pretty girl… She has a way of gathering attention. I’ve caught her canoodling with servants often enough that I had to discard of a few… Are you sure this is worth noting, Auguste?”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“It is, mother,”[/color] Wulfric disagreed sharply. [color=ab274f]“That man…There is something [i]off[/i] about him,”[/color] he assured. He took a gulp of the absinthe he’d mixed earlier. [color=ab274f]“He was about to lay those filthy hands of his on Anastasia,”[/color] he growled, scowling at the memory. [color=ab274f]“Moreover,”[/color] he  trailed off, sliding a finger against the rim of his glass. [color=ab274f]“He was overly-friendly at first, then acted so shy,”[/color] he scoffed. [color=ab274f]“But who, when embarrassed, would ask a prince to act as a servant? No matter that it was Callum. It doesn’t add up.”[/color] After another, slower sip, he concluded, [color=ab274f]“He should be watched.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“I did not have much of an opinion of Ezra since I was preoccupied with trying to convince both Callum and Anastasia off the table.”[/color] Auguste continued, [color=#EEDC5B]“However, I did spot Wystan, Anastasia, and Ezra conversing with each other for a long period of time. His opinion of Ezra should not be dismissed.”[/color] 

Alibeth slowly nodded. [color=D8BFD8]”Uh huh…”[/color] She was glad to see the concern they both had for their sister despite not seeing the issue here. [color=D8BFD8]“As I said, she is no stranger to men’s hands on her. She seeks out this sort of thing. If you wish to have an eye on him, then so be it. I am not personally too worried… Anything else?”[/color]

Displeased at that assessment, Wulfric nonetheless redirected the conversation elsewhere. [color=ab274f]“What is it with Lorenzo and Calbert anyhow?”[/color] His irritation at Ezra naturally led him to consider another confounding subject. [color=ab274f]“Is it all for some cryptic plot, or…are those two [i]involved[/i]?”[/color] The emphasis on that last word conveyed his meaning; ever since their embrace during this evening, he’d been wondering if there was some twisted romance or lust between those two.

[color=#EEDC5B]“Lorenzo and Calbert… huh.”[/color] Those two were definitely odd. [color=#EEDC5B]“Knowing Count Damien, he is controlling. The type to lose hair should their plan slightly veer off course. Perhaps something had occurred between the two, and it was disobedience on Duke Lorenzo’s part? I’m not certain, merely speculating the nature of their, admittedly twisted, relationship.”[/color]

[color=D8BFD8]“Oh yes. Star-crossed lovers.”[/color] Alibeth replied dryly, here chin still resting in her palm. A smirk pulled at the corners of her lips. She was thoughtful for a moment before straightening her body up to dance one hand on the table, wiggling her fingers while her other hand moved above that one, pulling at imaginary strings. 

[color=ab274f]“Hmm.”[/color] Wulfric lazily tracked his mother’s gesture. As he’d thought, it was most likely the count was keeping a leash on the duke for a yet unknown purpose. [color=ab274f]“I suppose I could speak to Lorenzo sometime,”[/color] he offered, though did not feel particularly committed to the idea at the moment.

Auguste followed his mother's hands, interpreting her movements as a puppeteer and their puppets. The second prince could only sigh. He simply nodded at Wulfric's affirmation.

After a while of no one saying anything else, he shifted in his seat, ready to stand up. [color=ab274f]“If that was all?”[/color]

Alibeth made a gesture as if to show empty hands, then stood up nonetheless. She lingered for a moment to await Auguste’s confirmation.

[color=#EEDC5B]“I have covered all the subjects I had in mind..”[/color] Auguste said, standing up and stretching lightly. [color=#EEDC5B]“Have a pleasant night, mother, brother.”[/color] Saying their goodbyes, the trio departed.

With that, the tea room became empty and silent once again.
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