[color=lightgray][h1][center][color=BBC7E1]Charlotte[/color] & [color=salmon]Lorenzo[/color][/center][/h1] [color=BBC7E1]Location[/color]:Vikena Estate → The Castle Guesthouse [color=salmon]Interactions[/color]: [@Rodiak] Nahir [@13org] Mayet [@Potter] Layla [@Helo] Leo [@Inertia] Auguste [@JJ Doe] Riona [hr] [/color][color=lightgray] Charlotte anticipated Lorenzo's arrival in the grand foyer by the stairs, leaning against the railing's finial. Her eyes lit up as she caught sight of Lorenzo descending the stairs, clad in a dashing red suit that was not far in color from her dress. [color=BBC7E1]"Well, it seems that great minds do indeed think alike,"[/color] She commented with a smile. [Color=salmon]“All the credit goes to Delilah,”[/color] Lorenzo said with a chuckle as he reached the base of the stairs. He had only taken four steps toward Charlotte when he truly took in her appearance. [Color=salmon]“Emina…”[/color] He spoke so softly that the name was nearly mouthed. There were times when Charlotte unintentionally caused Lorenzo to see the phantom of his late wife but this was so much more. The dress, the necklace, the way she wore her hair… and that smile gracing her lovely face. [Color=salmon]“You look stunning, Lottie. Absolutely stunning.”[/color] Lorenzo teared up as he kept up his smile. [color=BBC7E1]“Aw Lorenzo…”[/color] Her own eyes had brimmed with tears and without a moment's hesitation, she closed the distance between them and embraced him tightly. Lorenzo, returning the hug, was again reminded of how precious she was to him. Reminded of how important tonight was. Nathaniel descended down the stairs next, wearing a classic black tuxedo and a weary look on his face. He had been charged with organizing and the gifts and helping bring them into the Alidasht's guest house. He didn't mind looking presentable for the higher class but the foreign royalty would only see him for a few minutes. [Color=limegreen][I] Benjamin is going to help whether he likes it or not.[/I][/color] [Color=limegreen]“My lord, apologies for interrupting but I am going to begin loading the gifts back into the carriage.”[/color] Lorenzo broke away from the hug but kept his hands on Charlotte's shoulders so as to not swiftly remove himself from her embrace. Turning to Nathaniel, he smiled. [Color=salmon]“Good timing my friend. Once we get the first bit to the carriage, Benjamin can assist you with bringing in the rest.”[/color] [Color=limegreen][I]Thank the gods, yes![/I][/color] Nathaniel kept his composure and gave Lorenzo a single nod before grabbing a long case that appeared to also be quite heavy. [color=slateblue]“My requested assistance will be completed in due haste.”[/color] Benjamin bowed and moved towards the exit. [color=BBC7E1]“It was very smart of you to bring gifts.”[/color] Charlotte’s gaze followed the case as Nathaniel brought it outside. She was grateful that Lorenzo had thought to bring gifts, especially knowing that the Alidasht appreciated flattery. Though she was afraid to ask what exactly he had picked out. [Color=salmon]“Of course. We may be guests to their dinner but they are still guests to our country.”[/color] The gifts weren't the only subject on her mind. She had the urge to ask about something else, even though she knew it might not be wise to do so at the moment. Lorenzo's hands had left her shoulders, meaning he'd soon move on from her. It was now or never. [color=BBC7E1] “Umm… Lorenzo?”[/color] She looked at him with a thoughtful expression, briefly averting her eyes as if considering her words carefully. [Color=salmon]“Yes?”[/color] He raised his brows with anticipation. Charlotte then rubbed her arm, her shoulders slacking as if she had let go of an idea that had crossed her mind. [color=BBC7E1]“I just wanted to ask if… If you would like to bake cookies with me later?”[/color] [Color=salmon]“Cookies? Yes of course! We can do the hot cocoa too. It's warm outside but who cares! It'll be an excellent treat after this splendid dinner.”[/color] Lorenzo gave Charlotte a confident wink just before he moved around her and grabbed a large paper filled with miniature bouquets, [color=salmon]“I hate to ask you to carry anything but this is the lightest load and they happen to be flowers almost as beautiful as you. Almost.”[/color] Lorenzo sighed looking at the other bags. [Color=salmon]“I just wish I paid attention to how heavy all these things were together.”[/color] He handed her the bag and grabbed two large sacks for himself. Lorenzo’s words elicited a big smile from Charlotte,[color=BBC7E1]“Can’t wait!”[/color] She replied with genuine enthusiasm. She was pleasantly surprised by his joyous energy, especially hearing he had apparently been suicidal earlier. However, it truthfully made the story all more confusing; she supposed that was an issue to ponder later.[color=BBC7E1] “...It’s no problem. I can help carry whatever is needed.”[/color] [hr] [h3][center][color=#FA8072]L[/color][color=#F4867C]A[/color][color=#EE8C86]T[/color][color=#E89390]E[/color][color=#E3999A]R[/color] [color=#D7A6AE]O[/color][color=#D1ADB8]N[/color][color=#CCB3C2].[/color][color=#C6BACC].[/color][color=#C0C0D6].[/color][/center][/h3] The carriage glided into the castle grounds and ascended the stone path toward the guest house. Once Benjamin had brought them as close as possible, Charlotte and Lorenzo got down from the carriage. They subsequently made their way inside, with Benjamin and Nathaniel following closely behind, their hands laden with gifts. Charlotte had offered to assist with carrying some of the presents, but her offer was quickly declined. Once inside, a servant greeted them and offered to guide them to the dining room. The interior of the guest house exuded an air of elegance, though it was more subdued and simple, designed not to clash with anyone's decorative preferences. Charlotte found herself quite taken with the understated charm as she moved through the [url=i.imgur.com/1Q0rJFr.jpg]halls[/url], her eyes observing her surroundings. The walls were made of marble and the floors were consistently covered in red carpeting. They eventually came to a halt before a room with large doors that were pulled open to reveal a rather small dining room. The walls were painted in a dark lime shade of green, and the room had a quaint aesthetic. Charlotte couldn't help but notice how intimate the setting was. This dining room, while not uncomfortably small, would certainly be an echo chamber where words could be heard by all. Members of the dinner had already found their seats at the dinner table, and though Lorenzo would never voice it, he was glad he and Charlotte weren't the last to show up. He and Charlotte were the honored guests after all… Well, perhaps "mandatory guests" was more fitting. Lorenzo almost imagined himself as one of the horses from today's race as an imagined gunshot rang out to signify the start of a turbulent event. [Color=salmon]“Ah, look at this! Good evening!”[/color] Lorenzo greeted all merrily as he, Charlotte, Nathaniel, and Benjamin entered the room. [Color=salmon]“Nathaniel and Benjamin, you can set those down on that table by the window and get going back home. And Benjamin, I think an hour from now will be good.”[/color] The two silently did as he instructed, trying to draw as little attention as possible as they moved a few bags and boxes onto the unoccupied table. Lorenzo used this time to properly greet the hosts and other guests of the dinner. [Color=salmon]“Your highness, Sultan Raif Kadir. I am honored to have been invited to meet and dine with you and your family. I… I wish it were through better circumstances… BUT like a fuzzy dandelion, we have arrived in an unanticipated setting and will flourish through a time tougher than the hard cobblestone road. Peace be upon you.”[/color] [color=BBC7E1]“Good evening, Your Majesty.”[/color] After placing the bouquets on the side table, Charlotte took a moment to add her own greeting and gave the sultan a proper curtsy. She also bowed toward each of his daughters. [color=BBC7E1]“Your Highnesses. We are grateful and honored to be amongst you.” [/color] [Color=salmon]“Agreed! It's an absolute dream to see the three Shehzadis looking ever lovely. Women exemplifying both beauty and strength! One of whom was so prepared to help me in the park this morning by striking fear into a deranged scoundrel. Shehzadi Mayet Kadir, I didn't get the chance to give you and your furry friend a proper thank you, but just you wait!”[/color] Lorenzo shot her and Nala a wink followed by a smirk. [Color=salmon]“You and your tiger remind me so much of me and my ferret, Kier… Sadly he couldn't make it this evening.”[/color] Lorenzo frowned and lowered his eyes briefly after saying this before recomposing himself a looking at Layla. [Color=salmon]“Shehzadi Layla, I must say you are not forgotten and neither is your grace on the ballroom floor. Oh, and that bowtie is wonderful! How do you- nevermind, we can discuss that later. I might be the better dancer but that snake of yours is giving me a run for my money in dress!”[/color] He kept up his smile despite the slight intimidation he felt from the woman he had toppled over the night prior. Before his smile could falter, he engaged the third Shehzadi. [Color=salmon]“Shehzadi… N-Nahir.”[/color] Lorenzo surprisingly recollected. With the hard part of his greeting to her over, Lorenzo proceeded. [Color=salmon]“I'm afraid we haven't had the opportunity to be formally introduced but I could never forget the angel that wished to have my life spared in the face of many that would have enjoyed witnessing my final hours. Thank you, truly.”[/color] Lorenzo hadn't even realized he was taking way too long with these greetings. Nathaniel and Benjamin were taking their leave with Nathaniel giving Lorenzo a single pat on the shoulder as he hoped it would instill some level of competence into the duke. Charlotte stood, awaiting him to finally finish speaking. Her eyes met the sultans. He hadn’t seemed annoyed quite yet but he didn’t seem overjoyed either. He hadn’t moved to speak yet, his hands folded on the table as he watched Lorenzo. [color=BBC7E1] “Should we sit now?”[/color] She whispered. [Color=salmon]“Shh! We mustn't miss anyone,”[/color] Lorenzo hushed. His eyes searched for any of the Shahzade but he found none. There was also a daughter unaccounted for. He'd just make do. [Color=salmon]“Again, thank you and your family.”[/color] He looked at each of them to include Farim, whom he hadn't met. He gave him a slight bow of the head, assuming he was of some importance. Keeping to the proper order of greeting, Lorenzo turned his attention toward the prince. [Color=salmon]“Prince Auguste Danrose, a pleasant surprise. I had a splendid conversation with your older brother this afternoon. To have the honor to see two princes in such a short time.”[/color] Then there was Lord Smithwood. [Color=salmon]“[I]Lord[/I] Smithwood. You look more rugged every time I see you. Don't outdo me young man,”[/color] He chuckled. [Color=salmon]“A pleasure.”[/color] Lorenzo then finally returned his attention to Raif. [color=CFA36D]“Duke Lorenzo Vikena. Lady Charlotte Vikena.”[/color] Raif said slowly, as if tasting their names, his eyes moving between the duo. He finally nodded and ordered, [color=CFA36D] “Sit.”[/color] He beckoned them forward with a brief wave. Lorenzo pulled out one of the chairs next to Leo, assuming she'd want to be closest to her childhood friend. [Color=Salmon]“Charlotte.”[/color] He found himself still stunned by her appearance this evening. Lorenzo knew he could succeed and keep smiling if he kept her in mind. Charlotte graciously sat down. [color=BBC7E1]“Thank you.” [/color]She had then glanced at Leo with a friendly smile in greeting, her eyes traveling to Auguste as well as she spoke,[color=BBC7E1] “Lord Leo, I’m happy you are attending with us this evening and It’s nice to see you, Prince Auguste, here too.” [/color] As intimidating as it all seemed, it was comforting to have the two of them present here. Meanwhile, Lorenzo walked from behind Charlotte's chair toward the opposite direction of the Sultan's head of the table. The servant, Riona moved past the duke to get one of the seats pulled out for him but a gentle hand on her upper arm stopped her. [Color=salmon]“Thank you, but no need to seat me. I already feel guilty about having my servants do so much today. I don't wish to use another for something I can do quite easily.”[/color] Moving past her, Lorenzo took his seat at the other head of the table, opposite to Sultan Raif Kadir. What a power move. [/color]