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[color=lightgray][color=cfa36d]Interactions:[/color] [@FunnyGuy] Lorenzo  [@Rodiak] Nahir [@13org] Mayet [@Potter] Layla [@Helo] Leo [@Inertia] Auguste [@JJ Doe] Riona [@princess] Charlotte [@Lava Alckon] Farim [@Tpartywithzombi] Lady Ariella [@Infinite Cosmos] Munir 

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The Sultan had initially chuckled at Lorenzo whilst Hafiz was openly staring with disbelief, wearing a grimace on his face. [color=cfa36d] “Ah, Duke Vikena. The disc-shaped bread is called naan, then those are chicken kebabs…”[/color] He pointed to the chicken kebabs. [color=cfa36d] “Those sticks are called skewers… Then that is not peanut butter, it is made of chickpeas. We called it hummus. Please enjoy and feel free to question what anything is….”[/color] 

His attention was stolen by the young lady serving drinks. He noticed that one of his favorites, Lord Leo Smithwood, had not been given a drink and he snapped his fingers to get her attention. [color=cfa36d] “Young miss… Please make sure Lord Smithwood gets something to drink and feel free to help yourself to some as well.”[/color]

[color=salmon]“Ahem! With everyone here and the food ready to be devoured, I think it is a good time as any to say grace over the food served this evening. I am not sure if the Alidasht practice something similar but it is an old Caesonian tradition of giving humble thanks for our meal. I can lead it if you'd like your highness.” [/color]

The Sultan smiled and graced the Duke with a nod, but Hafiz was quick to speak up. [color=gold] “Perhaps…Someone else should say grace, brother.”[/color]

[color=cfa36d] “Nonsense. We are here to get to know Duke Vikena formally. Let him speak.”[/color] Raif disagreed firmly, his tone carrying no opening for argument.

Hafiz scoffed lightly and folded his arms. With an eye roll and smirk, he turned to glance at Duke Vikena. [color=gold] “Very well. [i]Surely[/i] you can say grace without being offensive.”[/color]

It was then a sudden hiss filled the room. Hafiz glanced beside him to see Layla’s snake on Charlotte. After how irksome the Vikena woman had been earlier, he could barely hide his delight. He covered his mouth to conceal a \ smile. 

Meanwhile, the Sultan rose to his feet and shot Layla an intense glare. [color=cfa36d] “Layla. I have observed your behavior tonight. To be quite truthful, I am constantly watching [i]all[/i] of your behavior.”[/color] His gaze shifted to Munir then back to his daughters. [color=cfa36d] “I have comments for later, good …and bad. “[/color]

The Sultan looked upon his eldest daughter with disappointment.  [color=cfa36d]“Though there are many things to be proud of you for… This is not one of them. “[/color] Layla’s behavioral changes had not gone unnoticed by him and neither had the increased time she had spent with his brother. [color=cfa36d]“Please fill your plate and take it to your room. The servants will ensure any additional food is brought to you, but I can no longer ignore your behavior.  You must go. “[/color]

[color=gold] “Brother, with all due respect, why should Layla leave for her pet’s actions when it has been-”[/color]

Raif held up his hand to silence Hafiz, who closed his mouth.

It hurt to cast his daughter out in such a public and shameful way, especially as the eldest of his offspring, but he knew it was necessary. With a heavy heart, he watched as Layla left the room, hoping that she would eventually understand.
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