[color=lightgray][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/nFq9mJx.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/fRRq4zL.png[/img]
[color=BBC7E1]Time:[/color] 6pm
[color=BBC7E1]Location:[/color] Vikena Estate
[color=BBC7E1]Mention:[/color] [@FunnyGuy] Lorenzo  [@Rodiak] Nahir [@13org] Mayet [@Potter] Layla [@Helo] Leo [@Inertia] Auguste [@JJ Doe] Riona [@Lava Alckon] Farim [@Tpartywithzombi] Lady Ariella [@Infinite Cosmos] Munir 
[color=BBC7E1]Attire:[/color][url=i.imgur.com/R0Bp8Cm.png]Bun[/url], [url=i.imgur.com/VLoLGta.png]Dress[/url], [url=https://i.etsystatic.com/12443370/r/il/453c4f/3928939420/il_1588xN.3928939420_tmsy.jpg]Gold haircomb[/url]
[hr][/center][/color]
[color=lightgray]

Mayet’s words distressed Charlotte greatly, but since speaking further would not be in her favor, she did the next best thing and did little to acknowledge her. It infuriated her that Hafiz could freely insult Lorenzo while defending himself was deemed unacceptable. Charlotte averted her gaze from Mayet's penetrating stare and deliberately avoided making eye contact with both her and Layla.

The patronizing manner in which Mayet spoke to her as if she were a misbehaving child for daring to request basic kindness, deeply bothered Charlotte. It was evident that Mayet and she were not on good terms at that moment, which would likely pose a problem later when Charlotte intended to discuss  Mayet’s recollections of the party.  After listening to Calbert twist his words in and out as if he were tying a lace, it was easy enough for her to pick up on the same manipulative behavior from Hafiz.

Perhaps Caesonia and Alidasht were not all that different, much to the entire room’s displeasure. She forced a polite smile when acknowledged by the Grand Vizier, but made no comment even when he had sat beside her. She glanced down at her lap, becoming finally aware of her trembling hands in her lap. A profound sense of déjà vu enveloped her, as her mind conjured the haunting imitation of her mother's voice, evoking memories of a past encounter that mirrored the present situation.

[i][color=#5DADE2]” You must diligently conceal any fear in the presence of others. Once they discern even a hint of vulnerability, they shall exploit it without hesitation.”[/color][/i]

Charlotte pressed her nails into the fabric of her dress to try to steady herself, barely glancing up even when the food had been brought in.  The sounds of food and her father requesting to say grace were all dimly heard in the back of her mind, but she had not budged from her position, not even reaching for food.

[i][color=BBC7E1]It’s going to be like this the entire season…It was only a chair within the first few minutes. What will be next? Will the manner we eat cause an uproar? If we survive this time without creating a rift between our kingdoms, then what are the odds we survive the next?[/color] [/i]


The weight of the entire day pressed upon her like an insurmountable boulder. From the altercation at the park, Kazumin and Persephone’s situation, to the disheartening revelation about Lorenzo's condition as conveyed by Wulfric, and further witnessing undeniable proof of it firsthand... There seemed to be no relief for Charlotte, no space to catch her breath. It was as if the universe took pleasure in taunting her once again, as she suddenly became aware of an eerie sensation wrapping around her head. Before she could fully comprehend the situation, darkness engulfed her vision, accompanied by a piercing hiss that filled her ear. Her anxiety, already on the rise, surged, causing her to gasp in fear. In a reflexive motion, she attempted to grasp at the presence on her face, but it vanished before her hand could even reach it.

She rose up to her feet and looked around, only to find the rest of the table staring at her. A frown etched across her face and cautiously lowered herself back into the seat. Her heart pounded forcefully against her rib cage. Charlotte turned to Leo and leaned in, whispering softly into his ear, her voice tinged with vulnerability, "[color=BBC7E1]...I'm uncertain if I can endure this... Should I excuse myself momentarily or would that make it worse?[/color]" Unaccustomed to revealing her weaknesses, she fought against the welling emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. She knew all too well that shedding tears would be the last thing she should allow herself to do in this setting.

Before Leo could offer a response, the commanding voice of the Sultan resonated through the room, instantly capturing everyone's attention.  Layla was chastised, then removed. Charlotte was unable to conceal a brief look of relief. 
[/color]