[color=darkgray] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/3EdPgr4.png[/img][/center] [center][url=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/944424394804068392/1098811789078171698/httpswww.png]Red Duke Redemption[/url][/center] [Color=salmon][b]Time:[/b][/color] 6 p.m. [Color=salmon][b]Location:[/b][/color] Guest House [Color=salmon][b]Interaction:[/b][/color] [@princess] Hafiz, Raif, Charlotte, [@Lava Alckon] Farim, [@Rodiak] Nahir, [@infinite cosmos] Munir, [@Helo] Leo, [@Tpartywithzombi] Ariella, [@JJ Doe] Riona, [@Inertia] Auguste, [@princess] Anastasia, and [@Terrance420] Alden [Color=salmon][b]Mention:[/b][/color] [@Silverpaw] Wulfric[hr] [Color=salmon][I]My mouth is getting so dry right now.[/I][/color] The thought was enough to distract him from the ongoing back and forth. Feeling the attention off himself, Lorenzo became a little bolder, grabbing a spoon and spreading some hummus on the small piece of naan he had left. [Color=salmon][I]By the gods this pea- hummus is delicious. I'll need to convince Gilbert to make some one of these days.[/I][/color] He grinned at the new flavors that he was currently experiencing. The room finally grew silent as everyone finally indulged in the food in front of them. Eventually, the desserts were served but Lorenzo practiced some level of self-control as he only partook in eating half of a portion of baklava. This too, he found to be quite delicious and sweet to his palate. [Color=salmon]“Mmmmmm! I'll need to procure the recipe for this flaky pastry.”[/color] Lorenzo was feeling comfortable again, especially after eliminating the snake and the tiger from the room. It conveniently worked out in his favor despite how dire things seemed to have become. It reminded him of a tale he was told as a child about a flock of pigeons… or was it doves? Or crows? Eagles maybe? They were birds! What if they were fish? Lorenzo could hardly remember. All of them dived for the chance at an easy meal, only for all but one to survive the doom of being captured and eaten due to the bait that naturally attracted them. Lorenzo had dove but managed to pull away just in time. Wait, the story was about a wench and suitors. Yes. He pulled out just in time. Yes! He briefly smirked to himself, finding the recollection quite humorous. Tonight had not been as bad as it could have been and he was sure the ill events would be forgotten as the current calmness in the dining room took hold of the situation. The sudden entrance of Anastasia, caused the duke to slightly jump in his seat. Initially, he wondered if one of the Shehzadi had returned for vengeance against him but fortunately, he was met with the sight of Princess Anastasia and Alden Plannington. Their presence was quite a pleasant surprise with Alden's presence reminding him of his discussion with Prince Wulfric. [Color=salmon][I]An advisor![/I][/color] Lorenzo thought as he followed Anastasia's form, traveling from person to person in the room. [color=E77298]“Duke Lorenzo.”[/color] She put her hands on her hips and grinned. [color=E77298]“[i]Duke Lorenzo fucking Vikena.[/i] …”[/color] Lorenzo couldn't help but blush slightly. He was wondering why these young women were giving him this kind of attention tonight. First Mayet, and now Anastasia. He glanced at Nahir, but quickly averted his gaze. [Color=salmon][I]No, not a chance. There's no way I'm three for four with young princesses. Ugh, this is troubling. I'm torn on whether I should give in to this kind of attention. I don't think Charlotte would appreciate me courting someone so close to her age.[/I][/color] [color=E77298]“Can we stop and appreciate this ensemble? They don't play around in Veirmont. Yow! Matching hat and everything.”[/color] [Color=salmon]“Please, princess, let's leave the best region of the north out of this… Even if it is the best place to be. And thank you for the compliment. It means a lot coming from royalty.”[/color] He smiled as he placed his hands on the table and nodded to Charlotte. [Color=salmon]“I think it's about time we depart. As much as I'd love to stay, I have important matters at home to attend to. Sultan Raif, thank you for inviting me to dinner this evening. I would also like to apologize for any issues I may have caused. And that includes last night's events as well. And though I did bring gifts to accompany my apology, I would like to… withhold them. After sitting down with you and your family, I believe what I managed to procure isn't fitting for any of you. Allow me to take what I've learned from you all tonight to adjust my choice of gifts.”[/color] The duke frowned before forcing an uneasy smile. [Color=salmon]“And I have not forgotten that we still need to speak. I think that by then, I will have more appropriate gifts for you and your family. Though I insist, I can accept your decline of this offer.”[/color] He nervously scratched the back of his head before realizing he was forgetting something. [Color=salmon]“Oh and thanks again for allowing me this seat Hafiz. Next time, I'll let you sit at the head, whenever that may be. Promise. And wait! One more thing! With all of you here, I would like to announce that I, Duke Lorenzo Vikena, am searching for an official advisor this season! And who better than one of you gracious people I'm in the presence of?”[/color] [/color]