[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/4NnUUj4.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/NhN42Jj.png[/img] [color=lightgray][color=AFB3E0]Time:[/color] Late Morning [color=AFB3E0]Location:[/color] Sorian Beach [color=AFB3E0]Interaction:[/color][@PapaOso] Cassius [@Potter] Olivia [@SausagePat] Ruby [color=AFB3E0]Attire:[/color][url=i.imgur.com/gFdmp8B.jpg] Bathing Suit [/url], Light-colored beach sandals, Hair loose[/color][/center] [hr] [hider=Flashback][color=lightgray][color=8882be]“Lottie.”[/color] Even after all these years, Duke Walter Vikena’s face was as clear as day in her mind as he knelt to her height. The feeling of his strong hands on her child-sized shoulders as he halted her in motion. He was pretty and youthful, a juxtaposition to the responsibility he carried on his shoulders. One of the youngest that many could recall, he became a duke at eighteen years old and a father at twenty-two. His dark eyes had set on her with love and sadness that day as he brushed hair from her little face. In the opulent and gilded corridor of the castle was a father knelt before his daughter, just beyond the threshold of the throne room. Sunlight poured through the grand windows, painting the scene with a radiant glow. Charlotte could remember the feeling of the carpet beneath her shoes and the way it had been on the warmer side that day. [color=8882be]"King Edin might state things that stir sadness within you... things that might be even hard to understand,"[/color] Charlotte's smile radiated as her beloved father's hand graced her hair.[color=8882be] "But the power to yield to those emotions, my little butterfly, is yours alone."[/color] His touch was a comforting presence as he looked down at her with adoration,[color=8882be]"...Together, you and I possess strength beyond measure. Look to me, and remember, I’m here."[/color] [color=AFB3E0]“But papa, if it makes me sad… How can I stop that? As the King he should say kind words.”[/color] She had given him a serious look at that point, [color=AFB3E0]“I’m a child.”[/color] Amusement tugged at the Duke's lips, his laughter gentle.[color=8882be] "At times, your speech belies your age. You're too sharp for your own good.”[/color] He shook his head, [color=8882be]“Seven years old and you-”[/color] [color=AFB3E0]“Seven and [i]half[/i].”[/color] [color=8882be]“Right. Well… We cannot tell King Edin what to do now can we? He’s the King. But you and I...”[/color] A playful poke landed on her delicate nose, [color=8882be]"hold sway over our own emotions. As we step into that chamber, if we decide his words are mere tomfoolery, unworthy of our heed, then no ridiculous utterance of his can sow sadness within us."[/color] Charlotte's gaze lifted, the dawn of understanding illuminating her young features. [color=AFB3E0]“Ah… We are much too cool for him.”[/color] [color=8882be]"Absolutely. We're beyond his reach..."[/color] A grin played on his lips as he swept her into his arms, a mischevious twinkle in his eyes. [color=8882be]" [i]Althooough[/i], you know how your mother disapproves of that term."[/color] [color=AFB3E0]“She says I’m Veirmont’s darling and I need to speak elegantly-”[/color] [color=8882be]“Oh Veirmont’s darling, huh?”[/color] As he rose with the child, he grinned at her, a high-pitched tone taking over his voice as he swung his body, inciting giggle even before he spoke,[color=8882be]"Behold, the one and only Lady Charlotte Vikena, wiser than all the world and [i]cooler[/i] than even the coolest." [/color] With a gentle poke to her nose once more then referred to her eyes, [color=8882be]“With the cutest nose! Oh those eyes, oh, the most darling and prettiest pair of peepers you ever did see… She’s so elegant!" [/color] He lifted her arms up as a knight walking down the hall paused to stare. Walter seemed more amused with his confusion than anything and instead lifted Charlotte up from his grip under her arms, [color=8882be]“You hear me!”[/color] He called down to the man as he stared in confusion. [color=8882be]“This is the best kid you’re ever gonna meet!”[/color] [color=AFB3E0]‘Papa stop!”[/color]Charlotte managed amongst a fit of giggles. [color=8882be]“Goodness, are you embarrassed? Of your dear papa?”[/color] She gave him a stern look, [color=AFB3E0]“You’re the [i]Duke[/i] of Veirmont. “[/color] She leaned in to whisper,[color=AFB3E0] [i]“This is serious.”[/i][/color] [color=8882be]"Indeed, my little butterfly. Seriousness is in order."[/color] He countered with a faux sternness of his own, causing her laughter to bubble forth even more.[color=8882be] "Ah, yes. Your papa must remain the epitome of boring."[/color] He ruffled her hair. His voice then lowered to a soft whisper,[color=8882be] “Wouldn’t it be much more fun if I was the acrobat of Veirmont? Or what if you and I created a band of traveling musicians called The Coolest of Veirmont?”[/color] He kept her distracted as he walked her into the throne room. Eyes fell on the father and daughter from the sides of the room as his footsteps echoed. [color=DDB775]“This is your daughter?"[/color] The resonant voice of King Edin at last captured Charlotte's attention. She sensed herself gently eased from her father's embrace, her feet making a noiseless connection with the floor. As Duke Walter fell on his knee, she was quick to echo his movement. They were very soon told to rise. The room was filled with other nobles who had been called upon to present their children to the King today.The feeling of all eyes on her had not been as uncomfortable a notion as it had nowadays. She had stepped forward in her frilly lace dress and stared up at the king with curiosity. Charlotte had never spoken with him one and one, nor been so up close in her memory to the man. He was an intimidating presence in his throne in a ginormous crown and luxurious attire that even her own family did not seem to have access to. From his lofty vantage, the King bestowed upon her a measured glance, his interest faintly piqued. [color=DDB775]"Introduce yourself, child."[/color] [color=AFB3E0]"Your Majesty,"[/color] she greeted, a rehearsed smile adorning her lips as she executed a dainty curtsy,[color=AFB3E0] "I am Lady Charlotte Vikena of Veirmont."[/color] A prolonged hush enveloped the room before the King's voice resounded again.[color=DDB775] "A mirror image of your wife she is… Now… Where are the rest?"[/color] [color=8882be] "She…"[/color] Walter had been bracing himself for this inevitable question, yet nothing could have truly prepared him for this conversation. [color=8882be]“She is our only child.”[/color] Charlotte had looked up at her father, anticipating disappointment, but what she found was a kind smile and eyes full of pride. [color=DDB775]“With all due respect, Duke Vikena, what is the [i]hold-up?[/i]?”[/color] King Edin inquired, exasperation lacing his words. He rubbed his temples with a sigh. [color=DDB775]“First Count Damien brings two girls, and now you bring only one… Alas, his wife is ill. Pray tell, what is your reason?"[/color] [color=8882be]"Duchess Emina is afflicted with infertility,"[/color] Walter answered. [color=8882be] “We have been unable to produce more.”[/color] Gasps filled the room. [color=DDB775]“...And you have not considered another woman after all this time?”[/color] The King asked incredulously. Walter had not heeded his own advice as anger overtook his countenance. With rising heat, he asked lowly, [color=8882be]“You… You are suggesting I leave my wife?”[/color] [color=AFB3E0]"Why do you pretend not to like girls?"[/color] Charlotte's voice pierced the tension, her words carrying the kind of directness that only a seven-year-old could wield. She let her gaze sweep around the room as if hoping for a response to her inquiry, eventually fixing her unwavering gaze upon the King. Her expression held a childlike innocence that starkly contrasted with the seriousness of the discussion.[color=AFB3E0] "I mean, you seem to [i]really[/i] like girls. You always have ladies with you."[/color] She pointed with a small hand towards the group of young women clustered in the corner of the room, a usual presence by the King's side.[color=AFB3E0] "They're right over there, your ladies!"[/color] Sudden incomprehensible chatter erupted through the room. With hands resting confidently on her hips, she stood her ground as the King’s lips parted with surprise. She noted the offense touching his features even then but had continued nonetheless.[color=AFB3E0] "So, I don't get why there's a problem. I'm gonna be the Duchess, you know… “[/color] With a smile, she informed him, [color=AFB3E0]“And I'm gonna be [i]really[/i] good at it. ”[/color] It had always been difficult to recall what exactly had occurred after that moment, but she knew they had been rather rapidly dismissed. [/color][/hider] [color=lightgray] [color=AFB3E0][i]Did that really happen... Was I really so bold?[/i][/color] Olivia had sat beside her silently to give her company and Charlotte had smiled at her. She had been grateful that Olivia had given her the space to unwind a moment after she had become a bit overwhelmed. [color=LightSteelBlue]“Lady Charlotte…lovely to see you again. Seems I’m not the only one who leaves quite the impression on people.”[/color] Charlotte glanced up from her seated position, her body tensing visibly. [color=LightSteelBlue]“I don't know exactly what I just witnessed, but the girl I met the other night…the one that showed me such fire doesn’t seem the type to just stand there and let someone treat her that way. I was glad to see your friends jump to your defense, not that I think you needed it…but it’s always good to have support.” [/color] [color=AFB3E0][i]I don't know why I just stand there either. Every time. [/i][/color] Her eyes averted to the sea as he tried to meet her gaze. [color=LightSteelBlue] “I wanted to ask…are you alright? I can’t imagine that was part of your vision for this relaxing day at the beach?”[/color] His words struck her as rather empathetic surprisingly. She wondered if this was a feigned concern or if the man wasn't as dreadful as he had initially seemed. Charlotte pulled her knees to her body. [color=AFB3E0] "I'm fine. Thank you for asking..."[/color] She grappled for other words she could say and found herself assuring him, [color=AFB3E0] "It was only a smoothie..."[/color] A silence befell them once more and she noticed he wasn't walking away, so she spoke again with an inquiry, [color=AFB3E0] "Are you doing well?"[/color] Perhaps asking such a cocky individual was pointless. He seemed like the type of person that was never bothered and went wherever the wind blew him. Given his intentions could be anywhere on a broad spectrum, she decided to remain pleasant yet guarded. If he was an enemy as she feared, it was better to keep him on his toes. If her impression was wrong and he was not the vulgar pig of a man she was convinced he was, then perhaps they could get along well with time. As long as he [i]never[/i] spoke to her like that again. A looming shadow abruptly came upon them, extinguishing the warm embrace of sunlight upon her skin. Sensing this sudden intrusion, she swiftly rose to her feet, joining Cassius in his stance. Her gaze shifted, her head turning as she looked over her shoulder to discern the source of the new presence. [color=C17ECE]“Hello! Don’t mind me… Please continue.”[/color] [color=AFB3E0]"Ruby!"[/color] Charlotte greeted her with a delighted smile and a brief hug. Once she withdrew, she began to introduce everyone. [color=AFB3E0] "This is Lord Cassius...Count Damien's son... And Lord Cassius,"[/color] She turned her attention on him, [color=AFB3E0] "These are my friends Ruby and Olivia. "[/color] She gestured from Ruby to the red-haired girl nearby them as well, Olivia. [/color]