[Color=silver] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/HSVJtD7.png[/img] [Color=gold][sub][u][url=https://youtu.be/RnKR66yaqdc?si=9fM5_NpZUQ6fUWvd]Lorexander Deakena[/url][/u][/sub][/color] [/center] [Color=gold][b]Time:[/b][/color] [color=red][b]6 p.m.[/b][/color] [Color=salmon][b]Location:[/b][/color] The Castle Dining Hall [Color=gold][b]Attire:[/b][/color] [url=https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1288647225571807274/1341215972287320154/remix-6b91c8ee-fee6-4534-8423-84a51496b106.png?ex=67d81ff6&is=67d6ce76&hm=a3f9916378ac693915b982cb0eced024d3d833f232375d29bb36598e047fe5fa&] Alexander's suit[/url] and [url=https://i.imgur.com/aqfNx2y.jpeg]Lorenzo’s fit[/url] [Color=salmon][b]Interaction:[/b][/color] Olivia, Kazumin, Fritz!/Mina, Sebby, Violet, Roman! [Color=gold][b]Mention:[/b][/color][hr] When Kazumin replied to Lorenzo’s compliment with his own string of them, the Duke could do nothing but become giddy and chuckle at the young man's acknowledgments. Even though Lorenzo found such words, deserving of his talent, they found a way to pull on his heartstrings. [Color=salmon]“I am loving this seating arrangement.”[/color] He said softly and mostly to himself. [Color=salmon]“All we're missing is- Oh!”[/color] Lorenzo perked up upon seeing Count Fritz, his brother from another mother. [color=9354FF]“Good evening, Your Grace,”[/color] [Color=salmon]“Good evening, Count Fritz!”[/color] [color=9354FF]“You look particularly dapper this evening.”[/color] [Color=salmon]“As do you. I see that his majesty kept you far away from the pleasant side of the dining room. A shame but…”[/color] Lorenzo shifted his chair over a few inches. [Color=salmon]“You’re welcome to get in where you fit in if you find yourself bored! Duke Gideon’s section.”[/color] Lorenzo set his laughter loose, not caring about its volume. [Color=salmon]“We all know the Edwards family can throw a good party but they are rarely the lifeblood of it! Hahahahahahahaha!”[/color] Lorenzo’s laughter was almost piercing but it fortunately dulled when reaching the opposite end of the table. Perhaps it was the tension in the air. Sure, compliments were exchanged, but they lacked richness. They were shallow at best, only deep enough to mask underlying intentions. Like honey slathered on shit or a needle tucked into a cushion. [color=#758173]“Alexander, are we behaving ourselves tonight?”[/color] Mina teased while pointing the attention of her brooding uncle toward his direction. Alexander met his gaze confidently, managing a slight smile. [Color=gold][I]Are you truly one too?[/I][/color] Alexander wondered this while internally entertaining the thought of three vampires seated so close to each other. [color=#758173]“Oh, this is Alexander Deacon. I met him the other night at the carnival—we had a [I]lovely[/I] time together.”[/color] [Color=gold]“That’s hardly a proper introduction Mina.”[/color] He shot her an amused smirk, though he wished she hadn't said something that would most certainly add to the tension already present. Normally Alexander could handle a setting like this. Normally he wore his ring… [Color=gold]“Count Sebastian Blackwood, it's a pleasure to meet you, finally. Mina desired for us to meet that night at the carnival but unfortunately, you were away… You missed out on the funnel cake. It. Was. Perfect.”[/color] He didn't even glance at Mina. He didn't need to. Instead, he watched Violet to determine who she decided to be tonight. He doubted he'd let that wildly unhinged side of her to the front at an event like this. One where poise and tact were necessary… Poise and tact? Yes. Without the ring? … … … There were limits. [color=f26522]“And what of you? You haven't even touched any of these delicacies the royal chefs prepared. I understand how nerve-wracking it must be for someone of your…”[/color] Roman had begun to prick at him. [color=f26522]“...bloodline to be in this place, surrounded by so many nobles and royalty. Unless, you think you're too good for the king's generosity and food?”[/color] It was hardly a heavy blow. In truth, Alexander should have retaliated in kind. He could present himself as humble… he could make Roman appear as a selfish glutton… he could make him look small by comparing the Ravenwood family to the Black Rose Trading Company’s success… There were so many simple roads to take, yet… Alexander’s attempt at a smile crumbled into something cold and uninviting as Roman exchanged niceties with Violet. [Color=gold]“I am… tired of this.”[/color] He breathed out lightly under his breath. [Color=gold]“Roman Ravenwood.”[/color] Alexander called his name clearly, the volume moderate. The appearance of his smile took longer to form than normal. It was merely an afterthought. There would not be tact or poise. The smile was simply him enjoying the bitter taste of his words before they left his lips. [Color=gold]“If you're going to make backhanded compliments, you should put some more [I]power[/I] into it… Like when you slapped Violet in the face.”[/color] He let the reveal of the information hang for only a second, only allowing time for a quick glance at Violet. [Color=gold]“Perhaps using your palm is your strong suit. Careful Mina. If he's bold enough to strike Count Damien’s daughter, I doubt he’d hesitate to do the same to a niece… and to answer your question, Roman. I don't think I’m too good for His Majesty's generosity and food but… I [I]know[/I] I am better than someone of your ilk. Enjoy your freedom while you still have it, [I]Lord[/I] Ravenwood.”[/color] Alexander stabbed his fork into a single macaroni noodle, continuing his rather light eating. [/Color]