[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] Wulfric Danrose, Alibeth Danrose, Edin Danrose, Mina Blackwood, Roman Ravenwood, Violet Damien, Calberto Damien, Sebastian Blackwood [Color=gold][b]Mention:[/b][/color] Fritz, Olivia, Ariella, Hala, Kazumin, Kier, Cassius, Every young Varian woman, Sjan-dehk[hr] Lorenzo marched forth on a warpath toward Alexander's seat, narrowing his focus only on the man who had caused such turmoil. It was only mere moments ago that he sat comfortably in his seat at the ‘head’ of the table. Compared to other occasions, this one was nigh to perfection. All the food he could eat. He had beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes… you name it. Around him were the faces of those he enjoyed being around. Even Fritz stopped by to give him a warm greeting. He hadn't brought Kier, which he regretted but it kept unwanted eyes off him. Everything was good. It was good. Good! No. There was nothing good about this evening if he had to watch Charlotte shrink in her seat while mulling about being rejected. There was nothing good at all about this! [Color=salmon][I]Sure he has a wife. Sure he does! But Lottie is good enough! She can make a man doubt his love for another. She can make them become lost in their thoughts just thinking about her! She’s smart and talented! She stays out of trouble. Never mean or nasty. Never! No, she is sweet to everyone and minds her manners! Her cooking needs work but we have servants for that. For crying out loud she is the Duke of Veirmont’s daughter… Both Dukes of Veirmont! This will not do. I must speak to this man after this feast is done. Yes, I will talk to Alexander Deacon about reconsidering his decision… No, I will make him regret his decision! Yes![/I][/color] Lorenzo nodded to himself before glancing up at Charlotte, who was seemingly flirting with… he couldn't recall Sjan-dehk’s name, but he knew his face after seeing it a few times. For a moment, she appeared happy but… [Color=salmon][I]No… this is… No , no, no… It's not that bad. Lottie is a friendly young woman and perhaps she knows him better than I do. Yes. Hmmmm.[/I][/color] There was too much touching between them. Lorenzo unintentionally wrinkled his nose before looking down at his plate questioning if Lottie had begun her plummet from grace. He trusted her but he knew emotions ran wild in young women during courting season. New love, heartbreak, lovesickness. They were exposed to it all during these trying times. He had to trust her, just as he always had. Quietly taking a deep breath, Lorenzo raised his head to find Charlotte gone from her seat, her arms now wrapped around another man. Count Fritz Hendrix. If Lorenzo had food in his mouth, he might have choked with how hard he gulped. He briefly looked up at Fritz, horrified before looking back down at his plate. He noticed his hands were trembling now, as he imagined fear became a reality. [color=salmon][I]No… No, no, no.[/I][/color] He denied what he was seeing. He'd deny as hard as he could. Perhaps if he waited a minute, she'd be back in her seat as if nothing occurred. The gods were not pleasant this evening. [color=D0B4EC]"I'm always so happy to see you, Kazumin."[/color] [Color=salmon]“Ka-”[/color] He caught himself but his head shot back up, hoping he mistook who she addressed. [Color=salmon][I]KAZUMIN?![/I][/color] That horrified look on his face. He was screaming inside. He couldn't help but shake his head but not a word would leave his lips. Charlotte, his beloved Lottie had seemingly thrown away any self-worth she had. She had become like one of [I]them[/I]. Rejection was a powerful thing. It could shatter your perspective of your dignity. Three men in minutes. Perhaps even seconds apart. He watched her as she eyed her seat, silently wishing she would return to it. Lust. It moved her now. How could he expect her to simply stop at three? His eyes caught sight of someone else. He knew this young man quite well. Calbert's son and also quite the fun drinking buddy at the Tipsy Tavern. Cassius. He was aware the two might have some kind of friendship despite the ire between himself and Calbert. There was a short pause of consideration from her before she headed in Cassius’ direction. She thought about it! This is what Charlotte desired now. The comfort of multiple men without regard for her reputation. [Color=salmon]“Why?”[/color] It came out as just a small whisper. Now he was the one shrinking in his seat. She hugged him as well, and though he imagined his heart to become still from this repeated action, to be powerless and forfeiting, his heart throbbed with intense vigor. Charlotte had moved quite far down the table, enabling one man to enter the scope of his line of sight. The one man who had started this and ruined his beloved Lottie. And there he was, smiling and enjoying himself in the company of the royal family. Lorenzo would not wait another goddamned second. [Color=salmon]“ALEXANDER DEACON!”[/color] He roared without care for how inappropriate it was to yell while everyone was enjoying their meals. Nothing was going to stop him with everything he had just witnessed. [Color=gold][I]What now?[/I][/color] Alexander turned to see the Duke marching over, displeasure visibly on his face. He hadn't expected to deal with Duke Lorenzo. In fact, he had made sure and well that he'd never have a reason to speak to the man. Now, of all times, couldn't have been any worse. Queen Alibeth had risen from her seat, returning Cassius’ threat with one of her own; King Edin kept leaning across his table, whispering to him with gawdawful breath; Wulfric was being as pleasant as ever; Roman was handing Violet a shovel; and Violet buried him in a teary-eyed funeral. Things hadn't exactly calmed down but he could at least go on knowing he made an attempt to diffuse the situation. Did it matter to him if it was successful? Of course not, Alexander felt he could wipe his hands clean while all the others pointed knives at one another… Almost all of the others. There was Wulfric, still pointing that sword of his in his direction. It was quite goading but Alexander knew better than to cross too far across the line with the prince. So to Wulfric’s comment, he simply said softly with a challenging raise of his eyebrow, [color=gold][I]“Of course not, your mother told me otherwise, remember?”[/I][/color] For the first time tonight, he showed Wulfric his true face, knowing Lorenzo was just a second away from disturbing the surrounding chaos with his own personal storm of ridiculousness. He looked at the prince indignantly, as if he was wet shit-stained filth left at his doorstep. Calling it a sneer would be an understatement. [Color=salmon]“With all due respect, Queen Alibeth… No! This problem is-”[/color] [color=ab274f]“Duke Vikena, we have no need of your intervention. Please return to your seat,”[/color] Lorenzo’s head whipped toward Wulfric with an intense glare in his eyes. [Color=salmon]“Did I address you, young man?! [B]I[/b] have no need for [b]your[/b] intervention! I, the Duke of Veirmont, need to have a word or two with [b]Alexander Deacon[/b], regarding my daughter. I do not wish for Charlotte to become like one of these young Varian girls with no self-worth!”[/color] He made a glance at Mina Blackwood, not caring how she felt. [Color=salmon]“I don't need or want to speak to you, Prince Wulfric and I don't need or want you to speak to me. So please,”[/color] Despite his sudden outburst, Lorenzos was far from his goofy self. Juxtaposed to his demeanor was Alexander facing forward with a pleasant smile. Surprisingly, he was content with his eyes on Roman. The man had surprisingly impressed him tonight with cold ruthlessness. He had done more than just broken Violet's heart. He tore into it for all to see with a quaint smile on his face. A part of him wished he could comfort her during such a vulnerable time but her body language told him she did not desire his touch. Taking this wonderful opportunity to take a short break from chaos, Alexander decided he would go along with whatever Lorenzo had in mind. [Color=gold]“Duke Lorenzo Vikena, a pleasure.”[/color] He slightly turned to look up at the seething visage of Charlotte's stepfather. [Color=salmon]“We need to talk. Now!”[/color] [Color=gold]“Of course, of course. Lead the way, Duke Vikena,”[/color] he said coolly while rising from his seat. [Color=gold]“Excuse me, this shouldn't take long. Oh and don't miss me too much, Your Majesty. My heart only yearns for the love of a woman after all. Toodle-loo.”[/color] He winked before following Lorenzo down the aisle passing seat after seat with his clasped behind his back. He couldn't help but notice how vulnerable Lorenzo was at the moment. One wrong turn in whatever secluded location he chose and he could ensure Charlotte became Duchess early. Though, doing such a thing would likely go horribly wrong. As they passed by Charlotte in her seat Alexander exchanged eye contact with her with a much too pleasant grin on his face. [Color=gold][I]I wonder what could be troubling you tonight, Charlotte. I tried to warn you, little dove.[/I][/color] [Color=gold]“You said this was about Charlotte, correct?”[/color] Lorenzo did not answer Alexander as he was more focuwere on searching for a suitable place. He looked toward the balcony. [Color=gold]“No, not there. It's already taken.”[/color] Lorenzo frowned and started toward the door leading directly outside. [Color=gold]“I saw quite a few people go out there already. I think we should try the long hall we used when we entered. The doors will be shut behind us.”[/color] Alexander guided Lorenzo from the rear, who begrudgingly took his advice. [Color=salmon]“To the hall!”[/color] Lorenzo demanded as if it was his idea in the first place. [Color=gold]“Of course,”[/color] he said, playfully conforming with Lorenzo. The two walked through the double doors, disappearing into the entry hall. That is what it is. [/Color]