[Color=silver] [Center][H1][color=gold]Alexander[/color] & [color=firebrick]Violet[/color][/H1] [H2][color=tan]Bread[/color], [color=crimson]Wine[/color], and [color=lightyellow]Oil[/color][/h2][/center] [B]Time:[/b] Afternoon [b]Location:[/b] Charity Event, Sorian Park [B]Mentions:[/b] Prince Callum, Charlotte, Mina, Cassius, Olivia, Kazumin, Count Calbert, King Edin, Duke Lorenzo, Sebastian Blackwood, Stratya, Farim the Dream, Vizier Hafiz, Kira[hr] Despite Alexander’s practiced poise, the first bid for 2000 gold pieces formed a crack in his mask of confidence. His sharp eyes honed in on the unfamiliar woman, attempting to discern who she could be, but he was quite sure he had never been acquainted with her before. He began to regain himself just before Olivia surprisingly raised the bid to 2100. For this, he searched her eyes for a motive, but could only identify determination. [color=gold][i]And what does this little stoat want?[/i][/color] He wondered, just as curious about Olivia as he was about the stranger, knowing what came next would be shrouded in mystery. [color=pink]“2,500 gold pieces!”[/color] The stranger called the bid that would win his company, and hopefully quench his curiosity. With the winning bid solidified, the woman was asked to approach Mina with her funds while Alexander remained on the stage. [color=gold]“It seems these women were just in it to prove me wrong. Again, thank you all for attending! Drinks and food will continue to be served as the surplus item auction continues. This is just the beginning of Drunkard’s Day!”[/color] Alexander performed a quick bow, and then he hurried off the stage. His gentle hand found Mina’s shoulder blade, whispering quick words of thanks to her just before he faced the woman who had earned her date with him. [color=gold]“It’s a pleasure, Miss…”[/color] He let the word trail so that she may complete his sentence with her name while he took her hand in his. Her cheeks flushed a soft pink, betraying both her age and the unexpected thrill of the moment. She placed her wrinkled hand in his, her grip surprisingly firm despite the years. [color=pink]“Oh, heavens, you may call me Margaret, dear boy,”[/color] she said, her voice trembling with delight.[color=pink] “It has been far too long since I’ve had such charming company. And you…my, you’re even more handsome up close than I ever dared hope.”[/color] [color=gold]“Oh, Margaret,”[/color] He fawned softly. A light, breathless laugh escaped her lips, the kind that carried the simple joy of a woman savoring life once more. [color=pink]“I do hope you won’t mind a little chatter from an old woman. And, well… a fine meal shared with such company will certainly make my day.”[/color] [color=gold]“Mind?”[/color] His brows knitted as he shook his head. [color=gold]“Heavens no. You have earned this date in the name of charity. I can’t see a world where I deny you of my companionship, given the circumstances.”[/color] Alexander made sure to be gentle as he led her away from the stage to an awning further away from the festivities. Beneath its shade was a small circular table draped with a white tablecloth, decorated with a paired sets of wine glasses, tea cups, utensils, and plates. At the center were just two roses set inside a thin vase. An unoccupied space for the two to enjoy with the comforts of being waited on by the hired staff— or so Alexander thought. Margaret's feet shuffled slowly under her as the silks she adorned herself with fluttered behind her. [color=pink]“Oh, how lovely!”[/color] she chimed happily, patting her resting hand on his arm. [color=pink]“The young woman was quite adamant about wanting to surprise you,”[/color] she chuckled to herself, nearly whispering, her words wiping away Alexander’s smile. [color=pink]“She even gifted me these silks and everything.”[/color] Margaret stroked the fine silk scarf she wore around her neck, her eyes glancing up at the handsome young man who was trying to follow along with what she was saying. [color=pink]“I couldn’t help myself… seeing romance in the air reminds me of my dear husband. I do love the courting season.”[/color] She let out a wishful sigh to the man who was no longer listening to her intently. As they approached the table, crimson eyes stared back at them. Alexander’s internally shouted question was answered by Violet sitting at the table. He raised an eyebrow, not bothering to hide his confusion. The pair stopped just short of the table with Alexander’s eyes locked on Violet’s. [color=gold]“Violet Damien.”[/color] He said her name with a pleasant smile, but the slight narrowing of his eyes gave him away. [color=gold]“Color me surprised.”[/color] He said before looking at Margaret on his arm. [color=gold]“You hid your slyness in your grace. I would hope this woman gives you something for helping to reel me.”[/color] Alexander playfully teased the pair. [color=pink]“Oh, she already has.”[/color] She patted the pocket of her dress as the sounds of clinking coins jingled. She let out a breathy chuckle as Violet stood from her chair, offering her own warm smile to the pair. [color=pink]“Well…”[/color] The woman's hands clapped together as she looked between Alexander and Violet. [color=pink]“I have some drinks to buy!”[/color] She turned around and started walking back towards the festivities. [Color=gold]“Enjoy.”[/color] Alexander’s parting word was a gentle touch of motivation. A smile crossed Violet’s lips as she watched the older woman shuffle away, the faintest satisfaction glimmering in her eyes. Reaching down, she plucked the wine glass that sat across from her chair, filled with an expensive red, and rose with unhurried grace. Her steps were slow as she crossed the space, her crimson gaze locked on Alexander’s, refusing to waver. When she reached him, she extended the glass, her fingers lingering against the stem, almost coaxing him to take it. [color=firebrick]“What was that you said about a Damien not desiring you?”[/color] In unison, their lips curved into sharper smiles, with Violet’s tone dripping with amusement. [color=gold]“Are you sure [i]desire[/i] is the word we’d like to use?”[/color] He briefly raised an eyebrow with the question as he delicately grabbed the wine glass. He didn’t quite take it from her, almost as if he was waiting for Violet to answer his question, yet before she could, he pulled the glass away. [color=gold]“I consider it a rather strong word, Violet.”[/color] Taking a sip from her own glass, as crimson eyes peered over the edge, the smile still on her lips, [color=firebrick]“I said what I said.”[/color] She held her glass carefully between her fingers. Alexander’s eyes narrowed slightly at her response before she continued. [color=firebrick]“I thought you might enjoy being surprised for once… or do you prefer when everything goes according to your design?”[/color] She smirked as her gaze flicked toward the table, then slid back to him with unhurried intent. [color=firebrick]“Either way, this was for you.”[/color] [color=gold]“For me?”[/color] He asked as he eyed the deep red contents of his glass. He gave nothing away about his disposition, but he also wasn’t running for the hills. [color=gold]“Well, thank you, truly.”[/color] A smile formed on his face. [color=gold]“This event holds a special place in my heart… Well, the dates and the surplus goods are just the motivators, but the money raised, which is an even greater sum thanks to you, is my top priority today.”[/color] Alexander smoothly walked around Violet to the seat behind her and pulled it out from the table. [color=gold]“Please,”[/color] he offered the seat like any gentleman would. Violet looked at the open seat for a moment as his words registered so formally, as if this were strictly transactional to him. Her playful comment met with a rehearsed sales pitch. Her expression faltered for a moment, but was quickly erased with a smile of her own. [color=firebrick]“Thank you,”[/color] she said, moving the offered seat as she lowered herself down with ease. She pulled the folded cloth napkin from her plate and rested it on her lap, her hands gently smoothing it against her legs. [color=firebrick]”I am happy to have been a part of it then. Hopefully, that money can go to some good use.”[/color] After pushing her seat in slightly, he rounded the table to take his seat. [Color=gold]“Prince Callum willing…When he sobers up, of course,”[/color] Alexander commented as he placed his napkin on his lap as well. [Color=gold]“Also… I'm sure your actions were more so for this [i]very[/i] moment, rather than giving to the needy.”[/color] Alexander smirked smugly before taking a sip of wine, watching and waiting for her reply. [color=firebrick]“Prince Callum? If you're waiting on him for anything, I imagine it will be some time. The only thing he will be looking at today will likely be the bottom of a glass or bottle.”[/color] Violet finished smoothing out the napkin against her lap before reaching for her own glass again. Violet’s smile deepened, a glimmer of amusement dancing in her crimson eyes as she set her glass down. [color=firebrick]“You’re not wrong though, but you rarely ever are.”[/color] she admitted with a playful shrug, leaning in just slightly. Alexander merely gave a single bounce of his eyebrows, neither confirming or denying the compliment. [color=firebrick]“My motives weren’t entirely selfless. I wanted this moment with you… wanted to steal a bit of your time for myself.”[/color] [color=firebrick]“I suppose it could seem a bit… extravagant, paying someone to bid in my stead, just for the chance to have your company. And perhaps foolish, too, if it turns out it’s all one-sided.”[/color] [Color=gold]“I beg your pardon,”[/color] Crimson eyes met his as Alexander replied almost immediately, defensively even, at her last several eluding words. By themselves, they could mean anything, but Alexander had been trying to read this current situation from the very moment he laid eyes upon her. Even without either of them speaking on it, Violet's previously hanging question had an answer: He did in fact prefer everything to go according to his design… And what was occurring now, was not what he foresaw, in fact, he found himself proven wrong. [Color=gold]“Share your feelings.”[/color] He set his wine glass down and leaned in close with an offered hand. [Color=gold]“I won't bite… I promise.”[/color] Her eyes dropped to his hand, outstretched toward her, steady and patient. For a long breath, she didn’t move, only staring as though the gesture itself carried more danger than any blade. Then, slowly, she placed her hand in his. The warmth of the contact unraveled something inside her chest. Her voice was quieter than she meant it to be, stripped of its usual sharp tones. [color=firebrick]“I can lie to anyone else…but not you.”[/color] Her voice was soft, but sure. [color=firebrick]“I see you…Alexander.”[/color] Her thumb brushed lightly against his hand, a small, instinctive gesture. [color=firebrick]“I see how you mask yourself for the world.”[/color] Her finger traced along the ring on his hand [color=firebrick]“I see the fire in your eyes when the sparks you create turn into flame.”[/color] she continued [color=firebrick]“You gave me a new life, one that I fought so hard against. You supported me even through the darkest parts of it, helping me each step of the way, and every time I stumbled, you were there to catch me. You gave me the space to make the mistakes I needed to, so I could see the truth. Yet even then, you never judged me. Your words were harsh and your eyes were cold, but all I could see was you. You were always there, even when I refused to see it.” [/color] Her crimson eyes flicked up to look at him. A quiet breath left her, more release than uncertainty. [color=firebrick]“At first, my anger was at myself, not you. Then it became understanding…then admiration…then something I can’t fully name, but it consumes me. I strayed out of defiance, yet your voice was in my mind. I couldn’t go on fighting it. For the first time, I didn’t want to fight. I wanted you.”[/color] Her fingers gently traced along the lines of his hand as she continued. [color=firebrick]“You are the one I think of when the silence is too loud. The one I search for in every crowded room. The one I trust more than I trust myself. I want to walk beside you, not because someone told me too, but because that is where I belong. And when the world feels heavy, it is your presence that steadies me, your voice that grounds and guides me. Every thought, every glance, every fleeting heartbeat seems to lead me back to you, and I don’t want to go anywhere else.”[/color] Her chest rose and fell with a quiet urgency, as if letting these words out might shatter her entirely. [color=firebrick]“Whatever name these feelings deserve…they’re yours. Every piece, every part of me…they are yours.”[/color] Her eyes fell to her hand in his, vulnerable and trembling, as if waiting for him to pull away. But she held on, every second a test of courage, every heartbeat a silent plea for him to stay. And aligned to her silent wishes, he remained, accepting her vulnerability, truth, and of course, her love. There was no turning or running away from who was right in front of him— right beside him, where he had invited her since the very start. He had no need for a means to read Violet's thoughts when she laid her heart bare before him. A castle without walls, mote, or soldiers. A throne made empty without a ruler. And it was his to claim. Violet Damien. With the ring… Without the ring… she accepted him. Someone like her… someone like himself. So simple, yet so powerful was the essence of mutual understanding— an impossibility for the likes of others. Charlotte Vikena… Mina Blackwood… Roman Ravenwood…… Lianna Deacon. No amount of devotion or vulnerability could accomplish this. This moment between the two accursed. It is pure irony that this curse was built to make one suffer alone. Who could empathize with a monster made to feed on others? Who could ever overlook the creeping deterioration of another's humanity? For anyone else, the commitment is a slow mutilation of self— clutching close a rose with daggers for thorns while praying blindly for a miracle. Alexander Deacon. His eyes remained on Violet, even though she couldn't look him in the face. If only she could see it. The pleasure and desire— twins born of both patience and persistence that consummated in the bed called opportunity. [Center][i]Click[/i][/center] [i][sup][right][color=gold]“You and I are not so different. That is why I care.”[/color][/right][/sup] [sup][color=gold]“Everything I did was to keep you alive. You're welcome.”[/color][/sup] [center][color=gold]“...but if I had someone who could truly understand this affliction by my side…”[/color][/center] [right][sup][color=gold]“You keep my secrets, and I'll keep yours.”[/color][/sup][/right] [color=gold]“...consider allowing the Black Rose Company to assist in keeping a watchful eye on your daughter,”[/color] [center][h3][color=gold]“...consider my mentorship of her.”[/color][/h3][/center] [right][sup][color=gold]“You and I. No one here could understand us like we do each other. Not a single soul,”[/color][/sup][/right] [sub][color=gold]“Can you trust Lord Ravenwood…”[/color][/sub] [center][h2][color=gold]“Scarlett…”[/color][/h2][/center] [right][h3][color=gold][sup]“I’m someone that you can just talk to without feeling judged.”[/sup][/color][/h3][/right] [color=gold]“Like when you slapped Violet in the face.”[/color] [center][sup][color=gold]“...walk this path beside me.”[/color][/sup][/center] [right][sup][color=gold]“I desire the best for you,”[/color][/sup][/right][color=gold]“And I care about you as well.”[/color][/i] [Center]All of it came together quite well.[/center] Alexander softly squeezed Violet’s hand to force her eyes to meet his, and once they had– those red orbs he admired so, he said it. [Color=gold]“I’m in love with you, Violet. Every piece and part of what makes you who you are. I’m in love with every bit of it and this [b]love[/b] is yours.”[/color] Her breath caught in her chest as she felt her breath still. Her eyes searched his face, his eyes, his expression. She tried to find some crack, …something, but it failed. Her hand squeezed back, matching his as she continued to look at him. [color=firebrick]“Alexander...”[/color] she said softly as if attempting to find her words [color=firebrick]“Our curse was written so we would suffer alone. And yet you… You look at me as though I am something worth keeping…”[/color] Her grip on his hand loosened slightly as her fingers gently caressed the palm of his hand with slow Her gaze held his with unflinching intensity in those crimson eyes. With delicate care, her fingers slid along his hand, slipping the ring free of his finger. Not in haste but with a quiet, deliberate motion that left the weight of it resting in her palm. She did not close her hand around it, nor claim it. She held it open, an offering, letting him see that it was still his to take back whenever he wished. Her lips parted, and for once, there was no hesitation.[color=firebrick] “I am in love with you, Alexander,” [/color]she said, the words sharpened by conviction, softened by something that almost trembled in its vulnerability.[color=firebrick] “In all the ways that you are and the darkness you wield so easily…”[/color] She lowered her hand slightly, the ring gleaming in her palm, her voice dropping to something that was almost a plea.[color=firebrick] “Say it again. Without the ring. Without the mask. Say it as you are, just you.” [/color] [Color=gold][i]Say it as I am… Just me.[/i][/color] He couldn't help but wince slightly at the request and the subtle feeling of change within him. Almost on instinct, his eyes left hers for the item he both loathed and treasured. A relic forged for someone like him likely [i]by[/i] someone like him desperate to cling to their humanity. It was a stopgap measure against the curse’s emotional deterioration, designed to keep Alexander from losing the identity of the man he once was. While on his finger, it was his bastion against the nightmarish change. While off his finger, it was a tiny heavy shackle that bound him to the man who should no longer exist. Yet despite who he was, he coped with the knowledge that his goals remained static. Was there truly a mask? Was he two men? Three perhaps? When would the stopgap measure reach its limit? Who would be the one to see their dream realized in the end? The man or the monster? [Color=gold]“I love you, Violet.”[/color] He said with a slight smile. [Color=gold]“Ring or not…”[/color] He took the ring back, eyeing it with a hint of contempt before slipping it on. [Color=gold]“There is no deceit in my confession to you.”[/color] He flexed his fingers, looking upon the relic before his eyes met Violet's once more. Violet leaned back in her seat, staring at Alexander from across the table with a smile of her own. An attendant finally made his way over with a basket full of fresh bread while refilling their wine glasses with an appropriate amount. Bowing slightly, he left the pair to their privacy again. [color=firebrick]“I believe you…”[/color] Violet said, smiling as she reached for some bread from the center of the table. [color=firebrick]“I just wanted to hear you say it again.”[/color] She gave him a playful smile. [Color=gold]“And I shall continue to, but please,”[/color] He leaned with a serious expression. [Color=gold]“I need you to understand there are limits to this. This… relationship is one that would be looked upon quite negatively in the public light. Our feelings and connection were developed in the shadows, and there they must remain.”[/color] Leaning into the table, her voice dropped slightly. Her deep eyes looked back at him from across it. [color=firebrick]“I may not see every danger that waits for you, but I understand enough to know how much this could cost. I would never risk your name, Alexander… not for anything. If keeping us in shadows is the only way, then I can be okay with that.”[/color] Setting the bread aside, she let out a soft sigh. [color=firebrick]“I am curious though…[/color] she took a moment before continuing, [color=firebrick]“if there's someone else you keep hidden in these shadows with you?”[/color] she said rather bluntly. [color=firebrick]“I’ve seen how you look at Mina…Charlotte…maybe others.”[/color] Her eyes flicked to look up at him, meeting his with her crimson stare. [Color=gold]“And what is it that you believe, Violet?”[/color] He tossed the ball in her corner while grabbing his wine glass for another sip. Alexander was quite curious about her asking such a question. The nerve of it was nearly amusing, so… he'd entertain it. He was in a good mood after all. Idly, Violet's fingers ran up and down the stem of her glass as she looked at him, trying to figure out how to answer his question. [color=firebrick]“You’re using them for something. For what, well, that I don’t know. Blood, Pleasure, information…maybe all three?”[/color] she said softly. [color=firebrick]“At first, I would catch the shared looks, the subtle words that seemed to hold more to them than you both lead on. You look at them in a way you’ve never looked at me. I thought it meant there was interest there, and I think there is interest there…”[/color] She pulls the glass to her lips to take a sip of the wine before placing it back down. [color=firebrick]“I believe that I am the only one in these shadows with you… and I do believe that I’m the only person you’ve let this close to you.”[/color] Her crimson eyes flicked up, hesitant, searching his expression.[color=firebrick] “But you are hard to read sometimes and maybe I am completely off course.”[/color] Her gaze dropped back to the wine, swirling what was left before finishing the glass in a single sip. [color=firebrick]“I don’t like sharing,”[/color] she said as a playful smile appeared on her lips. He smiled back while deceptively choosing to hang on her last few words. He could have confirmed or denied her assumptions but he had little intention on sharing the nature of his relationships with her. [Color=gold]“And yet, you share me with my wife?”[/color] He raised the question just as he raised an inquisitive eyebrow. Her eyes fell away from him, looking out towards the trees behind him. She chose to stay silent. The pit in her stomach swelled with nerves as she took in a breath, attempting to calm them. He would never reveal his hand to her, keeping her at arm's length for his own protection. She knew that, yet his lack of acknowledgement and her craving for reassurances— that would never be given. That was the price of falling for Alexander. Her hands moved from the table, settling in her lap as her fingers interlocked. They held them firmly as her thumb gently stroked the top of her hand, as her mind attempted to soothe itself instinctively. As he said. There were limits. Scarlet eyes looked back at Alexander with a softened and warmed expression [color=firebrick]“How is Lianna? Well, I hope.”[/color] the words felt bitter on her tongue. [Color=gold]“Honestly, I am not sure yet. Likely busying her thoughts since I’m finding it difficult to [i]feel[/i] her.”[/color] He admitted. [Color=gold]“But we both know you don't actually care.”[/color] He chuckled lightly as he tore off a small piece of bread and popped it into his mouth. [Color=Firebrick][i]Feel her?[/i][/color] Her head tilted, her gaze narrowing, though her smile lingered, echoing his laugh with one of her own. The word caught like a hook. Feeling her? Her father’s voice whispered in her memory [i]“listen to what is unsaid.”[/i] and Alexander had said much, though far more seemed buried beneath. Lianna had cursed him, as her mother had cursed her. What else had Lianna done? Was it magic? The curse was bound to magic, so the idea was not far from a possibility. [color=firebrick]“That is not true, not entirely. I know she matters to you. That is why I asked.”[/color] Shifting in her seat, she readjusted herself slightly. [color=firebrick]“Speaking of our families, I had a meeting with my father.”[/color] She reached for more bread, pulling small pieces off before enjoying them. [Color=gold]“And how is your father? I’m sure he's been worried about both you and Cassius since the incident after the banquet.”[/color] His demeanor shifted into something more serious, concerned even. [Color=gold]“My people are still searching for your attackers. They've done well in covering their tracks.”[/color] [color=firebrick]“He is, as you would expect, on high alert. He has asked me to write down a private ledger; I have to write duplicate letters and hand a copy to one of his men. No errands after dark, and I am not allowed to be traveling without an escort.”[/color] She let out a soft sigh [color=firebrick]“The worst of it, he doesn’t even need to look that far for the answer. Cassius knows something. I can only make assumptions, but I have some idea.”[/color] [Color=gold]“Interesting…”[/color] Alexander maintained his calm while allowing a short moment of silence to be his trusted friend. [Color=gold]“These assumptions of yours. Can you share them?”[/color] He focused on what came off as the most vague. She didn’t hesitate [Color=firebrick]“The night of the attack, Cassius had some awful scratches on his face. It wasn’t an animal; it looked like a person had scratched him. After we got attacked, the figure who attacked Cassius did it with a knife; knives are personal. This felt personal. It didn’t feel like it was an attack on my household, but rather a personal attack. The figure appeared female, but they were gone before I could get a good look.”[/color] She leaned back against the chair while Alexander casually nodded. [color=firebrick]“At the event just now, I was surprised to see Cassius there in truth. He was not well, and his injuries were bad. It all made sense when I saw Charlotte on the stage, but he had this physical reaction to seeing someone in the crowd. That's when I sat with him, put my hand on his so I could feel just how tense he was, how worried and scared he felt. I kept watching as one of them in the crowd started bidding; he had a physical reaction to it. There was a hesitancy, but he made sure to try and win that bet, and as he had, he suddenly seemed to relax.”[/color] Violet took in a breath as her eyes focused on Alexander. [color=firebrick]“I can’t say for certain, but I think something happened between Cassius and Charlotte; those injuries on his face were personal. Someone in that crowd who was bidding on Charlotte caused Cassius to panic. I think they were related to the attack somehow and were going after Charlotte. For what? I’m not sure. Maybe to get back at Cassius for something, or maybe their target was Charlotte. Either way, Cassius knows a lot more than he’s leading on.”[/color] [Color=gold]“Perhaps…”[/color] Alexander shrugged it off, clearly showing he was not convinced by Violet's opinions on why the mentioned events were occurring. [Color=gold]“But let's be serious here, Violet. This-”[/color] Alexander peered searching for the appropriate descriptor. [Color=gold]“-[i]fairytale[/i] is unimpressive at best. I doubt the attack has anything to do with today. In fact, I will enlighten you. But first, let's begin with the auction.”[/color] Alexander smiled pleasantly now, his confidence at a high. [Color=gold]“Your brother, Cassius, might be a bastard, but we must admit that he's his father's son. Your father's son. You are children of a man who wants what he wants and is not merely satisfied in just having that. To him control is security… Control is comfortable. Cassius Damien would have bet every coin in the bank if it meant he alone could have Charlotte… even if she doesn't want him the same way. I understand you care for him, but he might very well be a monster with a handsome face. Did you not see Charlotte? Did you not see how the flawless pearl cracked ever so slightly the moment he won her? Likely not. You may have just been [i]seeing[/i] me…”[/color] He shook his head in disapproval and let loose a sigh to sell it further. [Color=gold]“But it can't be helped when you know so little. If you would have told me that you believed that Charlotte was the one to scratch his face, then I could say I wouldn't doubt such a thing. Or perhaps some other woman close to him. Maybe even a catty man.”[/color] He chuckled lightly at the last one. [Color=gold]“As for the attack… Did you not tell me the attackers named your family when they assaulted you? Are knives [i]only[/i] personal or are they also discreet, easy to get rid of, and silent. We are in the capital after all.”[/color] He shrugged again sarcastically, acting as if the last undeniable statement could in fact be false. [Color=gold]“Lastly, I’m not sure who or what has placed you in their sights, but I assure you, Charlotte Vikena is one of the safest people in Sorian due to her father's unrivaled contributions to the Black Rose. She's essentially a princess in her own right. Protected, and respected as such. [I]That[/i]. That is my relationship with her. Now, I don't know who this party is that has made it a pastime in hunting Damiens, but as I said before: Cassius is his father's son. And perhaps just like the boy, the man knows a lot more than he's leading on.”[/color] He raised an eyebrow. [Color=gold]“Questions? Concerns, maybe?”[/color] [color=firebrick]“You mistake me, Alexander. I’m not spinning fairytales. I’m telling you what I saw. Cassius wasn’t panicking over coin; he was panicking over a person. The moment he laid eyes on one of the people in that crowd, his entire body reacted. You can shrug and laugh, but I was the one holding his hand when it trembled, and his hand was nearly squeezing my fingers off, watching his eyes dart like a cornered animal’s. You weren’t. Don’t mistake my kindness for Cassius's as genuine. I have no feelings towards him. I play the doting daughter and sister so I can share things more below the surface than you can see.”[/color] [Color=gold][i]No feelings? I doubt that.[/I][/color] Alexander only felt that the reveal of this information, true or not, only served to aid Cassius the most. Then again, he also couldn't discount that there were second and third orders of effect that he could see playing out in Violet's favor. If the culprits could be identified, her father could act, and therefore his chokehold on keeping her secured would lessen. Violet leaned forward slightly, eyes narrowing, her voice cool. [color=firebrick]“And as for knives, yes, they’re discreet, but so is poison, so is a garrote. This was different. The attack was not just convenient; it was pointed. They mentioned the Damiens as if it were just a bonus to the whole situation, not a motivation. Her target was Cassius.”[/color] Her lips press into the faintest smile, thin and sharp. [color=firebrick]“Charlotte may be safe in the capital, but safety is a fragile thing. I’m not convinced she or Cassius is untouchable. And if there’s more he isn’t telling us, then perhaps you should stop dismissing me long enough to consider that there may be some validity to my observations. I am not trying to prove a point to you; I’m simply speaking my thoughts in what I thought was a safe space to do so. You clearly misread my actions, perhaps you're misreading the situation aswell.”[/color] Alexander smiled against her presence, maintaining his coolness. He didn't care to argue, and instead felt challenging her beliefs to be enough. [Color=gold]“Perhaps… It just seems like a lot to speculate on. Connecting two separate events requires a fair amount of evidence, and I just don't believe we have that. But I'm sure time will be the double-edged sword that it is and either reveal this new threat to Cassius or make the threat successful in whatever they wish to achieve while they're still shrouded in darkness.”[/color] He didn't like her sturdiness to her personal observations, but he didn't let it show either. Manipulation had its limits. [Color=gold]“I like him, so I think I can surely make him [i]nigh[/i] untouchable if I allocate efforts toward it.”[/color] He nodded softly to himself as if agreeing to the splendid idea. In truth, he'd never do such a thing. [Color=gold]“Now what was the other matter? Your father wants your diary entries?”[/color] She took a moment to process everything he said. It was the first time in a while that she disagreed with Alexander. His deflections had her wonder if he was trying to protect something. Something he knew and didn’t want her to find out about. Something didn’t feel right, whatever it was. [color=firebrick]“Something like that. My father is curious about your motives for employing me. I explained to him that I do simple tasks, helping you with paperwork and other mundane things. Though he wants to see if your story adds to mine. What your intentions are, it sounds more like an interrogation than a dinner invite.”[/color] [Color=gold]“I expected nothing less from him. You may not care for him, but I know very well he cares for you.”[/color] He took a short sip of wine before continuing further. [Color=gold]“I do wonder if his political ambitions weigh heavier than his family, so perhaps I'll get to discover it for myself tonight when we'll meet again.”[/color] He sent a wink her way. Violet smiled softly in exchange. [Color=gold]“I assume you made a third copy of this ledger.”[/color] He stated with an expectant grin. [color=firebrick]“Third copy?”[/color] she repeated[color=firebrick] “I wasn’t aware you were so interested in my day to day”[/color] she smiled, her tone light as she shrugged. [color=firebrick]“It's not much in reality, just simple notes of where I’ve been with some adjustments to the truth. This date is not on it, for example, which is part of why I handled it the way I have. I was seen in the crowd but left shortly before. Another woman wins the bid, and yet here I sit.”[/color] [Color=gold]“So it's a recent thing? This ledger?”[/color] Alexander rubbed his chin while nodding to himself as a small smirk formed on his lips. [Color=gold]“Good. However, in the future provide me with a copy as well. If he's a smart man, he'll continue to have you practice this, and over time… and space, he'll find the devil in the details that fail to match from our testimonies.”[/color] His eyes bore into hers as he leaned over the table, and as Violet reached for her wine glass. [Color=gold]“For example: You write that you were pressing my seal against letters… but in truth, I was pressing myself into you.”[/color] He shrugged with raised slightly raised hand as if it were an obvious example. Violet lifted her glass quickly, letting the rim hide the curve of her smile as she took a slow sip. Setting it back down with deliberate care, she tilted her head at him, eyes scarlet despite the warmth in her cheeks. [color=firebrick]“Careful, Alexander, or I’ll write that very line into the ledger and slip it across the table to my father.”[/color] She swirled the wine in her glass, her grin widening as though savoring the thought. [color=firebrick]“Imagine explaining [i]that[/i] testimony over supper.”[/color] [Color=gold]“It would be unfortunate.”[/color] He commented with a grin before taking a sip of wine himself. [Color=gold][I]Unfortunate for your father.[/i][/color] She let the moment linger, then added more softly, her smile settling into something gentler. [color=firebrick]“Though… you’re right. I’ll start making an extra copy for you as well. Best we don’t give him the chance to find any cracks.”[/color] [Color=gold]“That’s a good girl.”[/color] Alexander winked. [Color=gold]“Do you have any more pressing news? Any questions for me, even?”[/color] He asked, raising an eyebrow. She sat silent for a moment, her eyes watching him with a lingering smile. [color=firebrick]“No, Sir.”[/color] taking a sip from her glass, she set it down. [color=firebrick]“I do believe, though, I’ve been doing all the talking, so let me turn your question onto yourself. Do you have any questions for me? Pressing news?”[/color] [Color=gold]“I might!”[/color] Alexander chimed. [Color=gold]“What piques your interest? Or perhaps [i]who[/i] piques your interest?”[/color] [color=firebrick]“You know,”[/color] she said with mock seriousness, [color=firebrick]“all this turning the question onto me makes you look terribly suspicious.”[/color] Her grin lingered as she swirled the wine in her glass. Then, after a pause, her voice gentled. [color=firebrick]“You decide, is there anything you think I should know? Or anything you want to know?”[/color] [Color=gold]“Suspicious?”[/color] He shook and lowered his head. He almost looked disappointed but his grin had remained. [Color=gold]“It’s simply generosity.”[/color] His eyes met hers again, to speak to her without the theatrics. [Color=gold]“I wouldn't want to waste your time on information that is of little value to you. It just becomes noise or worse, gossip. Besides, if I know who or what you're interested in and I [i]don't[/i] have it. I can then look for the answers you seek… but if you prefer I ramble off [i]everything[/i], then I guess we can do it that way.”[/color] He gave her a moment to decide otherwise. [color=firebrick]“Time is something I have plenty of, especially for you.”[/color] She smiled softly [color=firebrick]“Please ramble off… ”[/color] she gestured with her hand and a wink. [Color=gold]“Very well. I'll start with the people you know… that count friend of yours… I’ve received separate reports for him. None conclusive. He's either preparing to flee back to the Varian Kingdom or he's going to stand his ground. The former, is the smarter move with the threat being what it is. The latter leads to a dead foreign official or a boring outcome where the Bloody Thorns decide he's not worth the effort…. Who's next? Ah, yes, the Vikenas, your neighbors during this courting season. Duke Vikena is in a bit of a rut about Charlotte. Nothing too deep. He simply has concerns about her status as a maiden. Similar to your father, he believes safety means control but has decided to ease off the young lady and watch how her experience during this season unfolds. However, that strange cross-eyed cat living in their home has been identified as a magically summoned familiar. Whose? I don't quite know yet, but it did arrive within the home around the same time as that girl, Olivia. She's a prime suspect, yes, but it could belong to anyone who wants to take a peek into the personal affairs of the Vikena family. I thought it might be your father's… correction. I still think it might be your father's. Speaking of, he has a great deal of control over Duke Vikena. It's quite the abnormality with how the Kingdom is run. A count in one region, pulling the strings of Duke in another. Blackmail, perhaps. The details are not known to me as of yet. Hmm… the Blackwoods. Mina and Sebastian are feuding but all in all, it's simply the rebellious nature of a niece against her overbearing uncle. Sorian men just seem to have a thing about controlling the women in their lives, but that's simply the tradition of things.”[/color] He took a short sip of wine before continuing. Violet listened with interest, leaning into the table as he continued. Lord Fritz came as no surprise; her lack of blood has been on the back of her mind for some time. She was surprised to hear about the Vikenas' house pet and the idea that her father may be using magic, but she supposed it wasn’t out of the realm of possibility, though her curiosity piqued more so now with her father and what exactly it was that he does. He continued to glaze over Mina’s name again, even from the first question she asked. The Count and Mina both said alot during the banquette, insinuating that he was occupying much of her time. Mina even goes as far as to repeat something she knew Alexander to say on a few occasions [i]“you can tell a lot about a person by what they don’t say.”[/i] For such a trivial pair, he seemed to spend much time with Mina. Violet did not push it further; however, she saw no use. Who was she to start judging? He is married. His heart, held by Lianna, that human part of his heart that may grow smaller each day, continued to hold onto her. Yet somehow, he holds room for her; perhaps Mina was no exception. She was beautiful, wild, and rebellious. A perfect distraction. He was protecting her, or them. Either way, there was something there he did not want her to know. Her mind teetered on the wall of trust she had formed, that feeling right before taking a jump off the edge of a cliff. She was scared, so she stayed silent and continued to listen. [Color=gold]“The Knight Captain is investigating [i]you[/i].”[/color] He chuckled as Violet's brow raised. [Color=gold]“Not Violet Damien but she's definitely on the trail of [i]nobodies[/i] that you preyed on. Time shall tell, I think. Kazumin Nagasa… you might not know him by name but surely you've seen him. Blonde, low-born, always eating… anyway, he is by far one of the most interesting people in Sorian as of now. Besides gaining favor with King Edin, he has a secret that I probably shouldn't even discuss here… but why not? The young man is an avid user of dark magic. The dimwitted young man he appears to be is… a mask. A good one too, but that's simply a product of his prowess. He even managed to fool your father into thinking someone fired arrows at your home. Telekinesis is a very potent thing when utilized by the powerful. I don't quite know his goal in being here. Not yet…”[/color] [Color=gold]“Princess Anastasia. She's personally supporting the Knight Captain’s investigation, while feigning love for… Farim? Yes. She and her father have agreed to string along the young Alidasht, with the hopes of sealing the deal with his father instead. The goal is to strengthen ties between the Alidasht and the Sorian kingdoms, while having heirs that can compete for the position of Sultan as the Alidasht barbarically do. Meanwhile, Sorian remains pure. It's almost too perfect a plan coming from the king of all people… And I guess it's fitting for him to be last. He makes love to a harem of women while they liken themselves to every proper lady participating in this year's courting season, which includes you of course. He makes you, or I should say, the fake you, rub oil on his nethers just before he takes you…”[/color] Alexander shuddered slightly. [Color=gold]“Fortunately, you're only his third or fourth favorite.”[/color] He shrugged, finishing his long-winded rambling of information. She let all the information settle between them before speaking [color=firebrick]“Well, unfortunate for the Captain, that trail will be rather cold. I haven’t done much of anything in some time. My father's men disposed of the ones that attacked us. I don't imagine he would leave much to find. Though with Count Fritz, I suppose I will need to find myself a solution, I can’t keep that Captain snooping around.”[/color] She took a sip from her glass. [color=firebrick]“This is all a lot of information. A dark magic user using the mask of a dimwitted young man is rather smart if that is indeed what he is doing. He is rather close with Oliva and Charlotte from what I’ve seen as well, so your idea regarding the cat could be true.”[/color] She took another sip before touching upon the next topic. [color=firebrick]“and the king having a harem of women… is quite…”[/color] she paused [color=firebrick]“I’m sorry you had to see me in that way, or the third or fourth favorite fake me I should say.”[/color] She couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought. [Color=gold]“Tis Sorian…”[/color] He sighed, admitting the wild state of the capital. [Color=gold]“And you asked for all of it, though I doubt any of it is useful to you. Unless you happen to have aspirations I’m unaware of.”[/color] He smirked playfully, but he was being wholly honest. [Color=gold]“I wonder if it's easier not knowing. To just bask in the courting season as it's meant to be enjoyed. No magic, no schemes, and definitely no blood spilt… I'm sure you could accomplish the first two.”[/color] [color=firebrick]“Ah, but I’ve worn that mask of ignorance before. Easier, yes, but utterly useless. It led me here, cursed and scarred. Perhaps if I had pulled my nose out of my books or my head out of the clouds, I could have seen more. These things soothe me, in a way. Everyone seems to have skeletons, something they feel the need to hide. I am starting to see that knowledge is almost like armor; it is to deflect things you do not wish people to know when you have so many layers of secrets to put between you and them. Especially when they are not your own.”[/color] Her eyes flicked down to look at her glass of wine before taking another sip. [color=firebrick]“Or perhaps I am completely speaking out of turn…”[/color] her crimson eyes flicked up to meet his. Those eyebrows of his raised, appearing surprised to see her gaze turned on him. [Color=gold]“I’m sorry, could you elaborate? I don't believe I followed that last point about armor and knowledge.”[/color] He admitted shamelessly. [Color=gold]“I can say having knowledge is advantageous but sometimes it doesn't matter much. Knowledge is only as powerful as your means to act for or against it. If you don't have the means, you just know about something that you can't change or would rather be better off not knowing… Now, let's hear the elaboration, Lady Damien… I think you can manage it before the poison from the wine kicks in.”[/color] He nodded to her curtly as her crimson eyes watched, a grin crept on her lips. [color=firebrick]“Lady Damien? If I'm short on time, at least allow me the pleasure of my name coming from your lips, then something so formal.”[/color] She laughed. [color=firebrick]“Like I said, I could very well be speaking out of sorts and romanticised the idea. I just wanted to be one step ahead of them next time, so I wouldn't have to go through all that again. Just felt like maybe I could armor myself with information on where they may go next. Even with that information from the Captain, I can prepare myself better and not be caught off guard. I don’t know what my means are yet, I suppose.”[/color] Her eyes flicked to look at him again, searching for something. [Color=firebrick]“If I'm being ridiculous, then please tell me. I just want to do something…”[/color] she sighed, her eyes looking down, looking idly at the glass. [color=firebrick]“I don’t mean to sound foolish… it isn’t that I think I can outwit everyone, or that I believe knowledge alone will save me. I just—”[/color] she sighed again [color=firebrick]“the more I hear myself speak, I really am foolish…maybe I’ve read too many books.”[/color] her shoulders dropped as she continued to look at her wine, smirking. Lifting the glass to her lips, she sipped the wine, her eyes gleaming over the rim of the glass with a cheeky smile.[color=firebrick]“You were there for my first drink… seems only fitting you should be here for my last.”[/color] She leaned back against the chair as the rim of the glass continued to rest against her bottom lip, her cheeks glowing slightly pink.[color=firebrick]“Is there any more elaboration I can do for you [i]Alexander[/i]?”[/color] She drew out his name into a smile, leaning just a little closer, letting the name roll off her tongue. [Color=gold]“No, I’ve heard enough. Learned a little here and there about the woman I’ve come to love.”[/color] He spoke softly and avoided eye contact, subtle indicators of his disappointment if the melancholy expression wasn't enough. With a noticeable sigh, he continued. [Color=gold]“Don’t waste information, [i]Violet[/i],”[/color] he simply said before standing up and giving her a quick customary bow. [Color=gold]“I’ll see you tonight.”[/color] And with that, he made his departure. [Color=firebrick][i]It was because I trusted you…[/i][/color] Her eyes glanced at the glass before her hand moved slowly, placing it down onto the table. [Color=gold][i]A pity. She was so very close.[/i][/color][/color]