[center][color=#C84808][h1]Askel Camila[/h1][/color][/center]
Location: Grand Ballroom 
Attire: [url=https://imgur.com/pIXFlLx]Starry Night Attire[/url]
Interactions:[@CitrusArms] Stratya [@Infinite Cosmos]Munir
Mentions:[@ReusableSword] Roman
[hr]

It only took a split second to realize that Askel, in a moment of failing lucidity, that he had unintentionally insulted Stratya. In fact, he had only complimented the attire rather than the person that was actually wearing it. It could only be described as a faux pas of great magnitude and frankly incredibly rude to his friend who was obviously grieving. 

[color=#C84808][i]Just stab her in the back and add more salt to the wound why don't you?[/i][/color]

[color=#C84808]"The weight I can imagine; it takes effort to look like that,[/color] he chuckled. Askel looked a bit more thoughtful and offered her a much more apologetic smile. [color=#C84808] By the way, I have failed to mention how radiant you look this evening; I imagine that you've caught the stares of many suitors already. I'd be insulted on your behalf if no one approached you for a dance tonight."[/color] 

Hopefully this would have mended this bit of awkwardness due to his carelessness though he was not given a moment to think about it. His attention was torn elsewhere.

[i]"Lord Roman Ravenwood,"[/i] the herald announced at the main door.

Askel's focus fell upon the behemoth of a man, watching him with great familiarity as he approached Sylvia and Ranya though his gaze, even in temperament, held a hint of worry.

His attention was brought back to his present company and bowed his head to them, [color=#C84808]"My apologies, I was distracted by the appearance of my friend, Lord Ravenwood. I was not expecting to see him here, considering the allegations."[/color] 

It made sense though; he would have only looked more guilty if he hid in some hole puttering away at some jewelry. Still, he didn't like that Roman was there.

There were many reasons as to why this trip to Caesonia had made him uneasy; the kingdom itself was a den of crime and neglect and his brother's sudden urge to come to this Courting Season was suspicious even to someone like him who often had wool pulled over his eyes by his siblings. However, the presence of Roman Ravenwood was  cause for concern. Now, Askel held nothing against Roman and in fact respected him. However, he [i]knew[/i] the man. He knew what Roman's true occupation was, hell, they have worked together on occasion so Askel could say with a comfortable amount of authority on the matter that if Roman was in Caesonia then he was there for a reason and it certainly was not to find a bride. In other words, Roman was working on something and that meant, plainly speaking, trouble.  

However, Askel maintained his pleasant smile. [color=#C84808]"Well, if we tour the entire table tonight we'd leave no room for the rest. While I've personally been able to sample your local cuisine during my days journeying Alidasht, I cannot say I have had a meal fit for a Sultan,"[/color] he half joked. 

There it was again though, that gnawing sensation in his gut. Even as a prince, he was still a knight and the presence of Roman reminded him of that. Even now, he could not allow himself to grow too comfortable.

[color=#C84808]"Forgive my sudden rudeness, but please start without me. I can feel my legs growing stiff standing around like this. I'll just take a lap around."[/color] Askel gave them a polite bow before he disengaged with his companions to walk around the room. 

He wanted to find some time to speak to Roman to get a grasp of what the situation was, but this was not the appropriate moment for it. For now, he would just do as he said and occasionally stop to make polite small talk and greet other dignitaries while his gaze looked out for anyone out of place. However, he accidentally bumped the shoulders of someone as he removed himself from a brief conversation.

[color=#C84808]"Pardon my carelessness. Are you okay?"[/color] The knightly prince inquired.