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[img]https://i.ibb.co/V0PfMhsf/8531-FC85-1297-4-C7-A-9-B65-C29409-E6-F295.webp[/img]
[sub][color=DDB775]Interaction:[/color][@FunnyGuy] Lorenzo[/sub]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/sPIxd99.png[/img][/center]

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[color=lightgray]King Edin’s amusement had not fully left him when [color=#FA8072]Lorenzo[/color] approached. 

This was a great ball. One of his better ones, really, and he had hosted many.

And he had no intention of letting this absolute fopdoodle tarnish it. His fingers tapped the side of his throne rhythmically as he watched man in blue approach.

[color=#FA8072]Lorenzo[/color] gave his little apology, and Edin stared at him for a moment before his mouth spread into an entertained smile. [color=DDB775]“Duke Vikena,”[/color] Edin said, his voice carrying just enough for those nearest to enjoy the smoothness of his voice. [color=DDB775]“A sore thumb, yes. I was going to say a lantern dropped into a hay cart, but sore thumb will do.”[/color]

A few nearby nobles gave laughs, and Edin laughed with them.

His gaze moved over [color=#FA8072]Lorenzo[/color]’s clothing, assessing him with theatrical seriousness. Then he lifted a finger. [color=DDB775] “But look at you. Dressed well. Remarkably well, in fact. Better than expected, which is always a pleasant surprise from House Vikena.”[/color] His brows rose. [color=DDB775]“I had prepared myself for something disastrous. Offensive clothing. A feathered hat tall enough to injure a guest. Yet here you stand, almost respectable.”[/color]

He leaned forward slightly, the smile sharpening with intensity, [color=DDB775]“Tell me plainly, Duke. Do you intend to nearly start a war tonight, or shall we consider your arrival the worst of it?”[/color]

Edin gave him a half of second of digestion. [color=DDB775]“...No, no, I jest. Mostly. We are all friends tonight, are we not? Friends beneath my roof, beneath my stars, enjoying my hospitality after a very difficult day. A lesser king would have cancelled the whole affair. [i]I did not.[/i] That is leadership.”[/color]

He took a proud sip from his glass, then looked pointedly toward [color=#FA8072]Lorenzo[/color]’s sleeves. [color=DDB775]“Though I do hope the ferret is not hidden somewhere on your person. If it leaps out during a dance, we will indeed have trouble..”[/color]

More laughter followed and Edin smiled wider, pleased with himself. [color=DDB775]“Still, you are here, and your daughter has made certain no one will forget it.”[/color]

His gaze shifted briefly toward [color=#D0B4EC]Charlotte[/color]. The memory of that dress sat unpleasantly beneath his good mood, but he would not let that show. 

He was king.

His eyes returned to [color=#FA8072]Lorenzo[/color].

[color=DDB775]“Enjoy yourself, Duke Vikena. [i]Carefully.[/i] I am in a generous mood tonight, and that is a rare gift. I advise you to make the most of it.”[/color][/color]
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