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[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/3EdPgr4.png[/img][/center]
[Color=salmon][b]Time:[/b][/color] Evening
[Color=salmon][b]Location:[/b][/color] Grand Ballroom
[Color=salmon][b]Attire:[/b][/color] 
[Color=salmon][b]Interaction:[/b][/color] Edin
[Color=salmon][b]Mention:[/b][/color] Charlotte, Alidasht royalty, Alibeth

Lorenzo knelt before the King during his address to him, finding it to be the correct thing to do when faced with this unfamiliar version of the man. The late Queen Alibeth had always sat beside his highness for as long as he could remember, and she was never just some hanger-on. Queen Alibeth was not the king, but she held a different kind of power firmly in her grasp. Her presence itself made her seem untouched by treachery and unswayed by manipulations, and to think she was a witch of all things. 

Lorenzo pondered as King Danrose spoke, if this man would retain this image of himself he had upheld for decades, or if he would morph into something unrecognizable to even himself. He knew more than anyone here, the grief that the scraggly bearded king pushed down in this moment. How much stronger was he than Lorenzo? To end the life of his wife with a coherent mind and sit here in all of his regality in front of so many, behaving as if she had never existed. 

How much weaker was he?

Perhaps that is the true question. 

[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]

Lorenzo smirked while stifling a chuckle. 

[color=salmon]“No war tonight, your highness. I am on my best behavior.”[/color] Lorenzo dipped his head, deepening his bow. The mention of Kier, his ferret being present in secret, was something he had considered, but following Charlotte’s guidance on how to appear at this event, he decided it wouldn’t be right to bring him during the reception and introduction of the ball. 

When Edin spoke of Charlotte making an unforgettable impression, he nodded, his face barely visible to the king, now. 

[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=salmon]“Should I be careful or make the most of it, King Danrose? Tidal waves are far from subtle, and you’d do best to capitalize on the opportunity this ball presents. The previous ball left the Alidasht embarrassed but placed on a high pedestal as guests of our kingdom. So much so that they thought they could dirty the blood of Danrose with that tiger-toting princess…”[/color] Lorenzo refused to look up from his position, his voice low, and uncharacteristically foreboding. [color=salmon]“Tonight, Charlotte Vikena proves that Caesonia will not be the ones awed by the sights of foreign royals. I urge you, your highness, to keep her presence as your north star, for your sons are not the prime target of a long-term power grab this time… It’s the widower king. All they require… are your lingering eyes, one glass too much, or your lament, kept beneath the weight of your mental fortitude, to surface. This is my rare gift back. Remember it…”[/color] Lorenzo lifted his head, meeting Edin’s gaze with that goofy smile of his.

[color=salmon]“And you enjoy yourself as well, King Danrose! This ball is already shaping up to be better than the last!”[/color] Lorenzo hopped up to his feet and bowed to Edin. [color=salmon]“We widowers will both be on our best behavior with so many beauties about!”[/color][/color]