[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/iqSfS3U.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/vC25bML.png[/img] [color=gray] [color=4C93C2]Location:[/color] Ballroom [color=4C93C2]Time:[/color] Evening [color=4C93C2]Interaction:[/color] [@FunnyGuy] Lorenzo [/color] [hr][/center] [color=gray] The mark Lorenzo’s fist found was not the face of the king. It struck the open palm of the Count of Montague. Calbert had been making his way through the ballroom from the moment Lorenzo first raised his voice. He had not run nor shoved through the crowd. Instead, he had moved with purpose, offering brief apologies as he passed. And luckily, he had arrived precisely when he needed to. Calbert’s open hand caught Lorenzo’s fist and forced it backwards. His fingers immediately closed around Lorenzo’s hand, holding it firmly between them as his [b]darkened[/b] gaze settled upon the duke’s face. [color=4C93C2]“Duke Vikena,”[/color] Calbert said softly,[i] [color=4C93C2]“you are going to lower your hand.”[/color] [/i]His grip on his hand tightened just enough to make Lorenzo understand that this was a command. He leaned in and whispered, his unmasked irritation dripping off his words, [color=4C93C2]“Then you are going to come with me before you finish destroying everything you believe you are protecting.”[/color] Then, he let him go and turned to face the ballroom with ease, a warm smile spreading across his face as he slipped an arm around Lorenzo’s shoulders and drew him close, though the firmness of the hold made it clear that the duke was not being given much choice in the matter. Calbert finally turned toward King Edin and bowed his head respectfully. [color=4C93C2]“Your Majesty, Duke Vikena and I have something rather urgent to discuss.”[/color] His smile widened as he looked back toward Lorenzo. [color=4C93C2]“Isn’t that [i]right[/i]?”[/color] Calbert then turned his attention to the gathered nobles, letting out an easy laugh. [color=4C93C2]“Please, everyone, carry on! There is no cause for alarm.”[/color] He gave Lorenzo’s shoulder a seemingly affectionate squeeze. [color=4C93C2]“The duke and I are practically like brothers. We have always enjoyed our games!”[/color] A few uncertain smiles appeared among the nearest guests, exactly as Calbert intended. [color=4C93C2]“Nothing that cannot be resolved over some drinks and revelry!”[/color] He began guiding Lorenzo away, still smiling pleasantly for anyone who watched them go. Calbert leaned in to order in Lorenzo's ear, his voice dropping so that only Lorenzo could hear, the smile never leaving his face. [h3][i][b][color=4C93C2]“Walk.”[/color][/b][/i][/h3] [/color]