[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/rclumPF.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/lN9x0kj.png[/img]
[color=#4C93C2]Location:[/color] Grand Ballroom
[color=#4C93C2]Time:[/color] Evening
[color=#4C93C2]Interactions:[/color] Charlotte [@princess]
[color=#4C93C2]Mentions:[/color] Olivia [@potter], [@samreaper] Kazumin, Lorenzo [@FunnyGuy], King Edin, Calbert
[color=#4C93C2]Outfit:[/color] [url=https://i.imgur.com/Mr1xTEl.png]Bro Be Looking SO DAMN GOOD oh maw gawd[/url][/center]

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[color=silver]

Cassius watched Charlotte drain what remained in her glass, but he said nothing about it. His attention shifted instead to the shoes she had fastened with far more intensity than necessary.

He moved from his chair and lowered himself to a knee in front of her, reaching carefully for one of the straps.

[color=lightsteelblue]“You’ve got these too tight.”[/color]

His voice was soft, carrying none of the anger that still sat plainly in his face whenever he glanced toward the king. He loosened the fastening and secured it again, more gently than she had, then he did the same with the other. It was a small thing, but it was something he could fix, and right now Cassius desperately needed something he could fix.

He could not undo what Edin had said. He could not make Lorenzo understand that pulling shit like that and throwing his life away would only leave Charlotte with another grave to mourn. He understood that perhaps the man had only been trying to stand up for her honor, but his actions proved selfish and reckless… As usual. Cassius had no power over any of that. 

But he [b]could[/b] make sure that her shoes were comfortable. Sometimes, when there isn’t really a [i]perfect thing to do[/i], it’s about just doing the next best thing. It was something he could control, and some way that he could help, and really that’s all he wanted to do.

When he finished, Cassius remained there for a moment with one hand resting lightly against her ankle. His eyes followed hers toward Lorenzo.

[color=lightsteelblue]“It’s going to be okay, love.”[/color]

It was not much comfort, but it was all he had at his disposal.

Cassius rose and moved his chair closer to hers before sitting down. Despite a furious curiosity, he did not ask what Calbert had said, nor did he ask if she was all right. The spell she was under complicated that question, and Charlotte had never needed magic to pretend she was fine anyway.

Instead, he reached beneath the table and offered her his hand.

[color=lightsteelblue]“If you need to go to him, I’ll come with you.”[/color]

His gaze remained on Lorenzo for another moment before settling back upon her.

[color=lightsteelblue]“If you need to sit here and watch him all night, I’ll do that too.”[/color] His gaze shifted betwee Olivia and Kazumin before once more returning to Lottie. [color=lightsteelblue]“I’m sure all three of us will.”[/color]

Cassius gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

[color=lightsteelblue]“Whatever you need…I’m right here, Lottie.”[/color]

[/color]